Amanda Seyfried closed the office door behind her and walked over to Michael Davenport's desk, carrying a large paper bag.
Michael curiously eyed the blonde girl. On the surface, Amanda looked sweet and adorable, with a soft and sugary voice, likely because she had yet to go through puberty.
Michael had never seen any movies from Amanda's childhood career. He first looked her up after watching Lindsay Lohan's "Mean Girls."
Hmm... a silly girl who could predict the weather with her chest.
Amanda now reminded him a bit of a young Dakota Fanning.
"Amanda," Michael smiled and asked, "What brings you here?"
"Hello, Mr. Davenport." The blonde girl placed the paper bag on his desk, her big eyes sparkling. "I brought you a gift."
Michael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A gift?"
Amanda nodded eagerly. "Yes," she said, pointing to the bag. "Mr. Davenport, I hope you like it."
Michael picked up the paper bag. "Call me Michael."
"Okay," Amanda responded softly.
Michael opened the bag to find golden-brown cupcakes. The sweet aroma was enticing and made his mouth water.
He took one out, showed it to Amanda, and asked, "May I?"
Amanda smiled genuinely. "Of course."
Michael took a small bite. The flavour was excellent, although a bit too sweet, which was familiar with American desserts.
"How is it?" Amanda asked expectantly.
Michael gave a thumbs-up. "Excellent cupcakes." He looked at the bag and asked, "Where did you buy these?"
Amanda's smile grew even sweeter. "I made them."
"You made these?" Michael looked down at the cupcake and then at Amanda. Could this be true?
Amanda added, "My mom did most of the work, but I helped add the sugar and milk."
"You both did a great job," Michael praised. "Thank you for the cupcakes."
Amanda pointed at the bag. "These are all for you. I hope you enjoy them."
Michael put the bag aside. "Looks like I have my lunch sorted."
He smiled warmly, thinking how these young girls often knew how to endear themselves to others.
He recalled a report he once read about Taylor Swift. Early in her career, she would bake treats for radio DJs to win them over.
Success often involves a mix of luck and personal effort.
"I'll be going now," Amanda said. "Come find me if you want more."
Michael nodded. "Goodbye."
After Amanda left, Michael glanced at the mirror. He still looked young and handsome, lacking the commanding presence of a seasoned producer.
But he reminded himself that, for now, winning people over was more important.
Looking at the paper bag, Michael thought this might have been Mrs. Seyfried's idea to curry favour with him.
However, Michael soon realized he was overthinking it.
As he left his office, he saw several crew members enjoying the same cupcakes. Director James Wong also had a bag.
"Amanda brought these," James told Michael. "They're too sweet for me."
Michael nodded. "You don't handle sugar well."
James handed the bag to his assistant to distribute among the director's team. "East Asians generally don't like overly sweet foods."
Michael changed the subject. "Have you seen the house at the outdoor location? I had some adjustments made."
"I saw it," James replied, flipping through a folder. "The folks at San Fernando Valley did a great job renovating it. It's perfect for shooting. Michael, we might see neighbouring houses in the shots. We should notify them in advance."
Michael made a note. "I'll have Robert handle it."
When filming on location, it is best to get permission from anyone whose property might appear on screen to avoid legal issues.
The soundstage was bustling. Set designers were working in the background, the camera crew was testing equipment, actors were rehearsing in a corner, and some were even getting firearms training.
Conditions were a bit cramped.
Michael asked, "We'll start filming in early May, right?"
James, more experienced than Michael, reassured him. "No problem. Without any interruptions, we're on schedule."
Michael nodded. Shooting logistics should be left to the director. Hollywood's success is partly due to letting professionals handle their expertise.
However, he reminded James, "Make sure we shoot enough scenes with the Arab and Black characters. I need a version with plenty of Arab character presence for post-production."
James, who had producing experience, understood. "Got it. We need to satisfy our financiers."
They both laughed.
James knew they'd need Arab investment for "Final Destination."
For now, pleasing the Arab investors was vital. Coming from Asia, James didn't care about the Jewish-Arab conflicts. Those willing to fund his work were the good guys.
Michael left James to his work and walked around the set. Amanda Seyfried, with her sweet demeanour, was widespread. Michelle Williams, with more acting experience, was giving Amanda tips.
Michelle seemed very reserved, unlike her rebellious and slightly domineering character in the script. But Michael had seen her audition and knew that sometimes actors excel at playing roles opposite to their real-life personalities.
Michelle Williams, who once portrayed Marilyn Monroe, fit the North American audience's taste.
Despite Amanda and Michelle not giving the best auditions, Michael chose them due to their proven track records.
Unfortunately, the lead roles went to less familiar actors.
Actors born around 1960 who hadn't made it big by now likely never would. Late bloomers existed, but they were rare.
Michael chose two experienced, talented, and low-cost actors.
At the temporary training area, the male lead and Arab actor were receiving firearm training.
Movie gun handling differs significantly from reality. On set, it's about looking cool rather than accuracy.
Michael watched for a while. During a break, the Arab actor approached him.