The next day, with the agent and lawyer present, Nicolas Cage signed a contract, marking the official casting of the male lead for “Saw.”
Ryan paid the entire fee upfront. The only consolation was that Nicolas Cage, aside from requesting a private dressing room and a rest trailer, did not make any other excessive demands.
Some Hollywood actors demand outrageous conditions from the crew, such as meals from specific restaurants, pet care costs, and personal chefs. There are no limits to what they might request.
Of course, Nicolas Cage’s fee was somewhat high for the production.
Though Nicolas Cage wasn’t a major star yet, he had appeared in several films, including leading roles. Even so, his current fee was quite low, possibly even a reduced rate.
Ryan understood this well, knowing Sofia played a crucial role in securing Cage. He also knew the success of his previous film, “The Blair Witch Project,” likely influenced Cage’s decision. The short shooting schedule of the new film was another factor.
Three days later, young Scarlett Johansson joined the crew, accompanied by her mother.
Monica Bellucci was busy changing agents, which would take a few more days before she could sign her contract.
Additionally, another key role, Dr. Lawrence, was confirmed. Helen had just signed Edward Norton for the part.
Most people might not recognize the name, but his starring role in “The Incredible Hulk” would ring a bell, as he played the Hulk.
Okay, admittedly, “The Incredible Hulk” wasn’t a huge hit.
But he had starred in a big-budget film.
Thus, the “Saw” crew was finally assembled.
Besides the main actors, the crew consisted of over twenty people, including five university interns with modest pay.
Ryan was generous with positions like prop master, set designer, and makeup artist, hiring top professionals from Hollywood at considerable weekly wages.
This was a significant upgrade from the “The Blair Witch Project” crew.
As for other main roles, Sofia herself played Detective Tapp’s partner, Sing, who was killed by Jigsaw’s trap.
According to Ryan, the winner of the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst New Actress and Worst Supporting Actress was perfect for a cameo.
Another role, Detective Kerry, and other small parts and background actors were all filled by Helen’s contracted actors.
This highlighted the advantage of having a contracted director, which could be more beneficial than having well-known actors.
The preparation for the crew went smoothly, except for the revenue sharing from “The Blair Witch Project.”
After several negotiations, 20th Century Fox finally agreed to pay the entire revenue share in one go within the first week after the film’s North American release, meaning the payment would come by the end of June at the earliest.
This timing was cutting it close for Ryan.
Fortunately, Helen had prepared in advance, securing a mortgage loan from a small community bank, using the revenue-sharing contract from “The Blair Witch Project” as collateral.
In the rented “haunted house,” the crew gathered for the first time.
As the sole investor, director, and writer, Ryan introduced everyone.
“Sofia Coppola, my assistant and assistant director, also handling production coordination. You can call her Sofia.”
Ryan glanced at Sofia, whose face looked slightly unpleasant, understanding why but said nothing and continued.
“Oh, and Sofia’s father is the famous director Coppola. If you need anything, feel free to go to her.”
He then pointed to Nicolas Cage, saying, “Nicolas Cage, playing the male lead, Adam. I’m sure everyone recognizes him.”
“Monica Bellucci, playing Amanda Young, a very charming lady.”
“And our young Scarlett Johansson, the future Hollywood star.”
“Edward Norton, playing Dr. Lawrence, a very promising newcomer.”
After a brief introduction, Ryan let everyone mingle.
However, most people were a bit tense, their eyes frequently darting to Sofia and Nicolas Cage.
Some experienced Hollywood professionals were secretly impressed. Sofia and Nicolas Cage’s relationship was no secret; both were from the Coppola family.
For a moment, they looked at Ryan with newfound respect. Not everyone could be associated with the Coppola family.
“Sofia, aren’t you going to say hello to your cousin?” Nicolas Cage teased.
Then he turned to Monica Bellucci, stepping forward with a confident smile, “Monica, long time no see.”
“Do you have time for dinner tonight?”
Monica Bellucci was slightly surprised that Nicolas Cage was the male lead.
“Cage, long time no see.”
“Thanks for the recommendation.”
“As for dinner, it depends on the crew’s schedule.”
They had met during the filming of “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.”
Seeing her cousin’s eyes almost glued to Monica Bellucci, Sofia huffed, “If you like flirting at a murder scene, by all means, continue.”
Murder scene!
Everyone’s eyes turned to Sofia.
“Don’t look at me. This is Ryan’s rented place,” Sofia gritted her teeth, looking quite resentful.
Ryan laughed awkwardly, not hiding anything, “The property manager said a few months ago, there was a murder on the second floor, and this apartment has had multiple suicides. It’s rumored to be cursed by a witch.”
“So, I thought we’d shoot some scenes here to add a bit of a creepy atmosphere.”
“Think about it, what could be a better shooting location than a recently discovered murder scene?”
Some main actors had to admit it was a good promotional angle.
But shooting in a murder scene gave them chills.
The experienced crew members, however, were impressed, seeing Ryan as a creative director.
Ryan ignored their reactions and asked Sofia to distribute the shooting schedule, saying, “I hope everyone can find some time to go through the main scenes and get familiar with them.”
Such preparations weren’t uncommon in Hollywood. Many major films had lengthy rehearsals before shooting.
The best example of thorough rehearsals was across the Pacific.
For the TV series “Dream of the Red Chamber,” actors from across the country underwent three months of intensive training, with tightly scheduled daily routines.
Every actor had to lose weight and shape themselves according to their characters, attend lectures from experts, and repeatedly discuss and rehearse.
Even makeup, costumes, and music had to align with the original work.
Most importantly, only after this did they select suitable actors, with five or six competing for each role. Those not chosen had to leave.
Such rigorous preparation ensured a production standard higher than many films, resulting in exceptional quality.
The cast had no objections to rehearsals. As the sole investor, Ryan wasn’t afraid of wasting time, and they were happy to oblige.
Little did they know, Ryan was known for his fast-paced shooting. For example, a certain director recently filmed a large fantasy film in just twenty days, which Ryan considered slow.
Twenty days?
If he were directing, it would take no more than fifteen days, and possibly just ten.
Today was just for everyone to get acquainted. He couldn’t start shooting right away.
There would be a small dinner party in the evening to relax a bit.
Once the shooting started, they would understand the race against time, with the entire film expected to wrap in two weeks.
In the previous life, this film hadn’t even had rehearsals.
Ryan didn’t want to waste time on rehearsals now either.