Burbank, Universal Studios.
Two cars pulled up one after the other outside the soundstage dedicated to the Victoria's Secret show.
The driver of the front luxury Cadillac SUV got out and opened the door. Madonna stepped out of the vehicle, and the white man around thirty years old who got out of the BMW convertible behind her also walked over.
Madonna and the man greeted each other as they walked toward the soundstage. She said, "David, no matter what happens, you owe me one. If I hadn't called Simon, he might not have agreed to meet you. A lot of people are eyeing this project. Even though Alien 3 flopped, as long as you do a good job with this show and leave an impression on Simon, establishing yourself firmly in Hollywood will be easy."
The man beside Madonna was named David Fincher.
Like many famous Hollywood directors, David Fincher had been passionate about film since childhood. With some family connections, Fincher found a job at Lucasfilm at the age of nineteen and had even participated in the behind-the-scenes production of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in 1983.
However, Hollywood was not that easy to break into after all.
Throughout the 1980s, Fincher had mostly worked in music videos and commercials, but he quickly rose to prominence in the industry. Not only had he directed Nike running shoe commercials, but he had also shot music videos for top musicians such as Aerosmith and Madonna.
Just last year, Fincher had finally gotten his first opportunity to direct a feature film, and it was a high-profile sequel in Fox's Alien series, Alien 3.
Unfortunately, this directing experience had been a complete nightmare for Fincher.
During production, the script had been completely rewritten, Fox had rushed the schedule, there had been creative disagreements with the producers, the budget had overrun, and so on. Almost all the common problems that occurred during Hollywood film production had happened to David Fincher.
Although the film was eventually completed, the outcome was not great.
Alien 3, released on June 19, had opened with 26.84 million dollars in its first week thanks to the built-up popularity of the Alien series and Fox's full promotional efforts. It seemed decent at first.
However, due to poor word of mouth, Alien 3's second-week box office dropped by a shocking 58 percent. It had the largest second-week drop of any film this summer season.
In the fourth week of release that had just passed, Alien 3's weekly box office had fallen to only 4.09 million dollars, with a cumulative total of just 47.96 million dollars. Considering the film's 50 million dollar production budget, Fox would definitely be unable to recoup costs through box office in the short term.
After this experience, David Fincher had originally thought he would have to lie low in the commercials and music video world for a few more years. However, a golden opportunity had suddenly appeared in Hollywood recently.
Simon was planning the Victoria's Secret show and was currently looking for a director.
Moreover, what they needed was precisely a director skilled in commercials and music videos.
For someone in Fincher's circle who wanted to break into feature films, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Even though he already had one foot halfway into Hollywood, David Fincher had immediately contacted the Victoria's Secret project team and tried to use the connections he had built over the years to put in a good word.
Hollywood was a world of favors. Having someone help often made things much easier.
The reason David Fincher had been able to join Lucasfilm at nineteen was because one of his neighbors happened to be a producer at the company.
Come to think of it, if he could get Alien series producer David Giler to step in, it would have been much more promising.
David Giler had been one of the three credited producers on Simon's breakout hit Run Lola Run, and he had given that young man a helping hand. Moreover, while producing the Alien series for Fox, Giler was also a contracted producer under Daenerys Entertainment.
However, although the two had become very 'familiar' through their collaboration on Alien 3, their relationship was quite terrible. They were the type who never wanted to deal with each other again. A director and producer with creative differences were natural enemies, so getting Giler to help was clearly impossible.
Fortunately, besides David Giler, David Fincher also knew another person who reportedly had a very good relationship with Simon. That person was Madonna, who was currently beside him.
Simon had made a guest appearance at Madonna's concert, and this superstar had also appeared in Simon's Pulp Fiction. It was said that the two were very good friends in private. As for whether their relationship went any deeper, that was not something Fincher could concern himself with.
David Fincher had directed several of Madonna's music videos in recent years, and the two had stayed in contact.
After trying to reach out to Madonna, she had surprisingly given him a quick reply. Simon wanted to see him today.
The two chatted and laughed as they entered the soundstage before them. A staff member came over and said that Mr. Westeros was already waiting for them.
As they walked through the corridor divided into different work areas, busy staff members were everywhere on both sides. Madonna was even drawn to the dazzling array of angel wings in one of the compartments. If Simon had not been waiting, she would have almost gone in to try some on.
She had thought the work areas on both sides of the corridor were busy enough, but after passing through and entering the open space at the very back of the soundstage where a long runway had been set up, the place was even more crowded with people moving about.
Looking around, both of them quickly realized that lighting and camera positions were being arranged here.
Madonna spotted a certain young man's figure in the crowd right away. Simon was standing with another tall man with long hair, pointing and discussing something.
The staff member led the two to the rest area, told them to wait a moment, and then walked toward Simon.
Someone brought over coffee. Madonna thanked them, casually held the cup, and glanced at Simon again before turning to David Fincher. She noticed his expression looked a bit strange and asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"
David Fincher hesitated for a moment, then pointed at the man beside Simon. "That's Michael Bay."
Madonna still looked puzzled.
David Fincher's expression remained somewhat odd as he explained, "Bay and I both interned at Lucasfilm. I remember it clearly. It was 1980, and he was only fifteen at the time. Also, Bay has been one of the most watched directors of music videos and commercials in the industry in recent years. He shot that Coca-Cola commercial two years ago."
After a pause, Fincher added, "Bay's style is obviously more suitable than mine for shooting a fashion show."
Even as he said this, Fincher's expression did not show much disappointment.
Simon had clearly already chosen the director for the Victoria's Secret show. Moreover, even Fincher himself had to admit that Michael Bay's shooting style was more suitable for directing a fashion show than his own.
However, since Simon had already selected a director but still asked him to come for a meeting.
This most likely meant another opportunity.
Madonna was no fool. She quickly understood and smiled. "Looks like you owe me an even bigger favor now."
The two waited patiently for a moment. Simon finally walked over, with Michael Bay following beside him.
Simon was dressed casually today in a T-shirt and slacks, while Michael Bay wore a neat shirt and dress pants, looking very proper.
Seeing this, Madonna could not help but think of the saying that the more casually someone dressed, the more likely they were the boss. Still, it did not stop her from standing up with a bright smile and unceremoniously opening her arms to ask Simon for a hug.
Seeing Madonna approach, Simon had no choice but to hug her. He even deliberately held her tightly for a few seconds before smiling and saying, "Too small. I don't feel anything at all."
Madonna saw Simon release her quickly and pushed out her chest in dissatisfaction. "Men are so greedy. Mine is actually just right. Do you like silicone or something?"
Simon shook hands with Fincher and introduced the Michael Bay beside him before turning back to Madonna. "I meant that you're too small overall."
Madonna glanced at several tall, sexy models not far away and understood. She was actually only a little over five feet two inches tall. In front of these vixens, she indeed had no competitiveness.
However, Madonna had never been short on confidence. She countered, "Actually, small has its own advantages." As she spoke, she provocatively licked her red lips and said to Simon with flowing eyes, "Perhaps, Simon, we really should find some time to discuss this topic in private."
In front of Madonna, Simon always felt like he was the one being hunted and added to someone's collection.
This feeling was not pleasant at all, so he simply ignored her words and gestured for the somewhat awkward Fincher and Bay to sit down together.
Madonna unceremoniously sat beside Simon. Since the young man did not respond, she did not pursue the previous topic and instead said, "David just mentioned that he knows Mr. Bay here."
Simon had not known the Lucasfilm details, but he was not surprised.
Michael Bay and David Fincher moved in the same circles and were both well-known figures, so it was natural that they knew each other.
Since they were already acquainted, some things would be easier to explain. Simon went straight to the point with Fincher. "I've watched several of the music video samples you shot. The overall style is dark and somber. While it has strong artistic value, it is not suitable for this show. So, I chose Michael."
There was no disappointment on David Fincher's face. He even nodded. "I also think Mike is more suitable than me."
Simon looked Fincher up and down and smiled. "You probably guessed it. The reason I asked you to come today is indeed about something else. It's a movie. I want you to give it a try."
David Fincher immediately perked up.
Michael Bay, who had originally felt some superiority in front of Fincher because he had secured this opportunity early, felt surprised and a bit envious. However, recalling his previous conversation with Simon, he quickly felt relieved. As long as he completed this show properly, he would also have the chance to test the waters in Hollywood.
Simon did not keep them in suspense. He continued, "This is a crime thriller about a serial killer who murders people using the seven deadly sins from Catholic doctrine. The script will be sent to you later. For now, let's talk about Alien 3. In your opinion, where did you personally go wrong with that film?"
If possible, David Fincher really did not want to bring up Alien 3.
However, considering the relationship between Simon and David Giler, if the other party wanted to know something, it would be very simple. There was no way for him to hide it.
There were many reasons for Alien 3's failure. Fincher had previously blamed the studio and the producers more and had been reluctant to admit his own issues.
After hesitating for a moment, Fincher finally said, "I think the main issue was that it was my first time directing a feature film, so I lacked some experience."
Simon smiled and shook his head. "That's not the problem. I know your background. Your foundational skills are very solid."
Facing Simon's gaze, David Fincher hesitated once more before saying, "Perhaps I paid too much attention to details."
Simon nodded this time.
Besides the gloomy and cold style that came from the director himself, one of the biggest characteristics of David Fincher's films was his attention to detail. In this regard, Fincher actually had some similarities with Cameron. It was precisely because he was accustomed to obsessing over details that David Fincher's films always had high production costs.
At the same time, being a detail-oriented perfectionist also made it easier to create classics.
David Fincher was not particularly prolific, but in the original timeline, this director with a strong personal style had created classics such as S7ven, Fight Club, and Gone Girl.
"Actually, paying attention to detail is not a flaw. The key is to exercise restraint. Only you can grasp the right balance," Simon continued quickly. "I really like the personal style and techniques you showed in your previous music videos. I've also watched Alien 3. As a commercial film, it was not too bad overall, and it carried quite a few of your unique insights. Although the North American box office was not high, according to the information I received, Alien 3 actually performed quite well in overseas markets. Fox should be able to recoup its costs."
For a film director, no matter how many fans they gained or awards they won, it ultimately came down to box office performance.
Hearing Simon say this, David Fincher breathed a sigh of relief.
If the film could recoup costs through global release, Alien 3 would not become too big of an obstacle to his continued development in Hollywood.
"For this Seven, I hope you can bring out the style you displayed in your music videos and Alien 3. As for the budget, after reading the script, think it over carefully and prepare one yourself. My personal requirement is that you must complete the film strictly within the budget you set. Of course," Simon added with a hint of humor, "if you come up with a 100 million dollar budget, I think we won't need to continue with this project."
In the original timeline, Seven had been released in 1995. However, the script had already been written last year by Hollywood screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker, and the film rights had successfully landed with Daenerys Entertainment.
Simon had considered this project some time ago and had also taken notice of David Fincher, who had directed Alien 3.
After another round of planning for next year's film slate recently, Simon had decided to start this project early. If everything went smoothly, Seven's release date would be set for next year's Halloween.
For the main cast, the original version was naturally the best.
David Fincher and one of the male leads, Morgan Freeman, would not be changed. However, for the other male lead, Brad Pitt, Simon did not plan to use the original actor this time.
Superman had already started filming and was scheduled for next summer.
According to the production schedule, Brad Pitt's availability was actually quite open.
However, once Superman was released, Brad Pitt's image as the actor who played 'Superman' would definitely become deeply ingrained in people's minds.
This kind of typecasting was a double-edged sword.
On one hand, even many years later, when people mentioned Brad Pitt, they would easily think of Clark Kent. However, because of Superman's powerful influence, especially while playing the role, any other films Brad Pitt participated in during that period would inevitably struggle to attract much attention.
If Brad Pitt continued to appear in Seven, it would likely cause the classic crime thriller's shine to be overshadowed by the 'Clark Kent' character image.
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