Director in Hollywood

Winning an Oscar requires essential PR work.

Miramax often starts laying the groundwork for its Oscar-contending films six months or even a year in advance, dedicating unimaginable time and effort during this period.

With more than 6,000 Oscar voters to sway, conducting PR for such a vast number of people is no easy feat.

As such, Miramax focuses its PR efforts on the Academy's rotating board, as well as representatives of various factions in Hollywood.

Gilbert is also an Oscar voter. There are two ways to qualify as an Oscar voter: being invited by the Academy or being nominated for an Oscar, which automatically grants voting rights.

This year's Oscar ballot had already been delivered to him.

"Gilbert, which film are you planning to vote for?" Scarlett saw the ballot while visiting Melon Manor.

Gilbert hadn't filled it out yet, so the young girl enthusiastically offered to help him complete it.

"Scarlett, you decide," Gilbert said with a smile. "Your preference is my vote."

"Really?" Scarlett was thrilled to hear that and eagerly started filling out the form.

Sophia, curious about Scarlett's choices, leaned in to take a look. She couldn't help but laugh: "Scarlett, all your votes are for Babe!"

"Yes," Scarlett said matter-of-factly. "I love that movie, so I'm voting for it."

Sophia turned to Gilbert and teased, "If people find out that a top Hollywood director voted for Babe, they'll laugh their heads off."

"I don't mind," Gilbert chuckled. "I think Babe is better than Braveheart. It deserves the award."

"Even if Braveheart weren't in the running, you should vote for Apollo 13. That movie is pretty amazing," Sophia said.

Gilbert stretched lazily and replied, "Most Oscar voters cast their votes haphazardly. At least Scarlett is taking it seriously.

I'd say this is a highly professional way of fulfilling my duty as an Oscar voter."

Sophia rolled her eyes. "At least other voters fill out their ballots themselves. You handed yours over to an 11-year-old girl.

If the filmmakers knew their fate was in the hands of a little girl, they'd be furious."

"They wouldn't," Gilbert laughed. "At least little girls are easier to bribe than adult voters. All it takes is a piece of candy to secure an award."

"Haha," Sophia laughed, patting Scarlett's head. "Hear that, Scarlett? Your dear brother says you're easy to bribe."

Scarlett didn't seem to mind. "I am easy to bribe! Last time, Nicolas gave me a box of candy, so I'm voting for him."

With that, Scarlett selected Nicolas Cage as Best Actor on the ballot.

Sophia turned to Gilbert and said, "See? One piece of candy isn't enough; you need a whole box. Remember to prepare a box of candy for Scarlett at next year's Oscars."

"Sure, I'll prepare an entire candy estate for Scarlett," Gilbert joked.

Scarlett's eyes lit up at the mention of this. "Wow, Gilbert, really? You're going to give me a candy estate?"

"As long as your teeth can handle it, my dear," Gilbert said, patting the young girl's head. "I can even give you a Candy Island."

"Candy Island?" If this were an animated film, Scarlett's eyes would be shaped like hearts by now. She was thrilled. "I'm not afraid! I want Candy Island."

"Hahaha, all right…" Gilbert hooked pinkies with Scarlett. "Not now, but when you grow up, I'll give you a Candy Island."

"Okay, it's a deal."

Gilbert was merely humoring the girl, but she took it seriously and kept the promise in her heart: Gilbert would give her a Candy Island...

With the voting settled, Gilbert started discussing arrangements with Sophia. "I talked to Matt. He's finished the script.

The studio will invest $10 million. I'll act as producer and supervisor, and you'll be the director. Matt will star, and the project will begin preparations this summer."

Sophia was deeply grateful but couldn't find the words to express it due to her close relationship with Gilbert. She could only say, "Don't worry, Gilbert. I'll work hard on this film and won't let you down."

"Sophia, I trust your abilities, not just because you're Uncle Coppola's daughter but because I know you well," Gilbert encouraged her. "Don't worry. Forget the past and focus on being your best self."

"Mm…" Sophia nodded firmly. "With your help, I'll complete this project."

This plan had been in the works for a while. Due to the modest investment, Good Will Hunting was entirely funded by Melon Studio.

Gilbert had also discussed the distribution rights with Robert Iger, and Touchstone Pictures was highly interested in distributing the film.

News of Melon Studio greenlighting a new project with Sophia Coppola as the director soon spread across Hollywood. Unlike Gilbert, who was brimming with confidence, most people were skeptical about the project.

Many believed Gilbert was either returning a favor or helping a friend.

Not everyone was like Gilbert. Most doubted Sophia Coppola could replicate his success.

Even Francis Ford Coppola called Gilbert to express his gratitude for giving his daughter an opportunity, but he also questioned the decision.

"Isn't it a bit premature to let Sophia direct so soon?" he asked.

Gilbert replied, "Uncle Coppola, rest assured. I've carefully considered this decision. Sophia has grown significantly over the past few years. Her short films are impressive, and I believe the timing is perfect for her to take this step."

Of course, there were details Gilbert didn't share with Francis. For instance, Good Will Hunting had already proven its worth in his previous life as a profitable film.

If someone had to direct it, why not let it be someone he trusted, ensuring the project remained under his control?

Even if Sophia had unconventional ideas, Gilbert, as producer and supervisor, could steer her back on track.

While Sophia still had an indie filmmaking mindset, her years working alongside Gilbert, a commercial director, had honed her skills.

She understood that box office success was paramount, with other considerations secondary.

Francis, unaware of these behind-the-scenes dynamics, might have suspected his daughter was romantically involved with Gilbert if not for their regular father-daughter conversations affirming their platonic relationship.

In fact, he lamented, wondering why Sophia hadn't seized the opportunity—Gilbert was an excellent catch!

What the elder Coppola didn't consider was that Gilbert wasn't interested in Sophia. Even by Western beauty standards, she wasn't conventionally attractive—at most, she had charm.

Despite his appreciation for Sophia's talent, Gilbert had his reasons. Francis, in return, offered his support: "I hear you're aiming for the Oscars with your new film. I have some connections in the Academy and can put in a good word for you."

"Thank you, Uncle Coppola," Gilbert said, accepting the offer.

"Tell your father to visit more often. We Italians in Hollywood need to stick together," Francis added.

"I'll let him know…" Gilbert replied.

After hanging up, Gilbert felt reflective. His rebirth had granted him an enviable identity: both Italian and Jewish.

In Hollywood, this was akin to being untouchable—practically invincible.

The Hollywood ecosystem had its own hierarchy, with Jewish people at the top, followed by factions like the Italian, British, and other groups.

Incidentally, since Mel Gibson's downfall orchestrated by Gilbert, the Australian faction in Hollywood had been waning.

The current figurehead of the Australian faction was Nicole Kidman.

In a way, Nicole owed her position to Gilbert.

In fact, Nicole had once invited Gilbert to dinner—without Tom Cruise present, no less.

This wasn't surprising. Nicole, eager to shed her box-office poison reputation, saw befriending the "King of Summer Blockbusters" as a logical move.

Had Gilbert been willing, it wouldn't have been unusual for something to happen between them.

However, Gilbert only dined with her once and declined further invitations.

When it came to scheming and cunning, Nicole was on another level. Gilbert had no intention of being ensnared by her.

Moreover, he had to consider Naomi Watts' feelings. Although the petite actress never interfered with Gilbert's flirtations, she often surprised him by bringing Charlize Theron or Cameron Diaz along to create "fun" moments.

Still, Naomi clearly didn't want Gilbert getting involved with her "good friend."

The mysteries of a woman's heart ran deep. Why Naomi cared so much baffled Gilbert, but he respected the unspoken rules between them.

There were plenty of beautiful women around—why stir up unnecessary trouble?

Nicole Kidman was far from simple. Getting involved with her would only invite complications.

.....

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