Chapter 391: Risks and Invitations

Chapter 391: Chapter 391: Risks and Invitations

"Also, this film requires cross-border shooting, with the main filming locations in Paris and Los Angeles. I hope to get support from Europe," Irene added.

"For example, filming permits, site coordination, cooperation from local teams, etc. These all need to be communicated by CAA in advance to ensure the filming goes smoothly and avoid unnecessary trouble."

"No problem. CAA has branches all over the world, and their resources in Europe are very rich. I will have them set up a dedicated liaison team to handle matters related to the cross-border shooting," Shelly replied.

Irene nodded. This was the main reason she handed this project over to CAA.

Echo Pictures lacked experience in cross-border filming operations.

Without an experienced intermediary to help, not only would costs increase significantly, but there would also be many headaches.

"As for the other supporting roles, I do not have many special requirements. Just let CAA screen them according to the standard process. The focus should be on solid acting skills and cost-effectiveness," Irene said.

After discussing the actors, Shelly asked again, "What about the director? Do you have any preferred candidates? Or any requirements for the director’s style?"

Irene fell into deep thought.

The name of the original director of Taken, Pierre Morel, immediately surfaced in her mind.

Pierre Morel came from a cinematography background and was very skilled in using lens language.

His directorial style was concise, brisk, and fast-paced, and he was particularly adept at filming action scenes, which highly matched the tone of Taken.

But she was also clear that Pierre Morel was still just a moderately famous cinematographer.

Although he had served as a director of photography for several films, he had never had the experience of independently directing a feature film.

Letting a cinematographer with no directing experience helm an action film with a not-insignificant budget certainly carried some risks.

However, Irene did not have a board of directors breathing down her neck.

For all project personnel, it was only a matter of whether she wanted to use them, not whether she could.

No one could guarantee that Pierre Morel would not become the next surprise.

"I have someone in mind: Pierre Morel," Irene said.

"Pierre Morel?" Shelly paused, clearly unfamiliar with the name. "Who is he?"

"He is a French cinematographer who previously served as the director of photography for films like Brotherhood of the Wolf and The Transporter. His lens language is very distinctive, and he has a lot of experience filming action scenes," Irene explained.

"Although he does not have experience independently directing a feature film yet, I think his style is very suitable for Taken. The core of this film is fast-paced storytelling and exciting action scenes. Pierre Morel’s cinematography background will allow him to better control the camera rhythm and visual effects. I am willing to give him a chance."

Shelly frowned and said with some concern, "Is it not too risky to let a cinematographer with no directing experience take the helm?"

"There is definitely risk, but the film industry is full of risks," Irene said.

"We can first have him submit a director’s treatment and a shooting plan to see his understanding and ability to control the project. If his proposal is good enough, we will hand the project to him. Moreover, I will serve as the producer for this film. As long as I have time, I will follow the filming process, adjust if problems arise, and ensure the quality of the film."

Seeing that Irene’s attitude was firm, Shelly no longer objected.

"Okay, I will have CAA contact Pierre Morel, send him the script, and invite him to submit a director’s proposal. If he is interested, we will arrange subsequent communication."

Irene nodded and added, "Also, make it clear to CAA that the production budget for this film should be controlled within $25 million; do not go over budget. Try to control the filming period to around three months, and strive for a release next year."

"Understood. I will make all of this clear to CAA." Shelly wrote down all the requirements one by one, then closed the folder, stood up, and said, "Then I will head back first. I will notify you as soon as there is any news. I will also give you feedback on the Oscar response as soon as possible."

"Okay, thank you for your hard work, Shelly." Irene stood up and walked him to the door.

After sending Shelly off, Irene returned to the living room, picked up her phone, and browsed the news.

Reports related to the Oscar awards ceremony were already flooding the media.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was the biggest favorite, having received 11 nominations, almost sweeping all the core awards, and was the main topic of discussion for everyone.

Irene glanced at it casually.

Seeing there was no other news, she put down her phone and lay back on the sofa.

Now, the script for Gossip Girl had been entrusted to her mother.

Once the script was completely finished, she would let CAA build the crew.

Other projects were also proceeding steadily.

Next, she would have to devote herself entirely to the pre-production preparations for Transformers.

Even though Paramount had not urged her even once, she could not be oblivious.

After the Oscars were over, casting would have to begin.

Fortunately, the machine special effects had been handed over to Industrial Light & Magic early on, so she had not done nothing.

And finishing the film earlier would allow her to free up time to prepare for her own company’s projects.

Irene took a deep breath, her heart filled with a sense of urgency.

If she wanted to make Echo Pictures truly rank among the top-tier Hollywood studios, she had to produce a top-tier commercial blockbuster with global influence.

A project like Transformers, which was at the top level globally, but she could not rush it right now.

The company’s task at the current stage was to do a good job with the projects on hand.

As for that top-tier commercial film, it would naturally appear when the time was right.

Just then, her phone rang.

It was a call from Robert.

"Irene, we have basically selected the male and female leads for Twilight. See when you have time to come over for final confirmation. In addition, Ang Lee’s side has also notified us that they will officially start auditions after the Oscars, asking if you have time to participate."

"That is great!" Irene’s mood immediately improved. "For the casting of Twilight, you arrange the time; I am free tomorrow. As for Ang Lee’s side, tell him to take full responsibility for the auditions. I will just look at the results directly when the time comes. If there is anything we are unsure about, we can discuss it then."

"Understood. I will go arrange that right now," Robert said.