Chapter Summaries

Irene learned from Jerry that Kingdom of Heaven had been delayed after Universal took over the project, then discovered from Adelaide that Fox had fabricated a financial-crisis story to pass the film to Universal. After reviewing Dead Man’s Chest footage and discussing promotion, Irene drove toward Malibu.

• Jerry praised Cate Blanchett and said he hoped to introduce her to Irene, then lamented that she had lost the female lead role in Ridley Scott’s new film.
• Jerry told Irene that Kingdom of Heaven had been handed from 20th Century Fox to Universal Pictures and was not expected to begin filming until the following March.
• Irene watched edited footage of Dead Man’s Chest with Jerry and Hill, suggested adjustments, and discussed the film’s promotional plans.
• Irene called Adelaide Griffin, who explained that Fox had planted the financial-crisis story to get Universal to take over Kingdom of Heaven.
• Adelaide reassured Irene that Fox was doing well and that her own position was secure, and Irene asked her to share important news promptly.
• Irene ended the call and drove toward Malibu as the sun set.

After Lost in Translation earned five Oscar nominations, Irene and Eleanor urged Sophia to campaign for Best Director against The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Sophia explained that she planned to attend Milan Fashion Week to launch a Prada collaboration and seek fashion-world funding for her next independent film, leaving Irene still concerned about the Oscar race.

• Sophia celebrated Lost in Translation's five nominations, while Irene noted that Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Little Miss Sunshine had also received nominations.
• Sophia and Irene agreed that The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was a formidable Oscar contender.
• Irene offered Sophia advice on Oscar campaigning, and Eleanor urged her to stay focused on the Best Director race.
• Sophia said she planned to attend Milan Fashion Week for a Prada collection inspired by Lost in Translation and to discuss funding for her next film.
• Irene understood Sophia's reasons but remained concerned about her Best Director chances.

Sophia decided to focus her Oscar campaign on winning Best Original Screenplay for Lost in Translation while treating the other categories as experience. Irene agreed to join her in Milan for Fashion Week, and the chapter ended with Irene planning to write a screenplay inspired by The Devil Wears Prada.

• Sophia explained that The Lord of the Rings 3 was favored to win the major Oscars and chose to concentrate her campaigning on Best Original Screenplay.
• Irene and Eleanor supported Sophia’s plan, and Sophia said her assistant would manage the Oscar campaign while she attended Milan Fashion Week.
• Irene decided to accompany Sophia to Milan, and the sisters discussed which fashion shows to attend.
• Robert told Irene that Pirates of the Caribbean had received four technical Oscar nominations and that negotiations for the A Song of Ice and Fire rights were close to a deal.
• Irene arranged to meet Martin in New York before the Milan trip and resolved to start writing a screenplay inspired by The Devil Wears Prada afterward.

Irene and Martin signed a contract giving Future World Pictures exclusive screen adaptation rights to the entire A Song of Ice and Fire series. Irene put the project on hold for now and turned her attention to reviewing the Brokeback Mountain script after her return from Europe.

• Irene and Martin signed a contract granting Future World Pictures worldwide adaptation and related licensing rights to all published and future A Song of Ice and Fire books in exchange for a $2 million fee and royalties.
• The contract required Martin to finish the series within ten years, submit progress reports and drafts, and allowed the studio to adjust adaptations if a sequel faced widespread reader backlash.
• Martin agreed to extend the deadline for Future World Pictures to launch an adaptation from five years to eight years after Irene argued that the market was not yet ready for the series' violent subject matter.
• Martin received 8% of each screen project's revenue and priority participation rights, including opportunities to serve as executive producer and advise on scripts.
• After Martin left, Irene told Robert to put A Song of Ice and Fire on hold while a dedicated group monitored the novels' popularity.
• Robert told Irene that Ang Lee had completed the first draft of the Brokeback Mountain adaptation, and Irene asked to read it before discussing revisions after her return from Europe.

While attending Milan Fashion Week with Sophia, Irene met Angelina Jolie, who praised her work and asked about collaborating. Inspired by Irene’s directing, Angelina agreed to join Mr. & Mrs. Smith on the condition that Irene direct it, and the studio approved.

• Irene met Angelina Jolie at their hotel and discussed their work and reasons for visiting Milan.
• Angelina asked Irene about directing a future film, and Irene said she would contact her if a suitable role arose.
• After Irene left, Angelina reconsidered the Mr. & Mrs. Smith script because of their conversation.
• Angelina told her assistant she would accept the film if Irene directed it.
• The studio agreed to bring Irene on board and adjust the schedule to her availability.

Irene attended the Gucci show at Milan Fashion Week with Sophia and proposed a film inspired by Sophia’s career as a fashion editor. The chapter left Sophia agreeing to discuss the project further after Irene wrote an outline and first draft.

• Irene arrived at the Gucci show and took a first-row seat before Sophia joined her.
• Irene and Sophia spotted Anna Wintour, and Sophia described her influence and demanding professionalism.
• Irene pitched a film about a young assistant navigating the fashion industry, and Sophia encouraged her to write an outline and first draft.
• Irene greeted Zhang Ziyi at the show, and they praised each other and expressed interest in working together.

Irene attended Gucci’s Fall/Winter 2004 show, met Condé Nast heiress Elizabeth Neuhaus, and considered seeking her support for a fashion-related project. Back at her hotel, she recognized Blake Lively and decided Gossip Girl could be a promising project for her new venture.

• Irene watched Gucci’s runway show and exchanged a friendly look with Elizabeth Neuhaus, whom Sophia identified as Condé Nast’s chairman’s daughter.
• After the show, Irene met Elizabeth, discussed movies and fashion with her, and exchanged contact information.
• Irene returned to her hotel and recognized Blake Lively in photos from a fashion group.
• Irene considered making Gossip Girl as part of her new venture alongside a fashion film.

After returning from Milan, Irene reflected on her friendship and collaboration with Elizabeth Neuhaus and began adapting The Devil Wears Prada into a screenplay. She left off assessing the original film’s strengths and flaws as she started work on her version.

• Irene returned to Los Angeles, where Vera picked her up and heard about her Milan Fashion Week experience.
• Irene recalled how she and Elizabeth Neuhaus had bonded over fashion, film, and the future of online media.
• Irene and Elizabeth agreed to collaborate on a fashion-world film, with Elizabeth coordinating industry resources, Sophia advising on professional details, and Irene writing and overseeing production.
• Irene returned to her Malibu estate and began writing a screenplay based on The Devil Wears Prada.
• Irene considered the film’s lavish fashion presentation and Andy’s transformation before turning to its flaws.

Irene completed the first draft of The Devil Wears Prada, confirmed it had no apparent copyright conflicts, and registered it with the WGA. She began planning Gossip Girl but had to pause when Robert summoned her to finalize several company projects.

• Irene finished the first draft of The Devil Wears Prada after revising Andy's relationships and adding workplace details inspired by Sophia's experiences.
• Irene asked Lisa Evelyn to check for similar works, and Lisa found no conflicts and arranged WGA registration.
• Sophia and Elizabeth praised the script, and Elizabeth said Vogue was willing to support the project.
• Irene registered the script with the WGA and began outlining Gossip Girl's five main characters.
• Robert called Irene to finalize preparations for Saw 2, Final Destination, and Twilight 1, so she saved her outline and headed to the company.

Irene reviewed Echo Pictures’ project slate and helped set priorities, placing Saw II first and planning later releases for Final Destination, Twilight 1, and Taken 1. She proposed letting fans vote for Twilight’s leads and requiring the chosen actors to sign a romance contract, leaving Robert puzzled about the arrangement.

• Irene reviewed Echo Pictures’ projects with Robert and the executives and said the slate could rival Hollywood’s mid-tier studios if successfully produced.
• Irene and the executives set their project priorities, putting Saw II first and scheduling Final Destination for the following Halloween.
• Robert said James Wan was willing to return for Saw II and Leigh Whannell had submitted a first draft, and Irene told Robert to finalize their contracts.
• Irene placed Twilight 1 ahead of Taken 1 and proposed using a Facebook vote to choose Isabella and Edward from auditioned candidates.
• Irene said Twilight’s lead actors should commit to at least three films and sign a romance contract to support the characters’ onscreen chemistry and the film’s publicity.

Irene set casting and production plans for Twilight, Taken 1, and Brokeback Mountain while deciding to focus her own directing efforts on Transformers. She declined an offer to direct Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and the meeting ended with the company’s project priorities and staffing plans finalized.

• Irene ruled out Edward Nelson and Henry Cavill for Twilight and decided to let the public choose its male lead.
• Irene proposed Liam Neeson for Bryan Mills in Taken 1 and assigned CAA to recommend a director and supporting cast.
• Irene approved Ang Lee’s revised Brokeback Mountain script, set its budget at $20 million, and left casting decisions to him.
• Robert told Irene that the Mr. & Mrs. Smith team had invited her to direct, but Irene declined because she was prioritizing Transformers and the company’s own projects.
• Irene and the executives finalized the priorities, preparation plans, and staffing for the projects.

Irene finished the Gossip Girl synopsis and put Eleanor in charge of developing the series while she focused on her films. Shelly told Irene the Oscars had invited her to present Best Director, which she refused, then discussed casting Taken, where Irene named Liam Neeson as her choice for Bryan Mills.

• Irene completed the Gossip Girl synopsis and sent it to Eleanor, asking her to assemble writers, actors, and a production team.
• Eleanor agreed to develop the first-season outline and scripts for the first two episodes and oversee casting and production.
• Shelly told Irene she had been invited to present the Best Director Award at the 76th Academy Awards.
• Irene declined the invitation, saying she needed to focus on an important film project.
• Shelly asked Irene about her requirements for Taken, and Irene chose Liam Neeson to play Bryan Mills.
• Shelly said CAA would contact Liam Neeson and send him the script.

Irene discussed the international production of The Transporter with Shelly and chose Pierre Morel to submit a directing proposal despite his lack of feature-directing experience. As she prepared to focus on Transformers, Robert called with updates on Twilight casting and Ang Lee’s auditions.

• Irene asked CAA to arrange support for international filming and prioritize actors of color, especially Chinese actors, for supporting roles.
• Irene named Pierre Morel as her choice to direct The Transporter and proposed reviewing his directing statement and shooting plan before deciding.
• Irene told Shelly to keep the production budget below twenty-five million dollars, aim for a three-month shoot, and target a release the following year.
• Irene checked Oscar news, reflected on her projects and Echo Pictures’ ambitions, and planned to focus on Transformers preproduction.
• Robert told Irene that Twilight’s leads were nearly settled and that Ang Lee’s team would begin auditions after the Oscars; Irene agreed to review Twilight casting the next day and let Ang Lee run his auditions independently.

Irene reviewed Echo Pictures’ final fan-voting plan and narrowed the Twilight casting candidates to two actors each for Edward and Bella. The leading candidates were set for fans to choose between through voting.

• Robert presented the fan-voting system, and Irene arrived to review the plan and candidate dossiers.
• Irene rejected Ryan Gosling as too old for Edward and Ben Barnes as too wholesome for the role.
• Irene selected Robert Pattinson and James Franco as the leading candidates for Edward.
• Irene rejected Emily Browning and Michelle Trachtenberg as poor fits for Bella.
• Irene selected Lily Collins and Kristen Stewart as the leading candidates for Bella and decided fans would choose by voting.

Irene approved the candidates’ multi-film and public-dating agreements and organized Twilight’s public voting campaign and follow-up chemistry tests. As the campaign neared launch, Robert Pattinson studied Edward and resolved to win the role.

• Robert presented Irene with signed letters confirming that all candidates’ agents had agreed to contracts for at least three films and public relationships during the series’ release.
• Irene approved the contracts and instructed the marketing team to promote the candidates through Facebook voting, magazines, talk shows, and audition clips.
• Irene told the casting director to arrange chemistry tests for the leads after the public vote, using scenes from the novel.
• The marketing lead reported that Vogue had agreed to feature the candidates and that invitations had been sent to The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
• Robert Pattinson’s agent urged him to seize the opportunity, and Pattinson read Twilight and resolved to get the role of Edward.

Echo Pictures’ open casting call for Twilight sparked intense debate and fan campaigns over the newcomer candidates. Irene explained that fan involvement was building publicity while the studio prepared to develop the selected actors through training and rehearsal.

• Echo Pictures launched Twilight’s Facebook casting page, prompting fans to criticize the candidates’ appearances, experience, and fit for Edward and Bella.
• Fans began promoting their preferred candidates, creating grassroots groups for Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.
• Echo Pictures added a Fan Campaign Zone and hourly popularity rankings, driving more than a million interactions in three days.
• Robert told Irene that the casting call had attracted major online and media attention, while raising concerns about fans’ doubts over the newcomers.
• Irene defended casting newcomers, citing their potential, continuity contracts, lower costs, and the studio’s plans for training and rehearsal.

Irene and Paramount settled Transformers' casting plans, with Irene giving the studio final say over Sam and Mikaela while securing Hilary Swank for William Lennox. The meeting then turned to filming locations, with Los Angeles proposed as the main production base.

• Lamb presented Paramount's preliminary candidates and plans for Transformers' three central human characters.
• Irene left the final casting decisions for Sam and Mikaela to Paramount, asking for strong auditions, convincing chemistry, and reasonable salaries.
• Irene proposed Hilary Swank for William Lennox, and Paramount's executives approved the choice.
• Irene called Hilary, who excitedly accepted the opportunity to play a Special Forces captain.
• Lamb proposed Los Angeles and its surrounding areas as the main filming base because of its varied locations, production facilities, and accessible permits.

Irene helped Paramount plan Transformers’ filming locations and devised a strategy to persuade the Department of Defense to allow filming at the Pentagon. After Ang Lee confirmed Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as the leads in Brokeback Mountain, Irene approved his choices.

• Lamb explained that Paramount had reached a preliminary agreement to film in Los Angeles and proposed filming jungle and beach scenes in Hawaii.
• Lamb described the difficulty of securing Pentagon filming permission, and Irene proposed emphasizing the film’s positive portrayal of the military and its recruitment value.
• Irene suggested security measures, military advisers, script excerpts for review, and a Department of Defense credit, and Lamb planned to revise the application and contact officials again.
• Ang Lee called Irene to confirm that he had cast Heath Ledger as Ennis Del Mar and Jake Gyllenhaal as Jack Twist in Brokeback Mountain.
• Irene approved Ang Lee’s casting choices, recalling that the actors’ performances had helped make the film a classic in her previous life.

Irene gave Ang Lee full support for Brokeback Mountain and then joined a meeting to choose a release window for Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest. The group ruled out June because of major competing blockbusters and turned to July and August.

• Irene reassured Ang Lee that Echo Pictures would support his creative choices and help coordinate Brokeback Mountain's production.
• Robert reminded Irene about the four-party meeting for Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest, and she hurried to Fox's conference room.
• Irene, Jerry Bruckheimer, Mark Schneider, and Amy Pascal discussed release dates for the sequel and favored a summer release.
• Mark Schneider warned that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban would dominate early June, and the group ruled out that window.
• Mark Schneider and Amy Pascal argued against a late-June release because of Spider-Man 2, and the group shifted its discussion to mid-July and early August.

Fox, Disney, Echo Pictures, and Jerry Bruckheimer Productions set Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest for July 30, 2004, and discussed its marketing and production plans. Universal Pictures then convened to decide whether The Bourne Supremacy should keep its July 23 release date or move.

• Mark argued that July releases would avoid competing with I, Robot, Harry Potter, and Spider-Man, while Amy Pascal ruled out an August release because summer attendance would decline.
• Mark, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Irene backed July 30, and the four parties agreed on the worldwide release date for Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest.
• Amy Pascal outlined a global marketing campaign, while Robert reminded Irene to prepare her other projects before filming Transformers.
• Irene told Robert that Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal had been cast in Brokeback Mountain and asked him to arrange its first production-fund installment.
• Universal marketing director Richard White summoned senior executives to vote on whether The Bourne Supremacy should keep its July 23 release date, and the meeting split into opposing camps.