Ace Hollywood

Paul Walker even remembers the exhilaration of chatting with Daniel at the "Wild Beatles" bar when he got the news from his manager.

He realized at the time that Daniel seemed stressed, but he didn't know why, Daniel didn't tell him, and Paul certainly didn't ask abruptly.

From the looks of it now, he should have been fighting for the critical time for the role of "Gladiator".

Even an open-minded person like Paul is somewhat appetizing. Of course, this has nothing to do with jealousy or other emotions. After all, Paul was once an actor strongly recommended by the investor Universal Pictures, but was strongly rejected by Ridley. It's almost a definitive statement that Daniel's acting is above him.

Well, this is nothing new, some people can't always deduce it with common sense.

"He should have been a treat that night, don't you think, Neeson?"

Neeson was his manager, a shrewd, capable middle-aged man, a little bald, but kind-faced.

As a senior agent, Neeson jumped from CAA to Universal. Paul is his main young actor. Backed by Universal, he has almost no shortage of plays, and his own qualifications are also very good. In the past few years, I have participated in several works, and the response has been very good, and the popularity has been rising step by step.

But Daniel's unexpected rise in "Campus Blues" seems to have affected Paul's plan to enter the mainstream film circle with this film. Of course, this is Nissen's wishful thinking. Even without Daniel, it is unknown whether Paul can succeed. So I had to continue to star in a thriller "Skull Club", and it was logical to become the protagonist of "Fast and Furious".

Neeson had heard about the fact that the role of Commodus in "Gladiator" fell to Daniel. After all, many people in the agency department of Universal Pictures had targeted the role.

Nissen has a vague understanding of the resources used by both sides for this purpose, as well as Daniel's Jedi counterattack.

Paul doesn't know this, and his character doesn't have to rely on intrigue.

"Maybe at the celebration banquet on the 25th, you can tell him this."

"The 25th? Isn't it the middle of next month?"

"School Blues" should almost end its large-scale release next month, and the final box office in the United States will also be settled, so everyone thinks it is more appropriate to hold a celebration banquet in the middle of the month.

However, the staff of Paramount's distribution department communicated with them before, and it may be held in advance, because the stars' schedules are involuntary, so they are asking for everyone's opinions.

Of course Paul is fine, Fast Furious hasn't started filming yet.

But he was more curious about the intention of the celebration to change the time, "Could it be because—?"

"As you think."

"Oh~~, okay!"

The news of Daniel's participation in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "Gladiator" is enough to attract a large number of media, which can obviously add fire to the second half of "School Blues".

"He's a big hit now."

Paul is right, Daniel is indeed a celebrity, and the most direct reaction is that he started to discover the paparazzi.

The paparazzi ambushed near his rented house, hoping to take some photos of life. If there is too much difference from the photo, it would be great. In addition, if Daniel can be photographed with a blonde or a black girl with a strong body, it is enough to attract attention.

And Daniel's current rental house can't avoid the paparazzi,

His window is only a few meters from the road.

Kusa had to drop other things and find a house for him first.

"Danny, there are several choices now, a high-end apartment on Merroco Avenue, a small villa in Weirui City, and a relatively low-rent Malibu apartment that CAA is willing to provide you. Medium-sized house."

"Malibu?"

The world-famous Malibu Beach in Los Angeles is full of single-family homes large and small, and is popular with Hollywood stars because of its good scenery and hilly terrain. A stay in Malibu is often seen as one of the hallmarks of star status.

"Can we really afford it now?"

Daniel knew he had just made some money, but it wasn't much at all to be honest. As an actor, he's pretty good, at least he doesn't need to spend too much on clothes, but for occasions like the celebration party of "School Blues", he still needs decent clothes.

Of course, he now has some small brands willing to sponsor, and some second-tier brands will also lend dresses. But Kusa has a long-term vision. He hopes that Daniel will not accept sponsorship for the time being, because big brands are often not willing to share a person with second-tier brands.

But living in a Malibu home is not a matter of furnishing this level at all.

Daniel has every reason to suspect that, even if he is still frugal, his savings will not last long, and following Cusa's advice, he now needs to save for retirement, save or invest.

These are to prevent financial crisis should the business hit a low point.

Although it seems that he went to Italy to shoot "Gladiator" this year, and then flew to New Zealand before Christmas to continue filming "Lord of the Rings", there is not much he can do during this period, Peter is a serious director, and it is impossible for Daniel to ask to focus on shooting himself role. This means that in the first year of the new millennium, he will basically spend on the "Lord of the Rings" crew, so at least until the end of 2000, he will be busy, and with the appearance of "Gladiator" and "Lord of the Rings", In the next two years, he doesn't have to worry about not having a job.

Of course, this doesn't mean that Kusa and Daniel can relax a little bit.

Not at all!

If the development of super A-level stars in Hollywood is compared to a tree, the current Daniel has just climbed to the first branch. He can choose to sit here and watch the scenery below. Yes, there are always more People can only walk on the ground or try to climb around the tree.

But that's not their goal.

There is a filming or a small fortune.

For Daniel, his once silent years in front of the camera have become darker as he spends more time in Hollywood and America.

He is no longer satisfied with explaining other people's stories in front of the camera, he hopes more people will come to see his story, how he interprets himself in the process of interpreting others.

This kind of desire is itching on the tip of his heart, he can't scratch it, it can only be washed away by the surging blood over and over again.

And for Cusa.

The goal is even clearer. He has been looking for the seeds that will allow him to achieve greatness. From Daniel's current perspective, he has great potential.

The dream is in the palm of his hand, how could he stop his pace.

The most important thing the two careerists have in common is never to be satisfied.

So Kusa doesn’t seem to have much work now, but in fact he is very busy, looking for the production list for the next three to four years, screening suitable roles for performances, analyzing the cast, production team, investment and distribution department’s capabilities, it is a commercial film It's still for the Oscars, and even which producers can accept more stringent entry conditions.

For example, the box office share!

Actor managers are a bunch of vampire bats who can’t get enough of themselves. When they get 100,000, they want 1 million. When they get 1 million, they want 10 million. If you really give him 10 million, he will start to extravagantly want the box office revenue. up.

And these conditions have to be discussed one by one for different films and different situations.

A simple example, following "Gladiator", Kusa hardly put forward any conditions, not to mention that the producer gave one million, even if he was only willing to give two hundred thousand, he would not ask for an increase in salary.

But if Daniel chooses to take over "Legally Blonde", then Kusa may add more to the 400,000 they gave, calling for 600,000 or even 800,000. In addition, the shooting cycle, publicity obligations, etc., will also be negotiated with every penny.

Some resources are able to add value to you, while others want to consume you.

The price tag is of course different.

Even with Daniel's current status, Cusa already has a lot of things, so you can imagine how many things Tom Hanks needs to arrange and how big a team is to serve him.

Cusa can still find time to choose a house for Daniel. Tom's big agent certainly doesn't have this time.

Compared to Daniel's doubts, of course doubts about whether he can afford the bills, Cusa is much more optimistic.

"I suggest you choose this one, this is Kevin, did I tell you? CAA's vice president, Kevin Goley, he made a call to Universal for your role, and now he sees you as his potential Shares. He prepared this house for you, and you only need to pay 120,000 US dollars a year, which is still within the range we can afford."

"OK, should we accept his offer?"

"It's best. We didn't expect CAA to help you before, but there is no need to make Kevin unhappy. Besides, why not take advantage of it?"

Several choices were not balanced, and the house in Malibu was obviously superior to other options. Since there was no financial problem, Daniel did not intend to wrong himself.

The two decided to move there as soon as possible, everything was ready-made there, and Daniel didn't have any luggage, at most it was some simple fitness equipment recently purchased.

Daniel now knows how difficult it is to maintain a good figure.

Diet, exercise and sleep are all essential.

As for those female stars, they could only be stricter than him.

After the house was arranged, Kusa quickly forwarded another letter.

"What's this?"

A pink rose was printed on the letter.

"An invitation from Cameron Diaz?"

"Yes, Wesley gave it to me just now. Cameron is going to have guests in her new house. It's in Malibu, not too far from your house, but it's four older than you, and they bought it by themselves. of."

Kusa's expression is really a bit embarrassing, but Daniel still decided not to be as knowledgeable as him.

"It looks like they're going to open their arms and accept me?"

"Of course, they have also prepared a special knife for you. Once they think it is necessary, they will stab into your body without hesitation."

"Oh, don't make it so scary. Well, it doesn't matter who stabs who."

"If you decide to participate, of course you can't refuse. Cameron is their temptation. Whether you are a rebellious brat or a sensible boy, they will know soon."

Daniel put the invitation letter aside. He still has less than ten days left in Los Angeles. On the 25th, he will attend the "College Blues" celebration banquet. Cameron's party is on the 30th, leaving him to familiarize himself with the script of "Gladiator". Time is running out.

He is currently studying Commodius, the young Roman emperor, who has too many qualities worth exploring. How to put them in the same role is a test for actors, and he is deeply involved in it.

He didn't realize it was the 25th until he brought a Chicago girl to dress him up.

Paramount rented the Beverly Hilton and set up a short red carpet to welcome invited stars and guests. So Daniel had to make himself presentable, at least to be worthy of the wave he caused.

Kusa purchased a Burberry suit for him, which cost a total of 60,000 US dollars, and other leather shoes, ties, shirts, etc. were worth more than 100,000.

It's a big expense.

"It's unavoidable," said Cusa's tone unquestionably. "This is Andy, your assistant, and I have to free myself from your chores. And if you leave the United States for filming, you have to take it with you." It's time for an assistant."

Daniel nodded knowingly. Generally speaking, after signing a contract with a brokerage company, an artist will be assigned an assistant. Of course, it is not a full-time assistant. He may be in charge of several people, and he will not be very concerned about your affairs. When you think you need a full-time assistant, you can communicate with your agent, or you can hire yourself, because the salary of a full-time assistant is completely paid by the artist.

So now, Daniel has to raise Andy in addition to the commission from Kusa and CAA.

The pressure is not small.

CAA's makeup artist did a simple lightening for him. If you want to be more radiant in the camera, you always need makeup, regardless of gender.

Then Andy changed him.

"This seems to be your first time wearing formal clothes." Kusa froze for a moment, "It's dazzling."

Suits are very demanding on the figure, whether the shoulders are strong enough, whether the chest muscles are full, whether the legs are O-shaped or X-shaped, and so on.

Daniel turned around twice in place.

"Andy, how are you, handsome?"

"Yes, the clothes fit you very well, but please don't move too much, it will appear inappropriate."

Daniel winked at Kusa secretly, where did you find it?

Kusa shrugged and urged him to hurry.

They have to arrive before five o'clock, and then meet with the crew in the lounge, and then greet the guests for a while.

The red carpet starts at six o'clock, and the main creators of the crew are the first wave. They need to greet the guests at the other end of the red carpet.

It's already early three o'clock, and considering the occasional traffic jams, it's time to start.

...

Everyone has arrived except James.

Daniel really surprised them when he entered the dugout.

With a slender figure and a tall and straight figure, Burberry's classic formal suit is full of taste.

Paul ran up to him as soon as he saw him, punched him hard, and was startled by Andy behind Daniel.

Andy was staring at him with wide eyes.

"This is my assistant, Andy, and she is in charge of my body today."

Paul held up his hands, "Well, empathize."

Daniel hurried forward and hugged Bryan who opened his arms. Brian was to him what Bole was to Maxima. Of course, Daniel did not disappoint him.

Then there are Michael Tollin, Ellie and Amy. James is not in the country, so he can only regret his absence.

"Daniel, when are you going to Rome?"

"Early July, maybe a week away, and Ridley and the team have gone first."

Brian said with some regret, "When we were filming, I still wanted to invite you to participate in my next work, but it is definitely not possible now."

"Your new movie? Will it start this year?"

"It's also July." Brian was a little excited. Directing "School Blues" is a test of his ability. The current box office of nearly 70 million is obviously a perfect answer for him, and the next plan is a matter of course. .

"I have to travel around Italy and Malta for at least three months, oh, I'm afraid to think about it."

"Will you be there at the premiere, probably in June next year?"

Ellie pushed Paul Walker at this time, and asked in a low voice, "Did Brian invite you to the premiere of his new movie?"

Of course, everyone heard it.

Brian laughed to himself.

Starting at 5:20, guests began to arrive.

Daniel didn't know who Paramount and Brian had invited, and he didn't know Paramount's handwriting until Ben Stiller was the first to show up.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Aniston, and, to Daniel's surprise, Russell Ella Crowe.

That is, the actor who played Maximus in "Gladiator".

He has been losing weight in his hometown in Australia before—it is said that he worked on his own farm. He just returned to Los Angeles a few days ago. He will also fly to Italy in early July to join the filming.

In any case, this time Daniel will come out of the main creative group. The previous entertainments were basically led by Brian, Michael or Paul. After all, they are the real main creators of this movie.

But it's different now. Although it's not good to be sentimental, Crowe's decision to attend the celebration banquet will not really have nothing to do with him.

Daniel stepped forward, smiled and hugged Crowe.

"I didn't expect to see you here. I thought we would have to go to Italy to meet you." Daniel kept his duty as a latecomer, being affectionate but not too flattering.

"They invited me, so here I am," Crowe whispered, "You know I don't like to attend these occasions, it's all for your sake."

Daniel blinked, "...Really? You are really a righteous person."

Crowe winked at him too.

Then both of them smiled happily.

Crowe looks nothing like the character he portrays.

Everyone also knew that they were about to collaborate, and Daniel led Crowe and the main creators of the crew to meet one by one.

After a short break, the crew came to inform that the red carpet was about to begin.

Reporters and movie fans who heard the news were already waiting on both sides of the red carpet.

The creators of "The Blues" still struggled with their positions, and finally Brian stood in the middle, next to him were Ellie and Amy, next to Ellie was Paul, and Daniel stood on Amy's side.

On today's red carpet, they are undoubtedly the protagonists. As soon as they walked on the red carpet, the flashing lights immediately flashed non-stop, and screams came from their ears.

There is no doubt that Daniel is the loudest, then Paul, and of course there are fans of Ellie and Amy, but they are completely overshadowed by the scenery of the two men.

This scene was quite unfamiliar to Daniel.

It's not that he hasn't walked the red carpet, even the red carpets in Cannes and Venice, but no one screams his name, let alone such a strong purpose, almost pouring flashes.

A whole new experience.