Chapter 57: The New Assistant Director

"Hello, Gilbert, I need your help with something."

Gilbert, busy with preparations, received a call from Francis Ford Coppola. "What's the matter? Please, go ahead."

"It's like this: my daughter Sofia Coppola wants to become a director. I'd like her to come learn from you," Francis Ford Coppola explained.

"Sure, that's fine. But Mr Coppola—"

"Just call me Uncle."

"Uh, Uncle Coppola," Gilbert had a question: "With your connections, you could easily have Sofia learn from a better director or even direct her own film. Why have her learn from me?"

Francis Ford Coppola didn't hide the truth: "She was an assistant director on 'Alien 3' with David Fincher, but she didn't learn much. She's acted before, but critics were very harsh. Critics can be quite vicious, as you know."

When Sofia Coppola acted in "The Godfather Part III," she received the Golden Raspberries for Worst Supporting Actress and Worst New Star.

Critics didn't cut her any slack just because she was the daughter of director Coppola.

In the 1990s, Hollywood was still a man's world. There were powerful women like Sherry Lansing, the CEO of Paramount, and director Kathryn Bigelow, but not every woman could make it in Hollywood like these two.

Francis Ford Coppola added, "Originally, I planned to introduce her to fashion design in Paris. But after a few months, she came back and still wanted to make films. I thought you young people might have more in common to discuss, so I'm introducing her to you."

"No problem, you can send her over anytime. I'll be glad to have her," Gilbert said with a smile. "Uncle Coppola, you're solving a big problem for me; the crew needs more hands!"

"Haha, good. I'll send her your way."

"Alright, just give me a call when she arrives."

A few days later, Gilbert received a call with a strong nasal voice: "Are you Director Gilbert Landrini?"

"Yes, I am."

"I'm Sofia Coppola, my father sent me," the nasal voice said.

"Ms. Coppola! Alright, I'll have my assistant come up and get you," Gilbert responded, arranging for his assistant, Anna, to fetch Sofia Coppola.

Soon, Sofia Coppola arrived at Gilbert's office. Perhaps due to recent setbacks, Sofia didn't carry the typical arrogance of a director's daughter.

"You're Gilbert? Hello, I'm Sofia Coppola."

"Hello, Ms. Coppola," Gilbert said, shaking hands with Sofia.

"Just call me Sofia," Sofia said with her nasal tone, which Gilbert found unfamiliar. "My father said I could learn from you. Please take care of me."

"Of course," Gilbert agreed. "For now, you can start as an assistant director."

"OK," Sofia had no objections and agreed immediately.

In December, the weather in Los Angeles turned cooler. Compared to the harsh winters in New York, the climate in Los Angeles was much milder.

Even in winter, a sweater and a coat were usually enough to keep warm. If necessary, thermal underwear could also prevent the cold.

"Final Destination" had finally finished its run in North American theaters, ending with a box office gross of over $1 million and a final total of $63.025 million.

In 1992's North American market, this result placed it at number eight, which was quite remarkable.

But it wasn't too surprising. Notable sci-fi films like "Alien 3" and Tom Cruise's "Far and Away" were behind "Final Destination."

The Los Angeles Times gave Gilbert the nickname "The Prince of Horror Films."

The Los Angeles Business Journal's reporter, Sarah, interviewed Gilbert again and learned that the Prince of Horror's next film was an action movie.

This news worried some of the horror film fans.

Why was this horror prince suddenly making an action film? Was he abandoning his expertise?

Moreover, the lead actor was Keanu Reeves, who, despite being handsome, didn't seem to fit action films!

Fans might worry, but the film had already been greenlit, so it was going to be made.

The box office ranking of "Final Destination" wasn't secure either, as many films were still being released and accumulating quickly.

For example, Disney's "Aladdin," 20th Century Fox's "Home Alone 2," and Keanu Reeves' "Bram Stoker's Dracula" were all in the mix.

Fortunately, Gilbert's contract with Keanu Reeves for "Speed" was signed quickly. If it had been signed during the release of "Bram Stoker's Dracula," the fee might have increased.

With these films in theaters, "Final Destination's" ranking might drop, but it was unlikely to fall out of the top twenty.

Additionally, the film's international run was nearing its end, with a final global box office of $126 million, resulting in a significant profit for Disney.

With two consecutive horror films grossing over $100 million, it was no wonder the Los Angeles Times dubbed Gilbert the "Prince of Horror Films."

But for Gilbert, besides focusing on his fair share of the earnings, work on "Final Destination" was already complete.

Next, Gilbert needed to focus on making "Speed" a success. This film was his ticket into the mainstream North American film market.

On December 12, filming for "Speed" began at Warner Bros. Studios.

There were no delays or extra steps; Gilbert dove straight into explosive scenes from the start.

A high-investment film is like a major battle, and the most exhausting roles in the process are the screenwriter, producer, and director.

The script was already set and would not be changed unless absolutely necessary, but as the director, Gilbert had to oversee the entire production.

Fortunately, the two producers, Charles Roven and Kane Wexman, were highly capable. The assistant director, Annie Burton, and the new addition, Sofia Coppola, were also talented professionals in the film business.

Gilbert only needed to manage the overall direction. Once decisions were made on details in meetings, he could leave those tasks to his team.

If he had to manage everything himself, Gilbert would be overwhelmed.

Through two successful films, Gilbert's nascent team had developed some cohesion.

Even so, the crew needed some time to adjust.

In the first week, Gilbert did not film the main actors' scenes, as it was not ideal to use them for crew adjustments. Main actors also had their tempers.

Instead, Gilbert filmed scenes with extras to help the crew adjust.

Not everything went smoothly, so Gilbert needed to identify and resolve problems and conflicts during this adjustment period.

Fortunately, his two box office hits had established his reputation, and the crew had no major issues.

Even Keanu Reeves was on his best behavior, so the initial shooting phase went quite smoothly.

After more than a week of adjustments, the "Speed" crew gradually settled into a rhythm, and filming progressed more rapidly

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