"Thank you for your support."
In front of the many media reporters' cameras, Matthew signed autographs for numerous fans, exchanging a few words with them as well. "I'm very happy that you support me."
The flashlights kept going off, and every reporter was actively photographing, allowing every fan to feel Matthew's warmth and kindness.
Christine received Matthew's autograph, and after a few words with him, she smiled so widely that it seemed her mouth couldn't close. It was as if Matthew were a kind older brother in her family, always ready to help.
Phyllis Beretta, unlike other fans, didn't rush forward. Instead, she picked up her camera and began documenting every moment of Matthew from her own angle.
She pressed the shutter, capturing Matthew's serious expression as he signed autographs; she pressed it again, capturing his natural and friendly interaction with the fans; she pressed it once more, capturing Matthew hugging fans without any hesitation.
This was Matthew Horner, her favorite star, the best man in their eyes!
"So handsome," Phyllis Beretta muttered to herself as she continued to shoot from different angles. "No matter which angle I shoot from, Matthew always looks so handsome!"
Women, like men, are creatures who appreciate looks.
Finally, Phyllis Beretta had taken enough photos. Seeing fewer people around Matthew, she squeezed her way through.
"Matthew! Matthew!" Using her natural physical advantage as an African-American, she successfully got in front of Matthew. "Can I take a picture with you?"
Hearing the voice, Matthew turned his head and saw a typical African-American face. Bella Anderson, always within his bodyguard circle, leaned closer and whispered, "This is Phyllis Beretta, a very dedicated fan."
As if not hearing Bella Anderson's words, Matthew extended his hand and shook Phyllis Beretta's, saying, "Of course."
Phyllis Beretta's face lit up with joy, and she handed her camera to Christine, asking her to take the photo.
Matthew asked Phyllis Beretta to stand beside him, and after the photo, he looked at her and said, "I've seen you before, haven't I?"
Phyllis Beretta was even more thrilled and nodded, "Yes! Yes! I've attended many of your events."
Matthew pretended to think for a moment before saying, "Your name is Phyllis."
"Yes..." Phyllis Beretta nodded mechanically, and then an overwhelming joy surged from her heart, spreading throughout her body, making her tremble with excitement. "You... you... Matthew... you... know..."
Matthew gave a kind smile, looking at her with gentle eyes.
Seeing Matthew's smile and gaze, Phyllis Beretta calmed down a bit, took a few deep breaths, and said, "You... Matthew... you know me?"
"As you said," Matthew replied with a smile, "we've met many times before, haven't we?"
Phyllis Beretta nodded excitedly, "Yes! Yes! You're right!"
The surrounding fans were also excited. Matthew looked at his watch and raised his voice, "Everyone, it's almost eight-thirty. Don't make me late, okay?"
The fans cooperated, quickly making way for him to the Warner Bros. studio gate while blocking the entertainment reporters to prevent them from disturbing Matthew and making him late for work.
Watching Matthew's figure disappear into Warner Bros. studios, Phyllis Beretta couldn't help but smile happily. The time she spent waiting at the studio gate was not wasted; she finally met Matthew.
At this moment, nothing could make her happier.
She would always support Matthew until the day she could no longer walk.
Entering Warner Bros. studios, Matthew turned to Bella Anderson and said, "Tell the security at the gate not to make things difficult for them."
Bella Anderson nodded, "The sun is a bit harsh today. Should we send them some water? I think they will wait until you finish work."
"Go ahead," Matthew waved his hand and reminded, "Remember to order them some takeout for lunch."
"I got it."
Bella Anderson nodded, then spoke a few words to Brown Williams. After Brown Williams gave instructions, one of the bodyguards stayed behind to handle these matters.
Matthew was very clear that even if he became a superstar, he couldn't neglect his fans. These people were the foundation of his career. Even if he faced a significant setback, as long as he had a large group of loyal fans, it wouldn't be hard to make a comeback.
Arriving at the set of "I Am Legend," Matthew went straight to the dressing room, got his makeup done, changed clothes, and then waited on set. After arranging the work, director Guillermo del Toro came over.
"Starting this afternoon, your shoot should be a bit easier," Guillermo del Toro said. "You finally won't be alone."
Matthew nodded, "Performing solo scenes for too long is indeed a bit torturous."
Guillermo del Toro adjusted his glasses, "Relax a bit. By mid-March at the latest, we should be able to complete all the shooting."
"Is everything in New York sorted out?" Matthew asked.
The crew would head to New York next week to shoot the final outdoor scenes.
"Akiva is flying to New York tonight," Guillermo del Toro said reassuringly. "He will communicate with various departments in New York."
He reminded Matthew, "Don't forget, we have Alexandra Daddario as our ace."
Matthew hadn't seen Alexandra Daddario for a long time. He had asked Helen Herman about her. Helen, who also managed Alexandra, had secured a role for her in the horror project "Top Floor." Alexandra had been shooting with the "Top Floor" crew for a while.
Similarly, Alexandra Daddario had a small role in "Top Floor."
As he knew, Helen Herman had once told Amanda that if Alexandra wanted to develop in Hollywood without outstanding acting skills, she would be limited to a narrow range of roles.
However, Matthew didn't care much about these because Alexandra Daddario's attraction to him was never about her acting ability.
The crew was still setting up the scene, and it would be a while before shooting could start. After chatting with Guillermo del Toro for a while, Akiva Goldsman, who was heading to New York that night, found Matthew in the rest area.
"Hi, Matthew." He greeted and sat on the chair next to Matthew.
Matthew greeted him back, "Do you need something?"
Without much ado, Akiva Goldsman said directly, "I heard you and David Ellison have acquired the rights to the 'Fast & Furious' series and plan to reboot it?"
"Yes," the news had been out for a while, so Matthew didn't deny it. "We are currently raising funds and making preliminary preparations."
He deliberately said to Akiva Goldsman, "So, Akiva, you should make some concessions in the negotiations. I urgently need funds to invest in the 'Fast & Furious' sequel."
"Don't look at me," Akiva Goldsman quickly waved his hand and changed the subject, "The project 'Tonight, He Comes' has been renamed. The new name is 'Hancock.'"
"Not bad, this name sounds more like a blockbuster," Matthew redirected the topic back, "Helen and I have agreed to take my pay only in advance, you guys should also make some concessions."
Akiva Goldsman looked troubled, "To be honest, Matthew, it's not me leading the negotiations for your pay. It's Warner Bros."
Matthew understood and said, "Got it."
Helen Herman had been negotiating for the project "Tonight, He Comes," now renamed "Hancock," and the biggest disagreement was over pay.
Due to the need for a large amount of liquid funds, he agreed to take his pay only in advance, without backend shares. However, Warner Bros.' offer of $25 million showed insufficient sincerity.
The negotiations had stalled recently without much progress.
He and Helen Herman were expecting no less than $30 million and needed to put some pressure on Warner Bros.
"Look at me, I almost forgot," Akiva Goldsman said, "Matthew, I heard you plan to introduce several new characters in the reboot of 'Fast & Furious,' including a Jewish female character?"
"Your information is very up-to-date," Matthew did not deny, "I just mentioned it not long ago."
Akiva Goldsman waved his hand, "You said it in front of so many people. How could it be kept secret? The news has already spread in the circle." Seemingly afraid that Matthew would change the topic again, he quickly said, "An old friend of mine, also a Jew... actually, I'm also of Jewish descent..."
Matthew nodded, roughly understanding what Akiva Goldsman was getting at, but didn't say anything, waiting for him to continue.
"My old friend asked me to help a young actress," Akiva Goldsman continued, "She's a girl from Israel, very talented, and perfect for the Jewish role."
"Alright, Akiva," Matthew didn't refuse since his collaboration with Akiva Goldsman had been good, "Have her and her agent submit their information to David Ellison's Skydance Media. The new 'Fast & Furious' project is still in the planning stage. If the crew is established, I'll have someone notify her for an audition."
This was the best way to handle it. After chatting for a while about "Hancock," the crew had set up the scene, and Matthew started shooting.
The morning shoot went smoothly. As soon as the afternoon shoot began, Matthew finished his solo scenes and welcomed two actresses, one large and one small.
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