Chapter 233

There are many bars on Sunset Boulevard, which is the center of the nightlife in Los Angeles. The most famous bar is the Viper House, because the big star Johnny Depp is the owner here, and the exterior walls of the bars are all painted Depp's favorite The lacquer black seems to match the name very well, full of dark death aura, and it is also in line with Johnny Depp's decadent and alternative temperament.

This bar is full of stories and is one of the favorite places for young Hollywood stars to gather. Here you can find everything you need for a carnival, such as handsome guys, beauties, alcohol, hemp, coca, and even heroin, even though it was in 1993 At the time, Ruifan Phoenix fell on the sidewalk outside the bar because of an overdose, and never stood up again. Depp also launches special commemorative activities every year, but people are forgetful, and here is still The most famous carnival in Hollywood.

"Hi, Duke."

As soon as he walked into the bar and was still trying to adjust to the dim lights and boiling music, Duke heard Depp's voice coming from nearby, perhaps his usual style, and the other party walked over and gave him a hug.

"Welcome!" He patted Duke **** the back.

Duke was uncomfortable with being so close to a man. After hugging him, he moved a little apart, "I haven't said to you yet, thank you, Depp, you provide the best place to relax for the crew."

Looking around, members of the crew of various positions are scattered in every corner of the bar, men are chasing beautiful women, women are teasing handsome guys, and people in twos and threes gather together to vomit clouds.

"Didn't you pay for it?"

Walking towards the bar with Duke, Depp looked like a hippie on the street, "Would you like me to thank you for the high turnover of the bar?"

After speaking, he and Duke both laughed.

Sitting at the bar and chatting for a few words, Sophia Coppola walked over and Depp shrugged to Duke. Stand up and go elsewhere.

"A glass of dark beer, thank you."

Asking for a beer, Sophia sat on the high chair next to him and asked curiously, "Where is your girlfriend?"

"It's temporary!" Duke reminded her, picking up the glass and touching it with Sophia. "I came here by myself. I guess Kate won't be here tonight, who knows."

After drinking a big sip of dark beer, Sophia Coppola turned to look at Duke, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself, you are actually the most tired of the crew these months."

"You know me." Duke just smiled.

Sophia continued, "With your current wealth, you can afford to lose this investment."

"This is $25 million!" Duke emphasized.

"Hollywood has an unwritten rule. The director will never make a movie with his own money." Sophia motioned to Duke. He picked up the cup and said before drinking, "You broke this rule without hesitation. If you really lose, you can only blame yourself."

Today, few people except Sophia would say this to him, and Duke nodded, "Thank you for your reminder. Sophia."

"You got more than 180 million U.S. dollars in "Independence Day", and "Saving Private Ryan" can also get more than 120 million U.S. dollars." Sophia still exhorted. "The money is nothing for film production. If two or three major productions fail, they will all be lost."

Reaching out and patted Sophia, Duke said with a smile, "You are here to remind you. I believe it won't be so bad."

Sophia Coppola fell silent suddenly, the smile on her face gradually disappeared, and the monotonous nasal sound that hadn't appeared for a long time sounded again, "I'm afraid I can't remind you later."

Turning his head, Duke looked at Sophia. Her serious expression was obviously not joking, so she could only sigh.

Sophia Coppola has his own dream of a director. Many people in his production team have it. This is a dream-seeking path that no one can stop. What's more, behind Sophia is the strong support of the Coppola family.

And the two have completely different movie concepts. She first chose to be independent with Zach Schneider, which was actually in his expectation.

"Find the right project?" Duke asked.

Sophia nodded and shook her head again, "A novel is still being discussed, and it may not be possible. But I am going to make a few experimental films first. The money I made from you in the past two years is enough for me to shoot several films. ."

Picking up the wine glass, Duke motioned to Sophia, "I wish you success! Become the best female director in Hollywood."

After drinking, Duke said, "The first two works are very critical, Sophia, don't worry, but also pay attention to the type of subject matter you choose. My suggestion is that you don't try commercial films lightly. Literary and artistic films are best for your ideas. ."

"Thank you!" Sophia is not at all polite, "If you encounter a problem that can't be solved, I will come to you, and you don't want to stay out of it!"

Before she finished speaking, she laughed, "Duke, the past few years of working with you have been the most rewarding and fulfilling period of time for me. Sometimes when I think about it, I think the time is always so short... …"

"Hey, dear." Duke flicked off the glass and interrupted Sophia's words. "You are only working alone. This circle is so big. We won't see it in the future. Don't make it like life and death, okay? "

Sophia laughed and drank the dark beer in the glass. "We will have a lot of opportunities to meet in the future. I'll take a few mouthfuls, won't we?"

Duke shrugged, without intending to move, Sophia turned and walked towards the misty crowd.

Sitting here, Duke's eyes swept across the bar. Just like Sophia, the main members of his team also have their own different ideas. Someone will definitely leave in the future. This is the case in this circle. Every major director's The production team, people will not be static, always in and out.

Besides, with Sophia Coppola's ideas and family background, how can he be an assistant for a long time?

"Hi, Duke."

Hearing the greeting, Duke nodded to the side, "Long time no see, Keanu."

Then, he looked at the side of Keanu Reeves, who was a familiar face, and couldn't help asking, "Your girlfriend, don't you introduce me?"

"Just ordinary friends." Keanu Reeves quickly introduced, "This is the heroine in my new film "Life and Death 2", Miss Sandra Bullock."

"Hello, Director Rosenberg."

Without waiting for Reeves to continue the introduction, she took the initiative to stretch out her hand, "It's very nice to meet you."

"It's nice to know you too." Duke shook her hand gently.

This is a typical American girl with a hearty personality. She is also taking the initiative to please Duke. The two sides sat together and said a few words, and the topic shifted to their new movie. Duke had to sigh with emotion. This is how some things developed. wonderful.

Keanu Reeves became famous earlier and began to sink earlier. In the past few years, he hasn't gotten a handy work. Duke originally sold all the copyrights of "Life and Death", so when the sequel was put on the agenda, Wes did not refuse the invitation of the leading actor. As Uma Thurman no longer played the leading role, Sandra Bullock became the final winner in the re-auditing.

At the same time, Duke also understood why 20th Century Fox was so embarrassed.

It was Twentieth Century Fox who won all the copyrights of "Life and Death Hour". Of course, they were the investors of the film, and they paid up to 100 million US dollars in production costs for the sequel!

Coupled with the investment in "Titanic" and other ongoing projects, it is not surprising that Twentieth Century Fox was in financial difficulties when James Cameron strongly requested additional investment.

After asking a few casual questions, Duke learned that Keanu Reeves's sequel paid as much as $12 million!

The pay of the actors in the sequel is a problem that the production company will never be able to solve.

Gradually, Duke has a plan in his mind. If the sequel of "Life and Death" hits the street as before, Keanu Reeves' pay will definitely plummet, maybe he can be used by then?

After talking for a while, Keanu Reeves went to Johnny Depp. Sandra Bullock who stayed here seemed to have some thoughts, and gave some hints in words. Duke pretended not to understand. Just to be vague, this is not only a famous person who likes old cows to eat tender grass, but also looks seriously inconsistent with his aesthetics.

Besides, another actress who looks much more beautiful than Sandra Bullock has already walked over.

Charlize Theron seemed to have sucked a bit of numb, and his eyes were blurred, as if water dripped. When he sat next to Duke, half of his body was leaning on him.

"It's boring here." She looked at Sandra Bullock, her mouth leaning against Duke's ear, "Shall we change the place?"

"Where to go?"

How many people can refuse Charlize Theron's invitation? It was not the first time for the two, and Duke did not mean to refuse.

"Go to my house." She gently breathed into Duke's ear holes, "Not far from here."

Charlize Theron's new home is indeed not far from here. Ten minutes later, Duke deliberately changed cars with Ben Watts, drove into the courtyard of Charlize's small villa, and the two got off and walked in. The door, because it was contaminated with a lot of alcohol, went directly into the bathroom. A fierce battle broke out in the bathroom. Amidst the rushing water, Charlize Theron gasped, screamed, and clashed. , Constitute a peculiar movement.

The spouting water from the shower continued to spill, and Charlize, who had been holding the wall back to Duke, turned around and slowly knelt down in front of him. The gorgeous face got closer and the bright eyes looked upward. My dear, what do you think of my performance?"

"Excellent." Duke understood what she was talking about.

"Can you keep more of my shots?"

Duke could feel the hot and humid breath from her, and he nodded slightly and Charlize came over.

In her performance, Duke did not intend to cut too much in post-production. (To be continued...)