From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Movie?

Anson was slightly surprised because Darren was mainly active in the television circle. Although he had many friends in the movie circle, Darren himself said that movies and television were two completely different production systems, and movies were much more complicated. He was not prepared to try in the movie field for the time being.

Of course, with Darren's status and connections, if he were to prepare a movie, he could easily find a large group of people willing to help.

"Uncle Darren, are you preparing to make a movie? Of course, no problem. I'll tell Edgar the time and place, and I'll have him arrange the schedule."

If it were someone else, Anson might say politely, "Let me consider it" or "Read the script." The fact that he was currently recording an album and didn't have a schedule was only part of the reason. The real reason was Edgar's instructions:

After the great success of "Spider-Man", considering that Anson's collaboration with Steven and Tom Hanks, "Catch Me If You Can", was also waiting to be released, it meant that Anson had successfully and firmly established himself in Hollywood.

As one can imagine, projects inviting Anson popped up overnight—

Each with their own thoughts.

Some people just wanted to蹭蹭热度 (catch the heat), some wanted to use Anson to hype news, some hoped to use Anson's name to attract investment, and some were purely joining in the fun, throwing over whatever roles they had regardless of whether they were suitable or not.

Now, Anson was a desirable commodity.

But this was only part of the reason. Putting aside these behind-the-scenes intrigues and grievances of the celebrity circle, what Edgar really cared about was Anson's career planning.

How should he choose the next work after "Spider-Man" and "Catch Me If You Can"?

The focus was not on the success or failure of the movie—of course, it would be great if the movie could be successful, but no one could predict the success or failure of a movie; but on the type of movie, the style of the role, and the shaping of the image.

Continue to choose handsome and unrestrained youth roles to deepen the image of the dream lover of the masses; or choose some roles that explore acting skills and break through oneself, and emphasize the actor's personal characteristics before the image is finalized?

Continue to cooperate with big directors and big projects, fully open arms to embrace commercial genre films; or choose independent films to neutralize the image and pave the way for opening the awards season?

Every actor must have their considerations. If the actor themselves doesn't have such ideas, then the agent must complete this task for the actor.

Not to mention the distant ones, Sandra Bullock's choice to star in "Murder by Numbers" is an example.

Although "Murder by Numbers" achieved mediocre results, at least Sandra showed her ambition and ideas, which sent a signal to Hollywood. Naturally, when other roles, other types, or other producers were considering, they would not simply reject Sandra outright.

Countless people become famous overnight in Hollywood, but if you want to achieve success, you need patience, take one step at a time, and take a long-term view.

So, Edgar was not in a hurry—

He was currently selecting scripts and projects, and was also contacting directors and producers, taking the initiative to slowly select roles for Anson.

As for Anson, he could enjoy a short vacation. It just so happened that he had been intensively promoting for the past two months, and the busy schedule day and night was a severe test for his body and energy. Now he could rest and adjust.

When Anson expressed his intention to record an album, Edgar raised both hands and feet in agreement, which was also one of the reasons.

The most gratifying thing was that the success of "Spider-Man" far exceeded expectations, and now people's attention to Anson's next work has risen sharply; and this so-called "next work" has already been arranged:

"Catch Me If You Can".

An impeccable choice, which could give Edgar more room to maneuver and carefully select Anson's next work.

If it were someone else, Anson would have deflected with some polite excuses; but the person on the other end of the phone was Darren, and Anson had no reason to refuse.

Not only did he not refuse, but he also readily agreed.

Darren smiled dumbfounded—

Regardless of the truth, hearing Anson's response, a smile still crept onto his lips, and Darren felt a burst of relief.

"You said that, I've remembered it, and I'll find a chance to cash it in next time," Darren chuckled, "But this time, it's not my project."

"But indeed, I need a little help."

This time, Anson was not in a hurry and listened patiently.

"Anson, now you are standing at the forefront, every move you make attracts attention, and those who can't wait to pull you down are watching you, so you need to be more cautious, that's right."

"I need your help, but you don't necessarily have to agree immediately. Listen carefully to the project, and then consider it yourself."

In Darren's view, Anson was family, no different from his own children. Compared to the interests and exchanges of the celebrity circle, he would definitely put Anson first.

Anson also showed a smile, "Uncle Darren, since that's the case, then you tell me first, who exactly asked you for help? I'll think about it based on their weight."

As expected, Anson was smart.

A smile flashed in Darren's eyes, "HBO."

Anson: … … "It seems that this favor is something I have to help with."

HBO Television, the sugar daddy of "Sex and the City", and also Darren's boss.

If HBO invited Darren to help, then Anson naturally had to give face.

Darren laughed heartily again, "You little rascal, things are not that serious, don't worry, I still have some say in HBO; moreover, HBO itself doesn't value this help that much this time, it's just that I think this is an opportunity, and it just happens to be suitable for you, so I took the initiative to recommend you to HBO, saying that you can consider it."

So that's how it is.

Anson deliberately sighed exaggeratedly, "Then I can feel a little more relieved. So, what's the drama?"

During this period of time at the turn of the millennium, HBO can be called a classic manufacturing machine, producing countless classic masterpieces, "The Sopranos", "Six Feet Under", "Sex and the City", "Band of Brothers", "The Wire", "Oz", "Entourage", etc., and enduring the test of time, making HBO's existence itself a brand.

Anson raised his eyebrows slightly—

TV movies, simply put, are movies specially broadcast on TV stations. Because of the small screen of the TV, the texture of the big screen of the movie theater cannot be presented, so the photography and picture of TV movies are not so particular, and they do not pay so much attention to audiovisual language. Correspondingly, the drama of the plot will be highlighted to attract the audience's attention.

Although TV movies are relatively niche, TV stations have been insisting on production, and the Emmy Awards also have a special department to commend them.

In other words, it is very common for TV stations to produce TV movies; but it is very rare for TV stations to produce movies.

Anson really didn't expect it.

Darren knew that Anson was now in a period of rising career, and if it wasn't a movie project, he wouldn't have asked Anson, after all, it wouldn't be a wise choice for Anson to return to TV series or TV movies now.

"Do you know a director named Gus Van Sant?"