While waiting for 20th Century Fox to approve his project, Murphy didn't remain idle. Besides continuing to monitor Ross's case, he further refined the script and gathered Phil LaSher, Helena Esporra, and David Robbie to flesh out the initial plan.
This team, honed over the years, was one of the key factors in ensuring Murphy could produce a high-quality film.
Meanwhile, Murphy had Bill-Rossis start scouting actors for the major roles, particularly for the male lead. According to Murphy's requirements, this character had severe psychological issues and had to combat his own inner darkness while fighting evil. The actor needed to have a rugged and determined appearance but also exude a unique brooding aura.
People often joke that any actor can fit into a role with similar outcomes, but those who understand film production know this is nonsense. Many roles have specific demands, and it's not as simple as picking any actor.
Such an actor is rare in Hollywood, though not unheard of.
However, there's plenty of time to find this type of actor since the crew hasn't even been formed yet.
As for other roles, suitable candidates can be identified first and then invited to audition once the crew is assembled.
Overall, the film's main cast requires a realist police officer, a formidable villain, and a decorative female lead.
Compared to the male lead, these are easier to find.
Murphy worked hard until early June, when Kara Faith visited him.
"Why have you gotten even thinner?"
Seeing Kara Faith, Gal Gadot was surprised, circling her and holding her hand. "Kara, did you find a new way to slim down? Tell me!"
"Dear," Kara Faith sighed, "I've been so busy lately that I only get a few hours of sleep each day. That's how I lost weight."
Even in her suit, Murphy could see Kara Faith had become extremely thin.
He shook his head at the two women, both obsessed with slimming down. "If you keep dieting and losing weight, you'll be nothing but skin and bones."
A few years ago, for her role as Wonder Woman in "Man of Steel," Gal Gadot had gained nearly twenty pounds of muscle. But after finishing the role, she immediately started dieting and slimming down, now back to her lean self.
Kara Faith had always been thin. Since Murphy had known her, she had never eaten high-calorie foods.
Having not seen each other for a while, Gal Gadot chatted with Kara Faith for quite some time, insisting she stay for dinner at the manor.
Gal Gadot instructed the butler to have the chef prepare dinner while Murphy discussed the progress of the new film project with Kara Faith.
"Overall, things are moving smoothly," Kara Faith said, accepting a water cup from Gal Gadot with a smile. "But there are concerns within the review committee."
Gal Gadot poured Murphy a cup of coffee and sat beside him. "Concerns? Why?"
From what she saw, Hollywood was very realistic. A director like Murphy, whose past works had never failed, shouldn't face scrutiny. The belief that successful people will continue to succeed is stronger in Hollywood than in any other industry.
"The film's genre," Kara Faith explained frankly. "Some believe that crime action films are outdated and that making such a film now, especially with a large budget, is too risky."
Murphy shrugged. "This isn't a typical crime action film."
It's normal for some at 20th Century Fox to have reservations. Crime action films had their golden era in the 1990s, with many classics. But since the turn of the century, this genre has declined, and no crime action film has ranked in the top ten box office hits in North America in recent years.
"Will it pass the review?" Gal Gadot asked, concerned.
If 20th Century Fox didn't approve, they could look for other partners. She believed Murphy's films wouldn't have trouble finding investors and distributors.
"Of course," Kara Faith reassured. "More people within the company support Murphy. Getting the project approved isn't an issue."
If the review committee were foolish enough to reject it, she would find a way to get them all fired.
Murphy could tell there was more to Kara Faith's statement and asked, "Is there another problem?"
"Mainly the investment," Kara Faith said straightforwardly. "And your remuneration. The board has concerns, finding it hard to accept the terms you offered Warner Bros."
Even from her perspective, a 30% total revenue share was an excessively greedy lion's mouth wide open...
"Those were terms for Warner Bros.," Murphy laughed. "Your people can negotiate with Bill."
When dealing with Warner Bros., it was about extracting as much as possible. If they couldn't, it wouldn't disrupt his original plans.
He had discussed with Bill-Rossis that a share of around 25% of the box office and DVD, TV, and online rights revenues would suffice. Bill-Rossis would handle the specifics with the producers.
Kara Faith was relieved. With this clarification, the project would likely move forward without a hitch.
Gal Gadot hadn't missed Kara Faith's earlier comment. "Are there still issues with the investment?"
As the project's producer and executive producer, she needed to consider Murphy and the entire project's well-being.
"Murphy's requested $200 million budget is too high."
Even if Gal Gadot hadn't asked, Kara Faith would have explained. "The review committee believes $150 million is sufficient for this type of project."
Gal Gadot glanced at Murphy. The $200 million budget was an inflated figure. $150 million aligned with Murphy's expectations.
Non-sequel, non-adaptation original films with large budgets are never popular with production companies. A seemingly outdated crime action genre, even with a $150 million budget, would only be considered because of Murphy's prestigious name, not the original script.
This investment met Murphy's expectations, though it meant they couldn't afford top-tier stars.
Of course, Murphy hadn't planned to use A-list stars like Robert Downey Jr. in the first installment.
After his encounter with Leonardo DiCaprio, Murphy's interest in working with superstars had waned.
He saw clearly that in Hollywood's game of fame, he couldn't base collaborations on personal preferences.
"However, there might be an issue with the source of the investment funds," Kara Faith said. "The higher-ups wanted me to give you a heads-up."
"Hmm?" Murphy was puzzled. "Is the funding illegitimate?"
Though Hollywood operates under strict regulations, there have been instances, like when Leonardo DiCaprio was involved in a money laundering scandal.
In fact, the film industry has always been a prime avenue for money laundering, even today.
Funds without legitimate sources can easily be laundered through film investments. The process involves significant cash outlays and difficult-to-quantify expenses like props, sets, and special effects.
During filming, many of these props are consumed or damaged, which is normal. If the film generates good box office revenue, these become legitimate business earnings from the investment.
Thinking about this, Murphy was reminded of Leonardo DiCaprio. Although he had outmaneuvered DiCaprio for the Oscar nomination, a form of payback for DiCaprio's support of Jordan Belfort, making things legally difficult for DiCaprio would be satisfying.
He recalled Robert mentioning that DiCaprio's charity foundation was collaborating with individuals and funds from Southeast Asia.
Charity foundations are also common channels for money laundering, partly due to US laws. American charity foundations have two notable features: they can enjoy tax exemptions under IRS Section 501(c), and there are no strict regulations on charity fund expenditure proportions. This allows charity foundations to avoid scrutiny over specific charity amounts and methods.
This means that even without actual charity activities, charity foundations can conduct profitable investments, turning funds into surplus.
Murphy vaguely remembered that DiCaprio's money laundering scandal was linked to Southeast Asian people and funds.
Hmm... I should have people pay more attention to this matter.
Murphy had a plan. Since DiCaprio had struck first, he would naturally retaliate.
While such rumors might not cost DiCaprio too much, they could certainly extend his path to an Oscar for Best Actor.
"What are you thinking?" Kara Faith's voice interrupted Murphy's thoughts. "Do you think I'd let such funds into your project?"
Murphy shrugged and smiled.
Kara Faith added, "Some of the investment is from China, which will help the film enter the Chinese market."
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