Made In Hollywood

"Irene wants to introduce a friend of hers for the assistant director role."

A black sedan was weaving through the crowded streets of Manhattan as Mrs. Leah spoke to Duke, who sat beside her. "Her friend has spent some time on Broadway and in Hollywood. Of course, it's just Irene's suggestion…"

"As long as they meet my basic requirements."

Duke didn't outright refuse. Sometimes, favors within the bounds of the rules are unavoidable. "Mom, my team is still on vacation, so I'll have to use the crew from Randal."

"No problem," Mrs. Leah nodded.

Apart from directing, other aspects of the commercial were originally handled by Randal Group. After a few more words with his mother, Duke turned to his assistant in the front passenger seat, "Tina, make sure to contact Lily Fred from Broadway. Set up a meeting as soon as possible."

Lily Fred and her team were the choreographers ICM had arranged for Duke.

The car soon stopped in front of the Randal Group's office building. Duke had flown from Los Angeles to New York not only to visit his mother but also to fulfill the contract he had signed with Randal Group as the commercial director.

Upon entering the building, guided by his mother, Duke and the others went straight to the brand promotion department on the seventh floor. They were greeted by Irene Randal and the department head, both of whom Duke had met before.

Also present were the leads for the commercial.

Duke had already sent the commercial script to Randal Group last month. According to the script, the commercial required both male and female leads. The female lead would be portrayed by Randal's spokesperson, Elizabeth Hurley, and the male lead was Leonardo DiCaprio, recruited by Randal.

"Didn't expect us to be working together again so soon."

Hearing Leonardo's words, Duke gave him a light pat on the shoulder. DiCaprio had benefited greatly from "Saving Private Ryan," not only gaining a box office hit but also with his PR team and agent in talks with the production and distribution companies to secure a Best Supporting Actor nomination.

Duke nodded to Irene Randal, who smiled at him, and then asked DiCaprio in a low voice, "Leo, I heard you're negotiating with James Cameron for a new project?"

"I've already signed a preliminary agreement."

Leonardo, now much more polished in his interactions, didn't hide anything. "If all goes well, I'll be the lead in Cameron's next film."

Duke, half-joking, said, "I'd recommend you take out a hefty insurance policy before joining his set."

"That's exactly what I'm planning to do," Leonardo chuckled.

After "True Lies," James Cameron's reputation as a tyrant on set spread throughout Hollywood. He wasn't just tough on his actors; he was equally demanding of himself. One widely circulated story involved the Miami causeway scene. Cameron reportedly insisted that actress Jamie Lee Curtis perform a stunt hanging from a helicopter. When the furious actress asked what he was thinking, Cameron coolly replied that he'd be strapped to the outside of the helicopter himself to capture the shot.

And in the end, that's exactly what they did.

There's no denying that success in directing isn't a matter of luck. To achieve unparalleled results, one often has to put in efforts unimaginable to others.

People from other departments at Randal Group gradually joined the meeting, marking the start of the commercial's planning phase. After Randal's side briefly outlined the budget and schedule, Duke began to discuss some of his requirements.

"For the shoot, I need to use Times Square and a building overlooking Manhattan's central area," Duke said, shifting his gaze to Elizabeth Hurley. "The female lead's wardrobe, accessories, and overall look must align with my vision. The shoot won't take more than three days, so I expect Randal Group to be fully prepared in advance."

Looking away from Elizabeth Hurley, Duke wasn't particularly satisfied with Randal's spokesperson. She had plenty of sex appeal but lacked sophistication. However, since she was Randal Group's ambassador, there was no way they'd replace her.

"And one more thing," Duke glanced at both leads, "Leo, Miss Hurley, please rehearse your scenes before the shoot to get into character as soon as possible."

The planning meeting lasted until the end of the workday. Just after it wrapped up and Duke was about to meet up with his mother, Irene Randal approached him.

"Thanks again for your hospitality in Los Angeles."

She was holding a folder as she stood across from Duke. "Now that you're in New York, may I have the honor of inviting you to dinner?"

It was just an ordinary business dinner, and Duke had no reason to refuse. "The honor is mine."

Irene Randal glanced at her watch. "How about we meet at Matia Restaurant on the first floor in fifteen minutes?"

After shaking hands with Irene, Duke called over Tina Fay, phoned his mother, and then went down to the first floor. He freshened up in the restroom, tidied his clothes, and sat in the lobby for a few minutes before walking through the side door to Matia Restaurant.

Choosing a seat by the window, Duke waited less than two minutes before Irene Randal arrived, her heels clicking as she walked over. Wearing a professional skirt suit, she had a radiant, businesslike smile on her face. Duke stood to pull out her chair, and she sat across from him.

"That'll be all," Duke closed the menu and handed it to the server. "Thank you."

They both ordered light meals. Although neither was an actor or model, as a fashionista from a luxury family business, Irene Randal was also on a diet, choosing only two vegetable and fruit-based dishes.

"In the past, whenever I went to the theater to watch your films, I'd come here afterward for a big meal."

Irene Randal had long since outgrown her almost obsessive love for movies. "But once I started working for the company, I noticed my clothing sizes had changed. My size two became a size four, and zero turned into two. The figure I was once proud of had become synonymous with 'fat,' so I had no choice but to diet and work out."

"I think your figure is perfect," Duke set down his teacup, not holding back his praise. "You're on par with many Hollywood actresses."

Glancing at Irene with admiration, Duke added, "You're about five foot eight, right? If you got too thin, it might ruin your overall look."

Out of Duke's sight, Irene subtly pursed her lips. *This explosive director knows how to appreciate beauty? More like destroy it.*

Unaware of what was going through her mind, Duke continued, "Personally, I think the current trend of extreme thinness in the fashion world is a form of unhealthy beauty. It destroys the natural beauty that was given to us and is bad for one's health."

"I don't agree," Irene Randal clearly had a different view. "As the saying goes, there are no ugly women, only lazy ones. Much of beauty is achieved through artificial means, like the products my company makes. Duke, if everyone pursued the natural beauty you're talking about, brands like Randal and Chanel wouldn't even need to exist."

At that moment, the server arrived with their food. Irene gave a tip, looked at Duke, and said with a slight smile, "You dislike it because it doesn't fit your aesthetic."

"Aesthetic?" Duke asked with surprise, picking up his utensils. "You know my aesthetic?"

"Of course."

Irene Randal laughed, as though she were a beautiful brown-haired fox. "Have you forgotten? I'm one of your biggest fans. You can see a director's tastes in women through their films."

"Did you ask my mother about this?" Duke looked at her cautiously, aware of the good relationship between her and his mother.

"I just got a little insight from Aunt Leah," Irene Randal put on a more serious expression, perhaps worried that Duke might misunderstand. "I love your films and was just curious about what kind of person could make them. Besides, your mom didn't reveal much."

"So, what's your assessment of my taste in women?"

After thinking for a moment, Irene Randal answered, "Blonde, tall, sexy—like one of those Victoria's Secret Angels."

"I'm just realizing now," Duke said with mock seriousness, "Irene, you're the one who knows me best."

A genuine smile appeared on Irene Randal's face. "Isn't there a saying? Fans are the ones who know their idols the best."

"You once told me you only liked my movies," Duke chuckled. "Besides, fans are often the ones who can't see their idols clearly."

As time passed, the initial awkwardness between them from not having seen each other in a while began to fade. Their conversation became more relaxed, touching on mutual interests, and they shared the occasional laugh like old friends.

"The assistant director I'm recommending is Anna."

When the conversation shifted to the upcoming commercial shoot, Irene brought up the assistant director. "Do you remember her? I introduced you at the premiere of 'Saving Private Ryan.'"

Duke nodded. "As long as her work is up to standard."

If her professional ability was above par, Duke would return the favor. But if she wasn't competent, he wouldn't use her, even if she was recommended by Irene Randal.

"You know, Duke," Irene said as she set down her fork and wiped her mouth, "there were initially some objections to you directing the commercial. But after reading your script, especially the tagline, everyone dropped their opposition."

"Do I really have that much charm?" Duke raised an eyebrow.

"It's the last line that's really compelling."

After a brief recollection, Irene Randal said in a low, magnetic voice, "This is not a journey. A journey always has an end, but we will continue. The world is turning, and we are changing with it. When plans disappear and dreams become the master, no matter where I go, you are there! My luck, my destiny, Randal Youth Dew, is irreplaceable!"

After dinner, Duke sent Irene Randal home and returned to his mother's apartment to prepare for the next commercial.

...

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