Run Lola Run Begins Filming

Early February 1996.

Wald Pictures.

"Boss, all the preparatory work before filming has been completed."

"Now the main task is finalizing the lead actors. After considering everything, the casting director and I believe two male actors are suitable for the role of the male lead, Manni."

As Wald Pictures' CEO, Victor Jones had been more than competent in his recent work. He had stabilized the old employees' work and attitudes and kept the company in excellent order.

He had even exceeded Zucker's expectations.

He had picked up A Man Named Mickey from the New York Film Festival and purchased all rights for only $120,000. After releasing it in the VHS and DVD markets, it had recouped $50,000 in just half a month. It was expected to bring Zucker a net profit of $150,000 by the end of the year.

Don't underestimate a $150,000 profit. This came from just one film.

Many of Hollywood's bottom-tier film companies only made around a million dollars in profit per year, while some made barely more than $300,000. After all, they weren't making theatrical releases. They were earning scraps here and there.

"Boss, here are the files on the two actors." Victor handed the documents to Zucker.

"Oh, then I'd better take a good look."

[Actor: Matt Damon]

He was born in 1970. In 1988, he made his film debut in Modern Cinderella, entering the entertainment industry. In 1993, he appeared in the drama Geronimo: An American Legend and took on his first leading role.

"Hiss! He's an old acquaintance!"

Of course, by "old acquaintance," Zucker meant that his past-life self knew Matt Damon, while Matt Damon did not know him.

In the future, Matt Damon might not be as famous as Tom Cruise or Tom Hanks, but he would still be known around the world.

The Bourne Identity series he starred in would be regarded as classics by countless spy-film fans. And the movie The Martian... no, wait, that was The Martian, a classic sci-fi space film as well. Of course, he had also starred in Old Man's The Great Wall. Well, never mind that one. The only person Zucker remembered from the entire movie was Jing Tian.

"Victor, is Matt Damon interested in taking the role?" Zucker immediately asked.

"Boss, we've already contacted his agent. He is interested," Victor said.

"How much is he asking for?"

Zucker rather liked Matt Damon. Setting aside his future status as a movie star, his acting ability alone made him worth the investment. But the key was the salary. Run Lola Run was, after all, a low-budget film.

"He's still a newcomer, so his salary demand isn't high. We can settle it for $150,000, but..."

"But what?"

Before Victor could finish, Zucker cut him off.

Victor continued, "Boss, Matt Damon's agency is Creative Artists Agency. They have one condition: we must accept their packaging services, and they're also recommending an actress for the female lead."

Creative Artists Agency?

Anyone in the American entertainment industry knew the name Creative Artists Agency. It was the giant among Hollywood talent agencies. Stars such as Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, and Julia Roberts were all signed with them.

The so-called packaging service was a one-stop service after a project was confirmed, covering everything from directors, producers, production crew, actors, editing, and distribution channels.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Creative Artists Agency's packaging services had solved many film-preparation problems for small and medium-sized companies. Even though they took 10% of box office revenue and all-rights profits, they remained highly popular.

But.

As they became more and more successful, they had grown increasingly overbearing.

They practically treated every major Hollywood company as beneath contempt!

Could anyone believe that a mid-level Creative Artists Agency agent would dare barge into the president's office at 20th Century Fox, one of the Big Six Hollywood Studios, shout at Barry Meyer, and even slam the table?

Bang!

Zucker shot to his feet in fury and slammed the table. "Damn it! Those damned bastards! To get Matt Damon, we have to accept their whole damn packaged service? And they want to recommend the female lead too? What the hell are they trying to do? Do they want to replace me, the director, with someone they picked as well?"

After catching his breath, he continued cursing, "Victor, tell those bastards at Creative Artists Agency to get the hell out of here. Otherwise, I'll kick his balls apart, smear them with chili oil, and shove them up his **!"

The boss was so badass! His voice even cracked.

"Okay, Boss. If it weren't for Matt Damon's promising prospects, I'd have wanted to kick their asses long ago!" Victor quickly chimed in.

It took more than ten minutes before Zucker finally calmed down.

He continued reading the second actor's file.

[Actor: James McAvoy]

He was born in 1979. In 1995, while still a high school student, he made his screen debut in The Near Room, playing the third supporting role.

James McAvoy?

Fine, Zucker had never heard that name.

"He's only just turned seventeen. Isn't he a little too young?" Zucker asked doubtfully.

"Boss, just look at his photo and you'll understand. He may be young, but he has mature features. He looks like a young man in his twenties." Victor pointed at the photo in the file.

Zucker looked at it. He really did appear quite mature, nothing like a seventeen-year-old.

"Huh? He looks a little familiar."

All of a sudden, as Zucker looked at James McAvoy's photo, he felt that the man seemed familiar. Yet he was certain that he had never met him.

A flash of inspiration struck.

He remembered!

Wasn't this Professor X?

Of course, he was the younger, hair-bearing Professor X from X-Men: First Class and the later films X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse.

"Boss, this actor is a newcomer and very young, and his acting is only average. But he can handle what we need from the male lead. After all, ours is a low-budget film."

Victor, ever the shrewd man, added, "Of course, his salary isn't high either. We can probably settle it for $50,000."

A $50,000 salary?

Heh. Zucker could completely accept that figure.

"Good, it's him. Of course, push the salary down a little more. Mm, sign the contract as soon as possible. We'll officially begin filming next Wednesday." Zucker made the decision.

Wouldn't a lower salary be even better? Clearly, Zucker had now adapted to his role as a capitalist.

February 7, 1996.

On this day, the Run Lola Run crew led by Zucker moved into a soundstage rented from Time Warner Group and officially began filming.

Come on, everyone, could you give Minister some support? Minister thanks you all!