If Hollywood’s commercial film industry is filled with dirty deals, then the independent film industry is a complete mess, even dirtier than commercial films.
For any major commercial production, the investment and power structures are extremely complex. Important roles in these films can’t be obtained through simple transactions.
Hollywood is never short of handsome men and beautiful women, and no producer, investor, or director would easily exchange tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars for a night of pleasure or shady deals.
Independent films are entirely different. They typically have low investment costs and single-source funding, giving investors, producers, or directors unusually large control, leading to numerous dirty deals in the independent film circle.
A prime example is the infamous Harvey Weinstein.
In fact, “The Blair Witch Project” and “Saw” are also considered independent films by nature. However, Ryan, who wears multiple hats and is the sole investor in the film, naturally has no messy deals.
But the upcoming investment in “Leaving Las Vegas” was giving him a headache.
“Maybe I need to find a producer familiar with the independent film scene,” Ryan muttered to himself, watching Mike Figgis and Nicolas Cage walk away.
Investing in a film is far more complex than it appears. Monitoring funds, selecting main actors, tax policies, crew members—every detail requires careful attention, making it essential to choose a qualified producer for the film.
The investment budget for “Leaving Las Vegas” is a hefty $4 million, which is no small amount for Ryan. Moreover, since the film is directed by a British director, the crew needs adequate supervision.
However, finding a qualified producer in a short time is clearly not an easy task.
“Producer!”
Sofia Coppola was slightly taken aback but then nodded in agreement with the newly reached investment agreement. “Sometimes, the hidden dealings in the European film industry are even more numerous than in Hollywood, so finding an experienced producer is a very wise choice.”
“I actually have someone in mind.”
“Have you heard of Gale Anne Hurd?”
“Gale Anne Hurd…” Ryan appeared thoughtful as if he had heard the name before.
“James Cameron’s ex-wife?”
Sofia Coppola took a sip of her red wine, “To be precise, she was his second wife and produced ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Aliens.'”
“But since her divorce from Cameron, she hasn’t been doing well and hasn’t been involved in any major commercial productions for a long time.”
“If you invite her, she probably won’t refuse.”
“Then let’s send her an invitation,” Ryan agreed readily. After all, it was just an invitation, and whether she was Cameron’s ex-wife or not didn’t matter.
After a brief conversation, Ryan felt a headache coming on, likely due to the alcohol, and had to get up and bid Sofia farewell.
“It seems I need to go back to the hotel and rest for a while. Please apologize for me,” Ryan said, turning to leave.
Seeing Ryan’s state, Sofia just shrugged without getting up.
Instead, Monica Bellucci, who had been mingling around the banquet, hesitated for a moment before quickly following him.
Monica Bellucci’s actions didn’t escape the notice of the guests at the banquet.
Most people just smiled knowingly.
Only a few European actresses muttered curses under their breath.
“Ryan, Ryan!”
“Wait, I’ll go back with you.”
Ryan hadn’t yet reached the banquet door when he heard a familiar voice. Turning around, he saw Monica Bellucci, which made him pause and look at her a bit longer.
Monica Bellucci was clearly well-dressed, wearing a burgundy rose evening gown that highlighted her slender figure. Her glossy black hair hung naturally, and she wore black high-heeled boots, making her look particularly alluring.
“Monica, you don’t have to do this.”
It’s common in Hollywood for lead actresses to develop relationships with directors.
Not to mention, Ryan was more than just a director.
Monica Bellucci hurriedly caught up, gently wrapping her arms around Ryan’s, her thin lips exuding a hint of seduction. “You need to relax.”
Ryan frowned, tempted to refuse, but his body’s natural reaction made him hesitate.
Seeing Ryan not rejecting her, Monica Bellucci smiled charmingly and led him out of the banquet hall.
Amidst mutual anticipation, they finally returned to the hotel. Only then did Ryan realize that the room they entered wasn’t his but another.
“Would you like a cup of coffee?” Monica Bellucci asked, helping Ryan to sit down, her lips forming a pleasant sound.
Ryan quietly looked at Monica Bellucci, feeling a surge of primal desire. “What do you think?”
After months of intense work, he had hardly rested, let alone thought about any romantic desires.
But don’t forget, in his previous life, he had been a director and naturally had many casual girlfriends.
“I think you need a cup of coffee,” Monica Bellucci said, leaning closer until their lips were almost touching, and they could feel each other’s breath.
“But I want you more.”
The next moment, Ryan scooped Monica Bellucci up and carried her to the soft bed, where they rolled together.
…(omitted)…
The next morning, the sun was already high in the sky.
After a night of entanglement, Ryan woke up, instinctively reaching out, only to find that Monica Bellucci had been up for a while.
When he looked up, he saw Monica Bellucci in a white silk nightgown, her curves faintly visible, with flesh-colored stockings on her long legs, making her even more eye-catching.
Wearing stockings early in the morning was clearly not a habit but related to the previous night.
Ryan could be very sure it had something to do with his preferences.
“It seems we should have a good talk.”
After a night’s rest, Ryan was fully awake. Though he didn’t regret what happened last night, they still needed to talk.
Seeing Ryan awake, Monica Bellucci casually sat by the bed, placing her fingers on Ryan’s lips, “Don’t worry, I just wanted to help you relax, nothing more.”
“Consider it a form of repayment.”
“Of course, you can also see it as a transaction.”
Her unexpected reaction made Ryan feel slightly uncomfortable. After a moment of silence, he pulled Monica Bellucci into his arms and kissed her smooth, jade-like cheek.
“I…”
Ryan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, whether to see it as a great reward or something to reminisce about.
Feeling her soft body in his arms, he said, “A very nice reward.”
“Alright, let’s not talk about this.”
He didn’t want to continue the topic, “Besides promoting ‘Saw,’ I’m here in the UK to discuss a film investment.”
“The script is an adaptation of John O’Brien’s novel ‘Leaving Las Vegas.'”
Monica Bellucci paused, her gaze complex as she looked at Ryan, then smiled sweetly, “It sounds interesting!”
“So, dear Director Ryan, do you plan to direct this film yourself?”
In Hollywood, trading favors for roles is common.
Since it’s an unspoken trade, Ryan wouldn’t refuse, “The director is Mike Figgis, a British man. I’m just an investor.”
“But I’ve read the script’s description of the female lead. The character is very well-defined.”
“Female lead!”
Monica Bellucci shook her head, looking straight at Ryan, “I’d rather be the lead in your next film.”
She wasn’t referring to “Saw II” but the new script Ryan had been meticulously preparing.
“Alright.”
“But I must tell you, ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ might be a small-budget film, with an unknown director, but the story is very suitable for an Oscar bid.”
“As for my next film.”
Ryan candidly said, “It might be slightly more artistic but will cater to commercial tastes.”
He was very straightforward. One film could contend for the Oscars but had a low budget and an unknown director. The other could be a major commercial production but unlikely to win an Oscar.
Monica Bellucci leaned closer, wrapping her arms around Ryan, “Your opinion is!”
She had never imagined having the choice between two lead roles, even if it was a trade.
“‘Leaving Las Vegas’ is an excellent opportunity,” Ryan said without hesitation. There were many chances to star in commercial films, but opportunities to contend for Oscars were rare.
“But there’s one condition: you must improve your acting skills, preferably by taking acting classes and hiring a good private coach.”
Art films and commercial films have different acting requirements.
“Acting!”
“No problem.”
Monica Bellucci agreed and then lay down provocatively, saying, “What next?”
With that, she slipped out of her nightgown, fully revealing herself to Ryan.
In the days that followed, during their European promotional tour, the two stayed together.
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