Chapter 377: Welcome Back to Hollywood

Chapter 377: Chapter 377: Welcome Back to Hollywood

Seeing the shift in their attitudes, a smile appeared on Irene’s face.

"Ang Lee, Kevin, I know that making a film like this requires a great deal of courage, and I thank you both for being willing to trust me. I can assure you that during the production process, I will give Ang Lee full creative freedom and will not interfere with the artistic expression of the film in any way. In terms of promotion, the company will invest sufficient funds and resources to ensure that every strategy is effectively implemented."

Over the next hour, the three of them engaged in an in-depth discussion regarding details such as the film’s script adaptation, casting, and production budget.

Ang Lee suggested that he hoped to add more details about Ennis and Jack’s time together on Brokeback Mountain during their youth to the script, to make the foundation of their relationship more solid.

Kevin, on the other hand, was concerned with the specific amount of the production budget and the box office revenue sharing ratio.

Irene responded to each point, promising a production budget of no less than $20 million, and that the box office revenue sharing would be executed according to the highest standards for Hollywood art films.

After some candid communication, the last trace of hesitation in Ang Lee’s heart completely dissipated.

He stood up, extended his hand, and said in a firm tone, "Irene, I have decided to accept your invitation to direct Brokeback Mountain. I believe that with your support and our joint efforts, this film will surely become a classic."

"That is great!" Irene also stood up and shook hands firmly with Ang Lee. "Ang Lee, welcome to the Brokeback Mountain team. With you on board, I have even more confidence in this film."

Kevin said with a smile, "Let me handle the specific collaboration fees and contract details with Mr. Robert. I believe we can reach an agreement that both sides are satisfied with."

"No problem," Irene said. "I have already had Robert prepare the relevant contract drafts, so I will leave the next steps to you."

After the meeting ended, Irene saw Ang Lee and Kevin out of the Future World Pictures office.

Standing at the entrance of the office building, the sunlight shone upon the three of them, warm and bright.

Irene looked at Ang Lee, a sincere smile on her face.

"Ang Lee, welcome back to Hollywood."

Ang Lee took a deep breath, feeling the familiar atmosphere of Hollywood.

The long-accumulated confusion and disappointment in his eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by a glow of confidence.

He looked at Irene and said solemnly, "Thank you. I am ready to set off again."

Watching the retreating figures of Ang Lee and Kevin, Irene’s heart was filled with a sense of accomplishment.

The choice of director for Brokeback Mountain had finally been settled.

Ang Lee’s participation meant that the final piece of the puzzle for this film had finally been put in place, and what followed would be the formal preparations.

Returning to her office, Irene immediately called Robert, asking him to coordinate with Kevin as soon as possible to finalize the details of the cooperation contract.

At the same time, she also sent a text message to Sophia to share the good news.

Sophia replied quickly: "That is great! Ang Lee is indeed the best choice. I look forward to seeing the birth of this film."

After handling these matters, Irene sat at her desk and pondered.

The road ahead was still long, and every step—script adaptation, casting, filming, post-production, and marketing—was full of challenges.

But she had confidence that, under Ang Lee’s direction and with the support of the team, Brokeback Mountain would surely stir up a storm in Hollywood and become a soul-stirring classic.

Meanwhile, Ang Lee and Kevin, sitting in the car on their way to the hotel, were also discussing the Brokeback Mountain project enthusiastically.

"Ang Lee, I think we made the right choice this time," Kevin said excitedly. "Irene’s strategy is brilliant, and she has enough resources and strength to realize these plans. This film will likely be your comeback work, and might even allow you to challenge for the Oscar for Best Director again."

Ang Lee nodded, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"I think so too. The story of Brokeback Mountain is so powerful. I must put my heart into making this film well, so as not to let down Irene’s trust, nor my own initial aspirations."

He looked out the car window as the Hollywood streetscape flew by, feeling a multitude of emotions.

From the failure of The Hulk to the new beginning today, he had experienced confusion and struggle, and had also felt the warmth and coldness of human relationships.

And the appearance of Irene was like a ray of light, illuminating the path ahead.

He knew that this was not just a simple collaboration, but an important turning point in his career.

The sun in Los Angeles was still bright, and the stage of Hollywood had reopened for him.

Ang Lee took a deep breath, his heart filled with fighting spirit.

He was ready to use Brokeback Mountain to prove his strength to Hollywood and return to the pinnacle.

After seeing Ang Lee and Kevin off, Irene had just picked up the jacket draped over the back of her chair when the phone on her desk rang urgently. ℴℴ𝘮

The name "Jerry" flashed on the screen, and she smilingly pressed the answer button.

Jerry Bruckheimer’s hearty laughter immediately came through the receiver.

"Irene, how was your rest after your birthday? Have you recharged your energy?"

"Thanks to you, I rested very well," Irene leaned against the edge of her desk, her tone relaxed. "Jerry, calling me at this time—it would not be because something went wrong with the editing of Dead Man’s Chest, would it?"

"There are no problems; I just wanted you to come over to the Disney editing studio to check on the progress," Jerry’s voice carried a hint of invitation. "Hill’s work is already sixty percent complete. As the director, you should come and oversee things and offer your opinions. After all, this film was created by the two of us together; it will not do without your approval."

Irene thought for a moment; there were indeed no particularly urgent arrangements in her upcoming schedule.

In fact, she had always been at ease with editing work.

Hill was an old partner she had collaborated with for many years; after he won the Oscar for Best Film Editing for Million Dollar Baby, the two had long since formed a perfect rapport.

She had communicated the editing focus and development arc of Dead Man’s Chest in detail with Hill after filming ended.

For instance, the scenes between Captain Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones needed to highlight the balance between absurdity and tension, the romantic subplot between Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner needed to be interwoven into the adventure plot without seeming abrupt, and the pacing of the transitions for those special effects shots had all been clearly noted.

She had also stayed up late to watch the rough cut that Hill had previously sent over twice.

The overall framework was clear, the pacing was tight, and there were basically no major issues.

As long as Hill performed normally and no logical loopholes appeared, and provided Jerry did not suddenly have a brain fart and randomly cut key plot points for the sake of so-called "commerciality," the editing of this film would not go wrong.

However, having said that, as the director who had also received part of the payment for editing, not showing up at all really would not be justifiable.

It would be inevitable that people would gossip behind her back, thinking she was not being responsible.

"Alright, I will head over now," Irene readily agreed. "I will drive myself and will arrive in about forty minutes."

"No problem. I will wait for you at the entrance of the editing studio," Jerry said, then added, "Be careful on the road. You know how Los Angeles traffic is."