Chapter 260 - Entangled Recommendations

Given that she had taken on work from New Line Cinema, it indicated that she didn't have an exclusive commitment to her own company's projects. This also meant that she was open to working for other companies as well.

Several major film studios had given her a call, including MGM, Paramount, Warner Bros., and more. They all assured Laila that if she agreed to direct for them, there would be no shortage of funding and no restrictions on the type of film. She could choose original scripts or even sequels to popular movies. The conditions they offered were tempting enough to dazzle a group of new directors.

Even smaller companies were keen on recruiting her, but they couldn't contact Laila directly, so they sent their invitations through Louise.

Laila didn't flatly decline any of these invitations. If the script was compelling enough to catch her interest and if she could bring in her own investments, she didn't mind working for other studios. However, she wasn't available at the moment due to the news of her upcoming new film. Yes! She was going to make a new movie!

"Kill Bill" was one of Laila's favorite films. Not only was it known for its pinnacle of violent aesthetics, but it also featured a female protagonist.

Whether in Hollywood or elsewhere, strong female leads were a rarity. Most popular movies, from the well-known 007 Bond series to independent films, often relegate women to decorative roles.

Charlize Theron was perhaps deeply aware of this. Her striking beauty had often confined her to roles that didn't match her talents, leaving her with little more than her looks to offer.

She wasn't someone willing to be perpetually trapped in decorative roles. That's why, after Laila tested her, she had worked hard to prove herself. Laila didn't disappoint her, and she eventually landed the coveted leading role.

A simple opening ceremony took place in the newly built "Kill Bill" area of the theme park. During the filming period, the entire area remained closed off, and only after the movie's release would the area be opened to capitalize on the film's popularity and generate income.

"Kill Bill" was one of Laila's favorite films, so she naturally hoped that the film she directed would be even more perfect. Therefore, she paid unprecedented attention to every detail, exhibiting meticulousness and a propensity to nitpick.

The color of the clothing isn't right—redo it! The hairstyle doesn't match—redo it! The makeup isn't perfect—redo it!

It helped that she had personally assembled the crew this time, and many of the members were experienced staff who had worked with her on several films. If they were newcomers, they might have been reduced to tears by her straightforward and stern criticism.

It wasn't that these seasoned crew members were fearless; rather, they had grown accustomed to Laila's intense work ethic once she turned into a director. They knew their boss wasn't someone to joke around with, and while she wasn't unapproachable, anyone who caused chaos during her work would likely find themselves relegated to some obscure corner.

A significant portion of the film dealt with Japan, and to ensure that this aspect—about which Laila wasn't too familiar—wasn't portrayed inaccurately, she had engaged an American-Japanese professor, Yuri Kaicho, who specialized in Japanese studies at a renowned university.

From the construction of traditional Japanese houses and gardens to traditional clothing, hairstyles, and more, any element related to Japan was rigorously validated by Laila with Yuri's expertise before being incorporated into the film.

Professor Kaicho was thrilled to take on this role, with monetary considerations being secondary. She was genuinely excited about the prospect of seeing the culture of her homeland showcased in a film by a renowned director. So, she was equally diligent, meticulous, and professional in her involvement, matching Laila's standards.

This made Hong Jinbao envious.

"Our culture is even better than Japan's. When are you going to make a movie about our country? Of course, it can't be a villain!" This was the topic he talked to Laila about the most since reading the script.

In response, Laila could only say that there would be opportunities in the future.

In this era, Americans still held stereotypes about Asians, picturing them in tattered clothes, dilapidated houses, and with long braids. Thanks to the media, some foreigners even cried foul about being deceived by the media upon seeing the skyscrapers in Chinese cities during the 2008 Olympics.

The demonization of Asians had become a sort of "habit" in the United States. Political candidates, including presidential ones, seemed to gain voter attention by mentioning the "Asian threat." Laila was well aware of this, and though she felt powerless, she had never been able to change the situation, even after her rebirth. With her limited influence, what could she do?

However, this didn't mean she would stand idly by. At the very least, the name of her new company, "Dragon Soul," was a positive start, wasn't it?

When Hong Jinbao once again came over and started extolling the virtues of his homeland, Laila suddenly remembered something, "Who said I haven't made a movie about the East? Isn't 'Rush Hour' currently in theaters?"

Hong Jinbao exclaimed, "Huh?" He then scratched his head, "Right!" Wasn't "Rush Hour" the movie starring Jackie Chan that was currently showing?

But after thinking for a moment, he felt that something wasn't quite right, "How can that count? Jackie Chan is an HK police officer, and the movie doesn't have much to do with our country. I'm telling you, our country is truly beautiful. If you just take a trip there, I guarantee you'll fall in love with it."

Laila's head was spinning from his nagging, and she knew he wasn't someone who could be easily persuaded. Otherwise, he wouldn't keep bothering her about it.

So, she said earnestly, "If you want me to placate you, I actually agreed to that a while ago. But the truth is, there are many uncertainties. I do hope to visit that beautiful country someday, but you have to understand that it's not always as simple as saying 'yes.'"

Of course, she was just speaking nonsense. On the other side of the planet, the red country was experiencing a shortage of foreign exchange, making them very eager for foreigners and foreign investment. People with resources like hers who went to the East would be treated like VIPs, with police escorts and all.

But she couldn't say that. She had to consider many things. There was a feeling called "homesickness," which prevented her from mustering the courage to go back. She was afraid. What if she saw her previous self there? Would she still be the original her, or had she fully become Laila? If she saw a version of herself still harboring dreams of becoming a director, she wondered if she would cry right then and there.

Luckily, Hong Jinbao was moved by her words and understood that she was "truly" in a difficult situation.

"I was thoughtless; please don't mind, Director." He chuckled.

Laila certainly didn't mind. As long as it wasn't during work, she had a pretty good temper. That was why Hong Jinbao kept bothering her. But during the film shoot, nobody dared to disturb her with unrelated matters. The raw memories from history still lingered in the hearts of the crew members. The last person who had slacked off during her work was still laboring as a handyman in the props department!