Chapter 491: What About the New Directors?

[Chapter 554: What About the New Directors?]

With the conclusion of the Oscars, the Oscar Night Charity Dinner was splendidly held at the Ritz-Carlton in Beverly Hills.

Paramount's Braveheart emerged as the biggest winner, taking home both Best Picture and Best Director awards.

Nicolas Cage won Best Actor for Leaving Las Vegas, while Susan Sarandon took home Best Actress for Dead Man Walking.

Kevin Spacey won Best Supporting Actor for The Usual Suspects, and Mira Sorvino claimed Best Supporting Actress for Mighty Aphrodite.

Emma Thompson won Best Adapted Screenplay for Sense and Sensibility, and Christopher McQuarrie earned Best Original Screenplay for The Usual Suspects.

John Lasseter received a Special Achievement Award for Toy Story.

Later that night, Arthur Smith and Jennifer Connelly left the Bel-Air Hotel and headed over to the charity celebration at the Ritz-Carlton. Thanks to Arthur's involvement, the Oscar Night charity celebration had become the grandest event following the awards ceremony. Co-hosted by Premiere and Vanity Fair, the Oscar Night Celebration was a party that all the celebrities were eager to attend - it was bustling with stars, models, reporters, wealthy heirs, entrepreneurs, and politicians alike!

"Congratulations, Mr. Redstone," Arthur said when he arrived at the Ritz-Carlton, unexpectedly running into Summer Redstone and his daughter Sally.

Summer Redstone looked at Arthur and remarked, "Braveheart is indeed a great film, wouldn't you agree?"

Arthur nodded, "It's pretty good, but last year's winner, Forrest Gump, was even better!"

"Ha ha," Summer Redstone laughed, "that's true! I heard MGM is collaborating with Paramount on a film, right?"

"Yeah, an action-packed thriller with a very creative storyline," Arthur said, glancing at Nicolas Cage, who was being congratulated nearby. "I think it would be great to have the newly crowned Oscar winner star in Face/Off."

"Nicolas Cage just completed filming an action movie for MGM called The Rock, and his performance in that was pretty strong," Summer added. "It's also made it clear that Nicolas Cage isn't just an actor who specializes in art films."

Summer Redstone had been involved in many aspects of the film industry but had paid less attention to frontline production as he grew older. Hearing Arthur's suggestion, he agreed, "Perhaps we should propose this to Sherry."

Arthur smiled, "I bet they've already been in touch with Nicolas Cage; after all, the new Oscar winner is quite popular. Face/Off has an $80 million budget, which fits Cage's profile perfectly."

Summer nodded, "You know Hollywood better than I do."

...

Soon, Summer Redstone excused himself from the celebration; he was just there to make an appearance. Arthur later spotted Jackie Chan at the party and sought out Amy Pascal to inquire about Rush Hour.

Jackie Chan had been a guest presenter at the Oscars last year and this year, with the success of Rumble in the Bronx elevating his profile.

"Rush Hour? We've already signed contracts with Jackie Chan and Will Smith," Amy explained. "We start filming this year and plan to release next year, with a budget of $33 million for this action-comedy."

"By the way, I heard that Tomorrow Never Dies is trying to cast an Asian Bond girl?" Arthur inquired further.

"That's right, they're in talks with Michelle Yeoh, the Asian action actress from the recently released Jackie Chan film Super Cop. However, it seems she's not very enthusiastic about playing a token role; the producers are considering giving her a more substantial character to increase her action scenes," Amy said.

Arthur realized that Michelle Yeoh was indeed the same person. He chuckled, "Of course! Michelle Yeoh is no mere ornament; she's an action star! Why can't James Bond have a formidable female partner? The story mainly takes place in Asia, so it's very necessary to cast an Asian actress. Besides, the other Bond girl, Monica Bellucci, is already eye-catching!"

"Don't worry; I'll discuss this with Barbara and Michael," Amy assured him.

"By the way, I just spoke with Summer Redstone about Face/Off, and I think Nicolas Cage is a great fit for it! You should pay attention to that option. Oh, we mentioned him during a recent meeting, along with the male lead who the director is keen on, John Travolta. They're preparing to make them a dynamic duo!"

Amy looked surprised.

Arthur shrugged, "I see! So it looks like the film is gearing up to shoot soon?"

"Yeah, it shouldn't be long. Paramount has been preparing for quite some time, and the set construction isn't that complicated, but they still need to select some big action sequences," Amy explained, glancing at Arthur.

"We heard the Sands Casino in Las Vegas is set for demolition, and the director wants to crash into the casino lobby from a dismantled airplane!"

"Live-action, crashing a plane into the lobby?" Arthur was momentarily taken aback. "That idea is brilliant!"

"Right! The owner of the Sands Hotel, Sheldon Adelson, is planning to demolish the current Sands to build a new Venetian Resort Casino."

"Okay, I'll head to Las Vegas to meet with Adelson. This idea is fantastic, and since the Sands is being demolished anyway, it's a perfect waste-not thing. Convincing Sheldon Adelson shouldn't be too difficult."

"Also, director Michael Mann recommended a script to me about an airborne escort," Amy added. "It tells the story of a series of incidents occurring on a plane during the escort of criminals; it's an action movie concept."

"Airborne escort sounds intriguing," Arthur immediately thought of Con Air. Michael Mann, the director, had achieved a billion-dollar success with his action film Heat last year.

"Will Michael Mann direct it himself?"

Amy shook her head, "He's producing it and has recommended a new director."

"Fine, I'll meet with the producer and the director to discuss this script," Arthur said with a laugh. "When do we have to worry about investing in new directors at Galaxy?"

From the very beginning, Arthur had collaborated with countless new directors and didn't worry at all; as long as the script and the director's vision were compelling, he was on board.

*****

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