Oprah asked William, "Have you ever thought about investing in and making the movie yourself?"
William quickly shook his head helplessly, "Of course I thought about making it, but after understanding how some major Hollywood companies operate, I gave up on that idea. Unless I can buy a Hollywood distribution company,
otherwise, if I really just charge in, I'll definitely be badly exploited by those major Hollywood companies. There are too many tricks involved; even profitable movies can be manipulated by them to become unprofitable, or even lose money. I don't have the energy to argue with these Hollywood companies."
Russell, who had been sitting silently, suddenly said, "William, perhaps you could cooperate with Ridley and me. We are Hollywood natives; we know all the ins and outs of the film industry. I'm very impressed with this script. We can cooperate."
Russell's words surprised everyone, making them curious. Was this script really that appealing? Even Ridley and Russell wanted to join.
Russell's words were exactly what William wanted. "Finally, you said it," he thought. He knew Russell had always wanted to switch to directing, and now there was a rich outsider in his eyes. Who else would Russell try to persuade if not William?
William pretended to be troubled, thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "We can find a time to talk. We'll discuss the specifics after that."
Ridley nodded in agreement. He had been in Hollywood for decades, and pirate themes had not been well-regarded before this. However, William's script, which felt like a real-time narration of the film-making process, still moved him.
The main reason was that William explained it so clearly, even the details were clear, which piqued Ridley's interest in this pirate script.
Who doesn't like money? Moreover, they both assumed that William, the wealthy magnate, would invest, which boosted their confidence even further. They both thought that as long as it was managed properly, the project had a very high chance of success.
But William wasn't thinking about making the movie himself; he didn't have the energy or inclination for that. He wanted to use the movie to stir up buzz and boost his reputation in America. The involvement of a big director and an Oscar-winning actor would surely make this pirate movie widely known.
The script, combined with his song "He's a Pirate," would surely increase his fame in America. William's every move would become the focus of the media.
He was planning to use his P3 to fish for something, as for whether he would catch the Apple company he wanted, he didn't know, but there was no harm in trying.
The interview finally returned to the main topic, and everyone started talking about the movie "Gladiator." After being released for over a month, "Gladiator" had already grossed over 150 million USD at the American box office. Keep pushing, and it might even reach
160 million USD.
That's why Russell and Ridley came to the Oprah Winfrey Show today to rally support. After listening to Russell and Ridley, William suddenly had a good idea: "I have an idea. Let's bet on 'Gladiator's' Oscar nominations."
Oprah nodded happily after hearing this. "That's a good idea, but William, I have to ask first, have you seen this movie?"
"God, how could I not have seen it? I watched it once in England, and last night I went with Ambrosio to see it again," he said, pointing at Ambrosio. Ambrosio, seeing the camera turn to her, quickly nodded and showed a happy smile.
Oprah laughed and teased, "Alright, William, you're a really good boyfriend! You're so good at finding opportunities to help your girlfriend. How about I invite both of you to come again next time?"
Ambrosio's face immediately flushed again upon hearing that. She had received too many surprises today. William wasn't so averse to being on the show, especially with Oprah's personal invitation, so William couldn't refuse in public.
William said with a chuckle, "No problem. Perhaps when my P3 is released, or after Ambrosio walks the Victoria's Secret runway, we can come again. I just worry that by then your show will be scheduled for next year."
"You're welcome anytime you want to come. Alright, let's get back to your proposal. Since you brought it up, you go first with your predictions, William."
William turned to look at Russell and Ridley; both were curious about William's predictions.
Seeing that they didn't mind him taking over the conversation, William said, "My rough prediction is that 'Gladiator' will receive 12 Oscar nominations, and the ultimate winners will be Best Actor, Best Director or Best Picture, Costume Design, and Visual Effects. If Ridley doesn't win Best Director, then the film will definitely win Best Picture."
"12 nominations? Are you serious, William? Do you know what 12 nominations mean? Also, though it's rude, how can you be so sure that Ridley will definitely win Best Director or Best Picture?" After saying that, Oprah apologized to Ridley several times. Ridley didn't mind; he also wanted to hear why William thought so highly of him.
William smiled and said, "It's a gut feeling, a gut feeling I got after watching 'Gladiator' twice. As for Best Director and Best Picture, if neither of those wins, I'll donate 5 million USD to the American Women and Children's Fund."
"Boom!" Everyone was stunned by what William said. This guy really dared to speak! If it didn't win, then William would really have to donate 5 million USD.
If he didn't honor his words spoken in public, William would be ruined; the whole world would laugh at him.
Ridley asked in surprise, "Are you serious, William? You know, words spoken must be honored. I now hope that neither Best Picture nor Best Director wins, because then 5 million USD, managed by the Women and Children's Fund, could help so many people in need."
William said with a smile, "And if I guess correctly, what do you say?"
"God, that's really a tough one. I'm not as rich as you. How about I donate 500,000?" Ridley said with difficulty, looking at Russell beside him and then subtly winking at William.
Russell quickly understood Ridley's idea, smiled at William, winked, and then immediately added, "Then if I win, I'll also donate 500,000."
William saw Russell and Ridley's winks and hints and understood in a few seconds that the two were acting. He quickly thought to himself that his previous words indeed had a hint of coercing donations.
Fortunately, Ridley and Russell, as seasoned veterans who had been in Hollywood for decades, understood that William's gamble was meant to create buzz for their movie and boost box office sales. If the box office truly exploded, 500,000 USD would be a small sum.
Understanding this, William, feigning anxiety, cooperatively said, "No, that's no fun! How about this: if you two win awards, I'll still donate the money, and each of you will be my driver for one day? Hehe, that would be very interesting! Guys, you'd be the most expensive drivers in the world, with a daily pay of 2.5 million USD!
I've never had a big Hollywood director and a Best Actor drive for me; that feeling must be fantastic! Who knows, this might even become a recorded piece of Hollywood history, with me as the protagonist and you two as supporting characters, haha!"
Ridley gave William a look of thanks for his cooperation, then jumped up laughing and high-fived Russell, saying, "How was that, Russell? I knew William was a kind young man and would definitely be tricked by me! William, how did Russell and I perform? If we really win Best Director and Best Actor, we'll definitely honor the 500,000 donation."
Russell followed suit, shaking his head with a chuckle, "That's right, William is indeed a great young man. This ending is perfect, haha!"
William was secretly pleased. He did this to appear young and inexperienced. He didn't want to seem too shrewd or too monstrous in the eyes of ordinary people; it didn't fit his age. A brilliant scientist being a bit low in emotional intelligence aligned with public perception. Otherwise, knowing and being able to do everything would make people see him as an anomaly.
So William pretended to be annoyed, looking at Ridley and Russell, "Is this really okay? Tricking an innocent young man like me?" This made the entire audience burst into laughter.
Only those who had dealt with William before, after watching the show, cursed inwardly, "Pure, my foot! His heart is so black you could write on it!"
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