Seven Hundred and Seventeen-I Don’t Like Women with Long Faces

Burbank, in the coffee shop opposite Warner Studios, Nina sat at the window, carefully smelling the aroma of the coffee in front of her. After she nodded with satisfaction, she pushed the coffee to the opposite seat as if no one else was there. In front of a man devouring a sandwich.

"thank you."

The two of them were used to this. Wayne didn't even raise his head. He took a big sip of the moderately warm coffee and then continued to pick up a piece of sandwich and put it in his mouth.

Looking at the wolf on the other side, Nina shrugged slightly, raised her wrist to look at the time, and said, "Boss, I received two phone calls this morning, to be precise, two invitations."

"Ha, keep talking."

Putting the last piece of sandwich in his hand into his mouth, Wayne picked up the coffee and drank it in one gulp.

The same scene, as if it had been rehearsed countless times, Nina took out a cigarette from her handbag and handed it to the man's hand. Seeing the other party lighting a cigarette comfortably, leaning on the back of the chair, he stretched out his hand to test the temperature of the black tea, and gently pushed it along the table.

"Steven Spielberg called me and wanted to invite you to a cocktail party at DreamWorks. He didn't hide his purpose. On the phone, he asked me about the progress of the Greenberg Studio project and tested us. Is there a need for financing possibilities.”

"It seems that the entire circle knows that I am short of money." Taking a big puff of cigarette, Wayne picked up the black tea and joked to himself with a smile: "There are really no secrets in this circle."

Hearing his words, Nina raised her hand, habitually pushed up the wide glasses on her face, and turned her head to look at the street scene outside the glass window.

In fact, there are a lot of rumors about Wayne in the circle now. As early as a few years ago, people in the industry generally had a conservative impression of him. The reason is that his earning power is top-notch, but he has never invested like most wealthy people. Instead, he would rather hold a large amount of cash flow in his hands.

The U.S. dollar is depreciating all the time, which is a consensus. The most common way for Hollywood rich people to invest and maintain their value is nothing more than stocks, real estate, art, or luxury goods that celebrities love, such as private business jets and sports cars and yachts.

But none of these seemed attractive to Wayne. A few years ago, he held a large amount of money in his hands, but only had one house in his name, and except for this top-notch manor on the top of Beverly Hills, he had no other properties. Assets that can be liquidated in bulk.

However, as time has passed, the rumors about him in the circle have now become that of a "prodigal son" and an "arrogant investor". The cause is the animation studio headquartered in New York.

In the past two years, Blue Sky Studio has completely updated its hardware facilities, and the facilities that can accelerate the development and accumulation of the studio and the money burned are entirely provided by Wayne. Not to mention private investors, in the simplest perception of insiders, animation studios are completely money-burning machines that can only be played by media groups.

Most people in the industry think that he saw Gang Leader Qiao following the trend because of the huge success of Pixar and Return to Fruit.

If investing in an animation studio is considered a legitimate investment, then using your own money to make movies is completely challenging the traditional concepts of Hollywood for decades. Almost every elite in the industry has been warned not to use their own money to make movies at any time.

There are many reasons, but the biggest reason is that as long as you don't use your own money to make movies, you will always be invincible. Not to mention the relevant successful practitioners, even the major Hollywood film companies, 90% of the money invested in movies comes from borrowed chickens to lay eggs.

Everyone knows that the film industry makes money, and it makes a lot of money, but the history of Hollywood over the past few decades has been telling senior practitioners in the industry that investing in movies is no different from gambling.

Greenberg Studio seems to be keeping a low profile this year, but the large-scale audition activities for "Lord of the Rings" and the preparations for the combination of "John Wick" and "King Kong" all indicate that Wayne was invested in the film in the previous two years. The profits blinded his reason, and he began to invest crazily in non-adaptations and sequels with huge risks.

"It seems that many people want to see me go bankrupt."

In the past two years, Wayne has basically stopped reading all kinds of gossip tabloids, but he guessed from the face of the assistant lady that there were many reports on his "wasteful" investment behavior, and there was a high probability that it would outweigh the traditional reports. Those flamboyant affairs.

After picking up the coffee and taking a sip, Nina stretched out her hand to fan the drifting smoke, shrugged and said, "There are always people who have more confidence in you, right?"

Smiling and shaking his head, Wayne asked: "Tell me, who is the other person who is interested in the studio project?"

The rumors in the circle are not groundless. Most people's guesses are not wrong. Greenberg Studio has launched projects one after another, and the funds are indeed not abundant.

Even though a few months ago, there was more than 100 million US dollars lying around in the studio's account, but as long as it is a movie project invested with real money, the money will be spent as fast as a dam opening, and the savings will never flow out as fast as it does. .

The investment in "Shakespeare in Love" totaled more than ten million US dollars. Of course, this also included part of the public relations expenses for the film during the upcoming awards season.

The estimated production cost of "John Wick" is about 20 million US dollars, and the estimated production cost of "King Kong" can be said to have already begun production. Although Greenberg Studio and Warner Bros. jointly invested, they only have to bear half of it. investment, but the financial pressure is still not small.

The only good news is that movie investment is not a one-time deal, and you don’t have to invest all your money at once. But then there are "A Dog's Purpose," "Tomb Raider," "Resident Evil," and Avi Adela's provocative Marvel superheroes, all of which are on Wayne's desk. , it must be produced.

Therefore, if there is a suitable financing target, he really doesn't mind accepting investment. After all, these projects are of a race against time.

"Remember Mr. Rockencourt?" Nina put down the coffee cup in her hand, looked across the table and said, "Christopher Rockencourt, we met at the cocktail party before."

Seeing the flash of memories in Wayne's eyes and a hint of confusion on his face, the assistant rolled her eyes covertly and reminded again: "That investment businessman from New York, who likes to keep changing female stars just like you. ..."

"Shit!"

After giving Nina a hard look, Wayne cursed in a low voice.

There is no doubt that he has recalled the film investor, and the cocktail party he remembers meeting was at the Vanity Fair party after the Oscars. Accompanying the New York film investor at that time was a certain Oscar-winning actress.

"Yes, that's him." After seeing her boss remembering it, the assistant lady spread her hands and curled her lips and continued: "His intention was very direct. He asked on the phone if Greenberg Studio needed investment, and he also I hope I can ask you to play ball."

Considering the necessity of accepting financing, Wayne kept tapping his fingers on the coffee table. It wasn't until several minutes passed that he looked at the assistant and said, "Let's wait until we finish the audition for "The Lord of the Rings." Well, next week, help me make an appointment with Christopher Rockencourt first."

At this point, he suddenly stopped, and under the assistant's suspicious gaze, he lowered his voice and continued to give instructions: "Ask Anthony Pellicano, the eye of Hollywood, to investigate this person carefully in the past few days."

"Okay, I understand." Nina nodded clearly.

The reason why Wayne made an appointment with Christopher Rockencourt first was to see if there was any advantage he could take advantage of. This involves a convention in Hollywood's acceptance of film investment, that is, whether the money for investment projects comes from within the industry or outside the industry.

If you accept investment from insiders, there is no doubt that it will be basically difficult to do anything. But if it comes from outside the industry, he really doesn't mind. He and Warner Brothers have a tacit understanding of borrowing chickens to lay eggs. It's best to keep the borrowed chickens at home.

But if you accept the investment from DreamWorks, you won't be able to use any tricks at all. The difference between the two is still quite big. This is also the reason why the first choice for Hollywood movie projects is always outside funds.

It's not difficult at all to borrow money from outside the circle to lay eggs. Even in just a few minutes, Wayne can think of several common methods.

Just like the most common method used by Warner Bros., before each film is prepared, a separately named film studio will be established and then apply for a loan from the parent company for production. After the production of the film was completed, distribution was of course left to Warner Bros.

The advantage of this is that the box office share must first be repaid to the headquarters for borrowings, and then reimbursed for various distribution expenses. If there is enough tacit understanding, Warner Bros. can turn the accounts of a specially established film studio into a loss with just these two steps. of.

In the end, the left hand reversed the right hand, allowing Warner Bros. to acquire the film studio at a "loss", and then use the film copyright to conduct commercial operations, firmly tying long-term profits to itself. It's just that this involves a tacit understanding and trust between both parties. If it doesn't work well, Warner Brothers will definitely not mind taking away Wayne's money as well.

Investigating Christopher Rockencourt, it was just Wayne's caution that was at work. Strictly speaking, this is the first time he is preparing to accept external investment, and he cannot be too careful.

In his impression, there is no shortage of film projects in Hollywood that received dirty funds and ended up with nothing. Since the commercialization of Hollywood movies, various rumors of money laundering have been around. Almost every successful film with multiple investments has extensive conspiracy theories behind it.

But after all, those were just rumors and unfounded speculations made by gossip tabloids for the sake of sales. However, in his unclear memory, there seemed to be some projects where, due to unclean funding sources, a certain global grassroots returned all the salary for the film, as well as the statuette that had not yet been covered.

"It seems that the rumors in the circle are not wrong."

In the same cafe, not far away from Wayne and Wayne, Liv Tyler and her manager watched the entire lunch process between the two. The agent leaned slightly closer to his client and said with emotion: "That Nina Klein is completely a hand in Wayne Greenberg's life."

Nodding silently, Liv Taylor stared at Wayne, thinking about how to use the short lunch break to create convenient conditions for herself.

There have long been rumors in the industry that as Wayne's personal assistant, Nina not only controls all of his wealth, helps him plan his career, but is also fully responsible for everything in his life. Geniuses always have some quirks, as they saw, Nina naturally arranged everything just for lunch.

No one thinks these things are strange. Compared with those celebrities in the industry who have even weirder quirks, Wayne's ability to live will only deteriorate when he enters work.

The public is always more tolerant of geniuses who are extremely focused. Whether in the East or the West, people are basically not too harsh on geniuses who are "indifferent to all four bodies and five grains".

"Look where."

The agent reached out and patted the client's arm, then tilted his head toward the door of the coffee shop. "In a while, when Wayne Greenberg returns to the studio, you will find an opportunity to strike up a conversation."

Turning her head, Liv Taylor looked at the door of the coffee shop, where seven or eight reporters, or paparazzi, were squatting with cameras on their backs. She instantly understood what her agent meant.

"ok."

Her eyes turned back and forth twice in the direction of the man and the paparazzi. Finally, she looked at her agent and nodded firmly.

"Go, now."

Seeing that the two Waynes had already stood up, put a few banknotes under the coffee cups, and walked out of the coffee shop while chatting in low voices, the manager gave Liv Tyler a gentle push.

With the projects of "Superman" and "Wonder Woman" being launched, a lot of media attention has been paying attention to Wayne. As soon as he and Nina walked out of the coffee shop, more than a dozen reporters waiting at the door surrounded them.

"Hey Wayne, did you choose Angelina Jolie to play Diana Prince because she slept with you..."

"Wayne, Wayne, can you talk about Superman?"

"Mr. Greenberg, will your relationship with Naomi Watts be affected by Angelina Jolie?"

"..."

Shaking his head helplessly, Wayne ignored the reporters around him who were clicking their shutters frantically, and quickly walked towards the studio across the street with his head lowered.

He understood the thinking of these tabloid reporters. The reason why they would shout about sensitive topics was just to get themselves to say something. No matter what was said, just speak and they would have nothing to write about. As for whether the report is true or not, it is pure nonsense. If the gossip tabloid does not distort something, how can it have sales.

The security personnel at the entrance of the studio, after seeing this scene, immediately trotted towards the other side.

"Ah~"

Wayne, who was just walking forward with his head lowered, felt that he suddenly bumped into someone, and then heard a woman's scream.

Not caring about the flashlights of the paparazzi around him, he immediately bent down and reached out to grab the woman who had been knocked down by him. "Are you OK?"

But the moment he saw the woman's face, he frowned involuntarily.

"Sorry, Director Greenberg, I was involved by reporters..."

"Go in first."

Wayne glanced at the panicked woman, and without thinking too much, nodded and walked towards the studio.

The woman seemed to be frightened and couldn't help but hugged his arm. She also lowered her head and followed closely. It just so happened that this scene was all captured by the surrounding paparazzi.

"I came to audition for the role of Elf Princess. The crew informed me that the audition time has been moved to the afternoon..."

"The Romance of Fairy Wood"

After getting on the tram, Wayne looked at the woman carefully. This is a typical American big girl with unusual black hair. Even if she is wearing flat sneakers, she is not much shorter than him. The light blue eyes are like two gems, looking at you seriously while talking.

What is very rare is that this woman is close to about 1.8 meters tall, but her figure does not appear generous. At the same time, she can still maintain the hot figure unique to North American girls. I have to say that this can be regarded as a talent.

As we all know, North American women mature very early. If he only looked at the figure and face, Wayne really couldn't determine the age of the other party. But according to his experience, the actress should be in her early twenties, and she was very good at showing off her strengths. Through simple clothing, she highlighted her tall and hot figure.

"I have read your "The Unforgettable Catastrophe"."

Even though the woman had been chattering away since she got on the tram, deliberately acting out her excitement to see him, Wayne still chose not to expose her. He wanted to see what kind of trick this woman wanted to play.

"Really? God, you actually remember my performance." Liv Tyler covered her mouth with one hand, her face full of incredible excitement. "I'm a fan of yours, Director Greenberg. I've watched every one of your works more than twice. Uh, can I call you Wayne? Sorry, I'm so happy... ..."

"You are very insightful in acting. You will definitely become a first-line actress in the future."

Looking at the woman close at hand, Wayne was talking nonsense.

Liv Taylor noticed that the man's eyes kept wandering on her chest and face. She suppressed the faint pride in her heart and acted like a silly girl. To be able to gain a foothold in this circle, she is not stupid at all and understands some of the dark hearts of men.

"Although it's a bit presumptuous."

As the tram gradually approached the studio, Liv Tyler glanced at Nina who was silent without any trace. With an anxious tone, she looked up at Wayne and asked, "Can I have your contact information?" You are my favorite director, and I would like to find an opportunity to invite you to dinner. Wayne, I have gone through all of Los Angeles several times, and no actor is looking forward to your guidance..."

"Um, guidance?!"

Looking at Liv Tyler with a smile, Wayne curled his lips silently in his heart. Seeing the tram stop in front of the studio, he got off the train and fixed the buttons on his suit jacket while shaking his head at the surprised look in his eyes. "There will be opportunities in the future, Tyler."

"laugh..."

Nina, who followed him out of the car, couldn't help but cover her mouth and burst out laughing, especially when she saw the incredible expression on Liv Tyler's face, which made the scene even more joyful.

Watching helplessly, the man who was chatting and laughing with her just now walked towards the studio without hesitation, without any nostalgia. Liv Taylor was indeed at a loss for a moment and froze in place.

She was sure that when the man just observed her figure, he must have been tempted. I just don't understand why he suddenly changed his face.

"Didn't I hint clearly enough? Damn it!" Looking at the man's back, she muttered angrily.

"How about it?"

At this moment, the agent saw her standing alone in front of the studio and rushed over a few steps to catch up. He didn't care to observe the surrounding environment and asked in a low voice impatiently.

"I don't know..." After briefly describing the process just now, Liv Taylor looked at her agent in confusion. "We are all adults, isn't my hint obvious enough? Or am I not pretty or hot enough?"

"No, I'm very sure, you are very beautiful and hot." The agent was sweating profusely. He reached out to loosen the buttons of his tie and guessed with the same confusion: "The other party is Wayne Greenberg after all. It must not be There is a lack of beautiful women to hint to him, maybe you are not proactive enough..."

"F**k, how can I take the initiative? Did I kneel down and take off his belt as soon as we met?! F**k, what should we do now?"

"Listen to me, Liv." Seeing her keep swearing, the agent quickly said: "If it doesn't work out, we will give up this role. You just starred in "The Unforgettable". Even if you don't have this role, you will still be missing. If we are invited to other projects, why should we..."

"No, I want this role." Liv Tyler looked at the tall studio in front of her, her face full of stubbornness. "Holden, don't say you don't know the success rate of Wayne's investment projects, think of a way, think of it now. Forget it, help me find out the location of Wayne's office."

"OK."

Not to mention Liv Tyler felt inexplicable, even Nina, who had been following Wayne, felt particularly out of character.

She knew very well that her boss never knew what it meant to be polite when faced with gifts that came to his door. However, this time he suddenly refused the temptation, which made her feel confused.

"Why? Boss, that Miss Taylor is very hot, isn't she?"

When facing her boss, the assistant lady was always straightforward. Since she was curious, she simply asked him face to face.

"She doesn't fit my taste."

Back in the office, Wayne responded casually while looking through the storyboards of "Wonder Woman."

"Isn't she beautiful? She has long black hair, a figure as hot as a model, and a pretty face..."

Glancing helplessly at the gossip-filled assistant, Wayne shook his head. "I don't like women with long faces."

"..."

"Call Charlize Theron and ask her where she is." Ignoring Nina, who looked speechless, he directly ordered: "Tell her that if she can't catch up, this role will not be available to her!"

"ok."

The assistant lady nodded, took out her mobile phone, and quietly exited the office. Now she only hopes that the South African beauty is really delayed due to flight delays or other reasons. Otherwise, no one can say whether the man in the office will really be replaced.

"Tsk tsk tsk, she's obviously very beautiful, but does she have a long face?" Nina muttered in a low voice and dialed the phone.