Generally, art-house films have their premieres at the Theatre, while commercial films hold theirs at the Hollywood Palladium.
Unlike the modest release of The Shallows, the premiere for Steven Spielberg's new film was a star-studded event.
The other three of the "Four Directors"—George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola—were all in attendance.
Top-tier directors like Ridley Scott and James Cameron were also there.
You could also spot Hollywood superstars like Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks attending to show their support.
In comparison, although Gilbert had recently gained some minor fame, he was just a small fish in front of these giants.
If it weren't for Spielberg's invitation, Gilbert wouldn't even be qualified to be at such an event. This was the true inner circle of Hollywood.
However, some reporters were still interested in him. Sarah, a reporter from The Los Angeles Business Journal, asked him a question: "Director Gilbert, do you have plans for a new film?"
Gilbert, who was posing for photos, was momentarily stunned, not expecting a reporter to ask him a question.
But Gilbert quickly reacted and replied, "Yes, I'm preparing a new project. It will still be a thriller."
"When will the film be released to the audience?" Sarah asked.
"Soon, I hope. We'll see if any film companies are interested," Gilbert answered.
Aside from Sarah, other reporters weren't interested in Gilbert. There were Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman waiting behind him, after all.
Gilbert was happy to be left alone and went straight into the screening hall, where many people were already seated.
From a distance, Gilbert saw Gwyneth Paltrow wave at him.
The fair-faced handsome man beside her also looked over, flashing Gilbert a white-toothed smile.
Gilbert nodded in a friendly manner, with no intention of disturbing them. He clearly understood that boundary.
Gilbert found Spielberg, who was entertaining guests, and greeted him first.
"You're here, Gilbert. Come, let me introduce you to George Lucas," Spielberg introduced his friend to Gilbert.
"Hello, Director Lucas..." Gilbert greeted him respectfully.
George Lucas smiled and said, "Gilbert, I really liked your film. You did a great job."
"Thank you for the compliment. I'll definitely keep working hard," Gilbert said humbly.
"This is Director Francis Ford Coppola," Spielberg led Gilbert over to Francis Ford Coppola.
"Hello, Director Coppola. Your Godfather series has always been my favorite film," Gilbert continued his polite greeting.
He actually didn't particularly enjoy such social occasions, but there was no escaping it in the Hollywood circle.
Francis Ford Coppola said pleasantly, "My daughter, Sofia, really loves your The Shallows. You young people should get together and chat more sometime."
"Definitely, definitely..."
"This is Director Martin Scorsese. He has some connection to your father!" Spielberg then introduced.
"Gilbert, how's your father doing?" Martin Scorsese asked.
Gilbert nodded and replied, "Thank you for your concern, he's doing very well. He's on vacation in Europe now."
"Hey, that old Gilbert, even at his age, he's still living it up!" Martin Scorsese grumbled, patting Gilbert's shoulder. "Don't follow in his footsteps; a career is the foundation."
"Thank you for your guidance. I'll definitely keep it in mind," Gilbert's face looked very serious and earnest.
After making the rounds and meeting everyone, Spielberg finally released him, and Gilbert could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
All these influential figures were people he had to look up to, and he couldn't afford to have a disrespectful attitude.
Others would kill for this kind of opportunity, so Gilbert couldn't be ungrateful.
These important people were pleasant to him partly because of Spielberg, and partly because of his old man.
It seemed that in his youth, the old man, if not exactly dominating the scene, was at least a significant figure.
Even today, years later, Gilbert was still benefiting from his father's connections.
Of course, these benefits weren't free. If Gilbert were simply a good-for-nothing, those bigwigs wouldn't even give him a second glance.
But now it was different. With a successful work, he had a foundation, and it was worth these important figures giving him a few pointers.
Simply put, thanks to his family and his social circle, as long as Gilbert had the ability and talent, he was inherently a part of the Hollywood inner circle, unlike outsiders.
Spielberg leading Gilbert around to meet people was naturally noticed by the various directors and stars attending the premiere.
Suddenly, everyone speculated about the exact relationship between Gilbert and Spielberg.
Some media reporters also regretted why they hadn't asked Gilbert a question or two earlier—it seemed like there was a lot of juicy news there!
Only Sarah, the reporter from The Los Angeles Business Journal, secretly gloated because she was the only reporter who asked Gilbert a question—this was an exclusive!
The premiere quickly began, following the usual routine: talking about creative concepts, emotional moments, showing off a bit of sentimentality, then the screening, media interviews, and guests at the premiere sharing their viewing experiences.
Gilbert was also called upon, a deliberate arrangement by Spielberg.
Gilbert had no strong impressions of Hook, but the viewing experience, for that era, was quite good.
So Gilbert went along with the flow, saying some very touching words, and that was that.
After the premiere ended, everyone went their separate ways.
The reporter from The Los Angeles Business Journal approached Gilbert and extended an interview invitation: "Director Gilbert, can we schedule an interview?"
Having a reporter request an exclusive interview was a good opportunity for Gilbert to explain his filmmaking philosophy to the public, so he agreed: "Let's do it next week. We can set a time."
Sarah was delighted: "Great, then we'll see you next week."
"See you next week..."
After attending the premiere, Gilbert didn't have much else to do for the time being.
The $200,000 bonus from Universal Pictures was quickly deposited into Gilbert's account. Realizing that constantly taking taxis wasn't sustainable, Gilbert bought a Toyota for transportation.
Car prices in North America were relatively cheap, and you could get a decent pickup truck for a few tens of thousands of dollars.
Japanese cars dominated the American market at the time, being fuel-efficient and affordable, so Gilbert bought one.
At the same time, Gilbert asked Sheena Boone to help him register a studio in Delaware and rent an office in Burbank.
California taxes were too high, while Delaware taxes were lower.
Gilbert originally wanted to name his studio "Yellow Heart" (Huang Xin), in short, to commemorate his past identity.
However, he worried that people might make undesirable associations with that name, so he simply changed it to Honeydew Studio.
Gilbert had no intention of competing with Hollywood giants, at least not yet.
The purpose of establishing the studio was primarily to better serve himself and build his own team.
Also, seeing film companies profit immensely from his films while he only received a salary made Gilbert quite envious.
So, in the future, Honeydew Studio would also participate in investing in and producing its own films, bringing in more revenue for himself.
Meanwhile, agent Sheena Boone began approaching Universal Pictures with the script for Final Destination.
This film would require a higher investment, and Gilbert's salary would undoubtedly increase, so it remained to be seen how Sheena Boone's negotiations would turn out.
Feed the author—vote now or the story starves 😭"
Want 2 chapters a day? You know what to do!
Request your favorite story too!
Pat-reon: belamy20