Hollywood Art: System of sunnys

Steven Spielberg, along with his wife Kate Capshaw, spoke in hushed tones as they awaited Billy's arrival, which was eagerly anticipated despite everything already being discussed. Unlike businessmen, artists tended to repeat themselves more. George arrived ten minutes early, dressed in a suit more fitting for the occasion. It was now seven-fifty in the evening, and they waited.

-George, always so punctual, - commented Steven.

-I was reading one of the new comics downstairs, and noticed I had 20 minutes left, so I arrived two hours ago. By the way, all the shots today were magnificent, Steven. This production will certainly be the biggest of the decade, - George remarked, acknowledging that Star Wars: The Phantom Menace might surpass even Jurassic Park at the box office.

Steven, understanding what George was thinking, responded, "If it surpasses $1 billion, I'll take 5%. It was a contract we made with Billy. I hope it turns out to be rewarding."

George remained silent. He would receive 10% of the box office, along with 20% from derivatives and 10% from ticket sales at the museum he planned to open. Billy had to invest another $100 million for a major marketing campaign. Yet, Billy was promoting the film through word of mouth, various fan mediums, his games, series, channels, and, of course, under his name. Now in Italy, cameras were fixed on Billy.

It was a contract that allowed Billy to extend the Star Wars license for 20 years.

And there was Monica Bellucci!

A stunning woman, some would say, wearing a silver necklace with an emerald stone that complemented her makeup with green eyeshadow. She was in a full-body red dress, clinging to her figure with green gloves, the hemline falling just below her knees, revealing her entire figure through the back, bare, waving at everyone. She stopped and turned quickly; Billy walked beside her, placing his palm on her back. The woman trembled for a moment, feeling the cold fingers on her lower back. She moved closer and smiled.

The restaurant's patrons couldn't help but notice the striking woman.

-You're magnificent, - Billy whispered to Monica as he led her to the producers' table as if it were a sign. She took her left side close to Kate Capshaw. Monica Bellucci smiled and greeted them in English, slightly flavored with her charming Italian accent.

-Gentlemen, - Billy said, offering Monica Bellucci a seat, which she graciously accepted. Kate couldn't help but think how heartbroken young Gwyneth would be, though her recent dances on camera with Leonardo DiCaprio were a clear signal.

-Ladies and gentlemen, this is Monica, my companion. A pleasure to see you, George, Steven, - Billy introduced, taking his seat to Monica's right.

Dinner proceeded quietly as people composed themselves. Menus had been ordered by Steven upon arrival to avoid interruptions during the conversation. The new guest somehow lessened Steven's intent, seen either as a trick by Billy or just a youthful error.

-I called my operations director; the promised investment was made, minus the 20% delivered a year ago, - Billy announced, now owning 35% of DreamWorks television and film production.

Steven nodded. - I suppose we're partners now, - he commented, setting that aside.

-We are, - Billy affirmed, calmly continuing the conversation. Many other matters were discussed, but the dinner turned out to be calm and peaceful, with no further disturbances than the details both Steven and George wished to have some time alone with Billy to continue their discussions about the film production on one hand and DreamWorks' development on the other. Billy knew as long as Steven was involved, he wouldn't hesitate to invest money, spent and spent without consideration, one of the problems why he ended up selling his company after ten years of activity.

When Monica took a moment to go to the bathroom, Kate pursued her, attacking without mercy.

-I suppose you've been making a lot of purchases lately—Panini, Discovery Kids, and the animated program. These investments have left you at a disadvantage, - Steven remarked.

-Not at all. The sale of Hotmail attracted more capital than I spent. Now the important thing is that I have passive assets that continue to generate money, plus the revenue from the movies I've produced. A secret that nobody knows: comics bring in more money than many think, - Billy replied.

-Now you own 35% of DreamWorks' production arm, - Steven noted,  - and 100% in video games. -

-We're still working. We should use the money we have to make films. Any ideas? - Steven asked, seeking more than a response—an opinion, which he always valued in Billy's eyes.

-I don't have any specific ones. You can follow your instincts as long as you watch the bottom line. There are great actors out there, but they come with hefty price tags. If you can find talented young actors who are eager to work for a reasonable price, that would be beneficial for the business, - Billy suggested.

-But... - Steven began, but Billy interrupted.

-You're a great director. You don't always need big-name actors. Some are solid and not as demanding in terms of salary. You can find them from Australia, the theater scene, or the UK. There are plenty who prove their worth without commanding the same fees. Remember Tom Hanks? His salary was $20 million, sometimes with backend deals, as he famously negotiated for Jerry Maguire. While he's a great actor, others could do the same for $10 million in some of their roles, - Billy explained.

-You're giving me a free rein, - Steven commented.

-Yes, that's the dream. That's why DreamWorks was created—to do what you want without the industry's 'buts'. I support the notion. As long as we identify talent, we can grow and attract good stories, - Billy concluded.

***

At the hotel, Monica smoked a cigarette, calming herself. She smiled, recalling the words Winona had said about a man who could be the love of her life, someone who would give her the wings, freedom, and charm she needed. "If he's so good, why don't you take him?" Monica asked over the phone. The answer was hesitant, perhaps the decision that opened her heart. Though timid, she longed to be part of that place.

The response came swiftly,  -Because I want him! But if I keep wanting him, I'll likely get my heart broken, and I'd rather someone like you have him than anyone else. -

Watching Billy work, she was still surprised that he ignored her. She had been enough to drive any man crazy, using all her tricks, yet this man continued to ignore her.

He had called her a week ago, offering her a job as his model. She had to be part of the football poster image—a beautiful woman and football, the perfect combination, Billy mentioned.

He took her out to dinner, buying an Italian national team shirt, handbags, clothes—anything that caught her eye. She felt sidelined by Billy, intimidated. She managed to get closer, and he responded but remained cold. Without much time, he grabbed her shoulders and massaged them.

-Do you want to watch a movie? - Monica asked. - It's late; we should sleep. -

-In ten minutes, darling, let me finish up here, - Billy replied, turning and giving Monica a chaste kiss—a tenderness she considered uncharacteristic of the typically colder American. It was the second time he had been so affectionate with her.

-I'll be in the room, -  Monica said, paying attention only to how Billy glanced away. Conversely, Billy saw in Monica a maturity few other women demonstrated, despite her being ten years older. She found herself different from all other women.

-Perhaps I need older women, - Billy thought, finishing his final touches on the paper. With careful detail, the furious face of a gunslinger became the starting point.

In her room, she decided to wear a large pajama while applying cream to her face. Her nipples brushed against the silk, making her feel powerful.

....