Made In Hollywood

It was called moving, but there wasn't much stuff—mainly books and documents. Duke easily got it done in just half a day on Saturday, with the help of Sophia and Tina Fey. Early Sunday morning, the party company that Nancy had arranged arrived at the estate, busy setting up the garden for the evening's event.

According to Duke's initial plan, he only intended to invite members of his team and a few close friends. However, Nancy Josephson and his new publicisit Penny Kellis, both opposed this idea.

"You know very well how important relationships are in Hollywood," Nancy Josephson had advised him at the time. "You've been entirely focused on work and haven't held any formal social gatherings. This is your opportunity!"

Though publicists and agents often don't get along, Penny Kellis agreed with Nancy. "Duke, you're not the same new director you once were. You're now a major figure in Hollywood! You have the power to speak on equal terms with most people. If you want to maintain long-term success like Spielberg, you must manage your network. Hollywood prioritizes interests, but personal connections within the rules can sometimes yield unexpected benefits."

While Duke was aware that some directors could dominate the world solely through their films, he knew that he wasn't on that path—after all, there was only one James Cameron.

Thus, what was originally intended to be a private party turned into a highly commercialized networking event.

It wasn't just Duke's issue anymore. Penny Kellis and Nancy Josephson also brought their assistants to the estate. Since *Independence Day,* it had become a consensus in Hollywood that Duke was a box office goldmine. Both of them placed great importance on their lucrative client.

To be frank, Duke didn't just bring them financial benefits—having a superstar director under their wing, like Spielberg was to CAA, made it much easier to secure more business.

Compared to Nancy Josephson, Penny Kellis was like a work machine. Not only did she stand by Duke's side, reminding him of the social etiquette he needed to follow, but she also didn't overlook his new assistant, Tina Fey.

Penny Kellis handed Tina Fey a stack of documents almost half a foot thick, filled with photos and brief descriptions of Hollywood stars, celebrities, and influential figures.

"This one, memorize their faces, names, and occupations! This one includes not just their looks and names but also their hobbies, favorite topics of conversation, and what they dislike…"

Standing in front of Tina Fey, Penny Kellis resembled a strict teacher. "Duke will focus mainly on filmmaking, and as his assistant, you must stay by his side, reminding him at all times who he's meeting and how to interact!"

This wasn't just preparation for today's party but for the future as well.

Earlier, Duke had flipped through the materials Panny Kellis had brought. Those listed as key people were mostly senior executives of film companies, editors and executives of major media outlets, and members at the core of the Academy.

"Duke, I've seen the guest list," Penny Kellis said as she approached Duke, who was sitting on the sofa after instructing Tina Fey. "There isn't a single core member of the Academy on your list, which…"

"Penny, take a break," Duke gestured for her to sit and signaled a maid to pour coffee. After the maid filled Penny Kellis' cup, he continued, "I don't know them, nor do I have any common ground with them."

Penny Kellis stared at Duke for a moment. "You're not interested in chasing an Oscar?"

"Who doesn't like the golden Oscar statue?" Duke shrugged. "If I said I didn't want to win Best Director, I'd be lying. But if going for the Oscars would require me to waste a lot of time and effort and make films tailored to their tastes—movies I'd personally hate to make—then I don't think the Best Director award is worth it."

"So chasing an Oscar isn't part of your plan right now?" Penny Kellis asked.

Duke nodded without hesitation. "Penny, I've told you my plans. I'll change my style, but that's to meet market demand and avoid audience fatigue, not to win an Oscar."

"Of course, if the Academy gives me Best Director, I'll be grateful. But if they don't, it's no big deal."

"Given your age, experience, and how quickly you've risen," Panny Kellis said, sipping her coffee, "if there's no public relations effort or behind-the-scenes work, do you really think you'll get that golden statue?"

"That's why there's no need to take the Oscars too seriously," Duke replied, spreading his hands. "I prefer to speak with box office numbers and commercial success."

Penny Kellis nodded, understanding her employer's mindset. She stood up and walked away, thinking about how to proceed. She wouldn't give up on persuading Duke to pursue the Oscars, as award season was a major source of income for publicists.

As the sun gradually set, the garden outside was completely transformed. In addition to the long dining tables set up in the center, oak tables and chairs were arranged around the perimeter. A variety of food and drinks had been prepared, and the party company's staff was already mingling among the early-arriving guests.

Initially, when planning the party, Duke had even asked the company to contact a few agencies that provided professional models. But since the event had turned into a high-end networking party, that was no longer necessary.

Besides, like all major Hollywood directors or film executives, there would undoubtedly be plenty of women finding ways to get in. Those interested in hooking up wouldn't lack targets.

As the sun sank lower, more people arrived at the estate. Though it wasn't comparable to a prestigious awards ceremony, there was no shortage of Hollywood stars.

Nicolas Cage and Christopher Lee, both of whom had become household names in America thanks to *The Rock,* arrived.

The cast of *Independence Day* soon followed.

Recently divorced Uma Thurman, accompanied by her new boyfriend, warmly greeted Duke.

Even actors like Keanu Reeves and Johnny Depp, known for their rebellious pasts, showed up in high spirits.

"Duke, I've wanted to apologize to you for a long time but never found the right opportunity."

Standing near the garden entrance, Keanu Reeves seemed much more grounded and less rebellious than before. "I was completely out of line during *Speed.* I said and did a lot of things I shouldn't have, and I ignored the fact that you were actually helping me. I sincerely apologize."

Keanu Reeves now had more of the qualities Duke remembered about him. Of course, this was partly due to the significant difference in their status. Unless an actor was foolish, none would deliberately oppose a top director without good reason.

This change was also influenced by the death of River Phoenix, Keanu's growing maturity, and the fact that his career hadn't progressed at all since *Speed.*

In reality, *Speed* had been several years ago, and Keanu Reeves was still living off its success.

Given the disparity in their positions, Duke wasn't about to bring up old grudges. He lightly patted Keanu's arm and said, "That's all in the past. Welcome to the party."

"Hey, Duke," Johnny Depp greeted Duke after Keanu had moved on. "You've been back in L.A. for a while now. Why haven't you come by my place?"

He leaned in slightly and added, "The Viper Bar is still a favorite spot for many actresses."

"When I get past this busy stretch," Duke said with a laugh, "I'll definitely drop by."

After sending Keanu Reeves and Johnny Depp into the garden, Duke didn't wait long before Tom Hanks and his wife arrived, led by a servant.

"This is your new place?" Tom Hanks asked after embracing Duke. "Not bad. I've always wanted to buy a house in Malibu, but I'm a bit tight on funds right now. If *Saving Private Ryan* does well, maybe we'll be neighbors."

After greeting Rita Wilson, Duke joked, "I don't want to be your neighbor, Tom."

"Why not?" Tom Hanks asked, puzzled.

"You're about to become a two-time Oscar winner," Duke replied, pretending to ponder for a moment before continuing. "If I'm not mistaken, you'll be only the second actor in Hollywood history to achieve that. Just think about it, Tom! Your future will be surrounded by paparazzi, and I'd rather not get caught up in that."

"It's still up in the air," Tom Hanks shrugged. "Anything can happen before the final results are out."

"By the way, Duke," he suddenly grew serious, "I've got reliable intel that many people are trying to make sure you get the Razzie Award."

"Let them do whatever they want," Duke said, completely unconcerned. "I don't need their approval for my movies."

"Don't underestimate the negative impact of the Razzies," Tom Hanks cautioned. "It can lower audience expectations for the winner's next work."

"I understand," Duke nodded. "Thanks, Tom."

As Tom Hanks and his wife walked away, Duke knew very well that given how fierce last summer's media battle had been and how he had come out on top, professional critics with significant influence during awards season wouldn't let him or *Independence Day* off the hook. The Razzie for Worst Director was practically his to lose.

While he hadn't even come close to the prestigious Oscars, he was likely to pick up a Razzie first.

Maybe he should attend the ceremony and accept the award in person? The thought amused Duke for a moment.

...

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