Chapter 45: Chapter 45: This Side and That Side
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Adrian suddenly felt an urge to laugh. In front of him, Jas Caron exuded a hint of fanaticism; he resembled a bandit who was finally able to carry off a treasure trove, utterly devoid of the deanor he displayed years later when he shouted into countless caras, “I’m the king of the world.”
He was about to speak when the elevator doors opened, revealing the bustling hotel lobby outside. Adrian smiled and motioned to Jas and Wendell, “How about we find a place to sit down and talk slowly?”
The three of them went to the bar in the lobby and, after ordering drinks, began to chat. Jas did not impatiently pull Adrian into a discussion about investnt as he had in the elevator. Instead, he casually chatted about films.
From “Terminator” to “Aliens” and then to last year’s “The Abyss,” Jas talked about everything, not even shying away from the difficulties he faced when filming his first movie, “Piranha II.” Adrian, having guessed so of his thoughts, praised him appropriately while introducing himself briefly. He also learned that the reason for their encounter with Jas and Wendell was that the production company was also hosting a party at the Baccarat Hotel.
“It’s a real pity, Ed. I should have gone to the theater to see ‘nto’ earlier; it must be an outstanding film.” After hearing Adrian’s introduction to his latest work, Jas sighed, though it was unclear whether he was sincere or just being polite.
“You wouldn’t be that interested, Jas. You’re more passionate about technology and effects than editing techniques,” Adrian smiled and shook his head, “just like how you insisted on diving underwater for hours to film ‘The Abyss.'”
“That’s true,” Jas did not deny it, “The reason I took seven years to make a sequel to ‘Terminator’ is because the technology wasn’t eting my requirents. Rember when I told you that the final fight with the robot in the first ‘Terminator’ was fild fra by fra? If it were done today, it wouldn’t be that troubleso.”
At this point, he suddenly beca excited, “You know, Ed, this ti I’ve designed a liquid tal Terminator, played by Robert Patrick as the T-1000, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 will have spectacular action scenes protecting the young future leader. Just go to my studio and watch the completed segnts to know that your $10 million investnt is absolutely worth it.”
“I completely believe it, Jas,” Adrian nodded, “as long as you’re willing and the producers agree, I can transfer the money to your account at any ti.”
“Pardon my curiosity, Mr. Adrian, may I know why you are so keen to invest?” Wendell, who hadn’t spoken until now, interjected, “You ntioned earlier that your company has just started to improve; there’s no need to get involved.”
Wendell’s subtext was clear. The risk was high, to say the least. Ten million was relatively small compared to one hundred million, and even if the film made money in the end, Adrian wouldn’t get much. Jas quickly signaled his partner with his eyes, but Wendell seed not to notice, staring unblinkingly at the young man before him.
“In my view, just the na Jas Caron makes the investnt worthwhile,” Adrian said leisurely.
Upon hearing this, both Jas and Wendell were taken aback. Several minutes later, Jas burst into triumphant laughter and extended his hand to Adrian, “Then it’s settled, Ed!”
“But there’s one thing I must declare,” Adrian suddenly said while shaking Jas’s hand, his tone unusually solemn, “only 10 million, no more.”
Jas froze, utterly at a loss regarding what the earnest-looking Adrian was saying, until Wendell beside him let out a chuckle, at which point Jas rolled his eyes and also couldn’t help but smile wryly.
Would this investnt truly not yield much profit? How could that be? This was the second “Terminator”! Even if the box office remained unchanged, Adrian would have nearly double the profit, which was already quite good. Of course, his target wasn’t this movie. Since God let him encounter Jas Caron here and et him when he was worried about funding for “Terminator 2,” it would be negligent not to make an emotional investnt.
Jas Caron had only been a top director for a few years, and what solidified his position was this “Terminator 2,” which was nearing completion. So there was no better ti than now. Just think of how many technologies and records this technology fanatic had birthed, and it was clear that it was absolutely necessary to align with him now. It’s just…
Predictably, just like in his mory, the man had already started wantonly burning money to film “Terminator 2,” one could only imagine how crazy he would be a few years later when making the then-largest investnt film in history. On the way back, as Adrian drove, he pondered. But it’s nothing; the timing now was just right. Jas Caron would not be a problem. It was Spielberg who might pose a challenge. Could he persuade him without using his trump card?
—
“Don’t worry, Hols, I assure you the production of ‘Hook’ will be completed on ti, so there’s no need to be so apprehensive.” Spielberg gestured in the air, as if trying to reassure the producer from Sony, who was sitting on another single sofa.
“Alright, Steven, we’ve known each other a long ti, and I don’t want to hide it from you. The company hopes that this film will be released in the sumr slot,” Hols sighed, “You know, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Wendy, Little Fairy—children’s favorites.”
“Sumr slot? I’m sorry, Hols, that’s not going to happen.” Spielberg shrugged and took a sip of his coffee, “I have a lot to deal with, and I won’t allow the post-production to be rushed.”
“How can you call it rushed, Steven? Just pick up the pace a bit.” Hols spread his hands.
“We haven’t worked together for a short ti, Hols. You know how I operate.” Spielberg showed no sign of yielding, “Besides, the Christmas slot is also a decent choice, isn’t it?”
Hols stared at him for a while, “Is it because of that investnt rejection?”
“How could you say such a thing, Hols!” Spielberg frowned.
“So that’s the reason—co on, Steven, I know you’ve always wanted to make this movie, but nobody would appreciate it. It would be better to donate the money than to spend it on this.” Hols stubbornly shook his head.
“You’re insulting , Hols!” Spielberg’s tone beca vehent, “For years, not a single day passed without considering giving it to soone else, but no one was willing to take it on. Since that’s the case, I will personally direct and produce it! Their refusal doesn’t matter, but for you to say that now is truly disappointing!”
The two looked at each other for a while before Hols sighed and relented, “Alright, I apologize, Steven; I offended you, I’m very sorry.”
Spielberg also sighed, knowing the other party ant no harm, “Let’s leave it at that, Hols.”
“Alright, Christmas slot, I’ll inform them.” Hols nodded, got up, and left the office.
Watching the other party leave, Spielberg sat quietly on the sofa for a few more minutes, pondering who knew what, before finally exhaling deeply and moving to the desk to go through so docunts.
At this mont, the phone on the desk rang, “Mr. Spielberg, a Mr. Adrian Cowell is here to see you; he says he has an appointnt.”
Spielberg was montarily stunned, checked the ti, then realized, “Yes, that’s right, please let him in.”
Adrian Cowell, he repeated the na in his mind several tis, and the scene from that evening resurfaced in his mory. He initially hadn’t wanted to attend the party, but Elaine had called in person and it was hard to refuse.
The young man initially made a good impression on him, courteous and composed, with his own views on people and things. Moreover, he had seen the film previously praised by critics, the editing was exquisite, and it turned a simple story into sothing outstanding. The young man was impressive and had potential, but his comrcial intent was rather evident. He said everything for the sake of the last sentence.
Thinking of this, Spielberg couldn’t help but shake his head slightly. He didn’t see comrcial intent as a bad thing; after years of making movies, he knew firsthand how pragmatic Hollywood was. He just felt this young man was a bit too impatient. If he were more composed and approached the matter later, Spielberg would definitely consider it seriously. As for now…
“Hello, Ed, it’s great we could et again so soon.” When the young face appeared at the door, Spielberg stood up and shook hands with him.
“Thank you for taking the ti, Steven.” Adrian greeted warmly, easily making people feel at ease.
They sat on opposite sides of the desk and, after so pleasantries, got down to business.
“I rember, when we left the party, you ntioned wanting to adapt a sci-fi novel into a movie, didn’t you?” Spielberg asked first.
“Yes.” Adrian nodded, then placed the book he’d been holding on the desk, pushing it towards him, “A sci-fi novel about dinosaurs, quite interesting.”
“About dinosaurs?” Spielberg involuntarily raised an eyebrow, and upon picking up the book on the desk, he was montarily stunned.
“Michael Crichton’s ‘Jurassic Park,'” Adrian’s voice sounded again, “Shortly after its publication last year, I had soone contact him and finally obtained the movie adaptation rights after several turns of negotiation. I’ve spoken with Michael a few tis over the phone, and we both believe you’re the best choice to direct and produce this film.”
(Things haven’t been going well these days, and I’m running out of drafts. Everyone, please cast so recomndations to encourage .)
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