classifiedscript Chapter 76: No More Than This
Chapter 76: No More Than This
Chapter 76: No More Than This
After saying goodbye to Hugh Hefner, Ernst walked downstairs with a leisurely gait.
Unexpectedly, just as he reached the entrance on the first floor, a hurried figure bumped into him without warning and fell squarely into Ernst's arms.
The sudden impact made Ernst frown slightly, but he still instinctively reached out and firmly embraced the other person's slender waist.
After regaining his footing, he looked down and a playful smile appeared on his face.
"What a coincidence," Ernst said with a hint of mockery, his gaze fixed on the woman in his arms.
Ernst recognized the woman; she was one of the two newcomers to Hollywood who had been mentored by him when Ernst first returned from Mountain View.
At that time, the two girls were still green with the naivety of newcomers to the industry, their eyes filled with longing and anxiety for the future.
But when they met again after just over a month, the other person seemed to have lost some of their childishness.
Ernst was very satisfied and took credit for it.
"Fernanda, I didn't expect to see you here."
Fernanda Tavares, if I remember correctly, that's her name.
When the other person realized it was Ernst, their eyes lit up, and a charming smile, completely out of character for their 17 years, bloomed on their face. The smile was mixed with a deliberately practiced flirtatious charm, as if trying to firmly attract Ernst's attention.
"I'm a real model, and I'm quite famous in New York."
Ernst wasn't surprised; he remembered the other person was Brazilian, from a country known for producing models.
"What are you rushing off to?" Ernst asked casually as he released his grip.
Fernanda tugged at her casual shorts. "It's a bit chilly outside, I need to change into long pants."
I remember now, a simple training shed was being set up. Ernst didn't ask the models to just wait around; instead, he found a teacher to train them in posture and typhoon techniques, right over by the pool.
After all, many of the models here are quite young, and most of Hugh Hefner's models have not received professional runway training.
"Then you'd better be careful, getting sick or catching a cold at this time could significantly affect your performance in the upcoming program."
The temperature in Los Angeles in January is not high, around 17 or 18 degrees Celsius, and the temperature at night drops to 4 or 5 degrees Celsius, so it is still a bit cold.
Especially on rainy days, the moisture in the air seems to penetrate through clothing and seep into your bones, making you feel cold all over.
Fernanda didn't care about the illness; instead, she focused her attention on Ernst.
Having spent some time navigating the Hollywood world, she had long understood that no amount of hard work or personal ability could compare to the power of a single sentence from this Hollywood tycoon.
She knew all too well Ernst's influence in the industry; as long as she could gain his favor, her career would be smooth sailing.
Completely ignoring the strange looks from the staff around her, she took two steps forward without hesitation, her body almost touching Ernst's chest. A faint scent of perfume wafted into Ernst's nostrils with her movement.
"Would you like to come to my room tonight? I felt like I didn't perform well in the acting you directed me on last time, and I'd like to ask you for some more pointers." Her voice was lowered, carrying a deliberately seductive quality, her breath sweet as orchids, brushing past Ernst's ear.
Ernst felt a surge of interest, but pretended to be hesitant, saying, "That wouldn't be a good idea. You're staying in a double room now, and going there would disturb your roommate's rest."
He had thought Fernanda would find an excuse to get her roommate to leave, but the girl turned out to be much more savvy than he had imagined.
"I will convince Gisele, and I don't think she would mind getting guidance from Hollywood bigwigs and gaining more influence."
Fernanda emphasized the word "energy," and the implication in her eyes was clear.
Then, in a seductive tone, she added, "She just came to New York this year and is still a naive young girl."
Ernst wasn't concerned with whether it was a chick or not; he was simply drawn to the name Giselle.
"Giselle?"
"Giselle Bündchen, my little fellow countrywoman."
It really is Gisele Bündchen! Looks like she'll have to take on the role of teacher today, even if she doesn't want to.
"Train hard, I'll come over tonight if I'm free."
Ernst turned and left; he had more important business to attend to back at MGM.
The main purpose of this trip back was to integrate MGM's television network.
MGM entered the television production industry in the 60s and established its own television station, but it was never large and was inconspicuous among many local stations, with almost no influence.
Besides MGM, the Playboy Group also has its own television station, which usually broadcasts programs about Playboy magazine content, and its user base is only so-so.
Such television stations are very common in the United States. Not to mention national television networks, there are countless local stations, with almost every city having several. The total number of television stations in the United States is as high as thousands.
Don't think that's a lot. By 2024, China will have nearly 1200 TV channels nationwide. How many channels would that be in a place like the United States with a free media industry?
"I was just about to look for you."
In Robert Iger's office, Ernst was surprised that the other man had interrupted him.
"What's wrong?"
Ernst sat down on the sofa, picked up a cigar from the table, slowly cut it, lit it, and the smoke swirled around his fingertips.
"Do you have any good advice regarding Bond girls?"
The casting for "Tomorrow Never Dies" has officially begun, and the male lead will undoubtedly be Pierce Brosnan.
The other roles have been mostly finalized; the current issue is choosing the actresses for the two female leads.
There will definitely be an Eastern Bond girl, but how to choose one is the question.
There are many Chinese actresses in Hollywood, but almost none of them have become famous.
Moreover, the reason this film chose an Eastern Bond girl was more to open up the Eastern market, so the casting choices definitely leaned towards Eastern actors.
There's also another female lead, Bond's ex-girlfriend Paris.
Ernst, the notorious playboy, was so famous that the entire crew and Robert Iger thought it best to consult the MGM owner.
Ernst took a deep drag on his cigar, the smoke slowly escaping his mouth. "The purpose of creating such an Eastern Bond girl is to better open up the Eastern market, so we must choose an actress who has influence in the East."
After a pause, a shrewd glint flashed in Ernst's eyes: "Contact Jiahe."
"Jackie Chen's company?"
The movie "Rumble in the Bronx" helped Jackie Chan gain international recognition.
However, he still failed to break into Hollywood. It wasn't until the release of "Rush Hour" the following year that Hollywood was truly captivated by this Eastern action star.
"That's right, they have more connections in the East than we do when it comes to finding actresses."
Ernst's real idea was to use this opportunity to make contact with Golden Harvest and lock Jackie Chan into MGM.
The box office success this kung fu superstar achieved in Hollywood pales in comparison to the influence and intangible value he brought to MGM.
Hong Kong films are currently at their peak, and their influence throughout Southeast Asia is no less than that of Hollywood. Jackie Chan can make the entire Southeast Asia remember MGM, the lion.
There's also the behind-the-scenes aspect. Ever since Jackie Chan brought kung fu to Hollywood, the entire Hollywood, as well as Japan and South Korea, has become increasingly oriental in its action choreography.
Sadly, these genres were abandoned domestically, and good action movies became increasingly rare.
Through its collaboration with Golden Harvest, MGM gained access to Hong Kong's top action teams, which is crucial for MGM's future film development.
"Okay, I'll have someone contact them."
It doesn't matter who you choose or how you choose, because in Robert Iger's view, no matter who you choose, this Eastern Bond girl is nothing more than a vase, a tool to attract the Eastern market, and it doesn't matter who she is specifically.
"What about the casting for Paris? The competition for this role is quite fierce. Natasha Henstridge, Terry Hatcher, and Monica Bellucci are all strong contenders. Right now, the team is having some arguments and can't make up their minds."
"A bunch of useless trash!" Ernst cursed. "I paid them to come here not to run errands, and I have to make decisions for such a small matter."
"Tell them this is the last time. If it happens again, they're all fired."
Robert Iger pursed his lips and his eyes twitched incessantly; he was clearly struggling to hold back.
"How about this, I'll find some time to meet with these competitors, otherwise I won't be able to make a decision."
"Hahahaha!" Robert Iger finally couldn't hold back anymore, and his laughter instantly filled the entire office.