Considering his relationship with Keira Knightley was not bad, he planned to persuade her later. If she disagreed, Matthew had no way around it. After all, he was neither Keira Knightley's relative nor her agent. Speaking too much might only provoke complaints.
Not everyone was like him, with Jerry Bruckheimer's golden signboard now shining exceptionally bright.
Matthew could only give it a try.
After all, he didn't remember clearly whether "King Arthur" was a successful work or not.
After discussing Jerry Bruckheimer's new project, Matthew and Helen Helman's conversation shifted to his and Keira Knightley's fake romance.
"The production team and Disney and Pixar Studios have been notified. This matter won't negatively impact the film," Helen Helman said, sharing the latest developments. "They had no objections."
Matthew nodded, "That's good."
Helen Helman continued, "Yesterday morning, I spoke with James Barnes and the production's PR officer, Anderson Martinez. There's been a change in plans; the production team requests that you speed up the process."
"Speed up the process?" Matthew was confused. "How do we speed up?"
"Not just holding hands on the red carpet!" Helen Helman explained. "The team will arrange for someone in the media photo area to create a buzz, and your first public kiss with Keira Knightley is also to be staged on this red carpet."
Matthew immediately said, "I have no problem with that." After thinking for a bit, he asked, "What about Keira? Have you discussed it with her?"
Helen Helman nodded, "Keira Knightley has no problem with it either." She resumed the previous topic, "The plans have been adjusted to some extent. 'Pirates of the Caribbean' has received good reviews in several screenings, which is beneficial for the initial promotion. The team has decided to postpone the plan."
She took a sip of water and added, "The time you two live together is pushed back. The plan for Keira Knightley to move into your house is delayed by a week, to be implemented after the film's first weekend."
"I have no problem," Matthew said, acknowledging that he would follow the plans set by the production team and the agent. "Just let me know the specific time."
He asked about another concern, "What about breaking up? When will that happen?"
This fake romance indeed benefits publicity but also limits certain freedoms. He didn't want to keep it up for the long term.
"Maybe around September…" Helen Helman had already considered this, "We'll find a suitable opportunity and an excuse for you and Keira Knightley to break up."
This aligns with the norm within the industry, where relationships sparked by roles often come and go quickly.
Hollywood is full of such makeups and breakups.
Helen Helman wasn't finished, "If 'Pirates of the Caribbean' is successful, there's a good chance of filming a sequel. Anderson Martinez suggested that if you two are single by then, you could get back together again."
"This…" Matthew's understanding of Hollywood's shamelessness in promotion reached a new level, "Let's talk about that when the time comes."
Compared to these, he was more concerned about the issue of Jerry Bruckheimer facing a funding shortfall.
After ending the conversation with Helen Helman, Matthew went to the entertainment room on the first floor of the Angel Agency, picked up a cue stick, and started playing billiards alone, thinking hard. Jerry Bruckheimer had spent months solving "King Arthur's" funding issue by delaying another project due to the temporary lack of funding sources, with Disney Studios not injecting funds.
Could this be an opportunity?
Unfortunately, he still didn't know the specifics of this project. If it turned out to be an unsuitable genre, wouldn't all this effort be in vain?
Matthew decided to wait and see.
However, he could make some preparations. He knew a wealthy individual interested in entering the film industry.
Fox Sherman had only invested in Lakeview Film Company's "Underworld," a project of a second-tier company. Nebo had mentioned that Fox Sherman wanted to cooperate with top projects of the big six studios in Hollywood but lacked the right opportunity and connections.
In North America, many investments aren't just accepted eagerly by swinging a check.
Matthew, though not versed in investment, understood over the years that those accepting investments also select their investors.
He wondered about Fox Sherman's financial capability.
He immediately took out his phone and called Nebo, but no one answered, probably because Nebo was busy teaching at the gym.
Matthew continued to entertain himself with billiards for a few minutes until his phone rang. Nebo had called back.
"What's up, Matthew?" Nebo asked directly.
"Actually, there is something." Matthew had a good relationship with him and got straight to the point. "How much do you know about Fox Sherman?"
Nebo on the phone replied, "I used to be his fitness coach. It depends on what aspect you're asking about."
Matthew thought for a moment and asked, "Financially, how much can he mobilize?"
"I'm not very clear on the specifics." Nebo paused for a while before responding, "He once told me that he came to Hollywood for investment and entrepreneurship, with a significant amount of money on hand, wanting to invest in top projects of the six major studios…"
Hearing Nebo's words, Matthew felt more convinced that this might be a good approach.
"Thank you, Nebo." Matthew said, "I'll treat you to lunch at the club tomorrow afternoon."
After hanging up, he considered whether to inform Helen Helman but decided to wait until there was specific news about Jerry Bruckheimer's project.
Checking the time, he called Keira Knightley to meet at the coffee shop under the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills where she was staying.
Matthew left the Angel Agency and headed straight to Beverly Hills, soon meeting Keira Knightley at the Four Seasons Hotel's coffee shop.
"Do you need something?" Keira Knightley asked.
"I just heard from my agent," Matthew said directly, "you've taken the lead role in 'King Arthur'?"
Keira Knightley nodded, "Yes!" She continued, "Originally, Jerry Bruckheimer intended for someone to play the male lead, but your agent declined, saying you had already taken on a new job."
"Ah, a small production's lead role." Matthew didn't elaborate but instead asked, "When does 'King Arthur' start shooting?"
"Sometime around September." Keira Knightley seemed a bit regretful, "It's a shame we can't work together."
Matthew was unsure how to start the conversation, beating around the bush for a while before saying, "Keira, let me tell you a secret."
Keira Knightley was understanding, "Go ahead, I'll keep it a secret for you. My reputation is much better than yours."
This made Matthew a bit embarrassed, but he thickened his skin and continued, "Actually, I had my agent decline the role in 'King Arthur' not because I had taken on a new job, but because I was afraid that continuously playing similar types of historical roles would limit my range."
"That makes sense!" Keira Knightley thought about it and seemed to agree, "You became famous for 'The Scorpion King,' then there was Will Turner, and next would be King Arthur. It's easy for people to get the impression that you can only play historical muscle men."
Matthew pointed out, "Aren't you worried about that?"
"This is only my second historical role. Why worry?" Keira Knightley said casually. "Even if I were worried, it's too late now. I've already officially signed with the 'King Arthur' production team. Breaking the contract without a valid reason would be troublesome."
Hearing her say this, Matthew realized it was pointless to continue. Keira Knightley had already signed with the production team.
However, upon further thought, with the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series as a foundation, Keira Knightley wouldn't be ruined by a single film's failure. He remembered Keira Knightley starring in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy, but what happened after that, he wasn't very clear.
Probably like many actresses, after gaining fame in commercial films, swayed by media and critics, they completely abandon commercial movies to hone their acting skills in the indie circle.
Isn't that the path of most actresses?
The two then talked about other things, eventually touching on their future so-called cohabitation.
Keira Knightley asked, "Have you prepared my room yet?"
"Not yet." Matthew's rented house had several bedrooms, but aside from his own and one used as a study, the rest served as storerooms. "Don't worry, before you move in, I'll clean it up and buy all new furniture."
"Better be quick," Keira Knightley advised again. "And remember to remove the bedroom door."
Matthew was puzzled by Keira Knightley's request, asking, "Why remove the door? You're not planning to seduce me, are you?"
"Go to hell!" Keira Knightley glared at him. "I'm going to contact a security door company to install a sturdy new door!"
She huffed, "I don't trust you!"
Mimicking her tone, Matthew huffed back, "You don't trust me? Keira, you're too suspicious, too unaware of what trust means." He spread his hands, defending himself, "During our time together, have I ever done anything inappropriate to you?"
Keira Knightley bit her lip, realizing... indeed, he hadn't.
"It's getting late; I'll go and remove the door for you." Matthew stood up. "Remember to order a vault-level security door from Switzerland."
As he turned to leave, he suddenly remembered that the premiere of "Finding Nemo" was coming up soon and reminded her, "Keira, dress up for next week's premiere."
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