In fact, when Laila's movie "Blair Witch" grossed three hundred million globally with just a hundred thousand dollar budget, Time Magazine had already extended an interview invitation to her. However, she had always thought of herself as part of the media industry and didn't want to let others benefit from her money-making opportunities. So, she declined the invitation.
Looking back now, her thoughts at the time did seem a bit narrow-minded.
To be precise, Laila had underestimated the significance of Time Magazine and underestimated her own influence.
She had always regarded herself as a director behind the camera, but she forgot that her identity destined her not to be just a director forever. It wasn't just her identity; her achievements in directing were also remarkable. Her life experiences could even be called legendary. Countless parents used her as an example to educate the younger generation. She was almost a universally positive image.
Time Magazine sought her out because of this wholesome image. Regrettably, in the past, Laila's petty attitude of not wanting to let other publications profit from her had led her to reject their invitations time and time again.
One can imagine that if Louise hadn't said anything, Laila would have instinctively refused what others saw as a precious opportunity.
"Alright, then go ahead and accept on my behalf. But I hope they can accommodate my schedule. I won't be returning to the office anytime soon. If they agree, they can come here for the interview."
Seeing her agreement, Louise rejoiced. "I believe they would be very willing." Being the first media outlet to get access to the new filming location was undoubtedly an arrangement that would make Time Magazine's reporters very happy.
Moreover, Louise's hope for Laila's acceptance actually extended beyond the reason of "benefiting the promotion of the new film."
Ever since the news of "The 13th Warrior" starting filming spread, the comments made by the film's producers and Faaris during the press conferences had become hot topics in the media. Some outlets sensationalized their challenge to the Titanic's box office figures, while others linked them with Laila's new film.
Both films were starting production around the same time and were action movies, so it seemed reasonable to discuss them together. However, only those truly perceptive would know that there was some hidden manipulation from the "13th Warrior" side.
It was easy to understand that manipulating Laila, the Queen of controversy, would only bring benefits to their film and company. With a movie that had nearly a $200 million budget and a star-studded cast, it was almost a given that it would easily overshadow a film with a budget of just over $30 million. The outcome seemed clear.
Faiza's orders were to suppress Laila's film and company with their movie. Now, he could use her fame to his advantage, increasing her investment returns while fulfilling the tasks he had been assigned. Why would he have any reason not to?
As for terms like "bullying the small" and "abusing power," did he need to concern himself with those? In this world, only the successful side held the truth, and those who failed could only be stepping stones, destined to be buried in the dust of history!
Recently, the repeated attempts to sensationalize Laila and her new film had made Louise hope that Laila could do something about it. While it was impossible to silence them completely, at least a few well-worded responses could suffice. She really didn't want to see those people boasting on television!
With Laila's approval, Louise contacted Time Magazine when she returned to the company and conveyed her boss's decision. The magazine responded that they would make arrangements immediately for the interview to be conducted on-site.
This "immediate" was truly swift. The next day, Laila received a call from the journalist who wanted to interview her.
Not wanting to waste time, Laila arranged for the interview to take place in one of the restrooms at the filming location. Although it was called a restroom, it was a scene from the movie, the lair of the final female boss. It was designed as a Japanese-style tatami tea room.
For a scene like this, there was no need to fully construct it, because not every room would appear in the film. Creating the full set would be a waste.
However, Laila had her theme park in mind. To provide visitors with a more complete experience in the future, not only was the tea room built but many other similar scenes were also constructed using real materials. Even if some scenes were destroyed in the film, they would be rebuilt in relevant parts of the theme park.
Three people arrived today: one journalist, one photographer, and an assistant. As they hadn't been granted permission yet, they hadn't taken any random shots on their way in. This was one of the conditions Laila set for allowing them into the enclosed park.
They hadn't been seated for long before Laila arrived.
"Thank you for waiting. I am Laila Moran."
Just arrived from the filming location, Her rapid pace had slightly disheveled her hair, but her first impression wasn't one of disarray. Instead, she seemed to radiate a halo-like brilliance. The photographer couldn't help but raise his camera and capture her appearance.
The journalist was a mature and attractive woman, appearing to be in her thirties. She was smartly dressed and had a pair of sharp eyes that were impossible to ignore.
"Hello, Director Moran. I'm Susie. This is my partner, Brian, who's in charge of photography, and our assistant, Danny."
Laila nodded at them. "I apologize, but my time is quite tight. If possible, let's try to finish within an hour."
"Of course, we understand." Susie was no stranger to interviewing "big shots." She knew that people like Laila usually didn't have much time to spare for interviews.
Their definition of a "big shot" was simple. Journalists could consider themselves honored to interview them, and those who felt honored to be interviewed were another category altogether. While this categorization might sound straightforward, it was also accurate.
At this moment, Susie felt honored to interview Laila. Everyone knew she was reluctant to give interviews. Even if she occasionally appeared in the media, it was mostly through her own media outlets. Additionally, she was a crucial figure to the United States, having achieved things in her mere twenty years of life that most people couldn't in a lifetime.
"Well then, let's begin." Susie opened her notebook, where she had organized questions she deemed valuable since receiving the assignment. All the questions she believed held significance were listed there.
"Director Moran, what led you to pursue a career in film directing?"
This question seemed to have been asked of her before, so Laila answered without hesitation, "As everyone knows, I had poor health since I was a child and couldn't attend school like a normal child. Therefore, my sources of external information were limited to books, television, and others' narratives. I've loved watching movies since I was little. Movies have shown me many fascinating worlds, and it was from that time that, in addition to desiring good health, I also aspired to become a film director."