The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 677

Taylor's song began to play, and the entire outdoor set was swept up in a wave of euphoria as many in the crowd clapped along to the beat.

One camera lens was fixed on Taylor, who stood on a small stage, while another focused on the audience below, capturing mostly Matthew's reactions.

The director had originally wanted him to sing, but given the change in plans, Matthew's role had been simplified: he was just supposed to be an enthralled member of the audience.

And so, Matthew acted the part, his gaze fixed on Taylor, listening as if captivated, letting the music wash over him with a profound emotional response.

The shoot was a success. After a few rehearsals and one official take, the director called a wrap, bringing Matthew's cameo to an end.

He chatted with Taylor for a moment before heading back to his nearby trailer. After removing his makeup, he stepped outside to find a young woman waiting for him.

The young woman's face lit up when she saw Matthew, and she greeted him with an innocent smile. "Hi, Matthew."

Matthew replied, "Hi, Miley."

The young woman was none other than Miley Cyrus, the lead actress in Hannah Montana.

Miley Cyrus pulled a cell phone from her pocket. "Can we get a picture?""Of course," Matthew agreed.

Just then, Taylor emerged from the adjacent trailer. Seeing them, she offered, "Want me to take the picture for you?"

"Yes!" Miley exclaimed, pressing her phone into Taylor's hand.

The two of them clearly knew each other.

Miley stepped up to Matthew, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, and Matthew flashed a professional, friendly smile for the camera.

Taylor started the countdown. "Three! Two! One..."

"I've got to get back to filming," Miley said, taking her phone back. She gave a little wave. "Bye, Matthew. Bye, Taylor."

Matthew gave a casual wave as Taylor walked over to him. "Are you heading out?" she asked. "If you are, let's walk together."

Matthew nodded, and the two of them left the outdoor set, making their way toward the studio entrance.

As they walked, his mind drifted back to what had just happened. The brief encounter had sharpened a memory, bringing it into clearer focus.

"What are you thinking about?" Taylor asked.

Matthew didn't answer her question directly, asking one of his own instead. "Do you know Miley Cyrus well?"

"We're kind of friends," Taylor said with a nod. "I've known her for over a year."

Then she asked, "Where are you off to next? Do you have any free time this afternoon? We could swing by my L.A. music studio, and I could give you a little introductory lesson on music theory."

Matthew considered it for a moment, but ultimately shook his head. "I can't. I have a meeting."

Taylor asked teasingly, "It's not a date with some beautiful woman, is it?"

"It is, actually," Matthew admitted, before quickly adding:

"A female director. I've invested in a film project that needs one."

When they reached the studio exit, he said goodbye to Taylor and got into his car, heading for the Angel Agency.

Ever since the release of Twilight, Susan Collins had been calling him constantly, eager to see The Hunger Games on the big screen as soon as possible.

Matthew was also ready to get The Hunger Games on the production schedule, but before any pre-production plans could be made, he needed to find the right director for the project.

Given the success of Twilight, his top priority was still a female director.

Looking across Hollywood, there were very few prominent female directors to choose from. Sofia Coppola was slated to direct the Twilight sequel and had her own projects lined up, which took her out of the running.

The pool of available candidates was, in fact, quite small.

Over the past month, Helen had reached out to Catherine Bigelow and Nancy Meyers. The former wasn't interested in this type of film, while the latter claimed she was out of her depth with a story containing so much action.

Frankly, both of them were also a bit too old, and Matthew had his doubts. He worried they might not be able to capture the sensibilities of a teenage audience.

A few days ago, he'd met with Charlize Theron to discuss The Hunger Games, and she had specifically recommended a director: Patty Jenkins.

The very same director she had worked with on Monster.

Charlize had helped him arrange today's meeting with Patty.

Patty Jenkins was best known for her work on the film Monster, but she was also a director of typical teen idol movies.

Patty was born in the 1970s, making her one of the younger female directors in Hollywood.

Matthew met Patty Jenkins in the lounge of the Angel Agency.

Charlize introduced him to Patty and Helen, then said her goodbyes and departed, leaving the two parties to their negotiations.

Patty had unremarkable, long, dark brown hair and the unassuming look of an ordinary woman.

However, Charlize had shared a few key details about Patty with him.

Matthew didn't waste any time on small talk and got straight to the point. "Director Jenkins, I asked Charlize to help arrange this meeting because I'd like to invite you to direct a project of mine."

Although her direction had helped Charlize win a Best Actress award, Patty Jenkins's status in the industry was still a tier below Charlize's.

"Charlize mentioned it to me," Patty said. "It's the film adaptation of The Hunger Games, correct?"

Matthew nodded. "That's right."

His gaze shifted from Patty's face for a moment. "I'm interested in turning this series of novels into a film about a woman's struggle for survival and power."

Patty's expression flickered with surprise. "You mean, make a feminist film?"

"Exactly," Matthew confirmed. "However, the message has to be balanced. Being too heavy-handed could have a negative effect."

As a director, Patty naturally understood this line of reasoning and nodded immediately.

Matthew added, "Director Jenkins, you've probably heard that I sponsor and support women's organizations across North America."

"I have," Patty confirmed with another nod. "It's an honor to meet someone as committed to the feminist movement as you are."

Matthew smiled.

In truth, Charlize hadn't told him much, but what she had shared was crucial: Patty Jenkins was a true progressive, a feminist to her core.

Given the limited pool of female directors, Patty was the most suitable candidate Matthew had met so far. Capable female directors who also had experience with the teen idol genre were exceptionally rare.

Moreover, Patty Jenkins was also a talented screenwriter; she had penned most of the script for Monster herself.

While Matthew had little to impress a director like Catherine Bigelow with besides money, winning over a leftist feminist like Patty Jenkins was a much simpler proposition.

The public persona he had cultivated for years, the image he projected, and the money his foundation poured into helping women and children—all of it made it easy to win the favor of feminists.

The money that people like Matthew pour into charity is never spent in vain.

Patty was clearly warming to Matthew and seemed willing to discuss the project with Helen, though she hadn't yet committed to directing.

"Director Jenkins, if you join the project..." Matthew cut in before Helen could speak, wanting to make the offer himself. "We also intend to leave the screenplay in your hands, along with the original author, Susan Collins."

He added, "I've spoken with Susan Collins and would love to introduce you two sometime. She's a remarkable woman as well."

"Alright," Patty Jenkins replied.

Matthew continued, "Susan and I both agree that the protagonist, Katniss, should be the face of democracy and freedom within the film's world."

Patty's interest was clearly piqued. "Matthew, I'm very intrigued by what you're saying. Could you give me some time to read the original novel?"

"Not a problem," Matthew said with a smile.

The parties chatted for a little while longer before he and Helen walked Patty out.

Back in Helen's office, Matthew rubbed his forehead. "I don't think we'll have much trouble with the director. Now we just need a solid producer."

"Let me recommend someone," Helen replied.