Chapter 209: Praise from Others

Chapter 209: Chapter 209: Praise from Others

Industrial Light & Magic’s visual effects supervisor, Bridges Clive, nodded immediately and took over the conversation:

"We have already prioritized all the naval battles, kraken, and panoramic harbor special effects shots according to Mr. Lucas’s requirements.

We clearly remember the ’realistic fantasy texture’ that Irene requested. The waves of the sea, the damage to the ship’s hull, and the smoke from gunpowder explosions will all be done with practical physical effects.

The monster designs will also balance horror with cinematic aesthetics, never being exaggerated."

He pointed to the sketches on the screen. "All special effects shots will reserve space for editing to ensure they fit perfectly with Hill’s rhythm, without stealing the spotlight or appearing abrupt. They will only serve as a complement to the visuals, not a burden on the narrative."

When it was Hans Zimmer’s turn, the master composer just smiled lightly, his tone calm but with great weight:

"Jerry and I have talked. What you want is not the flashy soundtrack of a traditional adventure film, but music that has a soul, character symbols, and can drive emotions."

He tapped his fingertips on his knee, simulating a mysterious rhythm.

"Captain Jack has his theme, Will and Elizabeth have their melodies, naval battles have a sense of oppression, and partings have a sense of layering. I will strictly follow the editing rhythm.

The music will start based on emotional needs and stop at visual transitions, absolutely not overpowering the dialogue or the special effects, letting the music become a part of the film, not an added decoration."

Irene listened quietly to the three parties’ explanations, a look of approval gradually appearing in her eyes.

This was exactly the state she wanted: professional, efficient, with a unified goal, no disputes, no internal friction, with everyone giving their all for the same work.

"Very good." She straightened up, her tone firm.

"Then we will proceed by scene segments, starting with the most critical naval battle scenes and the final showdown. Special effects, soundtrack, and editing will advance simultaneously. We will check the version once a week to ensure that every link does not go wrong."

As soon as her voice fell, everyone immediately looked down and opened their respective plans and schedules.

In the large post-production studio, only the sound of mouse clicks, the sound of pen tips sliding across paper, and the sound of the constantly looping footage on the monitors remained.

After a full day of high-intensity post-production meetings, twilight had completely shrouded Los Angeles.

Irene returned to her home in Malibu, dragging her slightly exhausted body. Before she could greet her parents, the phone in her backpack rang softly.

The name jumping on the caller ID made her perk up instantly—George Lucas.

Francis signaled for her to answer the phone first.

She pressed the answer button, her voice unconsciously carrying a bit of the closeness of a junior: "The Godfather."

A gentle and steady laugh came from the other end of the phone, without any airs of a big shot, and he started with the most sincere concern:

"Just finished work, right? I heard you’ve been working around the clock lately, diving into the Disney studio right after wrapping up, without even time to rest. Is the pressure high? Can you handle it?"

Irene leaned on the sofa, took a sip of the juice her mother handed her after a gentle sigh: "It’s fine, the team is very professional. Editing, special effects, and music are all in place, and progress is smoother than expected. It’s just that the rhythm is a bit tight, not too tiring."

"That’s good." Lucas paused, his tone suddenly adding a bit of praise. "Bridges from Industrial Light & Magic called me specifically today and praised you heavily."

Irene was slightly stunned: "Oh, what did Mr. Clive say about me?"

Lucas’s voice was full of gratification. "He told me that he has been doing special effects for a lifetime, has handled countless top-tier projects, and has worked with all kinds of directors, but the vast majority of people, by the end of the shoot, are vague about what they want. They either repeatedly overturn things, are indecisive, or are led by the nose by special effects."

"But you are different."

This sentence was said with particular certainty, and Lucas’s tone carried undisguised pride:

"Bridges said that you have had an extremely clear goal from the beginning. You know that special effects should serve the story, you know what rhythm the visuals should fall on, and you know where to show off skills and where to exercise restraint.

He said that from you, he can not only see my shadow but also the demeanor of Steven Spielberg: clear, firm, understanding the audience, and even more understanding of the film itself."

Irene listened quietly, a burst of happiness welling up in her heart.

When she decided to become a director, she didn’t actually think about how hard it would be to be a director. After all, she had a super "golden finger," which already made it easier for her to succeed than anyone else in this world.

But only when she was behind the camera did she know how different ideals and reality were. It was extremely difficult for every shot in her mind to be perfectly replicated, especially when filming Pirates of the Caribbean, where the various grand scenes required more personnel coordination than all the previous films combined.

Although they had the same story and the same lead actors, there were many more variables in other details. Whether it was the change of Will Turner or the cameo of Nicolas Cage, it might look like Irene’s confident grasp in the eyes of others, but she was actually still a bit uneasy deep down.

Fortunately, she already had the experience of The Italian Job, which also faced a change of roles but was still successful, which made her feel much more at ease. Otherwise, if she had directed such a large investment project right from the start, her pressure would have crushed her.

"Thank Mr. Bridges for his recognition on my behalf," Irene said softly. "I still have a lot to learn."

"Humility is a good thing, but there is no need to belittle yourself." Lucas’s tone was steady.

"You have already embarked on your own path. Next, focus on the post-production, and prepare well for the Oscar. I will also keep an eye on Industrial Light & Magic to ensure you get top-tier support."

The two chatted briefly about the film’s details and future small plans before slowly hanging up the phone.

Irene held the receiver, standing in the quiet living room, with the quiet night of Malibu outside the window. The fatigue of the day seemed to be gently smoothed away at this moment, leaving only increasingly clear confidence in her heart.

She slowly put down the phone and turned to see her father, Francis Coppola, sitting across from the sofa.

Since the start of Pirates of the Caribbean, no matter how busy Irene was, she would regularly communicate with her father about the shooting progress, editing ideas, and creative difficulties. Francis had always been her most solid and knowledgeable backer.

At this moment, the father and daughter did not talk about the post-production work that had just ended. The topic naturally turned to the upcoming Oscar ceremony.

Only a warm yellow floor lamp was on in the living room, and the atmosphere was quiet and relaxed.

Irene hugged her knees and leaned on the sofa, tapping her fingertips on her knees, and sorted through the nomination list for the Best Actress with her father.

"Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger, Judi Dench... several of them are very strong, and their performances have their own highlights." Francis spoke slowly, his eyes falling on his daughter’s face,

"Who are you more inclined towards in your heart?"