"Yes, the conditions now are not as good as before, but at the same time, haven't some other conditions been proven to be better than before? Like various film technologies, equipment, and film concepts. My point is, we need to find a path that integrates both types."
The host nodded, "It does seem like a very difficult path. So, Laila, do you think 'Chicago' can achieve this?"
"I believe that, in terms of artistry and meaning, this film has done well enough. As for its commercial value, I can't say for sure. I'm afraid I need the opinions of the vast audience to tell me that."
The host laughed, "It seems like you have confidence in the movie. Can you tell me, what's your box office estimate for this film?"
Laila thought for a moment, "I really can't say. But I heard that I have a nickname, the '300 Million director.' So, let's assume that this one can also achieve a 300 Million box office."
300 Million?! The host was almost choked by his saliva. A musical achieving a 300 Million box office? Is it really okay to brag like this? With their program and Laila's influence, there might be tens of millions of people watching her words. Isn't she afraid of not reaching such a high number and becoming a joke forever?
"I remember 'Moulin Rouge' was just over a hundred million. Isn't 300 Million too high for 'Chicago'? And the nickname '300 Million director' is just a joke, right? I don't think anyone really believes that." The host had to force a smile and tried to steer the conversation back. In case his show hurt the future boss, he might end up losing his hair.
Laila pretended not to notice his good intentions and smiled, "Is 300 Million a lot? I think it might be a good number to test the combination of art and business that I mentioned. If even this box office can't be achieved, then what I said can only be considered nonsense."
Isn't it just nonsense? The host's smile on his face couldn't be maintained.
This topic can't continue! It absolutely can't continue!
The host waved his hand, calling the main actors who were waiting below to come up on stage.
"Before asking you questions about the movie, I have a small question that must be asked first." The host made a troubled expression, "This question has been bothering me for a long time. If I can't come up with an answer, I'm afraid I will continue to lose sleep, which is not good for my hair."
He touched his not-so-lush hair and sighed helplessly.
"Please ask, we will protect your hair well." Renee giggled.
"Well, what I want to ask is..." The host intentionally paused at this point, glanced at the faces of the guests both on and off the stage, and then asked, "Is our director, Laila, a tyrant on set? I heard someone call her a tyrant?"
"Haha." "This is a good question." "I really want to know!"
The audience laughed in a dignified manner, and Laila's fans in front of the TV spontaneously sat closer or turned up the volume. They wanted to know how Laila directed movies. She was still so young. Wouldn't she be nervous facing so many actors much older than her?
Roy, Renee, and even Catherine laughed and looked provocatively at the calm and composed director.
Seeing their expressions, the host knew this was the rhythm of a scoop, so he quickly named Renee, "Renee, you go first. Did you ever suffer under the director during filming?"
"I did suffer, mainly during the days of dance rehearsals, which were really tough. Laila is amazing, truly amazing. Can I say that?" The last sentence was directed at Laila.
Laila raised an eyebrow, not sure what Renee was going to say. Thinking about it, there didn't seem to be anything that she couldn't say. She simply nodded, "Of course, feel free to speak your mind."
With Laila's permission, Renee continued, "There was a scene where I felt I delivered the best performance of my life. Then the director said my part was Oscar-nomination-worthy."
She shrugged, "I was very happy at the time, thinking it was her recognition of me. But then she said, 'Is this enough?' She thought I could do better, so she told me a lot of things and had me reshoot after I understood."
"Did you meet her expectations?" The host asked with great interest.
Renee smiled and didn't go on. If she said the next thing Laila said at that time, she would probably face criticism from others. She wasn't that stupid.
"Hey? Why not say it? Did you meet her expectations or not?" The host was scratching his head anxiously, occasionally checking his hair as if checking for hair loss. This made the audience burst into laughter again.
Laila knew that Renee was hesitating, so she took over the topic, "She did meet expectations, very well. I think when the audience goes to the theater to watch it, they will understand how I felt at that time. She delivered an excellent performance."
"Alright." The host knew how to control the rhythm, not letting other guests feel ignored. "I want to ask Roy now. I heard that you all learned to dance for a long time before shooting. Do you find musicals interesting? Do you have any plans to shoot another one in the future?"
"We learned for a few months, almost half a year." Roy smiled, "Musicals are indeed very interesting to shoot. If there is a good script, I would be willing to shoot again. After all, didn't Laila choose to shoot 'Chicago' because the script was excellent?"
The host and many people were surprised, "Laila decided to shoot because she was attracted to the script. Many people thought she wanted to deepen relations with other companies or deliberately extend an olive branch for stronger cooperation. Didn't expect there was an inside story?"
Seeing everyone's gaze turned towards her, Laila nodded, "Yes, I often receive many scripts. Some potentially good ones are sent to the Phoenix company and the more important scripts that I hope to shoot are filtered and placed on my desk. As you all know, most of the movies I shoot are based on scripts I write myself, so I can shoot what I truly want. But when I saw 'Chicago,' I was captivated; it showed me another world."
The host slapped his forehead, "It seems that Laila likes the upcoming movie. What charm does it have? I think we will understand when it is released in December. But before that, it seems like we accidentally deviated from the topic." He looked at Catherine Zeta-Jones, "Is Laila like a tyrant on set?"