From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

“So, that settles things…”

Anyone could tell that Michael was wrapping up, preparing to end the meeting. Sam abruptly looked up at Amy and Ian, only to find them remaining silent—

Should he be disappointed?

Honestly, he had anticipated this. In the face of real利益 (lìyì, benefits/interests), they were all insignificant. Whether it was him, or Anson, even Leonardo DiCaprio or Tom Cruise, standing before capital, they were all just ants.

However, knowing this, even having a premonition just now, why did he still feel angry?

An uncontrollable anger.

Sam recalled the past few months, how he and Anson constantly exchanged emails, constantly discussed the characters and plot, meticulously polishing the movie.

Sam also recalled Anson’s focus and dedication since filming began. If he hadn't insisted that Anson needed to be personally involved, if he hadn't insisted that the movie needed to authentically present the actor's form and temperament, Anson wouldn't have taken the risk, and the accident wouldn't have happened.

Now, Anson was lying in a hospital bed, enduring and struggling with pain, yet no one at Sony Columbia was concerned about his condition, instead discussing how to replace him.

A chill crept in from the soles of his feet, rushing all the way to the top of his head, exploding open.

Michael's unhurried voice continued to drone on in his ear, the emotionless tone seeming so cold and so sharp.

Finally, Sam couldn't control himself any longer—

Bang.

Suddenly, Sam stood up, the chair flipping backward, creating a loud crash that was particularly resounding in the five-person conference room, comparable to a thunderclap.

“If Anson is replaced, then I’m also withdrawing from the project.”

Silent until now, he stunned everyone with a single statement.

After dropping this bombshell, Sam didn't linger. He turned and pushed open the conference room door, panting and storming off in a fit of anger.

Sam knew this was anger speaking, he also knew that Anson plus him was still no match for the power of the studio, and he also knew he was taking a risk.

But he didn't care.

This was the only way for him to show his integrity.

Before, when modifying the script, Sam had been holding back a breath. In fact, he knew Anson was right, but Sony Columbia still had their considerations, refusing to budge on the female lead's characterization, which left Sam feeling regretful. He knew the movie could be better, but ultimately couldn't be completed according to their wishes.

That feeling was really terrible.

Now, facing a similar situation again, although Sam believed he might regret it once he calmed down, because Sony Columbia didn't even care about Anson, let alone him? But he still couldn't bring himself to continue feigning compliance. Even if he continued to linger in the crew, he would feel uneasy.

Leaving would be regrettable, staying would be regrettable, so he might as well follow his own heart.

At least this way it would be more enjoyable.

Letting out a long breath, the heavy stone weighing on his chest was lifted.

Free of worries, Sam straightened his back again, his steps becoming light once more.

The conference room, however, was a scene of devastation, a deathly silence spreading.

Michael's temples throbbed faintly, but on the surface, he still controlled himself, lightly shrugging his shoulders and saying in a nonchalant manner.

“Well, it seems my preparation wasn't thorough enough. I should have prepared a backup director list. I need to work harder next time.”

A joke, a jest, attempting to defuse the oppressive atmosphere in the conference room.

However, this time it failed.

Laura didn't respond either, only looking at Michael with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, “I think we still have a lot… a lot of work to do next.”

Meaningful, but only hinting—

The meeting did not continue and ended there.

For Michael, replacing actors and replacing directors were not problems; of course, Sam's resignation might face some opposition from the board of directors. Although Sam was re-signed by Amy's decision, the board of directors also approved it. The re-signing work was completed one month before the release of "Spider-Man", so Michael may need to spend some effort to convince the board of directors, but he doesn't think this is an impossible task.

Sam Raimi is not Steven Spielberg or James Cameron—even these top directors, they, like actors, cannot override producers and film companies. Precisely because of this, these top directors often also work as producers. In Hollywood, the authority of the producer is the core of the entire crew.

Replacing Anson and then replacing Sam, "Spider-Man 2" would truly wash away Amy's mark, and Michael could smoothly take over this important project, paving the way for his exclusive control.

However, things were not so simple.

At this critical juncture, replacing Anson was already challenging the public's bottom line, and Sony Columbia needed a perfect public relations marketing strategy; if the director resigned along with him, then Sony Columbia would be pushed into an ungrateful situation, and the public opinion outlook would be bleak.

With just a slight deviation, "Spider-Man 2" could evolve from being highly anticipated to being reviled by everyone, and might even face a boycott from a large number of viewers.

On a moral level, Sony Columbia would fall into a predicament.

Therefore, even though Michael would be very happy for Sam and Anson to leave together, his reason reined him in, and he also knew that he couldn't take the risk—

If Michael really prepared to take the risk, he would need a more complete plan and strategy, otherwise it would be a disaster.

Sam's all-or-nothing gamble with his career earned Anson a glimmer of hope, but the point is that this hope is still very weak and very slim, and Sony Columbia still firmly occupies the initiative.

Everyone knows that banging an egg against a stone is a very foolish thing, and no one wants to do it; but miracles in real life often require such a spirit, otherwise miracles cannot be called miracles.

On that side, Sam dropped a bombshell, barely winning some operating space for Amy.

Not even Amy, Sam also had no way to stop such a grandiose reason, even if the media knew, Sony Columbia could stand tall.

However, the point is that Sony Columbia's confidentiality measures were very thorough, keeping everything low-key and confidential, and avoiding leaks as much as possible.

If they could prevent the media from knowing, Sony Columbia would still prefer to continue keeping it secret.

So, is this a guilty conscience?

An accident stirred up a pool of water, and all the mud deposited underground surged up, making everything turbid and chaotic, a noisy and bustling scene.

Undercurrents surging, brewing a storm.

At this moment, the time to test one's character and network ability has arrived—

Who can get the news first?