This move, of course, did not go unnoticed, but most people didn't question the purpose of the funds, since they were going to Gilbert's foundation.
Everyone assumed Donald was just following his son-in-law for a little "soup," yet selling off properties still drew criticism, with many saying Donald had lost his mind.
In the past, Donald's big mouth would have been shouting all over the world about wanting to ride Gilbert's coattails and profit from the economic crisis.
But under Ivanka's strict instructions, Donald kept his mouth shut, revealing nothing at all, which was rare.
By the time everyone else realized what was happening, Donald was already clinging to Gilbert's leg, holding substantial funds, and freely boasting with his usual loudmouth charm.
And indeed, with Donald's mouth, he could expose the sky over New York.
Putting that aside for now, in mid-August, at a studio converted from an Air Force base in Nevada, Edgewalkers officially began filming.
Perhaps due to thorough preparations, the actors got into character extremely quickly. Especially Scarlett, who set a good example for everyone.
On the first day, there were still action scenes. Because of her large chest, she personally performed most of the stunts, leaving only the most difficult ones to her stunt double.
After completing one scene, Scarlett excitedly jumped into Gilbert's arms. "How did I do?"
Gilbert looked annoyed. "Please, can you stop wriggling around?"
Sensing the reaction below, Scarlett's horns sprouted and she twisted even more.
She also gently blew in Gilbert's ear and whispered, "I'll show you tonight."
This little demon, Gilbert wanted nothing more than to punish her on the spot.
The first day was mainly for team coordination, setting an example, and showing the crew how to work. Jason Statham was working with a big director like Gilbert for the first time, even though it was for a series.
However, in the initial filming stage, the best performer was still Jason Statham. Possibly because most of his scenes involved action, fighting, and stunts.
Andrew Garfield needed some time to adapt, as the pace of filming a series differs from a movie, being slightly slower.
The series also expanded the world-building, not only telling the story of David Martinez and his crew but also showcasing various aspects of Night City.
Of course, it also included the classic Cyberpunk 2077 opening, which Gilbert personally cameoed.
After over half a month of filming, Gilbert himself recited this line.
"Good morning, Night City! Yesterday's dead lottery finally ended with a full count of thirty! Thanks to endless gang fights, ten died in the Light Haywood area.
But one officer also died, and I expect you'll all pay, because the NCPD won't let that slide.
There was another blackout in Santo Domingo, the grid was sabotaged—another act of cyber hackers.
Meanwhile, Westbrook's trauma team is still collecting the bodies of cyberpsychosis victims on the sidewalks.
And in Pacifica… well, Pacifica is still Pacifica.
I'm your buddy Stan. Come with me and start a new day in this dream-chasing city!"
After Gilbert finished reciting, everyone applauded. Andrew Garfield said, "I bet David was busy doing a lot."
"I think Adam Samsher did even more," Dwayne Johnson added.
Gilbert came down and said, "Actually, this line was meant for V in the movie, but since this is the first work, there has to be an opening.
I want the audience to hear this and start anticipating what Night City will be like."
"Indeed," everyone agreed, thinking Gilbert's point was valid.
Filming proceeded smoothly. Meanwhile, the series' soundtrack was also in production. This time, Gilbert didn't collaborate with Hans Zimmer, even though he's a master composer.
The composers this time were two people: one was Ed, a Danish artist specializing in psychedelic electronic music. The other was Loreski, a Romanian composer specializing in heavy metal rock.
The two worked together to produce the soundtrack Gilbert needed.
Additionally, Avril Lavigne not only had a cameo role in the series but also sang the theme song.
The creation of this theme song had its own story. To better compose it, Avril Lavigne followed the crew for over half a month.
One day, Gilbert asked Avril Lavigne, "Vivian, do you have any inspiration?"
Avril Lavigne, looking frustrated, said, "I can't think of anything right now. Maybe you should find someone else to try?"
Gilbert shook his finger. "No need. I roughly have a melody in mind. I'll hum it for you."
So Gilbert hummed a melody to Avril Lavigne. And although he always claimed he couldn't sing, this melody was quite decent.
Avril Lavigne expanded on this melody and turned it into the current song, which Gilbert named.
Although Gilbert insisted his name not be added, Avril Lavigne still included Gilbert in the composition and lyric credits.
And just like that, Gilbert transformed into a musician—though he still didn't know anything about musical notation.
After finishing the theme song, Avril Lavigne excitedly ran back to a recording studio in Los Angeles to record it.
During breaks in filming, Gilbert also assigned some shooting tasks to several assistant directors and personally returned to Los Angeles to attend a meeting.
He had acquired the rights to I Am Legend a long time ago, and after this year's big success of The Last of Us, the project for I Am Legend was put on the agenda.
"The story in this novel is excellent, very modern, even though it's a novel from 1954," Gilbert passionately recommended to the executives of Warner and Disney.
"I once adapted another work by Richard Matheson, called Real Steel, and it did quite well."
Some executives had concerns. "I've read the original novel. There are vampires in it. If we treat it as a sci-fi story, isn't that a bit unrealistic?"
Another executive added, "It could be explained scientifically. I think there's a disease that makes humans crave blood, right?"
"Or we can consider another approach," Gilbert said. "In the 1950s, zombie culture was a niche subculture.
It wasn't until 1968's Night of the Living Dead that the modern concept of zombies was created.
The film's setting is actually easier to handle than vampires. It can involve a viral infection, without needing to study The Last of Us' fungal infection."
Knowing that Gilbert had no availability to direct, one executive asked directly, "Gilbert, who would you recommend to direct it?"
Gilbert thought for a moment and said, "I recommend Guillermo del Toro. If he refuses, then Francis Lawrence, who directed Constantine, can take over.
As for the lead, Will Smith is a perfect fit."
The project approval process went fairly smoothly, and Gilbert still served as the producer. It was said that Guillermo del Toro agreed to direct after Gilbert personally invited him.
However, when it came to Will Smith, he declined the offer, leaving Gilbert momentarily puzzled.
...
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