"It seems these are the actors we're going with."
Producer Enrico Pusi read out the list of successful auditionees, looking at Director Gray, Kazir, who was rhythmically tapping the table with his fingers.
To be honest, in this film, most of the important roles were taken by Kazir's old acquaintances.
This is actually a very common phenomenon in Hollywood; directors mostly prefer to work with actors they have collaborated with before.
Just like Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, who collaborated multiple times to create countless classic characters; David Fincher and Brad Pitt, who worked together to produce several uniquely styled masterpieces.
Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, a powerful combination; Christopher Nolan and Michael Caine, who worked seamlessly together in multiple films; and Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, whose collaboration became a legend in the film industry.
There are countless such examples.
Simply put, directors are more willing to work with people they trust—this has long been an open secret.
Of course, Enrico also had his own agenda, wanting to get a few of his own people into the cast.
After all, everyone in this industry knows that this is an unwritten rule in Hollywood—as long as the actor fits the character and their acting skills are on point, no one will have any objections.
"Enrico, have the actors sign their contracts as soon as possible; I want to start filming within a month," Kazir said seriously, stopping his tapping.
"Understood," Enrico nodded in response.
the hangover doesn't need to be too serious; its mission is clear: to make the audience laugh.
If it can successfully amuse the audience, then it's halfway to success.
"The other half is to turn the audience's laughter into tangible box office revenue. As long as people watch it and it makes money, the film will be a success," Kazir continued.
"Leave this to me, you can rest assured!" Enrico confidently patted his chest.
Salary negotiations have always been the producer's job, or more accurately, a tug-of-war between the producer and the agent—the upcoming negotiations would undoubtedly be a tough battle.
Fortunately, most of the actors who passed the auditions weren't very famous, with Ed Helms being the only one who might be a bit difficult.
With the popularity of napoleon dynamite, his agent's appetite would certainly grow, and asking for over a million was almost a given.
"Alright, that's great. Please excuse me, I have a party to attend," Kazir said, getting up to leave.
He was going to a party hosted by Tom Cruise.
To be honest, Kazir himself wondered why he received an invitation from Tom Cruise.
He hadn't interacted with the big star many times and wasn't even sure if he remembered him, as his original self was just an inconspicuous gaffer in the rain man crew back then.
The auditions were finally over, and the production team had a list of their preferred actors.
Of course, just in case, they also had backup actors. For example, if Ed Helms refused due to low pay, Enrico and Kazir would have no choice but to use their second choice.
In Hollywood, there's no such thing as being indispensable.
Take Robert Downey Jr., for example; everyone says he's the only Iron Man, but who doesn't know he got the role because Tom Cruise turned it down?
Simply put, the first choice for Tony Stark was originally Tom Cruise.
"No one has called yet?"
Jack Black slumped in his chair, boneless, clutching a bottle of beer.
The audition had just ended, and he was tired after a long day, needing a drink to relax.
There were too many people auditioning this time, and for an unknown actor like him, the pressure was like a mountain.
"Not yet…"
His agent sat next to him, also looking troubled.
Both were anxious, as such an opportunity might only come once in a lifetime.
Suddenly, his agent's phone rang.
The sudden ring startled both of them. The agent quickly answered the phone, repeatedly saying, "Okay, okay, okay."
Jack Black leaned in close, his ear almost pressed to the phone, nervously listening to the voice on the other end.
After hanging up, the two looked at each other, silent for a long time.
"…You got the role, but the pay can only be twenty-five thousand."
The agent broke the silence.
"Does that even need to be said?" Jack Black replied almost without thinking.
To them, money was insignificant; what they truly wanted was this opportunity.
Besides, they had no leverage to negotiate. If they dared to ask for better terms, the producers would simply find someone else—that's how cruel reality is.
"Don't worry, I've already agreed for you. Don't back out," the agent said.
"How could I?"
Jack Black said with a laugh. Afterward, the two ordered two more beers, planning to celebrate properly.
Like Jack Black, other actors who landed roles were also celebrating.
Even Ed Helms breathed a sigh of relief. He knew his foundation wasn't stable yet, and one wrong step could lead to utter ruin.
Although he had other film offers, he still unhesitatingly chose Kazir's film. After all, Kazir had made him famous, and he trusted Kazir immensely.
As for the pay, his agent would naturally handle the negotiations.
This was his first time acting in a film with a budget as high as 35 million, which held extraordinary significance.
While dozens of actors were celebrating wildly, Kazir had already arrived at Beverly Hills, where Tom Cruise's party was being held.
That year, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman had not yet divorced, living an enviable life as a "divine couple."
"Good evening, Kazier Gray," Tom Cruise greeted him warmly.
"Good evening, Mr. Cruise, Mrs. Cruise."
As hosts, Tom and Nicole were busy greeting guests.
"I never expected that the young man I met on the rain man set would now become a big director. Congratulations, Kazir!" Tom Cruise said with a smile.
"Tom, you actually still remember me," Kazir was quite surprised, after so many years had passed.
"I haven't forgotten that face of yours. We chatted back then, and you said you wanted to be a director. I thought you'd given up long ago, but then napoleon dynamite became a hit, and when I saw your photo in the newspaper, I suddenly remembered our conversation from all those years ago."
Tom Cruise recalled.
"The honor is all mine." Kazir could tell that Tom wasn't lying.
Back then, Kazir worked as a gaffer on the rain man set, which was his first job after leaving home.
It was then that he chatted with Tom Cruise for a few moments.
At that time, Top Gun had already exploded, and Tom Cruise was already a top Hollywood star, yet he patiently listened to a young upstart brag.
Anyone would think it was a pipe dream for a clueless young man who knew nothing about film but firmly believed he could become a great director, and Tom had thought so too back then.
But who would have thought that the young man he chatted with in 1988 would actually turn his dream into a reality?
That's why Tom Cruise specifically invited him to the party—he wanted to have a good chat with this interesting person.