The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 777

In the Angel Agency office, Matthew looked at Helen.

Helen spoke up. "They're looking for a suitable jury chairman, and you're one of the candidates." After a moment's thought, she added, "They don't have our direct contact information, so they're reaching out through an intermediary."

"Chairman of a film festival jury," Matthew said slowly. "I never expected to get an offer like that."

Disney's Chinese division had only sent the message to Helen yesterday. They were transforming their annual film season in the capital into a new A-list international film festival. Preparations were nearly complete, with a grand opening scheduled for the spring of 2011.

Helen got straight to the point. "They're desperate to expand their international influence, and you have more than enough fame."

Of course, Matthew knew that; there were countless A-list film festivals around the world.

What were the pros and cons of such an endeavor?

He had heard of this festival before, but only through industry gossip. People like him, who loved popcorn movies, rarely paid attention to film festivals.

Matthew thought for a moment and said, "From the perspective of breaking into the market over there, being on the jury seems to have some benefit."

"I wouldn't advise accepting," Helen said slowly. "It would do us more harm than good."Helen explained, "At an international film festival like this, even at the most conservative one in Venice, commercial deals might make up over seventy percent of the event, but the jury itself is no place for commercial films. It doesn't align with your positioning."

Matthew nodded slightly, fully acknowledging Helen's point. Even the most commercial of the major awards ceremonies, the Oscars, hadn't done much for him.

"Besides, this festival has strong official backing. It's not scheduled until 2011, but based on the feedback from Disney's side, the overall tone is extremely formal. It's not a good fit for us."

It was another reminder for Matthew that politics was never far from film.

Helen continued, "Even if you were interested, don't forget, you need to keep your distance from them politically."

"I understand," Matthew nodded again.

Matthew made his decision. "Then find a reason to decline."

Helen nodded and added, "I'll let them know that if they want to invite you to a film forum during the festival, you might find the time to attend."

Whenever politics came up, Matthew's head started to spin. "Do what you think is best."

After all, while most film festivals had an official shadow behind them, this one was on the other side of the Pacific.

Of course, he would go—not to participate in jury deliberations, but for the commercial side of the festival. Who knew, maybe he could find an inexpensive, box-office hit?

Looking at the major global film festivals, no matter how influential the exhibitions or awards were, for many industry insiders, the commercial activities were the main event. At the three major European film festivals, over seventy percent of the proceedings were essentially about selling films.

However, finding good films wasn't so easy.

Mature, well-developed commercial films were a rarity in the current market. Did they really need to go to a film festival to sell the rights?

After only a short time at the Angel Agency, Matthew was ready to leave. As he was heading out, Helen seemed to remember something and called him back.

"There's something I almost forgot." She opened a drawer and took out a set of keys. "These are for your house in Burbank. Alexandra Daddario left them here."

"Anna called me," Matthew said, walking over to take the keys. "I asked her to leave them here."

Helen asked curiously, "Are you two not in touch anymore?"

Matthew pocketed the keys and shrugged. "I haven't seen her in a long time." He didn't elaborate. "I'm leaving. Call me if anything comes up."

As for Alexandra Daddario, most of his news about her came from Amanda. The actress, who had once made a splash, wasn't doing very well. Her career path was narrowing, mostly limited to decorative roles, especially in horror films.

An image of Alexandra Daddario flashed through his mind. He wondered if he would try again, should an opportunity arise in the future.

Back at his estate, Matthew was about to contact a real estate agent, intending to either rent or sell the house. He couldn't just let it sit empty and pay property taxes on it for nothing.

But as he picked up the phone, he suddenly remembered something.

A few days ago, when he was on the phone with James Wan, the director had mentioned he was looking for a house suitable for filming, preferably one with a desolate character, like a murder house or something similar.

Wouldn't it be a great idea to rent the house to a film crew?

Matthew thought for a few seconds, then dialed James's number.

In that short time, an idea had already formed in his mind: a murder, a real one, had taken place in that house in the northern suburbs of Burbank. And he, a famous Hollywood superstar, had lived in that very house!

It was a highly unusual combination. When the film was released, couldn't that become a major talking point for publicity and hype?

Once James picked up, Matthew briefly told him about the house, and James asked for a few more details.

They talked a little longer, exchanging ideas.

James mentioned that when filming began, he would find a psychic or someone similar to visit the house for an inspection.

Matthew had no objection to that; he didn't believe in ghosts or any of that nonsense anyway.

Besides, a non-believer like him couldn't care less about such things. Otherwise, he never would have bought the house in the first place, knowing a murder had occurred there.

***

In December, preparations for "The Hunger Games" were in full swing. Various behind-the-scenes deals with actors were gradually falling into place, and auditions were well underway.

Thanks to the enormous success of the "Twilight" series, the lead role of Katniss in "The Hunger Games" was attracting a great deal of attention.

Matthew had initially considered letting Gal Gadot play Katniss, but now he had vetoed the idea. Gal Gadot was back in Israel and wasn't expected to return until filming for "Fast Five" began. But she was already 25.

The actress for this role couldn't be older than twenty; the younger, the better.

Considering the challenges with young actresses in terms of acting skills and maturity, around eighteen was actually the most suitable age.

Were there any Hollywood actresses, especially those born in the 90s, who were particularly fitting?

After thinking for half a day, Matthew couldn't come up with anyone. Maybe let Emma Watson give it a try? That seemed a bit risky; after all, she was Hermione Granger now, and starring in another series wouldn't change that.

Lily Collins was the right age, but the problem was that her look was far too sweet.

The arrival of December also marked the beginning of the Hollywood awards season. Many people were scrambling for this season, while some were already starting to prepare for the next.

Rachel Weisz had come to pay a special visit regarding the upcoming awards season.