The scene for a particular music video is being filmed.
As the acclaimed director behind hits like "300," "Man of Steel," and "DC Justice League," Zack Snyder is now working as a music video director.
Right now, he has eagerly accepted an invitation from Page Pictures.
In his own words: "Every director of music videos aspires to be a film director, and I am no exception to that. This is a unique opportunity!"
At this moment, Zack Snyder has officially taken on the role of director for "Hard Candy," receiving a salary of $150,000. Indeed, his pay as a director matches that of M. Night Shyamalan.
Ultimately, both of them were valuable to Kyle, as those who could generate profit were seen as beneficial partners. Thus, he could not show favouritism towards one over the other.
....
Two additional days went by.
"'Juno' is a captivating film that aligns perfectly with my preferences," remarked Richard Linklater while holding the script.
Upon hearing this, Kyle couldn't help but exclaim, "So you're saying you've accepted our invitation."
"Yes, I have," Linklater replied with a smile.
This individual is quite significant.
He is well-acquainted with Hollywood.
As early as 1991, Linklater received the Best Director award at the 45th Berlin Film Festival. Entering the 21st century, he earned the title of the most accomplished independent filmmaker in the American film scene.
He exemplifies a self-taught individual. The fact that he lacks formal education and doesn't come from a film family makes him even more inspiring.
Although his films tend to be niche, like "Slacker," "Dazed and Confused," and "Boyhood," Kyle has never watched any of them.
However, Kyle is familiar with his directing style.
He is particularly adept at portraying rebellious youth. He employs humour, vivid language, poetic visuals, and ethereal music to express feelings and thoughts about love during the growth process, providing rare empathy and understanding.
"Juno," a campus comedy that centres on an underage girl who becomes pregnant before marriage, is precisely the kind of film that Richard Linklater excels in.
Naturally, his fees as a director are quite substantial. To keep him from becoming involved in box office profits, Kyle begrudgingly agreed to pay him a director's fee of 1.2 million dollars. Well, he is deserving of this amount.
Consequently, the three films "Wrong Turn 1," "Hard Candy," and "Juno" have all entered the pre-production phase.
Kyle did not take on the role of director but opted to be a producer for all three films.
...
A few days went by.
Kyle returned to Page Pictures to discuss the concept of replicating popular films with CEO Victor.
However.
Victor countered, "Boss, while your idea has merit, have you thought about a certain issue?"
"What issue?" Kyle inquired with interest.
Isn't it beneficial to be able to earn money?
"Boss, if your only goal is to profit through Page Pictures, then there's nothing wrong with focusing on making imitation films. The outcome would undoubtedly align with your expectations, providing certainty in profits. Nonetheless, this approach will undoubtedly harm the company significantly, leading to a decline in originality and creativity!"
"Additionally, the company will forfeit many ambitious young talents eager to grow in Hollywood. Ultimately, this vicious cycle will leave Page Pictures perpetually at the lower ranks of the industry."
"Moreover, even if the knockoff films we produce turn a profit, we will likely alienate many, especially large corporations!"
As he said this, Victor's expression turned serious, and he struggled to continue.
"Well..."
For a brief moment, Kyle found himself at a loss for words.
Oh no!
I nearly made a grave mistake!
Creating knockoff films would surely antagonise major companies, but Kyle wasn't concerned about that. As long as money was involved, he disregarded ethical considerations.
It's a direct clash!
In a few years, when I have capital,
It's uncertain who will emerge stronger.
Nonetheless, Victor made a valid point. A company isn't built by just one individual. Aspiring young talents in Hollywood wouldn't want to remain with a minor company that only creates knockoff films. There's no potential for advancement! Consequently, Page Pictures would lack the drive to progress and remain among the least significant film companies in Hollywood.
Without talent, what's the purpose?
In one aspect, Kyle found this entirely unacceptable.
"Alright, Victor, I apologise."
Kyle sincerely apologised to Victor, expressing his gratitude for the advice and assuring that he would refrain from discussing copycat films in the future.
"Knockoff films may not be feasible, but as a time traveller, I can acquire the rights to movies that haven't been produced yet and seize the copyrights of future Hollywood successes. That should be permissible, right?"
I must admit, Kyle is quite clever.
.....
Days later.
Kyle set aside lesser tasks and focused on preparing for three films.
Among the three projects, "Wrong Turn" needed research on filming locations and preparation of numerous prop weapons; "Juno" had the highest production cost, and director Richard Linklater imposed demanding standards. Currently, the script hasn't even been finalised.
Thus, Kyle's primary focus was on "Hard Candy."
Today marks the casting day for Hard Candy. Kyle, CEO Victor, and director Zack Snyder made up the team responsible for the casting.
They were specifically casting for the lead roles.
"Please introduce yourself," Victor instructed, looking at a girl standing in front of them.
"Yes, sir."
The first young girl who arrived for the audition for the female lead was just 16 years old; however, she appeared quite anxious, and her performance was lacklustre, leading Kyle and the other two to dismiss her immediately.
The first applicant was turned away;
Following that, more than a dozen aspiring actresses who auditioned for the lead role were also rejected.
"I apologise, but I don't feel any charisma from you at all."
"You seem a bit too mature for the part."
"I'm sorry, but you don't fit our criteria."
"Oh, little one, you are too young; could you come back in a few years?"
.....
The stream of unsuccessful auditions left Kyle and the others feeling somewhat frustrated.
"'Hard Candy' narrates the tale of Little Red Riding Hood taking down the sinister Big Bad Wolf. The actress needs to be no older than 16 and should exude energy. There are too few actresses like that," lamented Zack Snyder.
In reality, there are indeed such actresses, and quite a number of them.
However, they all began working in commercials, TV shows, and films at an early age, which made their rates too high for the budget constraints of "Hard Candy".
This was Zack's debut as a director, and he had very high expectations for the cast because if the film flopped, he would have to return to directing music videos.
"Next!" Victor called out.
The subsequent auditionee was another young girl with blonde hair and striking features.
"Hello everyone, I'm Jessica Alba, I'm 15 years old, and I have starred in various films, including 'Camp' and 'Venus Uprising', and..."
Before she could continue, Victor interrupted: "We have your resume on file."
"Huh?"
Kyle, who was initially feeling disenchanted, suddenly recognised a familiar face and grew intrigued.
"Jessica Alba, isn't she the one slated to portray the Invisible Woman, Susan, in the Fantastic Four in the future?" Kyle couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
Momentarily, Kyle became a bit hopeful.
However, Jessica Alba's subsequent audition left him completely disappointed.
The character of Haley in "Hard Candy" is a young girl who appears innocently harmless, sweet, and appealing; however, while "castrating" the big bad wolf, her seemingly simple demeanour must evoke fear.
Jessica Alba did not fit the criteria for the leading role. Her portrayal was too naïve and innocent; how could she embody the cunning Haley?
Rejected!
There were no surprises!
If she didn't generate income for Kyle, it didn't matter if she were Audrey Hepburn!
...