580-582

Chapter 580: "Hail Luca!"

The next day, filming resumed. Colonel Hans discovered a flaw and brought Brigitte to his office, where he personally strangled her.

Since the two had rehearsed multiple times the previous night, they completed the scene in just one take.

After Brigitte’s death, Colonel Hans ordered his men to capture Aldo and bring him to the office.

“So, you’re the infamous Aldo the Scoundrel?”

Colonel Hans asked.

“And you’re the Jew Hunter?”

Aldo replied.

“I’m a detective, an excellent one at that. Finding people is my specialty, so yes, I helped locate individuals. Some of them were Jewish, but Jew Hunter?”

Colonel Hans shook his head.

“I don’t like that nickname.”

“Where are my men?”

Aldo demanded.

“And where’s Brigitte?”

“Well, to put it simply, she got what she deserved,” Colonel Hans said slowly.

“When you bribe someone like Brigitte, you should expect the consequences.

As for your ‘two Italian friends,’ they should still be seated in their designated spots—0023 and 0024, if I’m not mistaken—with explosives strapped to their legs, ready to detonate.

Your mission, or terrorist act, is already underway as we speak.”

“That’s inspiring,” Aldo said sarcastically.

“What’s next? Watching cartoons together?”

“Perhaps,” Hans replied.

“But right now, all I have to do is pick up this phone and inform the theater, and your plan will be ruined.”

“If they’re still alive and if they’re still there, you can’t stop them from detonating the bombs,” Aldo retorted.

“True, I don’t doubt that,” Colonel Hans said with a shrug.

“If the bombs go off, a few locals will die, tonight will be ruined, and Goebbels will be furious. But unless you kill Hitler, Goebbels, Göring, and Bormann, this war won’t end.

However, if I don’t pick up this phone, you have the chance to kill all four of them tonight and end this war.”

“Cut!”

After finishing the scene, Luca reviewed the footage and found some parts unsatisfactory. He reshot it several times until he was completely satisfied.

The crew then moved on to the next plot point: Colonel Hans proposed a deal to Aldo. Knowing the war was lost, Hans sought conditional surrender by helping assassinate Hitler and other high-ranking officials in exchange for amnesty.

Meanwhile, in the theater’s screening room, Hitler and the German elite watched Nation’s Glory, a propaganda film showcasing sniper Fredrick single-handedly killing hundreds of enemies.

In a dramatic twist, the protagonists Shosanna and Fredrick killed each other in a shootout, while Shosanna’s assistant set the theater ablaze using flammable film reels.

The theater descended into chaos. The two members of the “Bastard Squad” took the opportunity to detonate their explosives.

A thunderous explosion reduced the theater to a fiery inferno, killing everyone inside, including Hitler.

This sequence involved extensive special effects, making filming exceptionally challenging.

During one scene, an accidental fire broke out on set, causing severe damage. Despite quick action, the flames were too intense, injuring three crew members, destroying film reels and equipment, and halting production temporarily.

Luca had to rebuild the set and reshoot the damaged scenes. The ordeal lasted until December 2008, when the first snow blanketed the northern plains of Germany.

Standing in the freezing wind, Luca held the microphone and announced to the eagerly awaiting crew, “I hereby declare Inglorious Bastards officially wrapped. Bastards, rejoice!”

“Woohoo!”

“It’s finally done!”

“No more enduring Luca’s torment!”

“This was the hardest project of my career. Luca, where’s your lucky charm?”

“Lucky charm? Luca’s just a fraud!”

The crew cheered loudly, some tossing their hats into the air.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

Thirty-three bottles of Black Diamond champagne erupted, showering the set in a boozy rain as everyone celebrated exuberantly.

Luca smiled faintly as he watched the joyful crowd, his heart swelling with pride.

This production had been anything but smooth—from its inception in March, official launch in June, director changes in July, cast replacements in September, and now, triumph over a disastrous fire just before completion in December.

“Luca, congratulations. You did a great job this time,” said Mr. Ross, giving him a hug.

“Ross, thank you for your support. Without you, I might not have made it,” Luca replied with a grin.

“Ha! I’m flattered, but I don’t believe for a second you’d give up. You’re a tough guy,” Ross said, playfully nudging him.

“Even so, I owe you my thanks.”

Luca raised a champagne glass and clinked it with Ross’s.

“Hey, Luca! Congrats!”

Director Eli toasted him with another glass of champagne.

“Thanks, Eli!”

“Luca, you know, when I first joined the team, I didn’t have much faith in you.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. You were rich, famous, and a notorious playboy. I figured you were just playing director to impress women. I thought I’d have to do all the work myself.”

“Is that what you thought of me?” Luca asked, feigning anger.

“Oh, Luca, forgive my prejudice. But after joining the crew, my opinion gradually changed.

You’re diligent, humble, eager to learn, and relentless in your pursuit of perfection. Whether as an actor or director, you strive for excellence.

You’re a misunderstood genius and the best collaborator and boss I’ve ever worked with.

It’s been an honor working with you.”

“Thank you, Eli. I’ve learned so much from you, and I’m deeply grateful!”

Soon, the entire crew swarmed over, including Robert Downey Jr., Melanie, Fassbender, assistant directors, and over a hundred others.

“Let’s take a group photo!” Anne shouted, holding a camera.

“Everyone, gather around!”

Over 120 people crowded together, squeezing and toppling over each other in a lively, chaotic scene.

Click! Click!

Under the snowy sky, in front of the theater, they captured a joyful group photo.

“Let’s drink! No one goes home sober tonight!”

“Yeah!!!”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 581: Sleep with Whoever You Want*

“Ross, has the fire incident been thoroughly investigated?”

In the booth, Luca asked while holding a glass of wine.

“Yes, we collaborated with the insurance company, the police, and private investigators. After nearly a month of investigation, we concluded that the fire was an accident, with minimal chances of being intentional,” Mr. Ross replied.

“Minimal chances, meaning there’s still a possibility?”

Luca frowned.

Mr. Ross shook his head. “When a fire breaks out on set, humans are definitely involved somehow—like poor management, negligence by the props team, carelessness by the special effects team, someone accidentally dropping a cigarette, or spontaneous combustion.

“Winter weather is dry, making fires more likely. Since no concrete evidence was found, there's no real distinction between an accident and human error.”

Luca stroked his chin. If it was truly accidental, fine. But if it was intentional, it wouldn’t be hard to guess who might’ve done it—he didn’t have many enemies.

“Don’t overthink it. Accidents during filming are normal. This time we had insurance, so the loss isn’t significant,” Mr. Ross said.

“You’re right!”

Luca smiled lightly and clinked glasses with him.

After the wrap party, the Inglourious Basterds crew began wrapping up their work and tying loose ends.

A week later, Luca brought the crew back to Los Angeles.

“Mr. Kelly, this year you have two projects nominated for the Golden Globes. Will you be attending the Golden Globes ceremony on the 15th?”

As soon as he left the airport, a reporter asked him.

Luca, lost in thoughts about his film, froze for a moment upon hearing the question and glanced at Annie.

“Sorry, Mr. Kelly just returned from Germany and needs rest. He’s not taking interviews at the moment. Regarding the Golden Globes, we’ll issue a public statement later,” Annie said, stopping the reporters.

Once in the car, Luca asked, “If I’m nominated, why not attend? And why would they ask such a strange question?”

Annie chuckled. “Boss, you’ve been so busy you’ve forgotten everything. Since last November, the Writers Guild has been on strike and hasn’t resolved things yet. The Golden Globes are approaching, and many top stars have publicly declared they won’t attend. As a big star, they want some newsworthy comments from you.”

“I see.”

Luca was aware of the Writers Guild strike.

The issue started when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) demanded higher profit shares from DVD sales, which the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) refused. Negotiations broke down.

From November 5, 2007, the East and West divisions of the WGA went on strike, demanding higher wages and better industry status for writers.

The WGA required all registered writers to halt work during the strike, banning even entry into film companies under penalty of a $100,000 fine. Non-payment could result in expulsion from the guild.

Luca, a WGA member, was technically supposed to join the strike last year.

But Inglourious Basterds was his project, and as the director and actor, he couldn’t halt production. Through his agency, he publicly expressed support for the WGA’s decision. Understanding his unique situation, the guild didn’t pursue the matter.

The strike had stalled many Hollywood projects, with film and TV award shows delayed or canceled, starting with the Golden Globes.

Without red carpets, TV broadcasts, celebrity parties, ad sponsorships, or ticket sales, Los Angeles could lose hundreds of millions in revenue.

Despite repeated attempts by the Golden Globes organizers to negotiate with the WGA for an exemption, the guild refused. Combined with the Screen Actors Guild boycotting the event, this year’s Golden Globes were likely to be canceled.

“Let Ed know we support the guild’s decision and won’t attend the ceremony. After such a busy half-year, I want to take a break,” Luca said, rubbing his temples.

“Boss, Ed’s suggestion is that we’ve already made a public statement before. No need to do so again.

“Remember, besides being a writer, you’re also a producer, the owner of Brazen Studios, and a member of the AMPTP, which the guild opposes. Making too many statements could come across as contradictory,” Annie reminded him.

Luca chuckled; that was indeed contradictory.

“Alright, I’ll leave it to you to handle.”

---

Half an hour later, the car arrived at Big Pear Tree Estate, where Kate, Lima, Miranda, and little Louis awaited him.

“Daddy~”

On the lawn, little Louis ran toward him with outstretched arms.

“Haha, my little Louis! Daddy was just worried you wouldn’t recognize me anymore!”

Seeing his son, Luca beamed. He crouched to catch him and lifted him high. The one-and-a-half-year-old, chubby with a round face and bright eyes, looked healthy and adorable.

“Luca, welcome back!”

Kate and Lima approached to hug him.

“Thank you. It feels great to be home with you all!”

After a hectic six months split between Germany and France, he was finally back for some rest.

“Go shower and change; dinner’s ready,” Lima said, taking the child from him with a smile.

“Alright!”

Germany in January was freezing, and his thick down jacket felt hot now in Los Angeles.

“Luca, wash thoroughly; you smell funny,” Miranda teased.

“Nonsense! I shower every day.”

“You shower but don’t change clothes—it’s like not showering at all.”

“Oh? How do you know?”

Luca immediately turned to Annie, as only she, bodyguard Sister Zhou, and Lauren had been around him.

Annie shrugged. “Boss, you wore the same two down jackets all winter. Even when I told you to change, you didn’t listen. The whole crew knows.”

“These jackets have lots of pockets and are comfortable. Changing them would’ve been inconvenient for work.”

Luca laughed lightly.

“No, it’s just laziness. Go wash up properly—at least an hour!” Kate ordered.

“OK!”

Luca dashed into the bathroom and soaked in a hot bath.

After a while, Lima walked in wearing lingerie, offering to help him wash. He naturally agreed.

It took an hour, and if Miranda hadn’t knocked on the door, it might’ve taken two.

Refreshed, fragrant, and with fairer skin, he transformed from a scruffy director back to the charming playboy Luca.

“Luca, is directing fun?” Miranda asked across the dinner table.

“Not at all. Too much work, no breaks. I won’t take up directing easily again,” Luca replied, eating.

“But I heard directors have lots of power—they can sleep with anyone on set,” Miranda said mischievously.

“Cough, cough~”

Luca almost choked on his spicy soup, wiping his mouth. “That’s just a rumor. Real directors wouldn’t mess around like that—only the sleazy ones.”

“Really? Then why be a director if you can’t exploit the power?”

“I...I can’t explain it to you.”

“Haha, Miranda, stop bothering him. If he wanted to exploit power, he wouldn’t need to direct,” Kate teased, carrying a plate over.

“Oh, right. He’s the boss of a film company—he’s probably done it during auditions,” Miranda quipped.

“...”

Clutching his chest, Luca exclaimed, “Miranda, do you think all I do is sleep with women?”

“No, you also make babies!”

“HAHAHA~”

She hit his sore spot again.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 582: "Do You Know How Much You're Paid?"

After a day of rest at home, Luca, ever diligent, threw himself back into movie production the next day.

Making a movie is a monumental task. Filming is just one part; the other part is post-production, including editing, cutting scenes together, special effects integration, dubbing, music scoring, color grading, packaging, and more.

Luca, accompanied by a team of professionals, spent his days at the production company—reviewing footage, selecting music, and recording. To make the movie exactly how he envisioned, he kept a close eye on every detail, leaving no room for error.

---

*"Luca, how long until the movie is complete?"*

Ed came into the bustling studio with a few cups of coffee.

*"It's still early; it'll take at least three to four months. But it's mostly their work—I just oversee and approve."*

Luca sipped his coffee as he spoke.

*"What a hassle."*

Ed shook his head and pulled some documents out of his bag.

*"You heard the Golden Globes ceremony is canceled this year, right?"*

*"Yeah, I heard."*

Due to the Writers Guild not backing down and the Actors Guild withholding support, the organizers of the Golden Globes had no choice but to downgrade the event to a one-hour press conference. During the broadcast, winners would be announced.

---

*"Before the press conference, the organizers want to record interviews with nominees. You’ve been nominated, so you’ll need to set aside time for an interview."*

*"Arrange it."*

This year, Luca had two films nominated for Golden Globes. Atonement received seven nominations, the most of any film this year.

The nominations for Atonement included Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song.

For his exceptional performance in the film, Luca earned his first nomination for Best Actor in a Drama. But the competition was stiff—George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis, Denzel Washington, and Viggo Mortensen, all seasoned veterans.

Following the announcement, one media outlet joked, "Something strange has slipped into the nominees this year."

Luca grinned and ignored it. Even if he lost, being nominated alongside such icons was an honor.

His second nominated film, The Proposal, received two nods: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.

The film had been in theaters for over two months, grossing $270 million globally, with $164 million in North America and over $100 million overseas. Some regions were still screening it, and data estimates suggested the total box office would be around $330 million, ranking it 13th on the North American box office charts for 2007.

Given its success, the nominations were no surprise. However, since Jennifer Aniston won Best Actress back in 2005, her chances this year seemed slim.

---

*"Apart from the Golden Globes, here’s the script for Sherlock Holmes that you requested,"* Ed said, handing over a script from his bag with a grin.

*"Luca, do you know how much you're paid now?"*

*"Ten million? That’s what you said last time."*

*"No, no. Ten million is old news. This year, your two movies, Atonement and The Proposal, grossed over $500 million combined. Even top-tier actors struggle to hit that. Your pay won’t stay the same."*

*"So, what’s my pay now?"*

*"Fifteen million!"* Ed grinned.

Luca raised an eyebrow.

*"I’m officially an A-list actor now?"*

*"Haha, yes, congratulations! Should we celebrate?"*

*"Nah, no time right now."*

*"You know, I think you'd have a brighter future focusing solely on acting,"* Ed remarked.

*"I know. Directing is just a hobby; otherwise, I wouldn’t have taken this project,"* Luca replied, tapping the script. Then he suddenly remembered something.

*"Did you talk to the studio about the lead actress I mentioned last time?"*

*"Rachel McAdams, right?"* Ed gave him a curious look.

*"The studio took our suggestion seriously, reviewed her audition tapes, and agreed she’s a great fit. Satisfied?"*

*"Haha, great job, Ed,"* Luca said with a laugh.

*"Mind if I ask you something?"*

*"Don’t bother. The answer is we’re just friends. Purely friends. Now, I’ve got work to do—see yourself out."*

As Ed sighed, he thought to himself: This guy is perfect in every way, except for his unfaithful streak. If only he could change, he’d be a flawless superstar. What a pity.

---

The following afternoon, in the production company’s coffee room, Luca sat down with an NBC host for an interview to discuss Atonement and The Proposal.

*"Mr. Kelly, since 2004, your work has been nominated at every Golden Globes. Last year, you had three films nominated; this year, two. How do you manage that?"*

*"Hard work, dedication, and focus. While others give 100%, I give 1,000%. Effort always pays off—being nominated is proof of that,"* Luca said earnestly.

The host’s lips twitched. Everyone knew about his reputation for two-timing and dabbling in multiple fields.

*"Mr. Kelly, you’ve been lucky this year with a Best Actor nomination. Do you think Lady Luck will smile on you again?"*

*"I wouldn’t know. I believe most award winners are hardworking, dedicated, and talented—not just lucky,"* Luca replied coolly.

*"But at Cannes, you credited Lady Luck for helping you win your award,"* the host teased, hoping to expose his contradiction.

Luca raised an eyebrow.

*"True, but before that, I thanked the crew and the organizers. And as the ancients said, ‘Luck favors the prepared.’ I’m exactly that kind of person."*

The host stifled a laugh.

*"I’ve never seen anyone this shameless,"* they thought.

After a few more questions, the interview wrapped up.

---

Later that evening, NBC aired the nominee interviews.

In the living room, watching Luca’s segment, Kate, Miranda, and others burst into laughter.

*"Luca, you’re so shameless!"*

*"I was just being honest,"* Luca said seriously.

*"Tell me, how do I train myself to be as thick-skinned as you?"* Miranda asked, staring at his face.

*"Easy. Like this,"* Luca replied, grabbing her cheeks and pulling them gently.

*"You jerk! How dare you touch my face?!"* Miranda pounced on him playfully.

*"Shh, the winners are being announced!"* Kate said, pulling Miranda back as they refocused on the TV.

(Chapter End)