286-288

Chapter 286: Hollywood’s Reformer 

Resolving the “blacklist” was simple enough: just send a notice to the major agencies announcing that Dunn Films was no longer targeting Disney.  

It’d be just like when Disney dropped their blacklist against Dunn Films—a tit-for-tat move that fit Dunn’s sense of justice.  

But Dunn was still only 22. He wasn’t always the picture of maturity, especially around beautiful women or mortal enemies.  

After his relentless efforts, Disney and Dunn Films had patched things up on the surface. Still, when it came to Michael Eisner—the guy who’d nearly tanked Dunn Films—Dunn couldn’t just let it go and play nice.  

Toying with Eisner, especially humiliating him in public, was Dunn’s little game.  

“You love your pride, huh? Fine—I’ll make sure everyone knows your pride’s nothing but a doormat!”  

Dunn grinned like a villain straight out of a movie, a sly edge to his smile.  

This was a big show!  

Sure, Saw had crossed $70 million at the North American box office, but with a measly $1.5 million budget, it barely qualified as a “Hollywood movie.” Its buzz was real but limited—not even in the same universe as Spider-Man from the summer.  

Given its gritty premise, once the initial hype died down, mainstream theaters would drop Saw like a hot potato. It wasn’t personal against Dunn Films—just old-school tradition. A blockbuster like Spider-Man could run for ten months if the distributor pushed it. But a low-budget B-movie? Even with a big splash, two or three months was enough to milk the market before it got yanked.  

At best, it’d linger in niche horror circuits—maybe 50 screens tops.  

So for Dunn, Saw was a fun little win. The profit margin was insane, but the actual cash didn’t even touch a fraction of Spider-Man’s haul. It wasn’t the kind of thing to make the big studios sit up and take notice.  

At most, they’d mutter, “That Dunn kid’s something—even nails the small-budget stuff!”  

Truth was, ten Saw movies couldn’t match the impact of one Spider-Man.  

That’s why the ‘70s horror B-movie craze flared up and then fizzled out in Hollywood so fast.  

But… was Saw really just another B-movie?  

Don’t forget who was behind it: Dunn.  

And when Dunn was involved, Saw’s significance shot up a notch.  

What was the hottest topic among Hollywood’s giants right now?  

Co-financing deals!  

After Legendary Pictures and Warner pulled off the industry’s first “slate financing” partnership, they’d already kicked off three films together—smooth sailing so far. The other studios were circling like sharks, eyeing the chunk of cash still sitting in Legendary’s accounts.  

Who’d snag the next deal with Legendary?  

Michael Ovitz, Legendary’s head, had already put it out there: “We’ll lock in our second partner before Christmas!”  

With Dunn back in L.A. after wrapping his latest shoot, the studios weren’t just hounding Ovitz—they were working Dunn too. He’d dreamed up the co-financing model, and often, his word carried more weight with Legendary than Ovitz’s did.  

So this Saw wrap party? On the surface, it looked low-key—just crew members and Dunn Films’ industry pals.  

But behind the scenes, it was a negotiation that could shape Hollywood’s future.  

Since Dunn sent out the invites, the studios had to show up—unless they wanted to ditch Legendary and try their own co-financing ventures.  

Good luck with that. Without Legendary’s slick operation bridging Hollywood and Wall Street, getting those fat checks was a pipe dream. And without Dunn—someone with deep Wall Street ties and credibility—those investors wouldn’t bite.  

Nobody’s a fool!  

Hollywood’s reputation for screwing over outside investors was infamous.  

Without Dunn as the middleman, any studio trying to team up with Wall Street and birth a “second Legendary” would need years of prep and a rock-solid figurehead to vouch for them. It wasn’t happening.  

In this tangled mess, one thing was clear: this wrap party was going to be packed with heavy hitters!  

…  

The Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills was a hotspot for the elite—Hollywood’s go-to for Golden Globes, Vanity Fair parties, and, of course, movie wrap celebrations.  

That evening, a stretched Bentley Azure glided to a stop at the red carpet’s edge. The driver hopped out, opened the back door, and three figures stepped out, instantly sparking a frenzy of camera flashes.  

The lights popped like crazy, fans and reporters surging on both sides. It felt like an Oscar night!  

In Dunn Films, only one person got this A-list treatment: Dunn himself.  

Flanking him were his two “little secretaries,” Isla Fisher and Reese Witherspoon.  

Both were petite but curvy, with sweet, charming faces. Their fair skin glowed—one in a red gown, the other in a short blue dress—perfectly complementing Dunn’s sharp black suit.  

With an arm around each slim waist, soaking in their faint perfumes and the grand red-carpet vibe, Dunn nodded in approval.  

He’d told Wes Cotton beforehand: the Saw party had to be big, bold, and flashy!  

This red-carpet moment? It had Oscar-level swagger. Solid work!  

Reese Witherspoon, already a bit of a name in the industry, frowned slightly and whispered, “Dunn, is this… okay?”  

“What’s up?”  

“There’s so many reporters snapping pics. You’re holding us both like this—tomorrow’s papers are gonna run wild!”  

Dunn raised an eyebrow. “You mind?”  

Reese shook her head. “Me? No way. I’m trying to make it in this business—more exposure, more fame. I’m just… worried about you. Everyone knows Natalie Portman’s your girlfriend, and here you are, parading around with two young secretaries…”  

Dunn chuckled, brushing it off. “So what if I’m holding you both? I’d love to take you two to bed together too. Isla, you in?”  

“Sure!” Isla Fisher chirped. Her new book Gone Girl was trending toward a bestseller, and Dunn was like a god to her—she’d jump at anything he asked. “Since you started shooting A Beautiful Mind, the three of us haven’t hung out in ages. Reese, you’re not bailing, are you?”  

“Isla, that’s not what I meant!” Reese’s brow creased.  

Dunn pulled both girls closer, smiling calmly. “Reese, I get what you’re worried about. Don’t sweat it. I’m not the guy I was six months ago, surrounded by enemies. A little gossip? Doesn’t faze me.”  

He didn’t say the cockier part out loud:  

The co-financing idea alone—a game-changer for Hollywood’s century-old funding system—was a historic reform.  

With that feather in his cap, as long as he didn’t do something outrageous to rock Hollywood’s foundation, even the old-guard bigwigs would give him a nod of respect.  

Today’s Hollywood movies couldn’t dominate the globe like they used to. Other countries were building their own film industries, throwing up walls against Tinseltown. Everyone knew it: Hollywood was getting old. The rules needed a refresh to tackle the new global entertainment landscape. Without some forward-thinking changes, it risked being left behind.  

And Dunn? He was Hollywood’s reformer!  

Plenty of veteran filmmakers were rooting for him, hoping he’d inject fresh blood into the system. He’d even heard whispers that at high-level Academy meetings, industry titans had voiced support for this young upstart.  

As for the gossip?  

Well, a lot of those old-timers had come up during the “casting couch” heyday—they’d been the biggest players back then.  

Dunn’s little habits? A minor flaw, not a dealbreaker! 

Chapter 287: The Gate Singer 

As the host of the celebration party, Dunn arrived at the venue half an hour earlier than the guests. 

When he reached the third floor, West Cotton approached with a middle-aged woman in tow. She looked to be in her forties or fifties, sharp and polished. "Dunn, this is Rebecca Maine, the head of the planning department at the Hilton Hotel. She’s the one fully in charge of this party’s arrangements." 

Dunn’s hands slid off the waists of the two beauties beside him as he grinned and extended a hand. "Hi, Ms. Maine. The red carpet outside? It’s fantastic." 

Rebecca Maine was used to dealing with big shots from all sorts of industries and wasn’t fazed by the playboy surrounded by women. She smiled modestly. "Mr. Walker, your approval is the highest compliment to my work." 

Dunn nodded, glancing toward the entrance of the third-floor auditorium. He pointed casually. "The reception… seems a bit understaffed, doesn’t it?" 

Rebecca Maine chuckled. "Mr. Walker, no need to worry about that. The party doesn’t start for a while, so our staff are still getting ready in the lounge over there." 

"Oh? Can you tell me more?" 

"We’ve got eight greeters who’ll check every guest’s identity… though, of course, if they’re famous enough, we’ll let them in by face alone—no awkward holdups. Plus, we’ll have guides, introductions, referrals, and food and drink services to make every guest feel right at home." 

Dunn paused for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Do you have a gate singer?" 

"Huh?" Rebecca Maine blinked, caught off guard. "What’s that?" 

"You know…" Dunn searched for the right words, "someone who stands at the door and loudly announces the guests’ names and gifts." 

Not just Rebecca Maine—even West Cotton and Reese Witherspoon, standing nearby, were stunned. 

What kind of job was that? 

They’d never heard of it! 

And honestly, wouldn’t that be kind of rude? 

When guests arrive, the host is supposed to show respect with proper etiquette, treating them with the utmost courtesy. 

Shouting their names at the door? That sounded… a bit too flashy, didn’t it? 

"Mr. Walker, uh… we’ve never done anything like that before," Rebecca Maine explained. She’d been in this business for over twenty years, and this was the wildest request she’d ever heard. "Plus, the gifts guests bring are usually personal and nicely wrapped. It wouldn’t really work to read them out loud." 

Dunn nodded. "Fair enough, skip the gift list then. Just announce their main title and name. Like with West—when you see him, you’d shout, ‘Vice President of Dunn Films, Mr. West Cotton, has arrived!’ It’s got a grand vibe without getting too personal. Perfect, right?" 

Rebecca Maine frowned slightly. "But… there’s no precedent for this." 

"Then let’s start one with me!" Dunn said calmly, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Think about it—Dunn Films will be throwing more victory parties in the future, and the Hilton Hotel could be our go-to partner. I’d love to see you guys step up for this." 

Rebecca Maine’s eyes widened. "You mean… you want this at all Dunn Films parties going forward?" 

"Exactly!" Dunn said firmly. 

West Cotton, Dunn’s assistant, knew his boss’s ambition and could follow his train of thought. Suddenly, it clicked. 

Dunn Films was still a small, new player in Hollywood! 

But this Saw celebration party? If all went well, it’d be a star-studded affair, packed with big names—not just because of Dunn, but because of Legendary Pictures’ clout too. 

No doubt about it, this was Dunn Films’ big chance to flex its muscles in front of all of Hollywood! 

If a B-movie released by a Dunn Films subsidiary could catch the eye of Hollywood’s heavyweights—with top dogs even showing up to support it—wouldn’t that quietly prove their strength? 

Dunn Films wasn’t big enough yet to act like fame and fortune didn’t matter. Earning recognition and praise from peers was a crucial step toward glory and dominance. 

This “gate singer” idea? It was like a megaphone, making sure everyone in Hollywood could see the situation loud and clear. 

Dunn Films had earned the respect of the industry’s big players! 

Dunn Films could hold its own against the six major studios! 

"Rebecca, we’ll let you know ahead of time if we need this role in the future. But for today, you’d better get it set up quick," West Cotton said, jumping in to smooth things over after catching Dunn’s drift. 

Rebecca Maine shot him a puzzled look. "Seriously? This…?" 

"Come on, Rebecca, let’s not waste time!" West Cotton added. "Find a couple of sharp, good-looking guys with great voices to handle it. Oh, and if the guest isn’t a big name, skip the announcement—just let them in quietly." 

… 

Zack Snyder showed up looking extra sharp today, rocking a red tie. He’d even brought his fiancée along to share his big moment, beaming like a groom on his wedding day. 

The party hadn’t even started, and he was already mingling with the crew, a glass of white wine in hand, clinking glasses left and right. 

When he spotted Dunn approaching—arm-in-arm with two stunning women—Zack hurried over, pulling his fiancée along, his face flushed with excitement. "Mr. Walker, you’re here!" 

Dunn clapped him on the shoulder with a grin. "Zack, I told you ages ago—you’ve got talent. You were bound to make it big!" 

"Thanks, Mr. Walker. Without you spotting me, I’d probably still be stuck directing little ads," Zack said, his voice thick with gratitude. It was a mark on his life he’d never forget. 

His old buddy Michael Bay had brushed him off, but this random young guy had given him a shot at directing a movie—a golden opportunity. 

"Zack, no need for that. We’re friends," Dunn said with a warm smile, his eyes drifting to the blonde woman beside Zack. She looked to be in her thirties. "And this is…?" 

Zack jumped in. "Oh, right, forgot to introduce her! Haha, this is Deborah—Deborah Johnson. She used to be my work partner, and now… well, she’s my life partner." 

"Your fiancée?" Dunn raised an eyebrow. 

He knew Zack Snyder had been through a divorce. In his past life, Zack’s career never really took off early on—he was stuck shooting commercial shorts, unable to show off his real talent. 

It wasn’t until 2004, after years of grinding, that he got a small film company to back him. He remade the classic horror flick Dawn of the Dead and knocked it out of the park. 

His standout use of color and that oil-painting vibe set him apart from Hollywood’s usual blockbuster directors, catching the eye of the big studios and landing him in Warner’s orbit. 

That career boost also sparked new life in his love story, leading to a wedding with his longtime collaborator, Deborah Johnson. 

In this life, thanks to Dunn’s intervention, Zack’s career took off sooner—and his romance sped up too. He was already engaged to Deborah. 

Deborah Johnson smiled happily. "Zack and I met four years ago. I hired him to shoot an ad for Reebok back then." 

"So Zack got divorced pretty quick after that?" Dunn teased. 

Deborah laughed, throwing a playful glance at Zack. "Oh, we didn’t see this coming back then. He was working on his marriage, and I was dating another director." 

Dunn chuckled. "Guess that’s fate for you. So… when do I get to call you Mrs. Snyder?" 

Deborah grinned. "Next September, after Resident Evil wraps up. That’s when we’re tying the knot." 

"Congrats!" 

"Thanks!" 

"Oh, by the way—are you a producer?" Dunn asked. 

Zack’s heart skipped a beat. That tone—it felt so familiar! 

It was the same way Dunn had recruited him back then! 

Now… 

Could it be…? 

Zack sucked in a breath, hardly daring to hope. 

This happiness was hitting way too fast! 

Deborah, meeting Dunn for the first time and unsure of his angle, answered honestly. "Yeah, I’ve been in the game since 1990, working in the ad department at BB New York. I’ve produced over thirty commercials." 

"That’s a ton of work!" Dunn said, impressed. He glanced at Zack with a grin. "So, Deborah… ever thought about switching lanes?" 

"Switching lanes?" She blinked. 

Dunn smiled. "Like Zack did!" 

Zack felt like he’d just been baptized—every pore in his body buzzing with excitement. He grabbed his fiancée’s hand. "Debbie, Mr. Walker’s asking you to join Dunn Films!" 

"What?!" 

Deborah’s face went pale for a second before flushing with excitement. She was speechless. 

Dunn made a calming gesture. "Easy, Deborah. Zack’s right. With your ten years as a producer, I’m sure you could handle a gig in Dunn Films’ production department. What do you say?" 

"Yes! Yes, I’d love to!" Deborah blurted out, practically tripping over her words. A shred of reason held her back. "But I’ve never worked on a movie—or even a TV show. Can I really do it?" 

Dunn laughed, pointing to his eyes. "I trust my gut! Zack was just an ad director too, right? And look at him now—Saw is the hottest topic in America. Deborah, I believe in you!" 

"I… I…" She was too choked up to speak. 

Jumping from the ad world to Hollywood? That was a massive leap—bigger than Zack’s, even, since his skills at least lined up with directing. 

A producer, though? That took not just talent but connections and people skills. 

To Hollywood, Deborah Johnson was a total newbie. 

In her eyes, this favor from Dunn was even bigger than the one he’d done for Zack! 

(Note: Deborah Johnson is her maiden name.fact-checkers can try Wikipedia or search for Deborah Snyder instead.) 

Chapter 288: Returning the Favor 

Dunn asking Deborah Johnson to join the production department at Dunn Films wasn’t some spur-of-the-moment decision. 

In Hollywood, it’s pretty common during filmmaking to see a “husband-and-wife team” setup. The most famous example is the golden duo of Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall. Then you’ve got the “Nolan couple” and the “Snyder couple” too. 

The husband directs, the wife takes on the role of executive producer, working alongside the director to manage and coordinate the crew’s various tasks. Since they know each other so well, the wife can easily grasp what the director’s going for. 

This saves a ton of time during the shoot and cuts down on unnecessary headaches. 

Plus, with both spouses in the same crew, they keep each other in check. You won’t see any power abuses or shady “casting couch” nonsense, which makes these teams a hit with actors. 

Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder enjoy sky-high popularity in Hollywood not just because of their films’ quality and box office success, but also because their upright “husband-and-wife” approach has earned them a stellar reputation. 

So why does Dunn go all out to boost Nolan and Snyder? 

The husband-and-wife team is a big guarantee! 

Both are masters of commercial films, and commercial films often feature stunning actresses. With the wife keeping an eye on things, Dunn doesn’t have to worry about any “rivals” popping up—he stays the only “privileged” guy in the crew. 

Of course, another big reason is their loyalty. 

Warner Bros. discovered these two young directors and pushed them to superstardom as commercial giants. Yet, Nolan and Snyder stuck with Warner, turning down hefty offers from other studios. 

That kind of character and integrity really wins Dunn over. 

Deborah Johnson later produced a slew of blockbusters, like Watchmen, Man of Steel, Wonder Woman, and Justice League, to name a few. 

With her current skills, taking on the role of lead producer for a film—handling everything from crew management to post-production like she did with commercials—wouldn’t be realistic. 

But as an executive producer, managing the crew’s day-to-day during filming and assisting the director? She’s more than up for that. 

Dunn’s tying the Snyder couple to Dunn Films like a package deal, locking them onto his studio’s chariot. That’s his market assurance for future commercial hits! 

Zack Snyder, though, doesn’t quite get Dunn’s bigger picture. His voice trembles a bit as he says, “Walker, I… I really don’t know how to thank you!” 

He thinks Dunn’s only hiring Deborah to do him a favor. 

Dunn doesn’t bother explaining. He gets serious and says, “Saw was a huge success, Zack, but don’t get cocky or start thinking about kicking back. You still need more great projects to sharpen your skills and build experience.” 

“I know. I talked with Mr. Schamus, and we’re kicking off Resident Evil right after Christmas,” Zack replies. 

The “Mr. Schamus” he’s talking about is James Schamus, the founder and current president of Focus Features. 

Dunn and Bill Mechanic hashed it out and decided to hand Resident Evil over to Focus Features. Movies like that work better with an independent release, no need to go through Universal. 

“Glad you’ve got that drive,” Dunn says. “And Deborah, if you’re up for it, why not join the Resident Evil crew as executive producer? You and Zack are old partners—and engaged, too. I’m sure you two working together will make the film even better.” 

Dunn’s words hit Zack Snyder with a wave of gratitude. Deborah Johnson’s in a daze, hardly believing this is real. 

Back in the day, she was just a nobody producer in the ad world. 

Then she attended a Dunn Films celebration party, and her life flipped upside down? Now she’s the executive producer for Resident Evil? 

She’d heard from Zack that this project isn’t some low-budget gig like Saw. The budget’s set to top $30 million! 

And it’s not just a few people in a closed-off space—this one’s got big action scenes! 

It’s a massive test of a director’s and executive producer’s ability to coordinate and lead. 

Dunn’s trust moves her deeply. 

Words can’t express it. 

The best way to repay this kind of favor? Throw everything into it—energy, passion, making a great film, and living up to Dunn’s faith in them! 

Just then, a loud, clear shout rings out from the door: “Chairman of AG Agency, Chairman and CEO of Legendary Pictures, Mr. Michael Ovitz, and Chief Operating Officer of Legendary Pictures, Ms. Sandra Ocampo… have arrived!” 

Dunn catches Zack Snyder and Deborah Johnson’s eyes widening in shock, just as stunned as they were at his earlier announcement. 

But it doesn’t stop there. Another usher belts out, “Chairman of 20th Century Fox, Mr. Tom Rothman, and Vice President of Business Affairs, Mr. Brad Anderson… have arrived!” 

Now it’s Dunn’s turn to be surprised. What are these two groups doing showing up together? 

Is Michael Ovitz leaning toward making 20th Century Fox Legendary Pictures’ second partner? 

Dunn excuses himself, brushes off his suspicions, and hurries over with a big smile. 

Michael Ovitz struts in, belly out, steps square, oozing confidence—like he’s back in his glory days running CAA, ruling Hollywood with an iron fist. 

No surprise there. Legendary Pictures is the hottest thing in Hollywood right now! 

“Dunn, this your doing?” Ovitz says, half-laughing, half-exasperated as he spots him. 

Only a wild card like Dunn, always breaking the mold, could pull off something this crazy. 

Dunn doesn’t dodge it. “What, it’s not working out?” 

Tom Rothman, walking beside them, chuckles. “Oh, it’s working alright!” 

They’re all sharp enough to see what Dunn’s up to. 

You’ve got to hand it to the kid—he knows how to stir things up! 

Throwing a celebration party and turning it into a power play, pulling strings and making waves—it’s ridiculous, but it works. 

Dunn Films’ name is ringing louder than ever in the industry now! 

Tom Rothman doesn’t mind, though. 

Ever since he saw the writing on the wall, pulled back, and made nice with Dunn, life at 20th Century Fox has been smoother. Especially after X-Men hit theaters and got the board’s unanimous thumbs-up. 

So far, X-Men has raked in over $70 million in North America and $60 million overseas. That’s a clear win! 

And the budget? Just $75 million. 

This is the path 20th Century Fox should be on—leaning on Marvel, riding Dunn’s coattails, and making bank. That’s what matters! 

What’s the point of some loyalty pissing match with Dunn, like Michael Eisner tried? 

Tom Rothman’s proud of his smart move back then. Now, with a shot at teaming up with Legendary Pictures, he’s even keener to stay on Dunn’s good side. “I hear Spider-Man is getting a sequel?” 

Dunn grins. “Not just that. Early next year, Dunn Films might kick off three or four big commercial projects at once.” 

Talk about guts! 

Tom Rothman gives him a long look, his expression shifting slightly before he smiles. “If you need anything, just say the word. Fox’s studios are yours first.” 

Dunn and Michael Ovitz exchange a knowing glance. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind,” Dunn says. 

Then the usher’s voice booms again: “Renowned actor and Oscar winner, Mr. Geoffrey Rush, has arrived!” 

“Renowned actress, Ms. Nicole Kidman, has arrived!” 

“Renowned actor, Mr. Russell Crowe, has arrived!” 

“Renowned actress, Ms. Cate Blanchett, has arrived!” 

“Renowned actress, Ms. Naomi Watts, has arrived!” 

“Renowned actor, Mr. Hugo Weaving, has arrived!” 

“Renowned actor… uh, Mr. Hugh Jackman, has arrived!” 

… 

In Western countries, Christmas is the big holiday. Hollywood’s got a tradition: crews usually take a break around then, letting actors head home for the season. 

Unless you’re James Cameron shooting something like Titanic with a tight schedule and overtime crunch. 

Hearing this string of names, a satisfied smile curls Dunn’s lips. 

Sure enough, the “Aussie gang” is still his biggest cheer squad! 

Even with Mel Gibson tied up filming and unable to make it, the turnout of heavy-hitting actors adds serious shine to this party. 

Tom Rothman clearly picks up on the web of connections behind these names. With a sly smile, he says, “Dunn and Hugh Jackman are tight?” 

“We’re friends,” Dunn replies casually. 

The Aussie crew always has his back, and he’s happy to return the favor. 

Tom Rothman nods, his tone loaded. “He was great as Wolverine in X-Men.” 

Dunn shrugs, gestures for them to make themselves at home, and heads off to greet the new arrivals. 

“Nicole, you all show up and don’t even say hi?” After some quick small talk, Dunn pulls Nicole Kidman aside for a quiet chat. 

She flashes a warm smile. “What, not happy to see us?” 

“No way!” Dunn waves it off, then sidles up to Hugh Jackman. “Wolverine’s a classic role!” 

Hugh’s face lights up with gratitude. “All thanks to you. Without your nudge, I might’ve never landed it.” 

Dunn chuckles, lowering his voice. “Tom Rothman’s here too. Find a moment to go say hi, get on his radar. In this business, connections are everything.” 

Hugh’s so touched he almost tears up. “Mr. Walker…” 

Dunn claps his shoulder with a grin. “Don’t forget, we’re friends. Plus, I’ve got a soft spot for Aussie actors—straightforward, down-to-earth, real.”