The reason is very simple.
Laila, with her past life and this life combined, already exudes a strong director's aura. Leonardo is an outstanding actor, but no matter how excellent an actor is, when facing a director, especially one like Laila who is already recognized as a legendary director, they will instinctively feel apprehensive.
Moreover, Laila also holds the identity of being the daughter of the Moran family, designated heir by Mr. Moran, and has already started participating in family business operations. People who have long been in positions of authority naturally carry an intimidating aura, which sensitive individuals like Leonardo can easily sense.
Laila ordered a few dishes and handed the menu to the other two. After they made their choices, while waiting for the food, she directly addressed the main topic.
"I've read the script. I think Roy should have told you that I'm very interested in it."
"Yes, he did." Leonardo glanced at Roy. "I'm looking forward to working with you."
When Roy mentioned collaborating with Laila to him last time, he was intrigued. In terms of aiming for awards, this script is undoubtedly the most suitable. Based on his understanding of the Oscars, he knew this film would be the type the Oscar judges love.
He has honed his acting skills for several years, and combined with Hollywood's most outstanding director, Laila, he believes their collaboration could make this film another Oscar-sweeping movie!
He has that confidence.
Laila was silent for a moment. Just when Leonardo felt he was about to suffocate from the tension, she spoke: "Indeed, I really like this script and look forward to working with you. But you should be aware of my situation; I can't start a new film for at least a year or more."
She had thought about it for a day and decided to give up the script.
Between being a director and making movies or serving as the acting president of the group, she chose the latter.
She loves movies, but she loves her family more.
Without Mr. Moran's support, Janet's unconditional love, and her grandmother's Oriental cuisine that helped her adapt to this world, she wouldn't be the Laila she is today.
Leonardo wasn't surprised by this answer but was still very disappointed.
"I've been looking forward to working with you; I believe we can make an excellent film together."
"Yes, I believe that too. Unfortunately, I really can't manage the time." Laila regretted it.
Leonardo sighed: "It's really a pity."
Laila felt the same way, silently lowering her eyes, hiding her regret and dilemma deep inside. Life won't always be smooth sailing; she has already received too much. The goddess of luck can't always favor her.
At this moment, Roy, who had been silent, suddenly spoke: "Leo, how long have you had that script?"
"Yes, it was sent to me in 2005. It was prepared for filming twice but was delayed each time due to investment issues." It's a pity that such an excellent script was repeatedly shelved due to lack of funding.
But that's Hollywood. Whether a film is good or not, studios prefer to measure it by box office potential. If *Blood Diamond* had the commercial blockbuster potential, investors would have rushed to fund it. Unfortunately, deeply meaningful films often don't attract large audiences.
The film's budget is $100 million, meaning the box office needs to reach $300 million to make a profit. But a film like this is unlikely to achieve such high box office numbers and can only recoup its costs through DVD sales and other means over time.
Eventually, the film might still bring some profit, but not all investors are interested in long-term returns. They prefer directors like Laila, who can make billions with any film. Unfortunately, Laila doesn't lack money or distribution channels and prefers to do things her way.
"Since the script has been with you for several years, why not wait a bit longer?" Roy suggested. "Laila doesn't have time now, but that doesn't mean she won't have time in a year or two. You both like the script and are eager to collaborate. Why not perfect the script during this time and wait for Laila to be available?"
Leonardo slapped the table: "Yes! Why didn't I think of that? Let's do it, Laila. We'll make this film together when you have time, be it in a year or two. I'll wait for you!"
Laila thought for a moment, then smiled and nodded: "Okay."
Both she and Leonardo had been fixated on the immediate lack of time, forgetting that they could simply wait. In Hollywood, many films are shelved for various reasons. Take the *Blood Diamond* script; it's been around for years. Since they already own the script's rights, the timing of production doesn't affect the writer much but significantly impacts them.
Moreover, if word got out that Laila was willing to make another film, all the studios would be willing to wait for her, no matter how long it took.
Once the key issue was settled, the ordered dishes began to arrive, and the three of them dug in with great appetites.
"By the way, I heard *The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King* has surpassed a billion dollars worldwide and is still climbing. Critics and audiences alike praise it highly, with many saying you deserve an Oscar for Best Director." Leonardo admired her; she was younger than him yet had achieved far more.
Laila smiled: "Who knows? Until the last moment, no one can predict the final outcome."
"Stop being modest. The media are all saying you'll sweep the awards again, just like with *Chicago*."
Laila frowned: "The media are saying that much?" She sensed something unusual.
Leonardo didn't notice her change and continued admiringly: "It's normal. With such high box office numbers and acclaim, they think you might set a new record for the youngest Best Director. Some even say you should have won the award earlier, and the Oscars were too strict."
The more he talked, the more Laila felt something was wrong. Recently, she had been worried about Roy and hadn't paid attention to media trends, unaware of the growing hype.
After the meal, on the way back, Roy, looking at the quiet Laila gazing out the window, finally asked: "What's wrong? You seemed distracted during dinner."
"Nothing, just some suspicions. I hope it's just my imagination."