Chapter 7: Beginning Preparations

"Duke, this is Robin Grand."

In the conference room of Lucasfilm, George Lucas was introducing a middle-aged man to Duke. "Robin is the production manager that Lucasfilm hired for *Speed*."

"Hello, Duke."

Robin stood up first and extended his hand. "I've seen the footage you edited, it was quite impressive."

"Nice to meet you, Robin."

Duke also stood up, and across the long conference table, shook his hand. "I believe this will be a pleasant collaboration."

As a well-established company with a mature system and comprehensive production structure, Lucasfilm had officially started the preparations for the project in just over a week since notifying Duke to attend the first meeting. Even key positions in the crew had suitable candidates lined up, showcasing the confidence of a veteran Hollywood company.

As George Lucas' representative in the crew, Robin Grand undoubtedly held considerable authority. Since Duke had not yet signed a formal director's contract with Lucasfilm, Robin mainly discussed Duke's compensation and authority next.

"Your director's salary is $120,000."

Robin looked at Duke, and seeing that he had no objection, he continued, "We will pay $50,000 upfront; another $50,000 upon completion of filming, and the final $20,000 after the film leaves North American theaters."

Duke knew this was standard Hollywood practice. "I have no objections."

Afterward, Robin Grand discussed a series of director rights and responsibilities. In line with Duke's requests, he would participate in building the crew and many pre-production tasks. However, like most new directors, he had a say and could make suggestions but did not have the final decision-making power.

When it came to selecting the main actors, Duke had suggestion rights but not decision-making power.

"I hope you will carefully consider my suggestions regarding the casting." Within reasonable bounds, Duke would fight for his rights. "I also request to be involved in the film's post-production editing, and my suggestions should be considered during the final cut."

Editing could entirely determine the fate of a film. Duke knew it was impossible to get the final cut privilege, but he hoped to have as much influence over the editing as possible.

These requests were beyond Robin Grand's authority, so he looked at George Lucas, who was seated at the head of the table.

"As long as your suggestions are reasonable." George Lucas had no intention of refusing.

Duke quietly breathed a sigh of relief. For a new director, obtaining such authority was very rare. In the Hollywood system, many directors were excluded from the editing process, let alone receiving final cut rights.

"One more thing."

As the meeting was about to end, Duke tentatively raised another request. "Uncle George... Alright, George, how about rolling my $100,000 advance into the film's production budget..."

"And then you want a share of the film's profits?" George Lucas looked at him sideways.

Knowing his request was a bit excessive, Duke made a few meaningless gestures and completely gave up on this unrealistic idea.

But to his surprise, when he signed the official director's contract with Lucasfilm that afternoon, accompanied by his mother's lawyer, this clause was actually added as an additional term to the film contract...

Of course, this would only be a small share after deductions for distribution and theater costs.

After signing his name on the two copies of the contract, Duke suddenly had an odd feeling—hadn't he been granted a bit too much authority?

But that's a good thing, right?

As the producer, George Lucas was only responsible for the big picture, leaving most of the specifics to Robin Grand's production team. During the preparation, filming, and post-production phases, Robin would be the person interacting with Duke and the rest of the crew on behalf of the production team.

"The tentative budget for the film is $15 million, with $10 million already in the account."

As they left together, Robin Grand was still discussing the preparations. Clearly, he had been instructed by George Lucas to impart some experience to Duke through conversation and work. "Lucasfilm will soon gather the remaining $5 million. Our studio will be set up near Santa Monica, close to the main exterior shooting location, in West Hollywood."

"Does the studio have a name?" Duke asked.

"Not yet." Robin Grand shrugged.

"How about 'Speed'?"

"Sounds good..."

The two of them continued chatting as they reached the parking lot, got into their respective cars, and drove off in different directions.

Duke had long since quit his temp job, and for the next while, he would report to the 'Speed' studio in West Hollywood every day.

Setting up a studio was a common practice among big Hollywood companies. Whenever a high-budget film was greenlit, the production company would establish a studio to oversee everything from finances, crew preparations, filming, advertising, sponsorship, and merchandising. Some studios for highly successful films could exist for years or even decades.

Pre-production and post-production for a film were often more complicated than the actual shooting, especially for a big commercial production with many large scenes.

With Lucasfilm's deep roots and industry influence, the 'Speed' studio signed contracts with various departments such as cinematography, set design, lighting, makeup, costumes, and art direction within just over ten days. Most of these were people frequently collaborating with Lucasfilm.

Many positions were also filled internally at Lucasfilm, such as the music being handled by Skywalker Sound and the special effects by Industrial Light & Magic.

The entire pre-production process was closely tied to the director. Duke needed to determine the necessary camera angles, evaluate how actors could influence the film, inspect soundstages, consult with other departments on lighting and set design, figure out the editing approach for post-production, and coordinate with Skywalker Sound for voiceovers and music. All of this had to be done during the pre-production phase.

Leasing props and locations, designing sets based on Duke's suggestions, contacting affordable car rental companies, and finding suitable roads and exterior shooting locations—all of this was handled by professionals. Hollywood's assembly-line production system was both collaborative and highly specialized.

Over the course of a month, Duke completed most of the storyboards. However, with pre-production only halfway done, according to Robin Grand, filming wouldn't begin until mid-September at the earliest.

"There will be at least five major explosions during filming."

At a crew meeting, Duke outlined his requirements. "Two explosions during the opening scene and the scene where the bus collides with a plane can be filmed using scaled-down models on set..."

He had to save on costs, as there was no other option. "The explosions in the street and the house explosion should be filmed on location as much as possible."

"Duke..."

One of Robin Grand's subordinates spoke up, "The street explosion permit has already been approved."

"I'm still looking for a suitable house," another person said. "Someone is checking the records at City Hall for independent houses in the Greater Los Angeles area that are set for demolition."

"The model is already being constructed..."

As Duke glanced over, the head of Industrial Light & Magic's special effects team assured him, "It won't delay your shooting schedule."

The atmosphere at the meeting seemed positive, at least on the surface. Duke knew he hadn't won over the crew; most of them were seasoned Hollywood veterans. These people were very shrewd, and given that Lucas supported him, even if they had thoughts, they wouldn't show them openly.

Duke didn't care what they thought. Apart from George Lucas' backing, he had no other leverage. In an industry where seniority mattered and people were status-conscious, he didn't expect to gain their respect by merely displaying competence on the job. That wasn't realistic. Their internal doubts would probably persist until the crew disbanded.

Especially since some of them had spent years, even decades, working their way up to their current middle-ranking positions, while he had shot to the top as the director of a multi-million dollar production. The imbalance this must have caused in their minds was easy to imagine.

None of that mattered to Duke, though. As long as they maintained professional working relationships and didn't disrupt the film's production, he didn't care. What he needed most right now was a successful film!

One success could change a lot in Hollywood. He wouldn't have to be ignored even when offering himself for work, and he would have the leverage to form his own production team. In future projects, he could minimize the internal conflicts that every crew inevitably faced!

After some further discussion on special effects, Robin Grand gradually took over the conversation. He was, after all, the most authoritative figure in the room.

As pre-production entered its final stages, casting the lead actors naturally became a priority.

After most of the others left the makeshift conference room, only Duke, two assistant directors, and a few producers, including Robin Grand, remained.

"I suggest casting Keanu Reeves as the male lead."

After Robin's assistant refilled their coffee, Duke was the first to speak. "Though his acting isn't outstanding, it's sufficient for a character that needs to keep a serious face throughout. He has a certain level of fame, and his fee is reasonable."

"I've seen his movies and met him in person."

This came from Korné, the first assistant director, who had nearly ten years of experience in the industry. He offered a different opinion, "Keanu Reeves is too thin! Don't forget, this is an action film. He doesn't have the physique for it!"

Duke glanced quickly at Korné's face and did not rush to refute him. This wasn't the first time the man had opposed his suggestions.

"Let's put Keanu Reeves in the audition pool and send an invitation to his agent," Robin Grand picked up the thread of the conversation. "For the next two weeks, our main task will be to finalize the leads and several key supporting roles."