"Everyone, I announce that we have successfully wrapped filming on the movie 'Hard Candy'!"
As director Zack Snyder concluded his speech, the crew erupted in overwhelming excitement and happiness.
"Fantastic!"
"We've finished yet another theatrical film!"
"Two weeks to finalise the script, two weeks to prep before shooting, and now four weeks of filming—the total comes to 56 days."
"Hey, we're just getting started! There's still some post-production work ahead!"
The energy among the group was electric.
Kyle was no exception. Though 'Hard Candy' isn't his first film, it is his initial experience as a producer, filled with hard work and challenges.
"Zack, congrats on your successful direction of this film," Kyle expressed gratitude to the director.
In response, Zack Snyder nodded emphatically, "Mr. Page, I owe you so much—you know, I started as a music video director and have always dreamed of making a real movie. It was you who..."
As he spoke, Director Zack suddenly became emotional.
He was sobbing uncontrollably!
At 31 years old, he found himself overwhelmed.
Since he became a music video director, he had been striving to break into Hollywood and direct real films, but he faced continuous setbacks.
Countless film executives questioned him, saying, "Aren't you just a guy who directs music videos and commercials? Can you direct a real film? Why should we trust you with a million-dollar project?"
The repeated rejections took a toll on him.
Only when Kyle came along did he finally find his chance!
"Alright, my friend, all the hardships are behind us," Kyle reassured Zack, smiling warmly.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Zack Snyder continued to cry but kept thanking Kyle.
Mark Ruffalo, who plays the male lead, was also in a similar emotional state, tearing up as well.
"I want to express my gratitude to Mr. Page, too!"
Mark Ruffalo is also 30 years old this year.
'Hard Candy' marks his first significant role as a lead actor, or more accurately, his first prominent character in a film. Before this, he had mainly played background roles. He also struggled to find steady work and often resorted to gardening and painting to pay rent.
In the past few years, he had gone through around 800 auditions but faced rejection each time.
Additionally, he worked as a bartender for nearly ten years!
To be frank, Mark Ruffalo felt he had achieved little in his middle age!
The arrival of Kyle and Page Films provided him with a fresh start.
"Come on Mark, you're too old to be crying like this. If you keep it up, little Scarlett will make fun of you," Kyle teased him laughingly.
"Well...."
At that, Mark Ruffalo blushed with embarrassment.
Scarlett Johansson couldn't help but laugh.
"Mark, you and Zack look ridiculous when you cry!"
Despite being only 13 years old this year, Scarlett Johansson has been modelling since age 8 and has appeared in several films. Although her roles were not large, her years of experience on set enabled her to empathise with Zack and the others to some degree.
"See? I warned you Scarlett would find it amusing."
Kyle chuckled and playfully admonished.
At that moment, a crew member leaned in and whispered something to Kyle.
Upon hearing this, Kyle addressed everyone present: "Tonight at my villa, we'll host a wrap party for Hard Candy. We'll also be celebrating the box office success of Run Lola Run, produced by Page Pictures, which has surpassed 16 million US dollars. Everyone is invited to join and have a great time!"
"Boss~~!"
Instantly, a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.
Kyle's extravagant villa is well-known among them. It's also clear that Kyle has never actually stayed there. Instead, the villa serves as a venue for wrap-up and celebration parties, highlighting how much Kyle appreciates his crew and their work.
Noted?
You guessed it, Kyle does indeed care about the crew, but that isn't the primary reason for hosting the gathering at his villa.
"Damn! It seems my approach to winning people over really works." Kyle thought to himself.
.....
That evening.
At a lavish villa in Burbank, Page Pictures threw an extravagant party. Well, the total cost was $120,000. This amount is trivial for Kyle, who currently owns a 40% stake in ICQ.
Kyle's net worth has now exceeded 40 million US dollars, factoring in real estate and stocks. Even so, Kyle can rightly be called wealthy.
The cast and crew from "Run Lola Run," featuring main actors Charlize Theron and James McAvoy; the "Hard Candy" team, including director Zack Snyder and actors Mark Ruffalo and Scarlett Johansson, among others, were all present at the event.
Additionally, the directors of "Wrong Turn" and "Juno" received invitations as well.
Notable attendees included John Lasseter, Pixar's leader, Mr. Billy from the chain stores in Utah, and Bezos, the president of Amazon who travelled from Seattle.
As time went by.
Tonight's event was a triumph!
Not only did it provide everyone with a taste of luxury, but it also effectively strengthened Kyle's network of connections, achieving dual goals.
After the celebration wound down, Kyle invited three individuals to stay.
Our CEO Victor;
Mr. Billy from the Utah chain;
Amazon President Bezos.
"Kyle, my friend, I'm getting older. If you don't tell me why you wanted us here, don't hold me responsible if I get upset."
Mr. Billy feigned annoyance.
Kyle laughed and replied, "Mr. Billy, I wouldn't dare to make you angry. It's well-known that although you work in Utah, you're a true Texan at heart. If I upset you, I'd have to brace for the day you show up to shoot me!"
"Just so you understand." Mr. Billy puffed up with pride.
Despite their 30-year age difference, Kyle and Mr. Billy share remarkably similar personalities and maintain a strong friendship.
Bezos smiled but remained silent.
"Victor, present the material to Mr. Bezos," Kyle instructed Victor.
Bezos was taken aback.
However, he still took the paperwork and began to review it.
"Mr. Bezos, our boss has kept you here tonight to discuss a business collaboration with you, primarily focusing on internet sales of movie-related merchandise," Victor explained.
"Oh? Sales of movie merchandise?"
"That's certainly feasible."
Currently, Amazon primarily operates as an online bookstore, which is why it is often referred to as such. However, with Bezos's cleverness, he has aspirations beyond merely selling books and is currently in a phase of waiting.
"Pah~!"
Kyle clapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Look, Bezos, you have an online platform, I run a film company along with several stores, and Billy Sr. owns nine stores in Utah. Furthermore, his son operates one of the largest logistics companies across Utah, Nevada, and California. The three of us could pool our resources to sell products beyond just books on Amazon and create a significant transformation together."
Mr. Billy: "…"
Bezos: "…"
Once those words were spoken, both were left momentarily speechless.
Nevertheless, no one voiced outright disagreement; instead, they descended into contemplative silence.
Eventually, Bezos turned to Kyle with a smile and remarked, "Mr. Page, while Mr. Billy's son does have a logistics business and I see no issue in collaborating with him, I must be candid — your Page Pictures does not hold much weight. If given a choice, I would certainly opt to partner with a larger enterprise."
Upon hearing this, Kyle smiled but said nothing, remaining unfazed, while Mr. Billy became quiet.