Warner Studios, a project codenamed "Rory's First Kiss" is in early stages of preparation.
A gray office building became the residence of the crew.
Thomas drove a battery car and took Martin to the set, picking up Louise on the way.
Martin asked: "Dear, the joint investment meeting for the project is over?"
Louise simply said: "It's basically confirmed that the production budget is US$180 million. Warner Bros. is responsible for distribution, and DC Comics and Legendary Pictures are jointly producing. The two companies, plus Warner Pictures, Pacific Pictures and some small companies, There are also Mr. and Mrs. Nolan participating in the investment.”
She held her black-rimmed eyes: "The offline window period of the project is three years. Starting from the release of the film in North America, Warner will be forced to buy out all online and offline copyrights."
Martin asked about a key point: "Warner Pictures is also involved in the investment."
Louise said: "The investment amount is similar to that of Pacific Pictures. Their main focus is still on the new Terminator."
The battery car stopped at the door of the gray office building. Louise got off the car first and walked inside with Martin and Thomas.
Louise is a member of the crew, and among all producers, her power is second only to Charles Rowan, who represents Warner Bros., and Orlin, the director of DC Comics.
Martin made an appointment with Nolan through Emma Thomas.
Just after passing the hall, Mene came out, automatically found Martin, and whispered: "I sneaked into the crew."
Martin thought to himself, did you move so fast? He asked: "Actor?"
Mene nodded slightly: "Emma said hello to the audition director. I passed the audition yesterday and got an important black supporting role. I'm here today to discuss the contract."
Martin nodded: "Pay attention to the dynamics of the crew."
"Boss, don't worry, I'll take care of things." Mene has been enjoying himself lately: "There are several heads of key departments on the crew, all of whom are women over 40 years old."
Bruce came from behind and took Mene with him to find a place to chat privately.
Louise took Martin into a reception room and waited for a few minutes before Mr. and Mrs. Nolan came in together.
Martin stepped forward to shake hands with Nolan, the two exchanged a few words and quickly got to the point.
Nolan glanced at Emma and said, "You and Emma talked about this project and said that the clown is the first protagonist?"
"The script gave me the feeling." Martin said directly: "This character is very special and has a three-dimensional image. It can't even be called a villain. I think the clown in the script is very similar to the two protagonists in "The Wire"."
The news comes from Mene.
Sure enough, Nolan said: "Yes, when writing the script, Jonathan and I were influenced by the duel between the two heroes in "The Wire"."
The way he looked at Martin changed a bit, because every word the young actor said spoke to his heart and the creative concept.
The Joker is so important to this movie. In Nolan's heart, Batman is just a supporting role for the Joker, and he elevates the Joker infinitely.
Therefore, Nolan was very careful when choosing. He needed an actor who could really hold up this complex role.
If Joker collapses, the movie will collapse, $180 million will disappear, and his future as a director will also collapse.
Nolan thought for a moment and said, "Martin, I understand your situation. Let's just wait for my notification and go directly to the makeup audition."
Knowing that the meeting was over, Martin shook hands with Nolan and said goodbye: "I hope to work with you, a fantastic director."
After seeing Martin and the others off, Nolan asked his wife: "Fantastic director? He is so good at talking."
Emma said: "It has a good reputation in the industry and is very dedicated."
Nolan understood: "He is also very capable of causing trouble."
This film is of great importance, and he will not make a decision lightly: "Other candidates should also be contacted."
After lunch and processing some documents, Nolan was notified that Christian Bale came to the studio.
Because the Batman series in the 1990s continued to change actors and suffered box office disasters, Warner Bros. and DC Comics learned their lesson. When the project was confirmed, they strongly invited Bale to return and continue to play Bruce Wayne.
Bale's agent is in final negotiations with the crew.
Nolan had collaborated with Bell several times and had a very good relationship. He directly let him into his office and asked, "Has the contract been almost negotiated?"
Bale was in a good mood: "The highest salary I've ever received is US$15 million."
Nolan glanced at Bell's figure: "Return to physical training and be as strong as possible."
Bell is a famous rubber man and responded: "I have started to gain muscle." He came over today for other matters and asked: "I heard that the crew has started to select actors for the clown?"
Nolan nodded slightly and asked, "What, do you have any suitable actor recommendations?"
"Indeed, his acting skills are top-notch among young actors, and he will do anything for the role." Bell said a few good words before naming the person: "Heath Ledger, the leading actor in "Brokeback Mountain."
Hugh Jackman also recommended Heath Ledger, and Nolan was not too surprised by Bale's recommendation.
Bale is a caring actor who clearly wants to help his friends.
But Nolan had to consider the risks: "Is Heath Ledger getting better?"
"Basically under control." Bell had nothing to say about his treatment of his friends: "I can guarantee that he will not get into any trouble during the filming. The crew can also sign a contract with relevant restrictive clauses with him."
Nolan has known Bell for many years. Bell is very reliable in doing things. If he can say this, he must be confident.
Bell added: "There are so many actors who have touched that thing, too many to count. Perhaps it should be said that those who have never touched it are rare."
Nolan has been in the industry for ten years and knows that this statement is true.
"The time in New York was not a big deal. I was there. Martin Davis and Aniston were too exaggerated and almost ruined Heath Ledger's future." Bell said simply from his perspective. After describing the situation at that time, he further said: "Heath and I have a very good understanding. If he plays opposite me, it will definitely be more effective."
Just like Hugh Jackman in "The Prestige", Nolan paid more attention to the candidate recommended by Bale. After thinking about it for a while, he said: "Bring Heath Ledger to the set, I want to see his condition with my own eyes."
Bell said: "I'm going to call him and ask him to come from New York immediately."
Nolan warned: "As soon as possible."
Bale said goodbye and left, calling Heath Ledger before he even got downstairs.
After making the call, he found a production manager who was familiar with the crew and asked: "Regarding the role of the clown, which actor does the crew currently like?"
Once the cast is finalized, Bell can call them and talk those people out.
He has used similar methods several times in the past.
"Not sure for the moment." The production manager remembered: "This morning, Louise Meyer, one of the investors, brought Martin Davis and his agent to meet with Director Nolan to find out the details. It’s unclear what they were talking about, but I guess it may have something to do with casting.”
When Bell heard Martin's name, his eyes condensed and he immediately thought of the character of the Joker.
Bruce Wayne has been confirmed to play the role, and there are only a few roles suitable for Martin Davis in the cast.
Bale hated Martin, not only because of the Heath Ledger incident, but also the Pinewood Studios incident.
A grown man tore a sponge, which became a joke all over Hollywood and even the United States and England. I don’t know how many people were laughing at him behind his back.
What the bastard trio did was indispensable for Martin.
When Bell thought of Martin's sunny, handsome and kind face, his stomach twitched and he felt like vomiting for no reason.
It was an absolute nightmare to work on the same crew, not to mention that he had to help Heath Ledger get this role.
Saying goodbye to the production manager, Bell has been thinking about how to cut off Martin's access to the crew.
At the same time, Emma Thomas, who had been busy at work for most of the day, left the office building where the crew was located and entered the cold drink shop on the set as agreed.
Mene sat at a table and ordered an overly sweet ice cream for her.
After Emma sat down, she took a sip first. The super sweet taste exploded in her mouth, making her feel super comfortable and filled her whole body with the happiness of a large amount of dopamine secretion.
Of course the happiness must be doubled, Emma ate most of it in one go.
Mene took advantage of her being intoxicated with sweetness and asked: "Emma, can my boss get that role?"
"It's not that simple. Our couple's opinions are very important, but we have no decision-making power." Emma simply said: "I can only provide opinions, and ultimately it depends on the results of the makeup audition. The investment in the project is too high and no one can afford it." risk."
Mene boasted: "My boss's acting skills are beyond praise, even Nicholson and Scorsese are full of praise."
Emma reminded: "Tell him not to be careless, the competitors are also very strong."
Mene asked: "Who is interested in competing for this role?"
This kind of thing is not within the scope of confidentiality of the crew. Emma said casually: "Bell recommended Australian actor Heath Ledger, and some other companies or investors recommended their own candidates. It is expected that five or six people will participate in the final Wearing makeup for the audition.”
Mene wrote down the names Emma mentioned one by one, especially Heath Ledger.
The boss mentioned that this person should be paid close attention to.
Mene also asked a few more questions about Bale recommending Heath Ledger.
After the two of them finished the ice cream and made an appointment to taste sweets tomorrow, Emma returned to the office building to meet her husband and prepare to go home from get off work.
Mene called a female executive producer he hooked up with, and based on her age, which was close to 50, she got some information.
The leading actor Bale has already submitted Heath Ledger's information to the casting team.
Mene left Warner Studios and walked to Davis Studio not far away, found Bruce, and went to meet Martin together.
He detailed the latest information he had learned.
"It is currently confirmed that Robin Williams, Josh Brolin, Jude Law, Heath Ledger, Paul Bettany, and Adrien Brody are interested in this role. "
(End of chapter)
