Chapter 43. Behind the Scenes of Filming

A new week began, and as expected, several newspapers featured photos of Gal Gadot. There were both solo shots of her and pictures of her with Eric.

The headlines read: "Girlfriend or Leading Lady?", and the articles thoroughly dissected Gal Gadot's biography, showcasing the impressive work of the paparazzi.

It's likely that within a few days, journalists will start following her around the clock. Eric warned and advised her to adapt to the star lifestyle in advance.

... 

MGM office, a small meeting in Charlie Cooper's office.

A few people gathered for a meeting.

"Eric, how's the work on the script progressing?"

"A month and a half ago, I approved the overall concept. Last week, I received the first draft and made my edits. Now it's in the process of being refined."

Charlie Cooper nodded: "Then speed it up. We are negotiating with the Department of Defense, and we might know the results as early as this week. But we need to be ready to offer something that will interest the military."

"Money is just one factor, but not the main one. After all, one F-22 costs more than our entire film budget. We need a trump card that can capture the military's interest."

Everyone started actively discussing ideas, but in 2002, the American army was practically unbeatable, and finding the right argument was not easy. Eventually, all eyes turned to Eric.

You proposed the task, you find the solution.

Eric thought for a moment: "In this world, there are two most powerful forces: money and public opinion."

"If we can't influence with money, then we need to use public opinion. I have a question: although a year has passed since September 11, have its consequences passed?"

Bordeaux immediately shook his head: "I believe not, absolutely not. Before September 11, we always thought we lived in the safest country."

"But after the attacks, no one thinks that way anymore. Someone was able to attack us, even on our territory. Even young people like me often feel fear."

Wool agreed: "Young people might feel it less, but people my age and older feel it especially keenly. If you look closely, you'll notice that tension between people has increased – it's the result of internal fear."

"And the war on terrorism has been going on for a year, but there are almost no results. We haven't caught bin Laden. The EU and many countries support us, but the situation is dragging on. Many people say it will become the 'graveyard of empires.'"

"Right, the consequences of September 11 won't be forgotten for a long time, and trust in the army is undermined. This is our breakthrough point. We must use public opinion," Eric said confidently.

"Inform the Department of Defense that 'Transformers' will portray the army in the most positive light possible. There will be enough screen time, enough footage."

"There won't be anything in the film that damages the army's image. We will show their heroism, their sacrifices, so that viewers applaud after watching."

"There will also be a scene reminiscent of September 11, with a plane crashing into a building. But in the end, we win, and the army plays a key role in this process."

"In short, it's not just a film, but a propaganda film for the army, which will be shown worldwide."

After listening to Eric's ideas, everyone immediately agreed. This approach seemed ideal.

Charlie Cooper also smiled: "We will do as Eric suggested. Now about the choice of a special effects company. Industrial Light & Magic and Weta Digital have already sent their proposals."

"Industrial Light & Magic estimates their services at $60,000 per second, while Weta Digital – at $70,000 per second. We need to decide."

No one had time to speak before Eric decisively stated: "We choose Weta Digital, there's no doubt about it."

Producer Julio frowned: "But Industrial Light & Magic's services are cheaper. 'Transformers' will have many special effects scenes, and the total footage may exceed a thousand seconds."

"Even if each scene lasts three seconds, the budget may be exceeded. I doubt we will have $100 million for all these transforming cars."

A producer always thinks about costs. Eric understood this, but for MGM's first major film, which he was going to direct himself, maximum quality was required.

Everyone in the film industry knew that although Industrial Light & Magic had a big reputation and long experience, their technical level lagged behind Weta Digital.

The reason is simple: Weta Digital was founded by Peter Jackson, a New Zealand director supported by the New Zealand government.

Government subsidies allowed Weta Digital to offer better conditions for specialists, attracting talent from around the world, including staff from Industrial Light & Magic. Even George Lucas complained about this.

Moreover, Weta Digital had the best equipment and huge rendering capacities. It was joked that their rendering farms were twice as big as Industrial Light & Magic's.

To date, the special effects industry had seen Industrial Light & Magic slowly lose ground, while Weta Digital rapidly advanced. The choice was obvious.

Eric said: "Julio, I understand your concerns, but special effects are the soul of 'Transformers.'"

"The plot, the characters – all of that is secondary. The audience wants to see giant metal robots fighting each other."

"We can save on everything except this. Here we must invest all our efforts, even if it means increasing the budget. I hope you understand."

Julio wanted to object, but Charlie interrupted him: "I also lean towards Weta Digital. Either we do the best, or we don't do it at all. This is our first major project, and it has to be successful. I'll contact Peter Jackson and try to negotiate a friendly price."

He turned to the marketing department: "How are the negotiations with advertisers going?"

"We have already discussed cooperation with General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. All three companies are very interested. This is the best opportunity for them to showcase their cars, better than 'Fast & Furious' or 'James Bond.'"

"As soon as we have the finished special effects, I'm sure they will all rush to compete to be the first to provide their cars."

"We are also negotiating with manufacturers of motor oil, lubricants, tires, glasses, mobile phones, household appliances. We will report the results soon."

"Excellent. Keep up the good work. I want the shooting to start in two months!"

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