Made in Hollywood

Time gradually entered March. After temporarily handing over the trivial matters to Nancy Josephson, Duke and editor Mike Dawson regrouped at Warner Studios to start the post-production work on Saving Private Ryan. In addition to the post-production staff, he will also bring over Zach Snyder and Sofia Coppola, who have ended a short vacation.

The two are also quite willing to participate in the post-production of the film, after all, they can accumulate experience for their future.

In fact, Duke is very clear that he can't keep Zach Snyder and Sofia Coppola for a long time. As long as anyone who enters this circle and wants to become a director, few are willing to serve as assistants to others permanently, as long as there are suitable Opportunity, will inevitably fly solo.

This was something that both James Cameron and Steven Spielberg could not avoid. Duke had to plan ahead, let Nancy find a suitable replacement, and also let Sophia post a recruit, although Zack Snyder And Sofia? Coppola will not have too suitable opportunities in the short term, but always give newcomers a certain amount of exercise and running-in time.

At the beginning of this month, Duke finished another thing, paid a certain fee, and officially became a member of the Directors Guild. The reason why it was delayed until now was not for other reasons, but because he forgot.

Although there is also George Lucas in Hollywood who quit the Directors Guild angrily, and did not rejoin and become a director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Duke did not want to learn from George Lucas, and the benefits of joining the Directors Guild Much more limited than it is.

Like not going to the cult, Duke didn't think about moving away from mainstream movies.

In the editing room, Duke brought together Mike Dawson, Sofia Coppola and Zach Snyder, along with several other assistants, for a brief meeting.

Duke first reiterated the concept of editing, which is completely different from the past.

"Totally give up fast and aggressive editing! Cut the shots with traditional techniques! There will be a lot of long takes in the film, and there will be a lot of hand-held photography. I want that near-real camera shake, we want Treat it like a documentary type war documentary!"

If the editing method of the first three films is still used, the film is bound to become a disaster.

With the addition of Zach Schneider and Sofia Coppola, Duke was relatively relaxed. In the next ten days, several people worked together under Duke's leadership to complete a five-and-a-half-hour event. First cut samples, and then more tedious finishing work.

At the same time, special effects outsourced to ILM also began to be produced.

Since more than 99% of the shots in the film were shot in live action, the places where computer effects were needed were extremely limited, and the special effects team of ILM only joined at this time to complete the few computer effects scenes.

For the soundtrack, Duke recruited John Williams. The other party didn't want to cooperate with him. After all, Duke's films were not very suitable for the old man's appetite. The partner was busy opening DreamWorks, and John Williams signed a contract rather happily.

The editing concept was determined, and the team had a very tacit understanding. The special effects production and soundtrack were all in charge of the top people in the industry. The whole post-production was much smoother than "Independence Day", which dragged on for more than four months.

The relatively smooth work has also made the atmosphere of the studio much more relaxed. When we are resting, we can also sit together and chat about gossip in the circle.

"Have you heard, Duke?"

While sitting together enjoying afternoon tea, Zach Snyder suddenly winked at Duke, "Sophie Marceau has come to Los Angeles. I heard that she wants to focus her career on Hollywood."

"I saw her once."

Putting down the teacup, Duke nodded, "It seems like two weeks ago."

The other three people, including the new assistant Tina Fey, all looked at him. As insiders, they seemed to know Duke well.

"Don't look at me like that."

Indifferently pouring black tea for himself, Duke turned a blind eye to their eyes, "Just met at PricewaterhouseCoopers and chatted casually."

"Is it possible?" Sophia questioned.

"I think it's possible."

Duke's defense turned out to be Zach Snyder, who explained, "Sophie Marceau is said to be signing with CAA, and her prime agent will be Martin Bob."

No wonder! Duke murmured in a voice that he could only hear. When did Sophie Marceau, who has always been known for her unrestrained wonder, become a virtuous and virtuous daughter of a loyal marriage, so the problem lies here.

His inaction with CAA is no secret in Hollywood. Presumably Sophie Marceau regards CAA as a boost for her development in Hollywood and does not want to get too close to his enemy of CAA.

"I think it's her loss!"

Mike Dawson's tone was completely sarcastic. "Is that right, Duke?"

"Everyone has the right to choose, doesn't they?"

Pointed at these guys, Duke didn't bother to pay attention to their teasing words, he didn't have that kind of - you're not on my side, you're on my opposite - ideas, and he doesn't have mental retardation. Halo, Sophie Marceau chooses a CAA that seems more favorable to her future development, which is a normal situation.

These actresses, especially those who have worked hard for many years and have become famous, none of them are simple things. Maybe they will have sex with others because of their good feelings, but when it comes to their own interests, they will definitely choose the most beneficial to themselves. that side.

Under Duke's intentional guidance, several people turned their conversation away from women and discussed the upcoming Oscars.

"Unfortunately, the people sitting here," Mike Dawson joked in a serious tone, "I'm the only one who's ever been nominated for an Oscar."

"Cut!" Zach Snyder waved disdainfully.

"Don't forget, Zach!" Mike Dawson held out two fingers and waved in front of Zack Snyder, "I've been nominated for best editing twice."

Everyone laughed. Mike Dawson was indeed the only one on the team who was nominated for an Oscar. He was nominated for two best editing for "Speed ​​of Life" and "Brave Island", but in the end both Returned empty-handed.

As for the others, let alone the Oscar statuette, I haven't even touched the edge of the nomination.

"If we finish this film well." Sophia's eyes seemed to light up a lot, "Will we get a few Oscar nominations? Even a few Oscar statuettes? This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II!"

"Then make the film more in line with the taste of the academy." Mike Dawson seemed to have some experience. "To reduce explosions and war scenes, and to increase the scenes that show personal emotions and narratives, it is best to slow down the pace."

"No, we won't do this!" Duke shook his head directly and rejected, "This is a war commercial film, I don't care what the awards season is, it must first meet the viewing needs of the summer season, and my narrative rhythm has been slow enough. If you slow down, it will seriously affect the viewing effect."

"I agree with Duke!"

In this regard, Zach? Snyder and Duke obviously have more common language, "If our film market influence is not enough, we will soon be eliminated by Hollywood!"

"But the Oscars are the most authoritative awards in the industry!"

Sophia raised her voice slightly, Duke shook his head and changed the subject, "Let's talk about the film you like the most to win."

Differences in ideas are difficult to reconcile, and such disputes have always existed.

Mike Dawson was very tacit and immediately said, "I think "Forrest Gump" will be the biggest winner."

"I'm also optimistic about Forrest Gump." Sophia echoed.

"I think there's a good chance that 'Forrest Gump' will be a big win."

The crowd was surprisingly unanimous, and Zach Snyder added, "I think Quentin Tastino's Pulp Fiction is pretty good too."

"How about you, Duke?"

"Forrest Gump!" Duke said.

This can be said to be the opinion of most people outside the industry on this year's Oscars. "Forrest Gump" is definitely the biggest hit. Even the most cautious prediction agency thinks that "Forrest Gump" will win two to two. Three heavyweight awards.

"Why is no one watching The Shawshank Redemption?"

The person who asked the question was Tina Fei, who had never spoken much. She blinked her eyes full of curiosity. "This film has won nine nominations after "Forrest Gump"."

Duke did not answer, but looked at Sofia. As a veteran from a movie family, Sofia Coppola briefly explained it.

"There is a possibility that this Oscar will be upset, but the unpopularity will never be on "The Shawshank Redemption", even "Pulp Fiction" as a gangster film may win more than it! That's right, "The Shawshank Redemption" is about the Academy's favorite subject of freedom and hope, but it has chosen to do so in a most unflattering subject and way!"

After drinking a cup of black tea, Sophia said unhurriedly, "Comparing it with Forrest Gump, it will not have any advantage in the eyes of the judges of the academy, just like taking Duke's "Independence Day" with it. Awards season is as unreliable as Academy Award nominations."

She gave Duke an apologetic smile and continued, "I think, even if it wasn't for this year, even if there wasn't a big hit like Forrest Gump, The Shawshank Redemption was delayed or a few years earlier at the Oscars. The biggest possibility is just to accompany.”

Tina Fey made an expression of sudden realization. Mike Dawson and Zach Snyder nodded in agreement, obviously agreeing with Sophia's opinion.

Duke took the corner of his eye from Tina Fey. This is a very smart woman who knows how to please these senior people, and is also actively integrating.

That's fine, Duke would be the first one to be overwhelmed if he got an idiot as his assistant.

Looking at his watch, the break was almost over, and before entering the editing room, Duke remembered one more thing, "This Sunday afternoon, I'm going to have a party after I move."

"We will not be absent."