Chapter 293: Changing Directors

When Lawrence Kasdan received William White's call, he was quite surprised. He never imagined that the directing duties would fall on him.

"Lawrence, you're definitely more suited for this film than I am. Since everything is ready, let's start filming after the New Year."

In fact, there was a deeper reason for this adjustment. After much coordination, William White had also decided to end his feud with Oscar. As a result, Dancing with Wolves would be eligible for nominations.

There was nothing wrong with that; given the caliber of Dancing with Wolves, William wasn't worried about the number of awards it might receive -- instead, he was more concerned about getting too many. If he got involved at this point, it would certainly turn awkward.

The weight of the Best Director award was too great; he didn't want to become someone others resented.

If the old-timers at the Academy were stubborn, they might think they were all that and a bag of chips unless someone knocked them down a peg.

They didn't really fear people calling the nominations unfair -- it was inherently a subjective process. "You, the audience, may like it, but I just don't care for it."

However, they could not stand evaluations that didn't match reality. If this kept up, soon everyone would be heading to Europe.

As soon as the script for Dancing with Wolves came out, those guys couldn't sit still. If such a film declined to participate in the Oscars, they would be in serious trouble.

As for William White?

Nobody worried that this guy would keep nagging; frankly, he was a successful businessman. In the eyes of someone like him, there was no right or wrong -- if you paid enough, anything could be negotiated.

"William, won't those investors have an issue?"

"Lawrence, you're overthinking this. Just tell them this is a movie aiming for awards, and you don't need to fret; they're not fools."

"I got it. I'll make sure to create a great film."

"Haha, I'm confident in you. In fact, you'll do it better than I could. Honestly, the reason this film is still waiting to shoot is because I haven't made up my mind. Westerns aren't exactly my forte."

Lawrence had no words; he wanted to ask, "What's your forte exactly?" Starting off with low-budget comedies to rake in bucks only to suddenly switch to action flicks.

Though that top-grossing rate didn't last long, it still amazed the world.

What happened next left Hollywood speechless again. Three consecutive melodramatic films launched a new era for art-house films.

Well, it wasn't really art-house, though Hollywood categorized it that way. European filmmakers didn't see it the same way.

How astonishing it was for such an overachiever to willingly admit his shortcomings.

"That Pirates of the Caribbean flick isn't going to be filmed that quickly. Are you working on a new plan?"

"Commercial films, the action kind. That's what I'm really good at."

"True, Speed did leave quite the impression."

"Let me share a secret with you, Lawrence; this time I plan to make a cameo myself."

Lawrence had no idea how to respond. Was he really that bored? Being a director wasn't enough? Yet, to be fair, that kind of gimmick would definitely attract a lot of viewers.

Dropping directing to pursue acting stirred up quite a commotion once the news broke.

...

"You can't be serious, Lucas. You're investing just because you know a name?"

"If it weren't for my recent divorce troubles, I'd have considered producing."

"Ha, you old dog must be feeling quite the loss."

"Sigh, I'm being held hostage here!"

"I gotta hand it to you, you really need to clean up after yourself."

"Sigh, it's a long story."

"Alright, alright, if you insist I take your investment, I guess I'll risk it. If it ends up not doing well, you'll probably hate me."

"Pffft, lose money? With your profile, how could that happen?"

"True, I really haven't worried about losing money with commercial films."

William White's bravado didn't surprise George Lucas. This cocky guy was simply stating a fact.

After hearing William's pitch, Lucas was at a loss for words. This film titled Mr. & Mrs. Smith was eerily similar to his current situation.

Seeing Lucas's bemused expression made William laugh uncontrollably.

"Old buddy, how about I say I got the inspiration from you? The whole love-hate relationship would resonate with those guys."

"You're truly a mess; that's not a good idea."

"Haha, what, you think you'd be cut again?"

Ignoring this guy's jabs, Lucas began calculating the film's budget.

"William, that's a pretty hefty investment."

"Of course, around forty million, but we can get some sponsorship. Let's say thirty-five million for now."

"Five million for product placement? Are you sure you're not shooting a commercial?"

"Not just that, around ten million! All these stunts and effects aren't cheap!"

"Okay, I'm good here. But I gotta ask, are you really not interested in my computer company?"

"Sigh, I can't expand my business chain; it'd cause problems. Jobs doesn't need the cash -- he'll buy it."

Being under antitrust investigations and accusations of eavesdropping -- everything was happening simply because he was too wealthy, drawing the envy of others.

William White was currently in this situation, which is why he wouldn't purchase Lucas's computer company or stretch his business. Until the shadowy figures showed themselves, safety was paramount.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.