Chapter 6: Opportunity Arises

The executives briefly discussed the matter and quickly put "The Shallows" aside. Spielberg seemed to have merely recommended it in passing. If things didn't work out, he could always recommend it to another film company.

The major studios might not be interested, but a second-tier film company might give young Gilbert a chance, considering Spielberg's influence.

However, the executives at Universal Pictures forgot one important detail: they now had a new owner, and the president was also new.

Earlier, Akio Tani had received instructions to agree to whatever conditions Spielberg proposed. The executives had already discussed "The Shallows" and agreed it was a decent script; their only concern was the director's age.

Akio Tani, who always believed in letting professionals handle professional matters, was a novice in the film industry and rarely made direct decisions. Recently, decisions at Universal Pictures were made by the executives after a discussion, only moving forward if the majority agreed.

In other words, Akio Tani was just a figurehead who only approved funding and projects, leaving everything else to others.

However, seeing that the executives clearly weren't interested in "The Shallows" Tani saw this as an opportunity to curry favor with Spielberg.

So he said, "Director Spielberg, I think this script is quite good. Universal Pictures is willing to invest in this film. What do you think?"

"Oh?" Spielberg raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Mr. Tani, you're willing to invest in this film?"

"Of course," Tani affirmed. "Mr. Matsushita specifically instructed me to listen to your advice when it comes to film matters. Since you recommended this project, there shouldn't be any issues, right, Lou?"

Lou Wasserman silently cursed the short Japanese man but outwardly had to agree, "Indeed, when it comes to the film business, no one is more capable than Director Spielberg."

"Then it's settled," Tani clapped his hands. "Let young Gilbert prepare. Universal Pictures will invest in this project."

The executives looked at each other in disbelief. They hadn't expected the new Japanese president to approve the project with just a few words.

According to Hollywood tradition, such matters required thorough discussion among the executives, and if the proposal was rejected, there was no need to proceed.

But Akio Tani clearly wasn't following the usual Hollywood protocol. He was following Matsushita Electric's management style, issuing direct orders.

If Universal Pictures were still the old Universal Pictures, the executives could have started impeachment proceedings against Tani to have him removed. But now that Universal Pictures' parent company was Matsushita Electric, and during this period of integration, people were getting fired left and right.

At this critical juncture, the executives were unwilling to offend Tani, who had been sent down by the parent company.

So, when Tani approved Spielberg's recommended script, the executives neither objected nor supported it.

And just like that, Gilbert unexpectedly got his directorial opportunity.

Spielberg himself was surprised. He had only casually recommended the project, fully expecting the executives to reject it. He hadn't anticipated this Japanese man would make such a unilateral decision.

But Spielberg quickly understood the situation. Matsushita Electric had only recently acquired Universal Pictures. He, Spielberg, was the anchor of the studio and had just secured the truly significant "Jurassic Park" project. At this moment, they were eager to please him to ensure his loyalty to Universal Pictures.

Spielberg thought to himself, Gilbert is quite lucky. He never expected his first recommendation to Universal Pictures to be accepted. In fact, they weren't really interested, but the president had changed, and the new president approved it.

Since Tani had already decided, Wasserman, even if he wanted to oppose it, had no grounds to do so. Wasserman had no choice but to say to Spielberg, "You'll be the producer of 'The Shollws.' Universal Pictures will invest and distribute the film."

Spielberg thought for a moment. Since his goddaughter Gwyneth was going to star in the film, he readily agreed, "Sure, no problem."

The executive meeting concluded smoothly. What happened today would be the topic of discussion among the executives for quite some time.

Spielberg left the meeting room and declined Tani's invitation for tea, calling over his assistant. "Notify young Gilbert that he should start preparing and make a detailed plan for me."

"Understood..." The assistant quickly went to inform Gilbert.

When he received the notification, Gilbert was in his apartment with Gwyneth Paltrow, just after a workout session.

With the filming of "Hook" completed, Gilbert found himself with nothing to do, so Gwyneth often invited him out. They would hang out together, go to bars, then return to the apartment, and finally sleep.

They did everything except what they weren't supposed to do.

Gilbert was fortunate to be in good shape and to exercise regularly. Otherwise, during their yoga sessions, Gwyneth's long legs could have easily broken his waist.

"Okay, I understand. I'll make a plan as soon as possible," Gilbert said as he hung up the phone.

Gwyneth hugged Gilbert from behind, feeling his strong muscles.

"Sweetheart, is there any news about the movie?" Gwyneth asked.

"Yes," Gilbert nodded. "Uncle Steven passed on the news that Universal Pictures is willing to invest in this film. They want me to write a project plan and submit it."

"That's great!" Gwyneth jumped up excitedly, "I've got the lead role!"

Gilbert, slightly exasperated, tossed Gwyneth her nightgown. "Put this on. My apartment isn't secure. Be careful of hidden cameras."

"Let them film. I don't care," Gwyneth said nonchalantly.

"But you're going to be a future Hollywood goddess. How would it look if inappropriate photos of you got out?"

Gwyneth pouted but obediently put on her nightgown, avoiding any exposure. With the nightgown on, there was a different kind of allure.

Men and women who understood such things knew that sometimes, being partially covered was more enticing than being fully exposed.

Once dressed, Gwyneth hugged Gilbert from behind again. "Sweetheart..."

Gilbert silently recited a Buddhist mantra, summoning immense willpower to resist temptation.

"Don't mess around. I have to work now. You're free, so why don't you find a surfing instructor and start training?"

With that, Gilbert freed himself from Gwyneth, got dressed, and began working.

Though Gwyneth couldn't get another round, she wasn't disappointed. She went to take a shower and then changed into her clothes.

Seeing Gilbert engrossed in his work, she said, "Gilbert, I'll come to see you tomorrow. I've already contacted a surfing instructor. I'll start training in a couple of days."

When we're doing yoga, you call me sweetheart. But when we're not, it's just Gilbert, huh?

"Okay," Gilbert replied, waving as he turned around. "Train well. I won't see you out. Good luck."

"Yeah, you need the luck. I'm off." Gwyneth blew a kiss, grabbed her bag, and dashed out of the apartment, driving off in her little sports car.

Gilbert watched Gwyneth leave and then continued working, starting with drafting the project plan