King of Hollywood - Chapter 45
Chapter 45: Here And There
Adrian suddenly wanted to laugh because James Cameron was so excited that he looked exactly like a bandit who finally found treasure, and he did not have the demeanor he would have a few years later where he would yell at countless cameras that he was the king of the world.
Just as Adrian was going to reply to him, the elevator door opened, and they arrived at the crowded hotel lobby. He smiled, then suggested to James and Wendell, “How about we find somewhere to sit and talk?”
The three of them went to the bar in the lobby, then began talking after ordering some drinks. James did not rush into asking Adrian about the investment. Instead, he casually talked about films.
He talked about ‘The Terminator’, ‘Aliens’, as well as ‘The Abyss’ from two years ago, and even mentioned the difficulties he faced during the shooting of ‘Piranha 2’, which was his first work. Adrian who more or less guessed what he was thinking flattered him in the right way and also gave a brief introduction of himself. Additionally, he also found out that James and Wendell were there because their production company was having a party at the Baccarat Hotel.
“I feel so regretful, Eddy. I should’ve watched ‘Memento’ in the cinema, I’m sure that it’s an excellent film.” After hearing Adrian introduce his latest work, James exclaimed but Adrian could not tell if he was being sincere or just being polite.
“You won’t like it, James. You’re more fond of techniques and effects, not editing skills.” Adrian shook his head with a smile. “Like when you shot ‘The Abyss’, you were willing to dive in the water for a few hours.”
“That’s true.” James did not deny it. “The reason I delayed the shooting of ‘Terminator 2’ for 7 years is because the crew’s techniques didn’t meet my requirements. I remember telling you earlier that the final battle with the cyborg is a stop-motion scene. If it were to be shot in the present, it won’t be that troublesome.”
He suddenly became excited. “Eddy, do you know that I designed a liquid metal Terminator? It’s a T-1000 that will be played by Robert Patrick, whereas the T-800 played by Arnold Schwarzenegger will have a spectacular fight with it to protect a young character who will be a future leader. If you take a look at the completed parts in my studio, you’ll know that the 10 million dollars that you’re investing will definitely be worth it.”
“I trust you completely, James.” Adrian nodded. “If you’re willing to, and if there isn’t any problem with the production, I can transfer the money to you anytime.”
“If I may be so bold to ask, Mr. Adrian, why are you investing in it?” Wendell, who had not been talking suddenly asked. “You mentioned earlier that things are getting better for your company, so there’s actually no need for you to get involved in this.”
Wendell’s unspoken words were obvious. Putting aside that it would be an extremely risky investment, 10 million dollars was too little as compared to 100 million dollars. Even if the film were to profit in the end, Adrian would not get a high share. At that moment, James quickly signaled Wendell with his eyes, but Wendell simply ignored him by staring at Adrian.
“From my perspective, the name James Cameron is worth my investment,” Adrian responded calmly.
James and Wendell were startled upon hearing him, then James laughed happily a few minutes later. He reached his hand out to Adrian. “It’s set then, Eddy!”
“I’d like to clarify something,” Adrian, who was shaking hands with James, suddenly mentioned seriously, “It’ll only be 10 million dollars, no more than that.”
James was stunned for a while as he could not understand what Adrian meant, and only realized after Wendell burst out laughing, so he rolled his eyes and smiled bitterly.
Was the investment going to be unprofitable? How was that possible? It was the sequel of ‘The Terminator’! Even if the box office sales were to be the same as the “original” one, Adrian would gain double of what he invested, which would be great. Of course, the film was not his aim. Since God let him encounter James Cameron who happened to have trouble with the funds for ‘Terminator 2’, it was only right for him to invest in it to build a connection with him.
James Cameron had only been a first-rate director for a few years, and it was ‘Terminator 2’ that was coming to an end of its production that helped him secure his position, thus this was a perfect opportunity for Adrian. Based on the techniques and records of the technique maniac, it was definitely necessary for him to rope him in, but…
‘Sure enough, he began spending money uncontrollably on ‘Terminator 2′, so I can totally imagine how mad he’ll be a few years later.’ On his way home, Adrian wondered. ‘It doesn’t matter, this is the right timing, and I’m sure that James Cameron won’t be an issue. On the other hand, can I convince Spielberg with my trump card?’
…
“Don’t worry, Holmes, I guarantee that ‘Hook’ will be produced on time,” Spielberg assured Sony’s producer who was sitting on another couch.
“Alright, Steven. Since we’ve known each other for a long time, I don’t want to hide this from you, the company hopes that it’ll be scheduled for a summer screening.” Holmes sighed. “You know, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Wendy, and Tinker Bell are children’s favorites.”
“A summer slot? I’m sorry to tell you that it’s impossible.” Spielberg shrugged, then took a sip of coffee. “I’m busy with many things, and I won’t allow the film’s post-production work to be done carelessly.”
“How is it careless? It’ll just be done faster,” Holmes replied.
“We’ve been working together for a long time, you know how I do things.” Spielberg was persistent. “A Christmas slot sounds good, doesn’t it?”
Holmes stared at him for a long time. “Is it because of that? Because we refused to invest in the other film?”
“How can you say that, Holmes!” Spielberg frowned.
“It’s that then. Please, Steven, I know you really wanted to produce that film, but nobody will like it. Instead of spending money on that, it’ll be more effective to donate the money.” Holmes shook his head stubbornly.
“You’re insulting me!” Spielberg was agitated. “For many years, I’ve been thinking about handing it over to someone else, but nobody’s willing to take it. Since that’s the case, I’ll produce it myself! It’s not a big deal for me even if they rejected me, but the fact that you’re bringing it up now disappoints me!”
The two of them looked at each other for a long time before Holmes sighed. “Alright, I’m sorry for offending you, I’m really sorry.”
Spielberg sighed too. He knew that Holmes meant well. “That’s it, Holmes.”
“That’s it, a Christmas slot, I’ll deliver the message for you.” Holmes nodded, then left the office.
Spielberg sat on his couch for a few minutes, then exhaled and looked at some documents on his desk.
All of a sudden, his office phone rang. “Mr. Steven, Mr. Adrian Cowell asked for you, and he said that he has an appointment with you.”
Spielberg was startled for a while before he realized what it was. “Yes, that’s right, bring him in.”
‘Adrian Cowell.’ He repeated the name a few times in his head and recalled what happened that night. He did not intend to join the party until Elan personally called to invite him, thus the only thing he could do was to attend it.
At the party, the young man gave Spielberg a good impression as he was polite, well-behaved, and had his own opinion in people and things. In addition, Spielberg previously watched Adrian’s film that received a lot of praise, which was a wonderfully edited film that portrayed a simple story in an interesting way. However, while he knew that Adrian was full of potential, he also knew that he said so much just to bring up what he mentioned at last.
Spielberg shook his head lightly. He did not think that it was terrible to always consider benefits as he knew how realistic Hollywood was, but he felt that the young man was being too impatient. Had Adrian looked for him another time, he would surely consider his proposal carefully, but…
“Hello, Eddy, it’s a pleasure to meet you again so soon.” The moment the young man appeared at the door, Spielberg shook hands with him.
“Thank you for making time, Steven.” Adrian smiled politely.
They sat opposite each other at a desk, then went straight into the topic after greeting each other.
“I remember that you previously mentioned at the party that you wanted to produce a film adapted from a science fiction novel? Is that right?” Spielberg popped the question first.
“Yes.” Adrian nodded, then showed him a book. “It’s a science fiction novel about dinosaurs, and it’s very interesting.”
“About dinosaurs?” Spielberg subconsciously raised his brows, and was instantly shocked when he looked at the book.
“Mr. Michael Crichton’s ‘Jurassic Park’,” Adrian mentioned. “When it was published last year, I got someone to get in touch with him, and finally acquired the film adaptation rights. I spoke to Michael through the phone a few times, and we agree that you’ll be the best person to direct and produce the film.”
