Chapter 363: Birthday Wishes

Chapter 363: Chapter 363: Birthday Wishes

She walked into the living room and answered the phone, the expression on her face quickly turning serious. "Lisa, how is it? Have the copyrights been verified?"

Lisa, on the other end of the line, had a grave tone. "Irene, it has been verified. The copyright for A Song of Ice and Fire is indeed still in George R. R. Martin’s hands and hasn’t been acquired by any company. However, HBO has also set its sights on this project. Their executives made initial contact with Martin’s agent a while ago, expressed interest in collaborating, and offered very favorable terms."

Irene frowned slightly. "HBO? They certainly move fast. Lisa, contact Martin’s agent immediately and express our sincere interest in collaborating. Tell them that Future World Pictures is willing to offer even better terms than HBO. We will not only invest sufficient production funds to guarantee the quality of the series but also give Martin full creative freedom, allowing him to participate in the entire process of script adaptation and production.

In addition, we can promise that once the series is successful, Martin will receive generous dividends, including subsequent derivative products and overseas distribution revenue. I believe HBO won’t easily promise this."

"Alright, Irene." Lisa’s voice carried her usual efficiency. "I will contact Martin’s agent right now. However, HBO has extensive experience in the field of American television dramas, and they have already done quite a bit of preparatory work for A Song of Ice and Fire. Our competitive pressure might be very high."

"I know." Irene said firmly. "But A Song of Ice and Fire is crucial to our company’s television business, and we must secure this copyright. Lisa, thank you for your hard work. No matter what difficulties you encounter, do your best to fight for it. Report to me at any time if there are any developments."

"Rest assured, Irene." Lisa said. "I will do my best."

Irene hung up the phone, her expression still somewhat serious.

The intervention of HBO meant that the battle for the copyright of A Song of Ice and Fire would be exceptionally intense.

As a veteran cable network, HBO had significant advantages in capital, production experience, and distribution channels. It would not be an easy task for Future World Pictures to win.

She returned to the dining table.

Sophia saw Irene’s expression and asked with concern, "Irene, what’s wrong? Is there a problem with work?"

Irene nodded and told Sophia and Francis about HBO intervening in the project she was eyeing.

Francis frowned. "HBO is indeed a very strong opponent. Their previous productions, The Sopranos and Sex and the City, were very successful and have great influence in the American television drama field.

Moreover, because of the influence of The Lord of the Rings, it is understandable that they want to produce a fantasy-themed American drama. Presumably, they are also willing to invest huge funds into production, which is indeed a great temptation for Martin."

Sophia also said, "HBO’s production standards are indeed very high. Their series are excellent in terms of visual texture and narrative depth. However, Future World Pictures also has its own advantages. Your production experience and resources in the film industry can be completely transplanted to the television business. Moreover, your innovation and market sensitivity are also incomparable to HBO."

Irene nodded, her expression gradually softening. "You are right. Although HBO is powerful, we are not without a chance of winning. Besides, even if we fail this time, we have accumulated preparatory experience in the television business, which will be helpful for future development."

She stood up, stretched, and said in a relaxed tone, "Alright, let’s not think about these troublesome things. Today is my birthday, and we should celebrate properly. Dad, sister, have you thought about how to celebrate my birthday?"

Francis and Sophia looked at each other and smiled, saying in unison, "Of course we have!"

As soon as the words fell, the doorbell of the living room rang.

The servant opened the door and walked in holding a large bouquet of fresh white roses, with a greeting card inserted in the center of the bouquet.

Irene took the bouquet, the faint rose fragrance lingering on the tip of her nose. The card read: "Happy birthday, may you always maintain your passion for film and your sharpness." It was signed "Jerry Bruckheimer". A warmth filled her heart.

She was just about to pick up her phone to call Jerry to thank him when the phone started vibrating non-stop. Text message notification sounds rang one after another, as if everyone had agreed not to disturb Irene’s rest before this.

She unlocked the screen, and a dense stream of blessing messages flooded her eyes.

In addition to text messages, Facebook notifications were constantly refreshing.

Opening the app, the homepage was already swiped by updates saying "Happy 22nd birthday to Irene Coppola".

Keira Knightley posted a photo of the two of them on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean, with the caption: "It is my luck to work with the most talented director. Happy birthday."

Hillary Swank shared the award-winning moment of Million Dollar Baby, writing: "Always remember your smile backstage at the Oscar. May you have a smooth year every year."

There were countless industry peers, actors she had worked with, and even industry seniors she had never met, all leaving blessings under her homepage.

"Don’t be busy looking at your phone yet, the cake is coming to the table!" came Sophia’s voice.

Irene looked up and saw her mother, Eleanor, walking out with an exquisite chocolate mousse cake. The surface of the cake was decorated with Tahitian vanilla, 23K gold leaf, fresh truffles, and various fruits.

"Come over and make a wish and blow out the candles!"

The family gathered around the dining table. Irene closed her eyes and silently made a wish in her heart: "Steady development of the company, peace and health for the family." Then she blew out the 22 candles in one breath.

Francis picked up the camera and took several photos in succession: the moment Irene hugged her mother, the scene of Sophia cutting the cake for her, and the warm scene of the family sitting around the dining table.

After lunch, Irene sat on the sofa, flipping through the photos in the camera, with a smile always on her lips.

She picked a few of the most natural ones — a silhouette of herself leaning against the courtyard fence, a selfie with her sister holding the cake, and a warm moment of her father handing coffee to her mother. After connecting her phone to the camera to export the photos, she uploaded them to Facebook one by one.

Before uploading, she glanced at the gifts piled up nearby: the customized fountain pen from Jerry, the diamond necklace from Henry, the antique movie poster chosen by Robert, the limited-edition books sent by Lisa, the handmade jewelry box specifically prepared by Edward, and the latest Hermès from Britney.

She wanted to take pictures of these gifts to share as well, but her fingers hovered over the shooting button, hesitating. These gifts were often expensive, and posting them online rashly would inevitably seem like showing off, which would destroy the purity of the birthday.

In the end, Irene only kept the photos of the family gathering and leisure in the courtyard, and specifically explained in the accompanying text: "Spent a perfect birthday with my most beloved family. All photos were taken with the Canon camera gifted by my sister. Thank you for this practical and thoughtful gift~"