Chapter 476: Cultivating the Market

In the midst of an awards ceremony watched by tens of millions, hardly anyone truly felt bored or restless.

The three-hour event seemed to fly by.

As more and more important awards were handed out, it became clear to everyone, whether they were aware of the behind-the-scenes maneuvers or not, that except for Best Actress for "The Piano" and Best Foreign Language Film, Daenerys Entertainment's 23 nominations almost all came up empty.

Then came the two major awards.

Best Director, unexpectedly but also expectedly, went to Barbara Streisand for "The Prince of Tides."

This multi-talented star, who started as a musician, became famous as an actress, and then transitioned to directing, became the first female winner of the Best Director Oscar in Hollywood history.

Next, Best Picture also went to "The Prince of Tides."

In summary, "The Prince of Tides," with eight nominations, won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Art Direction, making it the biggest winner of the 64th Academy Awards.

This year's post-Oscars Gucci party, in collaboration with Eaglet Portal, was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Having fully invested in information services and almost monopolized the content interfaces for World Wide Web users, Eaglet Portal had unknowingly become one of the most important news platforms in North America.

Nicole Kidman, along with many stars heading to the Gucci party, arrived at the Hilton Hotel around the same time.

At the media area, she happened to see Joan Severance posing for photos in front of the media wall, indicating that Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista had likely already arrived as well.

Due to the weekend's events, Nicole felt somewhat awkward but politely nodded at Joan Severance.

Joan, after finishing her photos, merely smiled back at Nicole without initiating a conversation and turned to enter the party hall.

The party was held in a banquet hall often used for the Golden Globe Awards, large enough to accommodate the throngs of guests.

ICM President Jeffrey Berg, who was chatting with a middle-aged man, noticed Joan Severance and greeted her before walking over.

"Joan, you look stunning tonight."

"Oh, thank you."

Joan Severance politely hugged Jeffrey Berg, clearly sensing a change in his attitude toward her.

Previously, this executive wouldn't have been so courteous.

After the greeting, Jeffrey Berg said, "I've asked Adam to turn down 'Scorching Passion' for you. You should focus on mainstream commercial films instead of low-budget erotic thrillers."

Joan's initial attempts in film included mainstream commercial movies like "Lovesick" and Mel Gibson's "Bird on a Wire."

However, as a mere pretty face, Hollywood didn't offer her much room for growth.

After several years in the industry with little progress, Joan had given up hope of having Renee Russo's luck and decided to participate in the recent trend of erotic thrillers popularized by "Basic Instinct."

As a former model, she didn't find nudity particularly difficult.

Of course, she wouldn't miss an opportunity to return to mainstream.

However, the recently completed "Almost Pregnant," in which she starred alongside former "Charlie's Angels" star Tanya Roberts, was also quite explicit.

Jeffrey Berg seemed to think of this too, adding, "As for 'Almost Pregnant,' I spoke with Danny Morris from New World Pictures. He'll try to negotiate with ANA to acquire the distribution rights."

Joan understood immediately.

If New World Pictures acquired the distribution rights, Simon Westeros could easily influence its release, or even shelve it entirely with a single word.

However, Joan didn't plan to ask Simon to shelve "Almost Pregnant."

Spending a weekend with him, she had learned a bit about his character. If she asked, he might comply, but then that would probably be the end of their interaction.

Besides, in Hollywood, there were very few actresses who hadn't done nudity.

Even Sylvester Stallone did adult films before he became famous.

Still, listening to Jeffrey Berg's plan, Joan said, "Thank you, Jeffrey. I know what to do."

Jeffrey Berg smiled and said, "If you're willing, I can personally represent you. I believe your potential is no less than Renee's."

Renee Russo, also a former model, had received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for "Goodfellas" and starred in Spielberg's blockbuster "Jurassic Park," successfully shedding her "pretty face" label and securing a solid career as at least a B-list actress.

With ICM's president offering to be her agent, Joan readily agreed.

Cindy Crawford had moved her representation to ICM chairman Marvin Josephson's daughter Nancy Josephson last year.

Unlike CAA's cross-representation, ICM still followed a traditional talent agency structure.

The higher the agent's rank, the more resources they had.

Extending her hand, Joan said, "Then, Jeffrey, I'll be counting on you."

Jeffrey Berg shook her hand and laughed, "Actually, I already have a few roles in mind for you. But for now, enjoy the party. We'll discuss more at the office tomorrow."

After chatting for a while, Jeffrey Berg left.

Joan Severance, now a conspicuous "target," wasn't lacking male attention. However, given Friday's events had likely spread, no man would dare approach her anytime soon.

It was clear that the aloof young man didn't have much possessiveness toward them.

But others certainly wouldn't see it that way.

At a Gucci party, trying to flirt with Westeros's women was practically career suicide in Hollywood.

Taking a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, Joan glanced around and headed toward Amy Pascal, CEO of Daenerys Entertainment.

She wasn't planning to use Simon's influence to act arrogantly, just to seize the opportunity to chat with a powerful Hollywood executive.

It couldn't hurt.

A few years ago, it would've been difficult for her to get into a party of this caliber.

Approaching Amy Pascal, who was talking seriously with a man in his thirties, Joan waited patiently.

"Simon's point is that with 'Raise the Red Lantern' winning, it's a great opportunity. We need to push a few films into the Chinese market. You should personally fly over and negotiate with Zhang and the others. Remember, we're not looking for immediate returns, just cultivating potential."

"Like Hasbro giving away the 'Transformers' cartoon for free?"

"Of course not. Even if it's just symbolic pricing, we can't give it away for free."

"But, Amy, I still think nearly giving away 'Batman Begins,' 'Ghost,' and 'Toy Story' to open the market is a huge loss."

"Five or ten years from now, Mark, do you think these movies will still make money in theaters?"

"We could release them on video or sell TV rights."

"Given the situation in that country, do you think that's feasible?" Amy Pascal shook her head and emphasized, "Before you leave, you should talk to Simon again. He values this more than you think."

"I understand."

Mark Belford, recalling his boss's Chinese skills, nodded seriously.

Noticing Joan Severance occasionally glancing at them, Mark recognized her as his boss's latest fling. Smiling politely, he moved aside.

Amy Pascal had also noticed Joan.

When Joan approached, Amy greeted her, "Hello, Ms. Severance."

"Hello, Ms. Pascal. If you don't mind, you can call me Joan," Joan said, shaking Amy's hand and adding, "Great party."

"Yes, I hope you enjoy it." Amy replied, then initiated small talk, "Your dress is beautiful. Which designer?"

"I designed it myself."

"Wow, that's surprising."

The two women chatted casually for a while. Eventually, Amy hesitated but then handed Joan a business card.

Sophia Vassi, making her way through the crowd, arrived just as Joan Severance left Amy's side.

Eyeing Joan's retreating figure, Sophia curiously asked, "Amy, who was that?"

Clearly unaware of the gossip about Simon, Amy simply replied, "An actress, just saying hello."

"Oh," Sophia didn't think much of it, calling over a waiter to exchange her drink for red wine. She then suggested, "Nancy and I were chatting, and we thought, how about renaming next year's Gucci party to the Melisandre Party? It seems more fitting."

Amy laughed, "Then Melisandre, Eaglet, and Daenerys would make three 'women'."

Sophia found this amusing, adding, "Yes, and if we include Cersei, that makes four."

Four...

Four women.

Amy glanced at Sophia with a strange expression.

Indeed, what a coincidence.

Noticing Amy's change in expression, Sophia asked suspiciously, "What's up?"

"Nothing."

"Sure there is. Is it about Simon?"

"If you want to know, ask him yourself."

"I won't ask. If anyone should, it's Janet." Sophia shrugged, spotting two tall women entering the hall. She said, "Enough of that, Nadja and Yasmin are here. I'll talk to them about the CK endorsement."

Amy followed Sophia's gaze and envied, "Indeed, 'waist and legs' personified."

Sophia chuckled, "Yes, too bad you're a woman."

They parted ways.

Sophia headed towards Nadja Auermann and Yasmin Ghauri. Amy, after greeting a few people from "Thelma & Louise," moved towards the creators of tonight's big winner, "The Prince of Tides."

Though Daenerys Entertainment seemed to have gained little this year, in reality, Barbara Streisand and Warner Bros. had paid Highgate PR $8 million for Oscar campaigning, of which $3 million went to the PR team as commission.

Anyone aware of

 the behind-the-scenes knew this year was merely Daenerys Entertainment's deliberate concession.

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