As a key member of the film “Saw,” Ryan needed to travel overseas with the crew for promotional purposes, mainly in Europe.
Meanwhile, he also had to carefully revise the next script and the shooting plan for “Saw II.”
The only thing that bothered him was that since he was in Europe, he inevitably had to interact with some people from the European entertainment industry. This included attending various small gatherings.
In less than half an hour, Ryan was already a bit tipsy. It wasn’t that he drank too much; it’s just that his tolerance was low, and a few glasses of champagne made him feel light-headed.
“You should build up your tolerance; otherwise, you’re bound to embarrass yourself sooner or later,” Sofia Coppola muttered. She hadn’t shielded Ryan from the drinks earlier.
“That’s why I rarely attend parties unless absolutely necessary,” Ryan said with a wry smile. Whether in this life or the past, his alcohol tolerance had never been good.
“Alright, the person you wanted to meet has arrived,” Sofia Coppola said, linking her arm with Ryan’s and pointing into the distance before walking over.
“Be careful what you say later; some British people can be quite temperamental,” Sofia Coppola whispered.
“I understand,” Ryan shrugged, indicating his comprehension.
It’s not just a British director; most film directors across Europe share a similar attitude. They disdain Hollywood while simultaneously striving to break into it.
“Hi, dear cousin!”
As they approached, Sofia Coppola let go of Ryan’s arm and warmly hugged Nicolas Cage, “So, how does it feel to be the star of a film that’s about to break a billion dollars at the global box office?”
“Saw” was performing steadily at the box office in Europe, and it was only a matter of time before it crossed the billion-dollar mark globally. Nicolas Cage had starred in many films, some in leading roles, but being the star of a billion-dollar global box office hit was rare.
Starring in a film that grossed over a billion dollars worldwide was a significant career boost for him.
“It’s fantastic!” Nicolas Cage released Sofia and hugged Ryan, “Thank you, Ryan.”
Afterwards, Nicolas Cage introduced the middle-aged man beside him, “Mike Figgis, a very talented director.”
“Director Mike, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Ryan said warmly, shaking his hand with a polite tone, showing no arrogance despite his success.
Of course, in reality, Ryan had never seen this British director’s work.
After a brief introduction, they sat down and began to chat casually about various anecdotes from the entertainment industry.
“I heard you know Ms. Nancy!” Mike Figgis couldn’t help but ask.
By Ms. Nancy, he naturally meant Nancy Utley, one of the executives at Fox Searchlight Pictures.
“Yes, how do you know Ms. Nancy, Director Mike?” Ryan asked curiously.
“No, no, I’ve only heard of her,” Mike Figgis replied somewhat awkwardly.
Perhaps Fox Searchlight Pictures and Nancy Utley’s influence in Hollywood wasn’t considered significant. However, for a relatively unknown director in the European film industry, Nancy Utley was like a Hollywood big shot. Moreover, Fox Searchlight Pictures was a company established by 20th Century Fox to distribute independent films, making it an entity that any independent film director would look up to.
Ryan nodded lightly, not saying much.
“Ahem, I mean, could you introduce me to Ms. Nancy?”
“I hold the film adaptation rights to John O’Brien’s novel ‘Leaving Las Vegas,'” Mike Figgis said, somewhat embarrassed but compelled to make his request to a much younger director.
Hearing this, Nicolas Cage couldn’t help but interject, “Mike’s point is that he’s hoping to secure investment.”
“And a distribution channel in North America.”
For the script adapted from John O’Brien’s novel “Leaving Las Vegas,” Mike Figgis had been eager for a long time. However, he faced funding difficulties and had trouble finding an investment, not to mention the North American distribution channel.
“Could I see the script first?”
As soon as Ryan showed interest in investing, the two naturally hit it off. That’s why they were meeting now.
“Leaving Las Vegas!”
Ryan glanced at Nicolas Cage instinctively. If “Lost in Translation” was Scarlett Johansson’s breakout role, then “Leaving Las Vegas” was Nicolas Cage’s, winning him the Oscar for Best Actor.
Mike Figgis took out the prepared script and handed it to Ryan. “Actually, I’m also short on some funds.”
Ryan briefly skimmed through the script. To be honest, it was a very artistic love story with a somewhat slow pace from a commercial perspective. However, to win an Oscar, particularly for Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director, it needed to be an artistic film.
It’s not that commercial films can’t win, but it’s very difficult unless you create something that the academy can’t ignore, like James Cameron’s “Titanic.”
“It’s a very good script. I can invest and even handle the film distribution,” Ryan said, closing the script gently. “I have good relationships with both Fox Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Fox.”
20th Century Fox!
Mike Figgis hadn’t expected Ryan to have a partnership with 20th Century Fox. Compared to the newly established Fox Searchlight Pictures, 20th Century Fox was a true giant. Moreover, he was well aware of the influence News Corporation, the parent company of 20th Century Fox, had on the European media.
“Thank you very much for your investment.”
Seeing his long-held wish about to come true, Mike Figgis was visibly excited.
The following details didn’t require Ryan’s personal involvement. However, his studio was merely a shell, so for matters like these, he had to rely on his agent, Helen.
For Helen, it was also an opportunity to seek benefits, such as recommending actors from her agency to join the film’s cast.
This is why most agents hope to have a famous director under their wing.