Chapter 75: High Praise

Chapter 75: Chapter 75: High Praise

The conference room was crowded, with people seated around the long table.

Nia sat in her chair as both the screenwriter and the inspiration for the story. Irene sat beside her as the director and co-producer. Also present were a representative sent by Tom Hanks, the casting director, and several other key members of the production team.

The discussion went smoothly. The cinematography, art direction, costume design, makeup, sound, and music teams had all been recommended by Playtone, and Irene had also suggested Jack Harris, an assistant director she had worked with twice before.

Once the production team was set, the topic shifted to the most important role: the female lead, Toula.

The casting director handed over a thick stack of actress profiles and began introducing several potential candidates.

Irene listened quietly, but her gaze kept drifting toward Nia, who was fidgeting beside her.

"It’s time for her to step up," Irene thought. "Wait a moment," she said, raising her hand to interrupt the casting director’s presentation.

She turned to Nia, her expression sincere and confident. "Nia, before we consider anyone else, why don’t you think about playing Toula yourself?"

As soon as she spoke, everyone at the table turned to look at the two of them.

"I believe no one is more suited to play Toula than you," Irene said, surprising the room.

Nia’s eyes widened instantly, and she waved her hands in refusal, her face full of panic. "No, no, Irene, that won’t work! I’m a screenwriter, not an actress. I can tell the story from behind the scenes, but standing in front of the camera—I can’t do it. I’d ruin this movie!"

"On the contrary, Nia," Irene said, her voice calm and strong, carrying a quiet certainty.

"Toula is you. Her soul, her feelings, every moment of hesitation, and every small act of rebellion all come from your heart. Any skilled actor would need to spend weeks trying to understand and connect with this character, but you’ve lived with her for years. You don’t need to act like her. You just need to relive your own life in front of the camera."

Seeing Nia’s uncertain expression, Irene pressed on, her tone growing softer. "Think about it. What could be more meaningful than telling your family’s story yourself and showing it to them on the big screen? That kind of authenticity and energy can’t be replaced by any performance."

Nia fell silent, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She was clearly torn.

Irene knew she needed to offer both support and reassurance for the project. Changing her approach, she spoke with the practicality of a producer:

"Of course, we understand your concerns. To make sure filming goes smoothly, we’ll provide you with the best acting coach to work with you throughout the shoot. At the same time," she said, looking at the casting director,

"I suggest we invite John Corbett to play Ian."

She took out John’s profile and explained, "He’s tall and handsome, with a gentle, refined presence that audiences love. More importantly, he’s a considerate actor who’s good at supporting his co-stars. Having him on set would take a lot of pressure off your first leading role, and the chemistry between you two would be moving."

The suggestion made everyone nod in agreement. John Corbett’s appearance and acting style fit the role perfectly.

"Then let’s ask him to audition tomorrow so we can confirm it," Irene said. He had taken the role in her previous life, so there was no reason he would refuse now.

After settling the male lead, Irene looked at Nia again. "Nia, I’m not forcing you. Our budget is limited. Even if a famous or highly skilled actor wanted the script, we couldn’t afford their fee, and a mediocre actor would only damage the Toula we both have in mind.

So instead of wasting time trying to find a lead that no one is truly happy with, why not play the role yourself? In my opinion, no one could do it better. Come back to where your story started. Let’s finish it together, okay?"

Irene’s words struck a chord in Nia’s heart. ’She’s right,’ Nia thought. ’Instead of letting an actor I don’t believe in ruin the Toula in my mind, I should do it myself.’

Under the encouraging looks from everyone at the table, Nia Vardalos took a deep breath. Her eyes showed nerves and fear, but even more than that, they showed anticipation and excitement about taking the lead. She finally nodded firmly. "Okay, Irene. You’ve convinced me. I’m willing to try."

A round of relieved applause broke out in the conference room.

With the two leads confirmed, casting the rest of Toula’s family became much easier.

There hadn’t been any major stars in the film in Irene’s previous life, so she quickly approved the remaining actors. They matched the cast she remembered. Because this was an independent film without big-name stars, the team successfully kept the total cast budget under five hundred thousand dollars.

Over the next month, once all the actors were on board, they held a simple table read to help everyone understand their roles. They also confirmed Toronto, Canada, as the final filming location.

While Irene led the team to Toronto to begin production, back in Hollywood, the critic screening for Mean Girls quietly came to a close.

Even though the director was absent, the film’s quality spoke for itself. When the screening ended and the lights came up, the Fox marketing and distribution team could see the lingering smiles on the critics’ faces and the excited notes filling their notebooks.

In the office of Fox Pictures CEO Baird Fergus, cigarette smoke still hung in the air.

Baird looked at the preliminary screening report for Mean Girls that had just been delivered, and he couldn’t help smiling. He picked up the internal phone. "Mary, have Adelaide and Kevin come to my office."

Soon, Head of Distribution Adelaide Griffin and Head of Marketing Stan Hoffman walked in quickly.

"Take a look at this," Baird said, sliding the report across the desk.

Stan picked it up and scanned it quickly, his eyes lighting up. "The film is even better than we expected. The Hollywood Reporter says, ’This movie successfully blends humor, emotion, and sharp satire, making it a delightful, above-average teen film.’ That’s very high praise."

Adelaide looked relaxed. A film under his oversight receiving this kind of acclaim meant there would be little pressure during this year’s review. "Director Coppola has captured the mindset of high school girls perfectly. I’m willing to bet we have another summer blockbuster on our hands."

Baird leaned back in his leather chair with satisfaction and blew a smoke ring. "I remember some people thought it was too risky to give a director under twenty that much authority."

Stan immediately agreed, his tone full of relief. "The results prove your decision was completely correct, Baird. She’s not only an asset to Fox, but also a rare talent that all of Hollywood envies. I just got a call from a friend at Paramount on my way here, fishing for information about Director Coppola’s new film."

Adelaide added with a smile, "Let them ask. When Mean Girls officially releases, the people who are still hesitating will regret it. I can already picture what the June box office chart will look like."

Baird nodded, his eyes sharp and focused. "So, gentlemen, our job is to make sure this victory stays in our hands. Adelaide, prepare for the widest distribution possible. Stan, I want a new, more impactful marketing plan on my desk by next Monday.

We want everyone to know that Fox not only has blockbuster films, but also one of the most important directors of the next decade."

"Understood!" the two answered in unison.