Chapter 48 - Wrapping Up

"Similarly, although MGM has been experiencing annual losses, its foundation is very strong. As long as a few films succeed, I believe MGM will quickly be able to turn the current situation around," President Reed said confidently.

The journalists' faces stiffened. Reed had brought up MGM's foundation, implying that they should no longer question his ability to deliver successful films.

They were just waiting for him to cause trouble for himself.

It was one thing to offend a typical celebrity director, but offending a film giant like MGM would have serious consequences.

Seeing the situation, the journalists quickly changed their focus and directed their questions towards Kevin, Tom Cruise, and Angelina Jolie, the female lead.

"Director Kevin, we've heard that you have a tendency to engage in inappropriate relationships with your female leads. Is that true?"

Kevin's face also stiffened. This was precisely why he didn't like giving interviews in the first place. The director's abilities meant nothing to the journalists; they were only interested in the gossip between directors and stars.

As soon as they started, these journalists bombarded Kevin with questions about scandals. Fortunately, there was no concrete evidence, and Kevin denied each accusation.

On the other hand, Tom Cruise was accustomed to such situations and skillfully handled them.

He took the opportunity to talk extensively about "Mission: Impossible," diverting the journalists' attention back to the film.

...

One day later, with everything settled, Kevin led the crew to the heart of the European continent, Prague, which offered magnificent scenery that contributed to the success of "Mission: Impossible."

This was something Kevin would never change.

......

"Mission: Impossible will only be a terrible film. What can a small director and a bunch of unknown actors bring to a good movie?"

"····"

Just as Kevin and the crew left, the media began criticizing Kevin and the film.

However, MGM, Paramount, and Warner Bros. quickly exerted their influence to suppress these negative reports.

This was the advantage of having the support of major studios.

With the investment of the three Hollywood giants, as long as Kevin ensured that the production went smoothly, he didn't need to worry about anything else.

External issues were more urgent concerns for the three studios than for him.

............

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic.

As a tourist city, they readily agreed to the filming requirements of a Hollywood blockbuster.

A successful Hollywood film could attract many tourists, bringing additional revenue to the city.

Under such circumstances, even the Czech Republic dispatched police officers to assist in road closures for the filming.

With this level of cooperation, the shooting of "Mission: Impossible" began.

Given Kevin's current status, except for Tom Cruise, who could challenge his authority, everyone else cooperated diligently and respectfully.

And as an intelligent person, Tom Cruise never questioned the director in front of the crowd, which made the filming of "Mission: Impossible" proceed without encountering any difficulties.

...

"Director Yuan, I want the action to be more realistic, closer to the fast, precise, and fierce style of Bruce Lee. That's what I think a spy's action should be like."

Kevin wasn't concerned about what a real spy is like. What he wanted to do was make the actions of the characters in the movie align with the audience's imagination.

This was a theory he had heard from a writer friend during his previous life as a director.

When writing a work, sometimes if the plot is too realistic and different from what the readers imagine, negative reviews and criticisms pour in.

On the other hand, if it aligns with the readers' preconceived notions, it receives a flood of positive reviews.

The same principle applies to films.

Spies should be fast, precise, and fierce. That's the image people have in their minds.

Kevin had no intention of subverting this image; he just wanted to make the action scenes in "Mission: Impossible" more impressive.

While grasping the essence of "Mission: Impossible."

Tom Cruise's portrayal of the spy with his agile skills and ever-changing disguises was truly astonishing.

During the filming process, a few minor conflicts arose, but Kevin swiftly suppressed them, ensuring a harmonious atmosphere.

...

Four months had passed, reaching mid-September.

Kevin had already returned to Hollywood with the crew for the final green screen shooting.

In the scene where Cruise chases on the train, it was impossible for him to perform stunts like Jackie Chan. Not only was Cruise unwilling, but the producers and insurance company, who had been closely following, also disallowed it.

Any accident involving Cruise would essentially mean the end of the production.

With an investment of $80 million, it would be a complete waste.

"Cut!"

Watching Cruise complete the final shot, Kevin decisively called for a stop.

"I want to thank everyone for their cooperation on the set. I won't say much here, but if the box office sales are outstanding, everyone here will receive a bonus."

"Now, I have arranged a party. Pack up and let's go."

As Kevin put away the director's chair, his dominant and unwavering attitude exuded a smile on his face that no one could refuse.