Beverly Hills Party

As of the 7th, the film's total box office for the week had reached an astonishing $45.86 million.

That was an extremely impressive number. At this rate, Saw had a chance to compete for a spot among this year's top ten highest-grossing films.

The films on that list had all cost at least ten million dollars to make.

Compared to them, Saw's profits were simply off the charts.

Everyone in the industry had learned Kevin's name.

Countless film companies were looking for Kevin, hoping to sign him for his next movie.

Of course, Kevin had Dawson temporarily turn them all away.

For his next film, he would still prepare a project proposal in advance, then let word slip and draw the studios into infighting.

In theory, he was willing to continue working with New Line Cinema. After all, both sides had enjoyed this collaboration.

But if another film company offered better terms, he would not refuse.

At the end of the day, money ruled Hollywood.

Whoever offered the highest price would get his cooperation.

Knock, knock, knock!

CAA president Michael Ovitz knocked on Kevin's door. Inside, Kevin was dressed appropriately—at least, that was how it looked.

In truth, Kevin had not spent much. His entire outfit cost only around ten thousand dollars, and he had only found time to buy it over the past two days.

Compared with highly paid stars who wore clothes and accessories worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, he was already remarkably down-to-earth and frugal.

Kevin opened the door with a smile. Michael Ovitz smiled as well and said,

"Kevin, Shaye is already waiting out front. Today, we're taking you to a real Hollywood party. Only after attending this kind of party can you truly be considered part of Hollywood."

Ovitz's words were naturally somewhat exaggerated, but they also showed how seriously Hollywood took the parties held in Beverly Hills.

This was where they discussed business and made flesh-for-favor deals.

Of course, do not think that being beautiful in Hollywood meant you could sweep everything aside.

Beauty was merely the basic requirement.

After meeting that basic requirement, anyone who wanted a leading role in a major production had to offer plenty of other things as well.

Angelina Jolie had revealed that actresses offering themselves to producers, directors, and investors after landing a leading role was not fiction.

Of course, Kevin was a handsome man.

But as someone at the top of Hollywood's food chain, what he enjoyed was naturally not being subjected to other people's unspoken rules, but imposing them on others.

That was also the biggest reason Kevin had come straight to Hollywood in the first place.

To put it plainly, his career was one thing, while his longing for Hollywood was another.

Led by Ovitz, Kevin quickly met up with Shaye.

The three of them rode in a car driven by Shaye's chauffeur and arrived at an estate.

Security at the entrance was extremely tight, with guards everywhere to keep strangers, paparazzi, and reporters out.

Someone who appeared to be the head of security came over and let the three of them in without obstruction.

He did not recognize Kevin, but Ovitz and Shaye were familiar faces. With acquaintances leading the way, no outsider would be getting in.

The guard let him through without concern.

Once inside, Ovitz patted Kevin on the shoulder and said,

"Enjoy yourself here. If you set your sights on some actress, go for it boldly. Trust me, they're more proactive than you imagine. Of course, you have to tell them you're the director of Saw."

With a smile on his face, Ovitz gave Kevin those instructions before going off to enjoy himself.

Only after seeing Ovitz leave did Shaye say,

"Director Kevin, is there any news about your next film?"

Kevin smiled and shook his head.

"I only have a few vague ideas at the moment. We can discuss the specifics after Saw leaves theaters. I'm planning to invest a little in my next movie too."

Shaye studied Kevin carefully before smiling.

"Of course. Once the box office revenue is settled, I'll have the finance department transfer your share to you as soon as possible."

"But under the same conditions, Kevin, you'll definitely choose New Line Cinema, right?"

Kevin smiled faintly.

"Of course."

Shaye nodded, silently cursing him as a little fox before going off to enjoy himself as well.

Kevin watched Shaye's retreating back before wandering around freely.

He had made his meaning very clear in their conversation: pay him his share first, then they could discuss the next opportunity to work together.

After giving it some thought, Shaye still chose not to fall out with him.

To put it bluntly, a few million dollars was not enough for him to give up a genius director like Kevin. He still hoped they could continue working together.

And Shaye's response satisfied Kevin as well.

As the owner of a mid-sized to large Hollywood film company, Shaye was at least not as shortsighted as Huayi Brothers had been with Director Zhou.

The party was filled with handsome men and beautiful women Kevin recognized and did not recognize. Naturally, there were also quite a few middle-aged and elderly white male elites.

Their identities were obvious from their appearances.

Ninety-nine percent of the handsome men and beautiful women were stars and actors, while the middle-aged and elderly white men were either film company executives, fund executives, or directors.

These people formed a complete cycle of investors, directors, actors, and distributors. In other words, they were Hollywood's upper class.

Some could keep appearing at parties like this, while others could only attend once.

Kevin looked at the delicious food and wine on the tables, and his appetite was immediately stirred. He found a tray, picked several steaks that looked especially succulent, then took a glass of juice and happily began eating.

"Look at that guy. He came here like he's never eaten before. Look at the way he eats."

Two models mocked Kevin.

At this party, those beautiful models held the lowest status.

In the modeling industry, the mid-level models were actually the most beautiful. Once they rose to the top, however, the requirements for their bodies and appearances became exceptionally unusual and demanding.

In short, it was absolutely not an industry filled with the kind of great beauties ordinary people imagined.

Therefore, the best career transition for these mid-level models was to become part of Hollywood. With their beauty, what they wanted most was to become Hollywood stars.

Parties and cocktail receptions like this were their best opportunities.

The hosts would also deliberately invite some beautiful models to every party to liven up the atmosphere. After all, Hollywood actresses alone were nowhere near enough to satisfy the men attending these parties.