"Hello, Duke."
"Hello, David."
Introduced by James Franco, Duke shook hands with David Ellison. Although his memory of the latter was vague, Duke still recalled that this man would become one of Hollywood's key investors in the future.
In his increasingly blurry memory, David Ellison officially stepped into Hollywood about two years later. Rumor had it that his super-rich father, Larry Ellison, gave him $200 million to invest in films. This young, inexperienced yet incredibly wealthy man inevitably encountered numerous troubles when dealing with Hollywood's "vampires."
He was even privately referred to as Hollywood's most famous "fool."
However, someone raised in such an affluent family and receiving elite education could hardly be considered a fool. After several years of struggling in Hollywood and suffering several major setbacks, David Ellison gradually shed his overconfident and arrogant demeanor with age and experience, adopting a more cautious attitude toward films.
This man was said to have been born with a "golden finger." As Duke once read online, David Ellison's arrival as a financial savior during the 2008 economic crisis, when Hollywood faced an unprecedented cash crunch, allowed him to invest heavily in financially-strapped but prestigious projects. He even rescued Paramount Pictures from a liquidity crisis, securing preferential investment rights in Paramount's projects.
"True Grit," "Mission Impossible 4," "Jack Reacher," "World War Z," "G.I. Joe," "Star Trek," "Mission Impossible 5," "Terminator Genisys"...
Duke vaguely remembered that these were all David Ellison's investment projects.
Although all of Hollywood resented him and his sister, this super-rich second-generation elite completed his transformation in less than a decade.
Others might feel inexplicable envy or resentment toward David Ellison, but not Duke. Firstly, he had long passed the age for such emotions, and secondly, he himself came from a wealthy family.
"Duke, I heard your new project has been approved?"
David Ellison, full of confidence and direct in speech, didn't beat around the bush. "I think highly of your project and want to invest in it."
"Invest?" Duke looked at David Ellison, his face showing a suitable level of doubt.
"That's right. Warner Bros. only invested $40 million in your new project, which doesn't match your current status and reputation," David Ellison said, his words seemingly carrying a hint of provocation. "Don't you think your film deserves more funding? I'm willing to invest $40 million in your project."
"Oh?" Duke showed a thoughtful expression.
If someone truly wanted to throw away their money, he had no reason to refuse. Moreover, there were countless ways to turn a project into a financial loss. For instance, simply charging promotional expenses to production costs could bankrupt David Ellison.
However, considering that David Ellison was currently studying at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and had some understanding of the industry, he was clearly no fool. He added, "Of course, I require 50% of the film's rights."
Asking for rights? Duke dismissed the idea and slowly shook his head. "Sorry, David. I believe $40 million is sufficient for this project."
"You should reconsider," David Ellison persisted.
Given his demand for rights, it was clear he wasn't easy to fool. Duke had no interest in collaborating with him and coldly said, "No need."
David Ellison's brows furrowed, and the smile on his face grew increasingly perfunctory. However, recognizing the setting, he refrained from any inappropriate behavior.
"Just tell me..." David Ellison assumed a demeanor reminiscent of his father's arrogance. "What are your conditions?"
Hearing this, James Franco immediately distanced himself slightly. While David Ellison was indeed wealthy, it wasn't worth offending a Hollywood heavyweight director like Duke over it.
At this point, Duke also dropped any pretense and directly stated, "There's no possibility of cooperation between us."
David Ellison stared intently, but Duke shook his head lightly, disinterested in further engagement.
At the right moment, Ivanka stepped in and said, "I see Sofia over there. Let's go say hello."
Since this was a public event and Duke was one of the hosts of the party, he couldn't openly act against David Ellison, even if the latter's attitude was distasteful.
"Excuse us."
Leaving behind these words, Duke, escorting Ivanka, walked toward Sofia Coppola.
Watching Duke's departing figure, David Ellison's expression stiffened. In his twenty years of life, money had always been a universal solution for him. All obstacles and difficulties dissolved in the face of wealth.
Before coming here, he had even been prepared to write a sky-high check.
He understood that the first step was crucial to breaking into this circle and achieving success. Hence, he specifically targeted Duke, a director who was outwardly known as entirely commercial and profit-driven...
Yet, the situation seemed different from what he had imagined.
"Who is that?" Sofia Coppola asked, looking in Duke's direction. "He seems unfamiliar."
"Larry Ellison's son," Duke explained briefly. "He wants to break into Hollywood. I suppose he has a large sum of money and intends to knock me out with it."
Duke made no effort to conceal his attitude in front of a close friend like Sofia.
"Doesn't he know you don't need money?" Sofia sneered disdainfully.
Ivanka sighed and said, "From his tone, it seems he doesn't. He just sees Duke as a simple director."
"I'm curious," Sofia jokingly said. "What kind of check would someone need to knock out Director Rosenberg?"
She gave Ivanka a playful wink. "Ivanka, you should be careful. He might cater to Duke's tastes and bring in a dozen blonde supermodels with long legs."
Duke raised an eyebrow. "Sofia!"
Sofia Coppola chuckled and said, "Alright, I'll stop joking."
With that, she took Ivanka's arm and said, "Let me introduce you to some friends."
"Sure."
Ivanka nodded at Duke before following Sofia Coppola to another social circle.
David Ellison, still observing Duke from a distance, couldn't have anticipated such firm rejection. But he wasn't one to focus on a single opportunity. Hollywood was vast; if not Duke, there were others to collaborate with.
"James, I've heard that some Hollywood agencies specialize in package deals?" David Ellison asked Franco beside him. "Is that true?"
"Yes, many companies offer that service now," James Franco replied, spotting a blonde middle-aged woman approaching. He quickly added, "If the packages didn't generate profits, they wouldn't be so prevalent in Hollywood."
"Understood."
As David Ellison nodded, the blonde woman reached them, taking the initiative to greet him. "Hello, Mr. Ellison."
"Hello," David Ellison replied, unsure of who she was.
"I'm Michelle Braun, head of an international travel company," the blonde woman introduced herself with impeccable charm. "Our company specializes in serving esteemed clients like you..."
She glanced at James Franco. "And Mr. Franco."
After saying this, Michelle Braun handed over her business card with both hands. "Our company is hosting a costume party for Halloween. If you're interested, you're welcome to join."
David Ellison glanced at the card and said, "I'll call you if needed."
Michelle Braun, sensing the moment, left promptly.
"Who was she?" David Ellison asked, watching her leave. "I haven't heard of her."
"I don't know either," James Franco shrugged. "But if she's at this party, her status or wealth must be significant."
Though this was a celebration, there was an implicit threshold for attendance. Not just in North America, Hollywood also had distinct social stratification. One's status determined their treatment—this was entirely normal.
Michelle Braun eventually reached Duke and greeted him. Duke confirmed he had neither met nor heard of her before.
"Director Rosenberg, here's my card," Michelle Braun said. "You're welcome to attend our Halloween costume party."
"Thank you," Duke responded with a nod.
Lowering her voice, Michelle Braun added, "If you have special needs, feel free to call me anytime."
Hearing this, Duke glanced at her.
Michelle Braun continued, "I have premium resources: BBC hosts, supermodels, well-known actresses—all blonde and long-legged..."
Noticing Duke frown, she listed a few notable names, smiled, and walked away.
Looking at the card in his hand, Duke shook his head with a smile. He already understood her line of work. Many such companies in Hollywood disguised themselves as modeling agencies while actually selling "services."
However, the names she mentioned were not just newcomers but established figures with decent fame.
"What's that?" Ivanka's voice sounded beside him. Curious, she took the card from Duke's hand.
....
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