Chapter Summaries

Irene faced Hannie Charles's accusations that she would not help her classmates get film internships, then offered a fair way for interested students to submit résumés. After class, Irene and Vivian began organizing résumé support for the class, while Hannie left resentful and determined to surpass Irene.

• Hannie Charles mocked Irene for not inviting classmates to intern on her film set, and her friends joined in.
• Irene stopped Vivian from arguing and explained that she would not recommend anyone without considering the production's needs, but invited classmates to submit résumés for future opportunities.
• The professor began class, and Hannie fell silent after Irene addressed her directly.
• After class, Irene and Vivian asked interested students to leave their email addresses so they could share a résumé template and answer questions.
• Hannie left with her friends, angered that Irene had gained her classmates' support, and vowed to become more successful than Irene.

Irene finished the first cut of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and persuaded the team to delay its release, while Britney celebrated her nineteenth birthday with Irene before the final show of her Dream Tour. The chapter left Britney preparing to perform as Irene waited in the audience.

• Irene and Hill completed the first cut of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, easing Fox Searchlight Pictures' concerns.
• Irene rejected an early release for My Big Fat Greek Wedding and argued that Nia Vardalos deserved the film's recognition.
• Irene and the team decided to send My Big Fat Greek Wedding to film festivals in 2001 before choosing a later limited-release window.
• Irene flew to Las Vegas with a birthday cake and surprised Britney backstage before the final show of her Dream Tour.
• Britney hugged Irene, promised to celebrate after the concert, and went onstage as Irene watched from the audience.

At her nineteenth birthday concert, Irene celebrated Britney's success and their friendship, then joined her for a party that ended in a drunken night together. The next morning, Britney woke up tangled around Irene and struggled to remember the festivities.

• Britney dedicated a song at her final concert to Irene, wished her a happy birthday, and thanked her for their friendship.
• Irene learned from Bella that Britney had barred several labelmates from the concert after a falling-out.
• Britney and Irene celebrated their birthdays backstage, shared their wishes, and playfully smeared cake on each other.
• After the party, Irene recalled that Bella had arranged male models and a striptease before their assistants helped them back to the hotel.
• Britney woke up clinging to Irene, apologized for holding her all night, and asked how much they had drunk.

Britney told Irene that her close friend had secretly spread vicious rumors about her, and Jerry Nelson had publicly condemned the betrayal. Edward arrived late to celebrate Britney’s birthday, but Irene noticed his distress and learned that his parents disapproved of his relationship with Boo.

• Britney told Irene that her friend had accused her of succeeding through Irene and sleeping with Jerry Nelson and others.
• Britney explained that Jerry had condemned the friend’s gossip, leaving her isolated and unlikely to debut.
• Britney said she had learned Edward and Jerry Nelson were distant cousins, and Irene reassured her that she had support at the company.
• Edward arrived with a pink diamond pendant from his mother and apologized for missing Britney’s birthday celebration.
• At brunch, Irene pulled Edward aside and asked what was wrong, and he revealed that his parents disapproved of his relationship with Boo.

Edward told Irene that his parents opposed his relationship with Britney because of her background, but he intended to stay with her. At Disneyland, Irene watched fireworks with Loren and thought about the difficulty of getting a studio to back her pirate movie project.

• Edward told Irene that his parents had demanded he break up with Britney, but he planned to support himself and prove their relationship could work.
• Britney joined Edward and Irene, and Edward promised to make up for her missed birthday surprise.
• Edward rented out Disneyland for Britney’s birthday, and Irene and Loren watched fireworks over the castle with Vivian.
• Irene reflected on Fox Searchlight Pictures’ slow review of her pirate-film proposal and the other studios she had approached.
• Loren asked Irene what she had been thinking about, and she told him she was developing a pirate movie.

Irene learned that Disney wanted to develop a pirate movie based on Disneyland’s attraction and might buy her Pirates of the Caribbean proposal, but she refused to sell it. She then joined Shelly Ovitz at Fox to discuss Mean Girls profits and Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day’s release, where the accounting showed Echo Pictures would receive $16.5 million before taxes from North American box-office revenue.

• Irene asked Loren to find out what Fox executives thought of Pirates of the Caribbean, while Shelly Ovitz reported that Universal, Warner Bros., and Paramount had rejected the project.
• Shelly told Irene that Disney was developing a pirate movie with Jerry Bruckheimer and might offer to buy her proposal, but Irene refused to sell it.
• Irene asked about Mean Girls profits, and Shelly said Fox had invited them to discuss the revenue split and the release date for Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day.
• At the Fox Building, Irene and Shelly negotiated with executives and reviewed Mean Girls’ North American box-office accounting, which allocated $16.5 million before taxes to Echo Pictures.
• Fox had also negotiated $9.2 million for the transfer of Mean Girls’ video rights, separate from long-term rental and sales revenue.

Irene reviewed Echo Pictures’ earnings from Mean Girls and discussed release dates for Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day with Fox Searchlight Pictures. She chose April 15 despite the team’s preference for June, hoping an earlier release would help her move forward with Pirates of the Caribbean before Disney could interfere.

• Irene learned Echo Pictures would receive $16.52 million from Mean Girls after fees and expenses, while Fox Searchlight Pictures prepared to deposit her share.
• Beard Fergus presented April 15, June 28, and October 11 as possible release dates for Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day, recommending June 28.
• Shelly questioned whether an October release would suit a crime-action film, and Beard explained the advantages and drawbacks of each date.
• Irene chose April 15, surprising the others, and Beard asked her to provide a marketable reason for the decision.
• Irene ruled out October because she expected a devastating terrorist attack to make audiences avoid an explosive crime-action film, and she wanted to speed up Fox’s decision on Pirates of the Caribbean before Disney could interfere.

Irene persuaded Beard and Adelaide to release Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day on April 15, then proposed that Fox lead a partnership with Echo Pictures and Disney to develop Pirates of the Caribbean. Beard considered her case, but the three-way deal remained undecided.

• Irene argued that an April 15 release would avoid major competition and allow Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day a longer theatrical run, and Shelly supported her plan.
• Beard agreed to the April 15 release and promised a first draft of the promotional plan within a week.
• Irene told Beard and Adelaide that Pirates of the Caribbean was her original project and that Disney had praised it but doubted her big-budget experience.
• Irene proposed that Fox bring together Fox, Echo Pictures, and Disney to develop Pirates of the Caribbean, arguing that their resources and strengths complemented one another.
• Shelly backed Irene's proposal, and Irene warned that Disney might develop a competing pirate project if the studios did not join forces.
• Beard stroked his chin and considered Irene's proposal.

Irene proposed that Fox lead a three-way partnership with Disney for Pirates of the Caribbean, and Fox agreed to assess the plan. After settling Mean Girls' release date with Fox, she returned home and discussed her new project with her parents.

• Irene offered Fox a lead role in a three-way partnership with Disney, limiting Echo Pictures to fifteen percent of the investment share and reserving final veto power over core characters and plot.
• Beard said Fox's senior management would evaluate the proposal and, if they approved, assign someone to approach Disney.
• Shelly reminded Irene that the Golden Globe nominations would be announced the day after tomorrow, and Irene left the Fox building.
• Irene returned home and told Eleanor and Francis that Fox had set Mean Girls' release date for April 15.
• Irene told Francis that Pirates of the Caribbean had an estimated budget of $150 million and no finalized partner, and Francis offered financial support or industry connections.

Irene watched the Golden Globe nominations with her family and saw Mean Girls earn four major nominations, including Best Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical and Best Screenplay. The recognition strengthened her position for negotiations with Fox and Disney over Pirates of the Caribbean, and the chapter ended as Shelly called her.

• Irene told Francis she wanted to wait for Fox and Disney to respond before seeking his help with Pirates of the Caribbean.
• Sophia, Francis, and Eleanor made bets on how many Golden Globe nominations Mean Girls would receive as the family watched the announcement.
• Mean Girls was nominated for Best Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical, and Reese Witherspoon and Rachel McAdams were nominated for acting awards.
• Irene received a Best Screenplay nomination, bringing Mean Girls' total to four major nominations.
• Irene recognized that the nominations could help her negotiations for Pirates of the Caribbean, then received a call from Shelly.

After Mean Girls earned four Golden Globe nominations, Irene prepared to negotiate with Disney and chose a gown for the awards ceremony. She also encouraged Sophia to revisit Tokyo for inspiration for a new screenplay, leaving Sophia excited about starting a project.

• Shelly told Irene that the four nominations had increased her leverage in negotiations and urged her to wait for the awards before pursuing a three-way partnership.
• Vivian, Britney, and Sophia debated red-carpet gowns with Irene at the Malibu villa.
• Irene noticed Sophia's brief envy and took her upstairs, where she suggested Sophia revisit Tokyo to find inspiration for a screenplay.
• Sophia embraced the idea of returning to Japan and said she might write an amazing screenplay there.
• With Eleanor judging the finalists, Irene chose the bright-red Valentino gown for the Golden Globe Awards.

Irene attended the Golden Globe Awards in a striking red Valentino gown and noticed the strained rivalry between Reese Witherspoon and Rachel McAdams. After Shelly told her he had planned to sign Rachel to CAA following her role as Regina, Irene asked why the plan had fallen through.

• Irene arrived at the Golden Globes and complimented Reese Witherspoon on her champagne-colored gown.
• Reese Witherspoon invited Rachel McAdams to walk with them, and Irene noticed the two actresses keeping their distance.
• Irene stood between Reese Witherspoon and Rachel McAdams for red-carpet photos and answered reporters' questions about the nominations.
• Reese Witherspoon questioned Rachel McAdams about her future work, but Rachel replied that she wanted to study acting before taking another role.
• Irene entered the venue and told Shelly that Reese Witherspoon and Rachel McAdams were only pretending to get along.
• Shelly told Irene he had planned to sign Rachel McAdams to CAA after she played Regina, and Irene asked why it had not worked out.

At the Golden Globe Awards, Irene watched Mean Girls lose several acting and film awards and assumed she would leave empty-handed. She unexpectedly won Best Screenplay, giving her a major honor and strengthening her position for negotiations with Disney.

• Shelly told Irene that Rachel had joined the William Morris Agency after Ela Walker turned her down.
• Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon won Best Foreign Language Film, while Reese lost Best Actress in a Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical to Juliette Binoche.
• Rachel lost Best Supporting Actress to Kate Hudson, and Mean Girls missed out on Best Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical.
• Irene won the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay for Mean Girls and delivered an acceptance speech thanking the voters, cast, Shelly, and her family.
• Shelly congratulated Irene and said the win would improve their chances in negotiations with Disney.

After Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day earned Irene Coppola a Golden Globe screenplay award, Fox increased its promotional budget and Irene sought help securing an Oscar nomination. Francis Coppola agreed to use his connections despite the risk that her family name could affect her chances at individual Oscar nominations for the next three years; before the nominees were announced, Irene won two major screenplay precursors.

• Adelaide Griffin told Irene that Fox had added three million dollars to the film's marketing budget and said the Golden Globe win improved its chances of winning screens and an Oscar nomination.
• Irene called Shelly, who confirmed that Golden Globe winners had a strong chance of Oscar nominations and promised to use his connections on her behalf.
• Francis Coppola agreed that Irene had a good chance of a Best Original Screenplay nomination, but warned that her Coppola name could keep her from individual Oscar nominations for at least three years.
• Irene accepted the risk, and she and Francis began attending Hollywood galas to build support for her nomination.
• Irene won Best Screenplay from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the National Board of Review before the Oscar nominees were announced.

Irene was nominated for the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, becoming the youngest nominee in history, though some Hollywood veterans criticized her work and the Academy. Fox increased the publicity budget for Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day to capitalize on the nomination, and Irene reviewed the revised campaign plan.

• Harvey Weinstein and other veteran filmmakers mocked Irene's Oscar chances, while George Lucas and others defended her and noted that the screenplay race was open.
• Shelly called Irene to tell her she had been nominated for Best Original Screenplay, and Francis congratulated her while recalling Mario Puzo's doubts.
• Francis warned Irene that her nomination would bring controversy, and director Joel Schumacher criticized it when he encountered her at Fox headquarters.
• Beard Fergus congratulated Irene, said Fox had raised the publicity budget by 20%, and shared that Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day had earned an A+ in internal screenings.
• Irene read Fox's updated publicity proposal for the film.

After Irene’s Oscar nomination opened the door to talks with Disney, she met with Amy Pascal and Jerry Bruckheimer about Pirates of the Caribbean. She agreed to Jerry as executive producer but insisted on retaining final cut, with Fox backing her demand.

• Beard told Irene that Disney wanted to explore working together through Fox after her nomination impressed them.
• Irene overheard Fox managers debate her talent and connections, then recognized Disney’s interest as an opening for Pirates of the Caribbean.
• A week later, Irene met Amy Pascal and Jerry Bruckheimer at Fox to discuss the film.
• Jerry praised the story and its Jack Sparrow character, and Amy said he would oversee the major production as executive producer.
• Irene accepted Jerry as executive producer but demanded final cut, explaining that she needed to protect the story’s vision.
• Beard supported Irene’s demand, citing her proven understanding of her work.

Irene secured a preliminary agreement with Fox and Disney to consider developing Pirates of the Caribbean after Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day proved itself, while insisting on final cut. On the drive home, Shelly told her that Justin had fought Edward after Britney rejected him, and Irene discussed the fallout before recounting her meeting.

• Irene and Fox and Disney discussed investment, promotion, and casting for Pirates of the Caribbean, but agreed to wait for Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day's box office and reviews before formally launching the project.
• Irene insisted on final cut, and Jerry praised her boldness as the meeting ended.
• Shelly told Irene that Justin had confessed his feelings to Britney, ignored her rejection, and fought Edward at Jive.
• Shelly said he had separated the men, recovered most photos, and obtained confidentiality agreements from witnesses, though some pictures might reach the newspapers.
• Irene told Shelly that Britney's relationship becoming public might not harm her career, then described the meeting and her final-cut demand.

Irene encouraged Mark Zuckerberg to reject Microsoft's job offer and preserve his creative freedom, while she and Britney went shopping for Edward's birthday gift. The chapter ended as Cartier staff brought jewelry selections to their VIP room.

• Shelly reacted with surprise to Irene securing final cut, and Irene stressed that the promotion of Stealing the Heavens and Changing the Day was crucial to the film and Pirates of the Caribbean.
• Mark called Irene to share his Oscar congratulations and ask whether he should accept Microsoft's offer to join a core team after graduation.
• Irene advised Mark to turn down Microsoft and attend college, and Mark agreed to discuss the decision with his parents.
• Irene and Britney went shopping on Rodeo Drive, and Irene suggested a matching bracelet as a possible birthday gift for Edward.
• Irene asked the Cartier manager to bring men's jewelry, and sales assistants arrived with trays of selections.

Britney chose a gift for Edward and defended their relationship when paparazzi confronted her and Irene. Later, Irene attended the 2001 Academy Awards as a Best Original Screenplay nominee and found Shelly waiting with coffee.

• Britney selected nautical-compass cuff links for Edward and matching bracelets for herself and Irene.
• Paparazzi confronted Britney and Irene with rumors about Edward and Justin, and Irene tried to shield Britney from the crowd.
• Britney explained that Justin was only a childhood friend, affirmed her love for Edward, and asked the paparazzi to respect their privacy.
• Irene guided Britney through the crowd to their car, and Britney hoped the reporters would not distort her words.
• On March 25, 2001, Irene walked the Academy Awards red carpet in a black satin gown and joined Shelly, who had saved her coffee.

Irene attended the Oscars with Shelly, who bet that Ang Lee would win Best Director while Irene predicted Steven Soderbergh. Soderbergh won for Traffic, leaving Irene applauding with envy as she thought about her own ambitions.

• Irene arrived at the ceremony in an understated black outfit and chatted with Shelly instead of focusing on the nominees.
• Shelly predicted Ang Lee would win Best Director, while Irene argued that Steven Soderbergh was favored because he had two films nominated.
• Irene and Shelly bet a glass of champagne and a celebratory dinner on the outcome.
• Julia Roberts announced that Steven Soderbergh won Best Director for Traffic, and he accepted the award.
• Shelly conceded the bet and encouraged Irene to believe she would someday win Best Director, while Irene remained silent.