Chapter 43 - Chapter 43: When Even Goddesses Become Tedious

"Darling? Are you daydreaming?"Los Angeles, the town of Glass.On the set of Shakespeare in Love.Catherine Zeta-Jones, playing Viola de Lesseps, the female lead, watched Milo, who was staring blankly at the monitor, and couldn't help but whisper."Oh, it's nothing. Just thinking about a few things…"Milo snapped back to reality, looking at Tommy Lee Jones and the others, along with assistant director Wally, who were currently filming.After careful consideration, Milo had made some decisions for his version of Shakespeare in Love.For the male lead, he decided on Tommy Lee Jones.As for the female lead, he originally intended to hold open auditions.But then, he realized that one of the most classically elegant actresses in British history was right beside him.It was Catherine Zeta-Jones.Once she was in costume, the quintessential image of a sharp-tongued British noblewoman emerged.And so, the male and female leads of Angels & Demons became the male and female leads of Shakespeare in Love once more.However, the changes in their appearance were significant.Especially Tommy Lee Jones, who, through makeup, looked a good ten years younger.It also altered his past on-screen image as a Texan tough guy.With a wig, some facial hair, and his excellent acting skills, he achieved the effect Milo envisioned.And so, filming commenced, and had been ongoing for some time.Today was December 8th.It was also the last day of filming at the Glass town set.After today's scenes were shot, they would return to the indoor set in Hollywood.The reason Milo was daydreaming was because he felt that directing a film was, well, a bit dull.He hadn't received any formal training and wasn't particularly interested in it. Initially, it was all about attracting women.When filming Angels & Demons, it was still alright.It was his first time.People are always more excited at the beginning.Afterwards, the excitement gradually waned.Until it became tedious.It was like even the most beautiful woman eventually becomes someone whose partner is utterly tired of them.Otherwise, the husbands of those beautiful goddesses wouldn't get divorced.In short, it was the same feeling Milo had now with filmmaking – a sense of satiation.Unless he started anew – in the realm of women, that's exactly what Milo did.Monica today, Zeta-Jones tomorrow, Jolie plus Blanchett the day after.Changing it up daily kept things fresh.Milo felt he was truly putting in the effort!But while he could do this with women, he couldn't do the same with filmmaking.Milo also realized that Wally Pfister, who had already proven his abilities in the parallel universe, could film better than him with a proper script, storyboard, and suitable actors!This was actually quite normal. After all, it was his talent, his bread and butter.Especially films like Shakespeare in Love and Angels & Demons, which relied heavily on visual storytelling.Sometimes, Milo's random directions would have the opposite effect.So, not long after Shakespeare in Love began filming, Milo handed over most of the directing work to Wally. Having collaborated before, Wally Pfister took over very smoothly.In the afternoon, after the last shot in Glass town was completed, the crew returned to Hollywood near Beverly Hills.Upon arriving at the company, Milo immediately went to Paladin Films' marketing department.Thanks to Wendy's efforts, Paladin Films had become increasingly professional compared to the past. In terms of staff size, it was now considered a mid-sized Hollywood independent film company.It had its own departments, such as production, marketing, public relations, and film investment management.The first trailer for Angels & Demons had already been released, and the feedback was exceptionally positive.The film's production speed, due to Milo, could be described as lightning fast.Plus, it didn't rely much on special effects, focusing mainly on visual storytelling.Post-production was also progressing rapidly.Although the film wasn't completely edited yet, they could already begin the promotional campaign.Most critics and moviegoers expressed anticipation for the film.Upon closer inspection, it wasn't surprising that people had this reaction.Although Milo hadn't directed films before, the publication of The Da Vinci Code had brought him immense prestige and influence.Especially among religious leaders in America.A few months ago, they had even used The Da Vinci Code as a platform for a frenzy of media battles.By the end, whether The Da Vinci Code blasphemed the Church or whether Milo had truly heard the word of God was no longer important.The religious leaders were more interested in defeating their opponents!Or rather, they all wanted to seize the right to preach.The promotional slogan for Angels & Demons was that it was the prequel to The Da Vinci Code.And The Da Vinci Code had now sold over three million copies in the United States.The first trailer released for the film was full of religious puzzles and suspenseful imagery."We are all eager to know whether Milo, this genius writer, has made a film as good as his novels," wrote a piece in The Los Angeles Times.Of course, some offered serious analysis. For example, an article in The Hollywood Reporter stated:"Clearly, Angels & Demons is a continuation of The Da Vinci Code. Although, in terms of plot, it is the latter's prequel. But because the novel was released first, people will primarily focus on whether the film can capture the feeling of the book."Fox was very happy to see this situation.After all, they had also invested $10 million, so they cooperated even more with the promotion.However, due to various reasons, the release date might be scheduled for the winter season.American films have five major release seasons and a bunch of smaller ones.The best major season is of course the summer season, from late May to September 4th each year. Its long duration and the fact that it coincides with summer vacation naturally makes it the most important season for all film companies.The winter season, from the first Friday of the new year to spring break, although not bad, is the shortest.Milo originally wanted to try and see if they could adjust it to the Christmas season.But after careful consideration, he abandoned this idea.The Christmas season, like the summer season, is a super movie-going period.Many good films choose to be released at this time, so the competition is extremely fierce.Especially the Christmas season, because after the new year, the Oscar judging process begins.The closer a film's release is to the end of the year, the more it can leave a deep impression on the judges.Milo did not expect this film to win any awards at the Oscars.The old men of the Academy would have to be crazy to want to challenge the stronghold of American religion.Otherwise, even if this film was excellent and worthy of awards, the old guys would turn a blind eye and pretend they didn't know about it.Since he wasn't aiming for awards, and because he lacked the necessary reputation and clout, it would be difficult to secure a good release spot during the Christmas season.So, it was better to postpone it and wait for the winter season.