Two Hundred and Thirty-One - The Core Team Returns

"Joker" has been released in overseas cinema markets one after another, which has also caused great controversy. This film is not as well received as "Joker", but has aroused more and more doubts.

Because there are a lot of sensitive elements in the film, patricide, puppy love, sexual fantasies and other things appear on children. For some conservative areas, it is unacceptable for these to appear in entertainment images.

These controversies were very loud. In addition to the criticism from many film critics, the promotional team of the production also encountered protests from extreme fans.

This also allows actors who are promoting overseas to speed up their pace in various regions.

Unlike those extreme movie fans and media critics, it is relatively easy for mass movie fans to accept everything in the movie. This kind of controversial movie has always been the type of movie that young people are most curious about.

After the film encountered a lot of resistance, the box office actually increased instead of falling. This was beyond the expectations of many people. It seems that the more fierce the controversy, the more attention it will attract from passers-by. These passers-by can't help but wonder about it. to the cinema.

However, these turbulent controversies did not affect Wayne who was far away in Los Angeles. No matter how overseas media and film critics ridiculed him, they could not affect him across the ocean.

It seems that it is the end of September, and "The Return of the Clown" has passed its hottest stage. Wayne is also preparing to focus on new projects. Unconfirmed supporting roles must be confirmed as soon as possible, and preparation issues must be finally checked.

It's like he has just finished his last job, and he will immediately throw himself into the next job non-stop. This kind of work attitude can be regarded as a workaholic.

Among the famous directors in Hollywood in recent years, Wayne's film output efficiency is definitely one of the highest. The production speed of one project a year can no longer be described as a fast shooter.

Normal behind-the-scenes staff in the industry will choose a nice place to vacation after finishing a job, and wait until they have rested for at least a few months or at most a whole year before starting a new job.

The more important the position in the crew, the more time off will be required. Whenever preparations for a new project begin, the core production team is instantly put under heavy pressure. This ever-present pressure will become increasingly heavier as the work progresses.

This huge work pressure will not be released in an instant until the film is completed, or after it is released, or even after the film is released.

Most people choose to take a vacation to relax after finishing work, especially directors and producers. They are under the heaviest pressure. There is generally no time limit for this vacation. You will not start the next project until you feel better. Work.

Of course, some people deal with work pressure in different ways, and the various parties of Hollywood's lavish parties are definitely one of the favorites of high-pressure people.

However, these are the choices of successful people. Basically, successful people in this circle are not short of money, so they will naturally not feel bad if they squander it.

Of course, Wayne had a vacation plan for himself. His original plan was always to find a place he liked for a few months after filming a movie. But the fact is that in a few years, he only went to one place in Australia for vacation. .

Therefore, his image, no matter in the eyes of major media, or in the eyes of his collaborators or everyone around him, is that of a workaholic. After all, young people like him who are not short of money after becoming famous and are willing to work hard are too rare.

It was the same this time. When the popularity of "The Return of the Clown", which was currently in theaters, had subsided a little, Wayne immediately summoned his director team and asked them to enter the Warner Bros. Studio one after another to start preparations for the filming of "Batman".

In addition to the props team that has been busy in the studio soundstage for several months, lighting supervisor Steve Wilson, assistant director and casting director Schwartz Bob, and photography supervisor Robert Carlos, Set supervisor Mia Clegg and even editor Dawn Scott joined the crew in advance this time.

The investment in this film is too great, and Warner Bros. doesn’t want any mistakes to happen. The editor joins the team to work with the crew, and he can understand the director’s intention early on, which is of great benefit to post-production.

In addition to Zack Snyder and Luke Simmons, who were already busy, DC Comics also attached great importance to the film and sent one of the company's executives, Digg Harris, to the crew to work as a part-time producer. Help the crew communicate about things like DC comics.

"Now many people are watching your new project. My phone has been flooded with calls from agents with personal connections in various circles."

At Warner Bros. Studios, in the office of the "Batman" production studio, casting director Schwartz looked helpless and said to Wayne. "Especially for the several main supporting roles that have not yet been confirmed, there are many agents who have made calls."

Wayne nodded casually and asked: "Who is there? We have target candidates for most of the roles. Don't those people know?"

Apart from the earliest auditions for the male lead in this project, after Christian Bale was confirmed, there was no large-scale audition. Basically, Tim Burton directly found Wayne's target candidate and the other party's agent. People communicate directly.

Moreover, as early as the male lead audition period, the crew publicly released the news that all the actors would not be paid too high. This made it clear that the low-paid crew has very low appeal to famous actors. In this commercial circle, there are no stars. I'm willing to lower myself, unless it's to win a prize.

"Nicole Kidman is very interested in the role of the female prosecutor. Her agent Pat Kingsley called me several times, hoping to have a chat with you."

Schwartz looked at his face and said. "Tim Burton also received a call from Jon Voight, hoping to let his daughter audition for this role. In addition, Demi Moore's agent also called to inquire.

Also, there are many actors who are interested in Officer Jim Gordon, including some who are already famous..."

Wayne understood that the reason why most of these people wanted to audition was not for the pay, but because of the influence of "The Return of the Clown" that was currently being released. The main purpose was to gain his appeal.

This in itself is a project with a production cost of hundreds of millions, and it is also the new work of Wayne, an extremely popular A-list director. It is naturally the focus of media attention.

As long as you participate in such a work, even if the film is not officially released, your name will be frequently reported by countless media, and will also be mentioned by Warner Bros. in advance promotion. Even a young actor who has not had any fame before will become a star overnight. Became the target of paparazzi pursuit.

However, Wayne has his favorite candidates for most of the roles, and the auditions are just a formality after the conditions have been negotiated. As long as there are no catastrophic mistakes that make him, the director, feel that he is not qualified for the role, there will basically be no substitutions. .

Moreover, the people he selected have more or less experience in acting, and they are not all newbies in the industry. Their work experience and inherent charisma can effectively reduce the troubles encountered during filming.

"That Demi Moore refused directly. She was not suitable at all. As for Nicole Kidman..."

Wayne reached out and gently scratched the stubble on his chin, thinking whether it would be too harsh to refuse directly, but thinking about Jon Voight's daughter, it was impossible not to be unkind at all, at least to go through the motions.

"In this way, we will arrange a small-scale audition, but the first choice is Naomi Watts. Hasn't her agent already negotiated the salary? After the audition, we will sign a contract with her agent immediately."

Schwartz also felt that this was the best way to handle it. Everyone around Wayne knew that this only female role of some importance must be reserved for Naomi Watts.

But those favor calls cannot be ignored. This is the way this industry is. In order to maintain everyone's face, it is best to hold a small-scale audition as a formality, which can also save everyone's face.

"Clang, clang, clang!"

After there was a knock on the door, Nina looked at the two people talking. Walked in and whispered: "Liam Neeson and his agent are here and are waiting for you in the producer's office."

"Okay, I'll be right over." Wayne nodded, stood up and walked out, saying to the audition director: "Please inform the daughter of Nicole Kidman and Jon Voight. Let them come to the studio tomorrow afternoon to audition.”

"No problem," Schwartz said.

When you leave the director's office, you can see Christian Bale training in the field. At this time, compared to more than half a year ago, he has completely changed his appearance. He has become a much smaller Schwarzenegger. .

But this is exactly the effect Wayne needs. Just talking about his talent in body shaping, coupled with the actor's self-disciplined character, he is definitely the type that the director likes.

At this time, Christian Bale was undergoing simple kung fu training. The person training with him was an old black man. Don’t be surprised, this old black man is also a legend. He is Bruce Lee’s apprentice Jesse, and he can also be regarded as the pioneer of the United States. Disciple, Li Guohao found this through connections.

However, Wayne does not have high requirements in this regard. As long as Christian Bale can do a few tricks, it is enough. It is unrealistic to expect him to learn kung fu well in a few months. The movie won't show too much in this aspect, it's enough to convey to the audience all the fighting skills Bruce Wayne knows.

When he passed by with Nina, he nodded to a few people who were training, especially the old black man Jesse. Wayne was very interested in him and wanted to find time to chat with him.

The assistant lady walked on the road and said: "Liam Neeson and his agent seem to be inclined to take this role. They must have heard that many people are interested in this role."

Wayne nodded. "That's best."