"Tina, you stay here."
Walking up to the second floor of the preview theater, Duke asked Tina Fey to wait outside a lounge. "Don't let anyone else in."
"I understand," Tina Fey nodded.
Although she had only been in Hollywood for two months, Tina Fey had already realized that she had oversimplified the place in her imagination. The fierce competition among actors, directors, agents, and major companies, along with their complex relationships, was nothing like the small cir...
2024-11-28 17:53:28 +0000 UTC
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"Director, can you share your thoughts on the Razzie Awards?"
Clearly prepared, a swarm of media reporters surrounded Duke as he stepped out of Warner Bros. Studios. They shouted one question after another at him.
"Independence Day only won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects but swept seven Razzies. What do you think of that?"
"Is this a blow to your career?"
"Will this affect your future work?"
A CBS reporter suddenly squeezed to the front and asked loudly, ...
2024-11-28 17:52:56 +0000 UTC
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When it came to movies, the two of them clearly found a common topic. Although they were from different coasts, both being Jewish created a natural bond. As they chatted, they grew more comfortable, and Duke occasionally shared some Hollywood gossip, making Irene's smile more sincere.
This woman, about the same age as Duke, was obviously quite interested in the film industry. Later, at her request, Duke led her into the party, introducing her to Tom Hanks and Keanu Reeves.
"Kean...
2024-11-28 17:52:11 +0000 UTC
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After returning to the Crown Prince's residence, Xue Qinghe's face was grim.
He hadn't expected that simply going to communicate with Yang Podi would lead to being shaken by the hand and having an arm draped over his shoulder. For someone who was actually a girl, this kind of casual physical contact was undeniably inappropriate.
At that moment, Snake Spear Douluo emerged from the shadows. "Young Master, shall I deal with that boy?"
Xue Qinghe glared at Snake Spear Douluo....
2024-11-28 17:43:59 +0000 UTC
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Since that confession, Ye Lingling's attitude seemed to have softened. Her overall demeanor had improved significantly. She used to be indifferent, rarely smiling, but now she occasionally joked and laughed with Dugu Yan.
Yang Podi had returned to his normal training routine. He practiced his spear techniques in the morning, meditated in his dormitory during the late morning, and spent the afternoons strengthening his body. Each day, he pushed himself to exhaustion, finishing with a me...
2024-11-28 12:22:55 +0000 UTC
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When Yang Podi returned to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy after more than a month, he was quite happy to see his group of friends again.
However, Ye Lingling still wore a veil, making it impossible to discern her expression.
Yang Ping'an directly exclaimed, "Big Brother, your cultivation speed is too fast! You're already a Soul Ancestor? This must be the fastest breakthrough to Soul Ancestor in history!"
"Ping'an, just focus on your cultivation. You'll reach it soon as well....
2024-11-28 12:22:26 +0000 UTC
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As the wings on Yang Podi's back slowly unfolded, their true form was finally revealed.
These wings looked identical to the Iron-Feathered Tiger Eagle's wings but were much smaller in size. Each wing was approximately two meters long, with a thick central bone structure. This main structure was covered with feathers resembling refined iron, or perhaps bone.
When fully extended, the wings spanned a width of half a meter each, making them sturdy enough to function as small shields...
2024-11-28 12:21:50 +0000 UTC
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Although the Iron-Feathered Tiger Eagle had returned to its nest, Yang Zhentian did not attack immediately. Instead, he chose to wait patiently.
Noticing the confusion on his son's face, Yang Zhentian explained, "Podi, remember this: eagle-type soul beasts have better vision at night than during the day. Attacking at night would put me at a disadvantage. The best time to strike is at noon when the sunlight is brightest and most glaring, which reduces their visual advantage."
"Es...
2024-11-28 12:20:58 +0000 UTC
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After Yang Podi unleashed his spiritual attack, he quickly asked, "Dad, how was it? What level do you think that attack reached?"
Yang Zhentian, his father, appeared excited. "Son, that attack was impressive! Based on its strength, I'd say it's equivalent to the peak level of a Spirit King. In fact, many Spirit Emperors specializing in spiritual techniques might only achieve something similar."
"However, you must be cautious. Treat this ability as a trump card. For a battle-orie...
2024-11-28 12:20:25 +0000 UTC
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In the days that followed, Yang Zhentian and Yang Podi did not seek any more soul beasts. Instead, they found a soul beast's lair and decided to temporarily reside there. To ensure his son wouldn't be disturbed during this period, Yang Zhentian took all necessary precautions.
Yang Podi, during this time, focused entirely on cultivating his soul power and adapting to his body. After absorbing the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, its primary effects began to manifest: circulating energ...
2024-11-28 12:19:54 +0000 UTC
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After Yang Zhentian hid with his son in a forest, he observed that neither the Iron-Feathered Tiger Eagle appeared in the sky again nor was there any sign of the Great Strength Vajra Bear. Only then did he start to feel at ease.
Yang Zhentian's expression was very stern as he asked, "Podi, you mentioned a method to enhance both your physical body and spiritual power. Are you sure there won't be any problems?"
"Dad, did you forget? We obtained quite a few immortal herbs at the Ic...
2024-11-28 12:19:14 +0000 UTC
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Over the following day, the two continued their search but didn't have the same luck. Although they encountered some decent soul beasts, they did not come across another exceptional soul beast like the Armored Thorn Dragon.
By nightfall, Yang Zhentian became even more cautious, barely resting and focusing all his spiritual power on monitoring their surroundings to avoid any unforeseen incidents.
On the third day, as the two walked through a dense forest, a bear's roar suddenly e...
2024-11-28 12:18:49 +0000 UTC
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When Yang Podi woke up, his father, Yang Zhentian, was sitting nearby, watching over him.
Yang Podi examined his injuries carefully. "Dad, how long was I out? What happened to me?"
Yang Zhentian responded cautiously, "Last night, we were targeted by a soul beast. You inhaled its emitted energy and fell into an illusion created by it."
He then retrieved the corpse of a white fox from his soul storage device.
The fox wasn't very large, about a meter in length. Its fu...
2024-11-28 12:18:11 +0000 UTC
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Just like that, the two of them took a carriage to the Sunset Forest.
This was already their fourth time visiting the Sunset Forest, so they were quite familiar with the place.
However, it seemed their luck was particularly bad this time. They had spent seven or eight days in the forest but couldn't find a suitable soul beast. Either the soul beast's age was too low, or its quality was too poor.
According to Yang Podi's own estimation, he could absorb soul rings within 10...
2024-11-28 12:17:23 +0000 UTC
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After Ye Lingling left, Yang Podi began tidying up his dormitory.
He hadn't noticed it before, but now the room looked utterly chaotic. Pieces of clothing were scattered everywhere, mostly belonging to the two of them, and the bathroom faucet was still running.
Of course, he also found traces of blood, most likely from Ye Lingling.
Seeing this, Yang Podi couldn't help but sigh, "This is troublesome. She's such a good girl; I'll need to take responsibility somehow."
2024-11-28 12:16:35 +0000 UTC
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After the party started, Duke became the busiest person, constantly moving around the garden lawn, socializing with the arriving guests. Besides the actors and crew members, there were also representatives from several film companies. For instance, Robert Iger represented Walt Disney, Tim Fisher represented Fox, and Clark Muller represented Warner Bros.
There was also George Lucas, who had specially come from San Francisco.
"Where's your mother, Duke?"
Hearing George Luc...
2024-11-24 17:37:08 +0000 UTC
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After finishing the scenes in San Francisco, the crew quickly moved to Alcatraz for filming.
Since Alcatraz is a tourist destination managed by the National Park Service, they couldn't close it off entirely for filming.
So, during the filming on Alcatraz, curious tourists would come to watch every day.
Fortunately, this was before the age of portable video-recording smartphones, and not everyone could afford a camera like the one Sullivan and Bauer had.
Plus, with ...
2024-11-23 09:43:46 +0000 UTC
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"Damn it, it's all burnt down! Where is that bastard? I'll kill him myself!"
The tram driver, played by old Gilbert, threw his hat down with fiery frustration, signaling the end of his cameo role.
After his scene, old Gilbert came off set, exhilarated. "I've produced films all these years, never thought acting was this exciting! In the future, save a small role for me now and then—I'd love a little acting."
Gilbert humored him, knowing it might actually do the old man s...
2024-11-23 09:42:38 +0000 UTC
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After capturing the two, the set manager reported to producer Charles Roven.
"We caught two people filming secretly. They're fans, just curious about movies, and were taking some shots," the manager explained briefly.
Charles Roven took the camera, glanced at it, and then handed it to Gilbert. He said to the manager, "Turn them over to the police; let them handle it."
"Wait," Gilbert called out to the set manager.
He looked at the camera in his hand – a Panasonic...
2024-11-23 09:41:20 +0000 UTC
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"John, how did it turn out?" At the end of the day's shoot, during a meeting, Gilbert asked.
John Schwartzman, his thick eyebrows flying wildly, was clearly too excited to stay calm. He gestured animatedly. "Director, you wouldn't believe the incredible footage we got. Unbelievable! Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and the jet's tail flame from the fighter's first-person view is bound to thrill the audience."
"Alright, alright, I had a good feeling about it, so as long as it turned...
2024-11-23 09:40:11 +0000 UTC
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In front of a private jet, Nicholas Cage's character, Goodspeed, meets with Jim Womack, played by John Spencer.
At the start of this scene, Nicholas Cage was performing well. However, due to a lighting issue, they had to reshoot the take.
With that adjustment, Cage's excellent state mysteriously vanished.
After three or four consecutive takes, Gilbert couldn't help but frown.
Cage seemed aware of the issue and quickly raised his hand, saying, "Sorry, director. That...
2024-11-23 09:38:40 +0000 UTC
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The prison scenes were shot on a constructed set.
This included parts of the Alcatraz underground prison facility, which were built on the set, while exterior scenes were filmed on Alcatraz Island itself.
After deciding to film The Rock in San Francisco, the crew found it exhausting to return to Los Angeles due to the extensive travel required.
Fortunately, when 20th Century Fox joined the project, they resolved this issue.
Due to the high cost of land in Los Angel...
2024-11-23 09:37:23 +0000 UTC
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"I heard Sean Connery is starring in Braveheart, and Mel Gibson is aiming for the Oscars," Sofia Coppola said with interest, looking at Gilbert.
Gilbert shrugged indifferently. "It's not releasing at the same time as mine, so what does it matter if he's going for the Oscars?"
"With CAA's two big stars in it, if they face off with you in the summer season, it'll be quite the scene," Sofia said with a hint of schadenfreude.
"Hey, Sofia, you're my assistant director. It soun...
2024-11-23 09:34:31 +0000 UTC
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Once 20th Century Fox's funds were secured, Gilbert led part of the crew to San Francisco for location scouting.
Meanwhile, Charles Roven sought support from the Pentagon, and after script approval, the Pentagon quickly endorsed the film.
Speed had promoted the Los Angeles Police Department, securing its support. Similarly, The Rock, with its themes of military and patriotic spirit, strongly resonated with Pentagon officials, so the crew easily gained their backing.
The s...
2024-11-23 09:33:54 +0000 UTC
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Roger Moore's decision to join The Rock left Sean Connery feeling awkward. He'd originally thought that the production team had limited choices and would eventually compromise and agree to his demands. Unexpectedly, after just a brief interaction and upon hearing his conditions, they immediately gave up on him and chose someone else.
The key point was that this "someone else" was none other than Roger Moore, the third actor to play James Bond. This infuriated Sean Connery. Enraged, he ...
2024-11-23 09:32:56 +0000 UTC
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When Ethan appeared in front of Robert, he noticed that the three of them were indeed frowning in deep thought.
"Director, Ethan says he has an idea," Colleen called out directly when she saw them, pushing Ethan to the forefront.
"What?" Dion raised an eyebrow, looking a bit surprised.
Robert clapped his hands together. "Really? I was just about to ask you. You're good with long takes, right? I saw the MV you shot for Nelly, and it was impressive."
Before recommend...
2024-11-23 09:18:52 +0000 UTC
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At 10:30 a.m., the Chicago crew gathered at the rented theater venue.
Today wasn't for filming but rather an internal meet-and-greet.
In fact, due to various props and sets still being made, actors wouldn't be joining the crew for another week.
This movie has three main actors, namely the two female leads, Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Renée Zellweger is a comedy actress who delivered outstanding performances in the comedy films Me, Myself & Irene...
2024-11-23 09:18:04 +0000 UTC
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The hotel booked by Ethan was near Chicago's Navy Pier, with a large floor-to-ceiling window offering a view of the domed building and its twin towers.
The filming schedule for Chicago wasn't long, since it didn't involve many complex, large-scale scenes; it mostly focused on dance performances in small spaces.
Director Rob Marshall's name was still unfamiliar to the public at the time. Before Chicago, he had directed some lesser-known musicals, and just three years ago, he was stil...
2024-11-23 09:17:13 +0000 UTC
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ChaThe first award closely related to Ethan was for Best Hip-Hop Music Video of the Year.
The competition was fierce, featuring notable entries like Pass the Courvoisier (Part II) by P. Diddy in collaboration with other rappers.
However, as predicted by some media outlets, the winner of this award turned out to be Re invention, the music video directed by Ethan for Raymond.
Thanks to its unique use of color, this music video surpassed even the one Ethan had directed for N...
2024-11-23 09:16:34 +0000 UTC
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The MTV red carpet began at six in the evening, with no fixed order for who walked first — it all depended on who arrived earlier or later.
Ethan's manager, Carl, was also present but didn't qualify to walk the red carpet. He had already taken his seat inside the music hall.
After waiting for a few minutes, Avril walked onto the red carpet with Ethan, greeting the flashing lights of electronic cameras.
Click!
"It's Avril!"
"Take her picture quickly!"
2024-11-23 09:15:51 +0000 UTC
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