Chapter 587: Pulitzer Prize Winner

The Catholic influence in the United States is primarily concentrated in the northeastern states, and it is not particularly strong in the southwest. In places like Southern California, there is a multitude of religious influences, including Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, Scientology, and even Eastern Orthodoxy, which creates a veritable melting pot of religious diversity. Overall, Protestantism has the largest number of adherents.

Having been born and raised in Israel, Gal Gadot was acutely aware of the power of religion, especially in recent years. The film "Doubt" had previously sparked strong reactions from the Vatican...

"Dear!" Gal Gadot suppressed her recent frustrations with Murphy to keep her mind clear. "Ross has helped you a lot. Without him, there wouldn't be you, and there wouldn't be us now. I can't stop you from making this biographical film for him. But please, don't involve the Catholic Church, okay?"

Murphy knew what Gal Gadot was worried about. He placed his hands on her shoulders and said, "This was the turning point in Ross's life. Without this event, Ross might have taken a completely different path."

Gal Gadot stared at Murphy. "But this will provoke a huge backlash from the Catholic Church!"

Murphy was silent. From his understanding of the Catholic Church, she was right. They could exert tremendous pressure through various channels.

"Have you thought about it?" Gal Gadot continued, "This could drag us into a whirlpool we can't escape, potentially destroying our lives. Religious forces are not as simple as you think, and they are far more fanatical."

"I know..." Murphy released her shoulders and paced the room. "They can't do anything to us."

Gal Gadot, exasperated, turned her head away, seemingly not wanting to look at Murphy, but still said, "Dear, when did you become so naive!"

Murphy understood that Gal Gadot was genuinely worried about him and knew she was speaking the truth. Given his fame and influence, if the next film indeed included such content, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar and provoke a strong backlash from the Catholic Church. The pressure he would face then would be far greater than what "Doubt" faced.

Recently, he had received detailed information from Robert and had visited Diego Ross in California State Prison, confirming several things. If he directed the blame towards a regional archbishop...

"Dear..." Murphy walked over and hugged Gal Gadot from behind. "When have I ever gone into something unprepared?"

Gal Gadot turned her head, looking puzzled.

Murphy first kissed her lightly on the forehead before saying, "Trust me, no matter how much pressure the Catholic Church exerts on me, I can handle it and will repay it tenfold, making them ultimately shut up!"

"What..." Gal Gadot frowned. "What are you planning?"

"It's been a while since I took a break." Murphy stretched and took Gal Gadot's hand. "Let's take a walk in the garden."

He led her out of the study, saying, "We'll talk as we walk."

In the afternoon, the midday sun shone down on a countryside vacation home in Massachusetts. The bright sunlight dispelled several days of gloom, making the interior sparkle and fill with the scent of the sun.

Walter Robinson, his hair graying, was just about to take a nap when the doorbell rang.

"Who could it be?" He left his room, crossed the yard, and headed towards the door. "Who would come looking for me during my vacation?"

Approaching the door, Walter Robinson looked through the peephole and saw a middle-aged man in a neat suit standing outside. The man wasn't very tall, holding a briefcase, looking extremely professional.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"Is this Mr. Walter Robinson?" The middle-aged man smiled warmly at the peephole. "I'm here on the recommendation of Mr. Daniel Blake from The New York Times."

Walter Robinson immediately recalled his colleague and friend. They had spoken on the phone recently.

The middle-aged man continued, "I'm Bill Rossis from Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles."

"One moment."

Walter Robinson opened the door and extended his hand. "Hello, Mr. Rossis. Daniel mentioned you."

"Hello, Mr. Robinson." Bill Rossis shook his hand. "It's an honor to meet a Pulitzer Prize winner."

"That's a collective honor."

Though he said this, Walter Robinson was clearly in a good mood and gestured invitingly, "Come on in."

After leading Bill Rossis into the living room, they sat on adjacent sofas. Walter Robinson got straight to the point, "Mr. Rossis..."

"Call me Bill..." Bill Rossis smiled.

Walter Robinson nodded and asked, "You came all the way from Los Angeles to Massachusetts, so you must have something important to discuss?"

Though he worked in the news media, he had never dealt with Creative Artists Agency or the entertainment industry.

"I'm here on behalf of CAA and one of my clients."

There was no need to beat around the bush. Bill Rossis said directly, "We are very interested in the Pulitzer Prize-winning news story you covered."

Walter Robinson immediately understood his purpose. "You're late. The newspaper is negotiating with Pathé."

"I know..." Bill Rossis had done his homework before coming. "That's why I'm here to seek your support."

Empty promises wouldn't sway anyone. Bill Rossis knew this well, so he continued, "Pathé is a third-rate production company. CAA's intended partner is 20th Century Fox."

The vast gap between the two companies was like an unbridgeable chasm.

Walter Robinson frowned slightly, recalling some information about the two companies.

To win Walter Robinson's support, Bill Rossis needed to offer attractive terms.

"Furthermore..." he said, "No one can guarantee what kind of director Pathé will hire, and a director is crucial to a film."

Walter Robinson nodded lightly. Though not well-versed in the film industry, he understood this point.

"I can assure you, on behalf of CAA and 20th Century Fox, that if this film gets made..." Bill Rossis said earnestly, "The director will be Murphy Stanton!"

Upon hearing this name, Walter Robinson was moved. A film directed by a major Hollywood director would significantly increase the chances of their news story becoming a successful or classic film!

Bill Rossis seized the moment. "CAA, 20th Century Fox, and Murphy himself are all aiming for the Oscars!"

"Really?" Walter Robinson still had doubts.

"Yes!" Bill Rossis assured. "If we can cooperate, these guarantees can be written into the contract."

He continued, "Walter, Murphy's films have consistently received critical acclaim and have been nominated for Best Picture and Best Director at the Oscars. Over 65% of Oscar winners in the past decade have been CAA clients. If this film wins an Oscar, your story will be known worldwide, becoming a celebrated benchmark in global journalism!"

"This..." Walter Robinson was already swayed. After a moment, he said, "I need to think about it."

Bill Rossis exchanged a few more pleasantries before getting up to leave, handing over his business card. "If you have any questions, feel free to call me."

Walter Robinson took the card and put it away.

After sending Bill Rossis off, Walter Robinson walked back to the vacation home, already considering the matter. He had heard of Murphy Stanton's reputation in the film industry. 20th Century Fox was one of the world's top production and distribution companies. Compared to these, Pathé seemed much less impressive...

If this news story were to be adapted into a film, wouldn't it be better to choose a capable director and company?

With this thought, Walter Robinson quickly walked back inside, picked up the phone, and began calling his contacts in Hollywood to learn more about Murphy Stanton and Bill Rossis.

After several calls, he found that Murphy Stanton's reputation was highly regarded, with everyone unanimously praising his credibility and willingness to tackle dark subjects.

It seemed like Murphy Stanton was a perfect fit? Walter Robinson wasn't in a hurry to decide. Since negotiations between the newspaper and Pathé had stalled, he could afford to wait and see.

Leaving the vacation home, Bill Rossis got into his rental car, instructed the driver to head to Boston, and opened his briefcase. Inside was a detailed profile of another person: Michael Rezendes, a former colleague and assistant of Walter Robinson.

Flipping through the files, he found information on another journalist: Sacha Pfeiffer, Marty Baron, and Malcolm Bradley...

Knowing that Pathé had a head start in negotiations with the newspaper, Bill Rossis understood that they had the advantage of time. To fulfill Murphy's assignment, he needed a different approach. While some were contacting The Boston Globe, he prepared to speak privately with those involved. Gaining their support, combined with the efforts of CAA, 20th Century Fox, and Murphy Stanton, would ensure Pathé's defeat.

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