As the days passed and the filming of "Hook" was nearing completion, Gilbert Jr. finally composed the script.
In fact, he had already finished the script some time ago; after all, the story is very simple.
The reason it took so long was that Gilbert Jr. wanted to understand the Hollywood filmmaking model in the 1990s and then think about how to turn the script into a film.
After all, the experience of being a web director in his previous life cannot be used in this era.
In the future, digital cameras had already been developed, but in this era, film cameras are still used.
Although the camera is carried by the photographer, a director who doesn't understand this is not a competent director.
From this perspective, it was only right to join Spielberg's team to learn.
After all, when we talk about the best Hollywood directors of the 1980s and 1990s, Steven Spielberg's name is definitely among them.
Hearing this name in Hollywood is like hearing the name of a national master in China.
Of course, the two men's reputations in the international film industry are very different and cannot be compared.
Only after completing the script and understanding the operating model of Hollywood teams at that time did Gilbert Jr. have enough confidence to take the first step.
After writing the script, Gilbert Jr. immediately gave it to Gwyneth Paltrow, who had been following the project.
"I'm finally done writing it," Gwyneth Paltrow looked at the script in her hand with satisfaction and ran off with it. "I'm going to find The Godfather. Wait for my good news."
After handing in the script, little Gilbert could only hope that this girl would provide some help, otherwise he could only wait and look for opportunities.
In the directors' lounge, Steven Spielberg was sipping coffee, feeling very relaxed.
Recently, the loudmouth Julia Roberts finally quit smoking, became more normal, and stopped arguing with him.
To be honest, if Julia Roberts hadn't filmed so many scenes, Spielberg would have wanted to change the female lead.
In all his years in the industry, this was the first time he'd faced such an embarrassing situation.
Things are much better now. Julia Roberts sincerely apologized, and Spielberg took the opportunity to let it go and expressed his magnanimity by not taking it personally.
Just as I was thinking about post-production matters after filming wrapped, I heard Gwyneth Paltrow's voice in the distance.
"Godfather..."
Compared to Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow is undoubtedly the one Spielberg favors the most; after all, she is his goddaughter.
Spielberg has always had a good relationship with the Paltrow family. This time, he used his personal connections to get his goddaughter on board, and the producers didn't object.
This kind of thing is very common in Hollywood. Qualifications and experience go a long way in Hollywood. It would be even better if the person were Jewish.
"What's wrong? Little Gwen..." Spielberg asked with a friendly smile as he looked at Gwyneth Paltrow, who ran in.
Gwyneth Paltrow likes it when people call her Gwen, which makes her seem more individual and cool.
Of course, it was only Little Gilbert who didn't call her that. Then Gwyneth Paltrow thinks Little Gilbert is very naughty and has a kind of bad-boy, pretty-boy vibe.
Gwyneth Paltrow handed the script to Spielberg: "The Godfather, look at this."
"What's this, a script?" Spielberg put down his coffee, picked up the script, and glanced at it.
The title of the script was written on the cover: "The Shallows." Spielberg raised his eyebrows, thinking it was interesting. Who wrote this in imitation of "Jaws"?
Gwyneth Paltrow introduced at that moment: "This is the script written by Gilbert Jr. I think it's good, so I'll show it to him."
Spielberg didn't open the script to read the specifics, but instead looked at Gwyneth Paltrow with a smile and asked, "Can you show me the script? Did he agree to any conditions for you?"
"Godfather, you're as perceptive as Gilbert Jr. said." Gwyneth Paltrow flattered him a bit and then said, "Yes, but it wasn't his request, it was me. I told him if I could recommend this script to you, The Godfather, he would promise to give me the role of the film's heroine."
"Is there an agreement?"
"At least he didn't object..."
Spielberg was quite impressed by the youngest son of the Landrini family.
At first, he thought Gilbert Jr. was just a second-generation kid waiting for death, but he didn't expect him to be so diligent and responsible on the crew.
He more than fulfilled everything assigned to him, making no mistakes.
Even the crew's producer praised Gilbert Jr., saying it was rare to find a young man like Gilbert Jr., serious and down-to-earth in fast-paced Hollywood.
Spielberg maintained a certain friendship with Gilbert Jr.'s father, Gilbert Sr., in his early years, but that was about it.
Gilbert Sr. begged him to let Gilbert Jr. join the team, and he helped him, which was also a favor.
After forming his own team, Gilbert Jr. has a resume. As long as you don't aim too high and work hard, you won't have to worry about running out of food in the future.
But he didn't expect Gilbert Jr. to do this...
Spielberg subconsciously thought that Gilbert Jr. was plotting a ruse to trick his goddaughter and contact him through her to get investment.
Suddenly, the good image of Gilbert Jr. in Spielberg's mind turned into one of impetuous, superficial, and opportunistic. However, since his goddaughter showed him the script, Spielberg decided to take a look at it first. What good script can a young man in his twenties write?
As a result, Spielberg was drawn in as soon as he opened the first page.
"Was this written by little Gilbert? What good script can a young man in his twenties write?" Spielberg asked, pointing to the rough draft of the manuscript on the first page of the script and showing it to Gwyneth Paltrow.
Gwyneth Paltrow nodded and said, "Yes, I saw him write it, and there are other storyboard manuscripts later."
Why did this manuscript find Spielberg's attention? It was because Gilbert Jr. shared his ideas about how to shoot the film in it.
Simply put, it involved creating a shark's perspective and, from there, watching the heroine of the script escape.
This filming technique, which has become widespread in the 21st century, was highly innovative in the 1990s.
Spielberg is no fool to have become one of Hollywood's finest directors. You can appreciate the excellence of this type of filming technique at a glance.
When shooting thrillers or horror films, such a perspective and shot will undoubtedly greatly enhance the sense of immersion and excitement.
I dare not say it will be successful, but the fact that Gilbert Jr. could come up with this idea shows that he's not just talking nonsense, but has prepared thoroughly.
Spielberg quickly looked back, and sure enough, there were several storyboard manuscripts attached. Through the manuscripts, one could already imagine the scenes of the film.
"Little Gwen, go call Gilbert Jr. so I can talk to him," Spielberg ordered.
Gwyneth Paltrow was delighted. Spielberg wanted to meet little Gilbert, which meant there was an opportunity. She quickly went out to call little Gilbert.
Before entering, Gwyneth Paltrow also reminded little Gilbert: "Don't brag in front of the Godfather. He hates the people who brag the most. Behave normally and say what you want to say."
"I understand." Little Gilbert walked over, took a deep breath, and then entered.
Little Gilbert knew with certainty that if he could handle the situation before him well, he might have the opportunity to direct, and he shuddered at the thought.
(End of this chapter)
I'll try to upload the first 5 chapters; they'll be on par on Patreon for now.