"Bob, this is Matthew."
In the banquet hall of the Burbank Amanoela Hotel, Helen Helman introduced Matthew to a middle-aged man, "Matthew, this is Robert Iger, the co-chairman of Disney Studios."
Matthew quickly extended his right hand, "Hello, Mr. Iger."
Robert Iger, whose demeanor was completely different from his superior Michael Eisner's arrogant air, appeared very amiable. He shook Matthew's hand with a smile, saying, "Matthew, I'm quite envious of your good physique!"
This brief remark instantly bridged the gap between the two.
"It's a bit painful to maintain," Matthew, who was adept at social interactions, replied.
Before coming, Helen Helman had briefed him that Robert Iger had climbed his way up from the bottom, lacking the arrogance and domineering presence of Michael Eisner. Previously working at ABC Television, he joined Disney after its acquisition of ABC, eventually being promoted to his current position by Michael Eisner due to his demonstrated abilities over the years.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, in which Robert Iger came across as gentle and scholarly, his smile reminiscent of Mickey Mouse's charming grin, Matthew felt at ease handling such social interactions.
Suddenly, Robert Iger sighed, "Matthew, Disney Studios is launching two major projects next year, and it's a pity you turned one down. Is there something we're not doing right at Disney Studios?"
"Of course not," Matthew, fully alert, responded. His years of experience told him that such individuals were the true forces to reckon with. He elaborated with genuine emotion, "Sean Daniel brought me up, and I had already turned down his invitation once."
He expressed a deep sense of loyalty, "Sean Daniel approached me in March with the 'Dawn of the Dead' project. I couldn't turn him down again. The film starts shooting at the end of the month, coinciding with 'King Arthur,' forcing me to pass on it."
"Understandable," Robert Iger nodded lightly, "I would have made the same choice."
Scanning Matthew's face, Iger seemed to believe him, especially since many details about the 'Dawn of the Dead' project were public. He was here because he saw great value in Matthew for Disney Studios, especially for their live-action projects.
Stating "Pirates of the Caribbean" as a flagship of Disney's live-action movies was not an overstatement.
Behind Robert Iger's friendly demeanor was a calculating mind. He continued with a Disney-like charming smile, "Matthew, Disney Studios has been a great help to you, hasn't it?"
Helen Helman frowned slightly. What did he mean by that? Then, it dawned on her. Were they trying to secure Matthew first because negotiations for the sequel were going poorly?
In any other situation, she might have been worried, but when it came to money...
Matthew, too, was quick on his feet, thinking about Helen Helman's negotiations with Disney Studios.
"Yes, Disney Studios has been a tremendous help to me!" Matthew expressed his gratitude, having thought of a response during their short conversation, "Isn't Disney Studios launching two major live-action projects next year? I feel guilty for turning down 'King Arthur.' If the other project needs me, I'm all in!"
Robert Iger glanced at Matthew, "Jerry will be delighted to hear that."
Effortlessly, he passed the conversation to Jerry Bruckheimer.
As the head of Disney Studios, Robert Iger couldn't afford to chat with one person for too long. After a few more words with Matthew and spotting Johnny Depp, he excused himself, "Depp's here. I'll go have a word with him."
Watching Robert Iger leave, Matthew breathed a sigh of relief. It took a cunning individual to rise to such a high position.
"He actually thinks highly of you," Helen Helman suddenly said.
Matthew shrugged, "I didn't catch that at all." He shook his head, "It felt like he was laying traps."
Helen didn't respond directly but mentioned, "I've heard from Disney Studios that Robert Iger believes your potential goes beyond what you've shown."
"So he sets traps for me to fall into," Matthew said, somewhat irritated.
Helen countered, "Do you think someone who climbed from the bottom to co-chairman of Disney Studios would let personal admiration influence their professional decisions?"
"I understand," Matthew acknowledged, adding, "Just like you admire me but never show it."
Helen glanced at him without a word, continuing to introduce Matthew to Disney's high-ranking officials.
With her extensive network, Helen could converse with most of Disney's executives, even discussing their hobbies.
Many also approached Matthew, especially since Keira Knightley was in the UK shooting "King Arthur," and Geoffrey Rush was absent, leaving only Matthew and Johnny Depp from the film's main cast.
With Helen's guidance, Matthew navigated the evening's socializing effortlessly and gracefully.
Taking advantage of a quieter moment, Matthew commented, "Helen, I didn't realize you knew so many people."
"This is basic training for an agent," Helen replied matter-of-factly, "Did you think I was just sitting around while you were working hard?"
Matthew then noticed a familiar face, "Why is he here?"
Following his gaze, Helen said, "Nicholas Cage? Jerry Bruckheimer invited him."
"Jerry Bruckheimer invited him?" Matthew immediately thought of "National Treasure."
Although Jerry Bruckheimer was busy shooting "King Arthur" in the UK and couldn't attend the reception, why invite Nicholas Cage? Was it to have him continue as the lead in "National Treasure"?
According to Helen, Bruckheimer's action movie, aimed at a younger audience, would likely feature younger leads to appeal more to teenagers.
Despite the project's prolonged delays and constant script rewrites, Matthew and Helen hadn't given up but were also exploring other suitable projects.
"National Treasure's" drawn-out development, combined with script issues, hinted at potential failure. Matthew remembered Nicholas Cage's successful sequel but was not familiar with the behind-the-scenes details.
If not for Jerry Bruckheimer's involvement, both Matthew and Helen would have had reservations.
Focusing on "Dawn of the Dead," Matthew left "National Treasure" in Helen's hands, aware of Disney's financial priorities, including acquiring Pixar, which limited funding for "National Treasure."
With various factors causing "National Treasure" to hang in limbo, Matthew wouldn't be surprised if Disney scrapped the project.
As one of the film's two main stars, Matthew was busy socializing, only finding time to relax towards the reception's end.
Johnny Depp approached him, asking, "Been busy lately? Haven't seen you for drinks in two weeks."
"Preparing for 'Dawn of the Dead,'" Matthew explained.
Depp's unique conversation style led to him asking about Matthew's breakup with Keira, to which Matthew responded indifferently, knowing their relationship was fabricated.
Depp offered to introduce Matthew to someone, suggesting he might need a new relationship to move on from "hell."
Matthew humorously declined, prompting Depp to assess him and conclude they were both not suitable for stable relationships, leading to a lighthearted argument.
Depp then suggested leaving for a bar, marking the end of their conversation at the reception.
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