Two screenwriters came.

One was named David Shaw and the other was named Newton.

"What does Assistant Hardy want to talk to us about?" the two asked.

"I've thought of a story and would like you to help me turn it into a script. Take a look." He pushed the manuscript over.

David and Newton had the same thought in their minds: this is another young man who overestimates his own abilities. Does he really think he can do anything just because he is chosen by the boss to be an assistant?

The two took the manuscript and read it with the intention of examining it.

But the more they watched, the more surprised they were, and they found it was indeed a good story. Most of the previous westerns were inseparable from gold, western development, and Indians, but this script did not have those fixed elements and told the story of a lone hero.

Just by looking at this short 3,000-word synopsis, they have already sketched out a wonderful story in their minds, as well as the image of a western cowboy who rides on a horse and travels around the world, acting chivalrously and unrestrainedly.

"I hope to see the first draft of the script tomorrow. Who of you can help me get it done?" said Hardy.

Both screenwriters were stunned.

"Tomorrow, how can that be possible, Mr. Hardy? It will take at least a week," Newton retorted.

Hardy found that those who were involved in art were always slow in doing things. It would take them a long time to finish a script of tens of thousands of words, and it would often take them several months to make a movie.

In later Hong Kong, a movie could be finished in as little as half a month from project initiation to completion. It wasn’t because they were so great, but because they really worked hard.

Hardy stared at the two guys and said, "I plan to invest in this story myself. I am confident that the movie will win awards and earn royalties. You can also keep the title of second screenwriter. Once you have an award-winning work, your value will also be different, right?"

The two screenwriters' eyes lit up.

They are indeed optimistic about this story. If it really wins an award, they can also become famous. Even though they are the second screenwriter, they can go out and tell others that they have an award-winning work, participate in Hollywood parties, and it will be easier to pick up girls.

"Mr. Hardy, we have accepted the task. The first draft of the script will be handed over to you tomorrow afternoon," said David.

After the two screenwriters left, Hardy went to the screening room again. Noah Films had quite complete facilities, including its own film library and screening room.

He asked his staff to find the films shot by two directors in his company, and prepared to select a suitable director from them.

The first director's style was more urban, with some light comedy feel, which was a bit different from the style Hardy required. The second director was Jonathan Nolan, who was good at shooting westerns. The "Golden Outlaw" written by the company before was a typical western, and it was originally planned to let Nolan shoot it.

Nolan was not in the company. He had not been to the company for two days since he heard that the movie was cancelled and he had no movies to shoot.

Seeing that it was already past five in the afternoon, it would not be appropriate to ask him to come to the company at this time. So, he found Nolan's phone number in the company address book and called.

Ring ring ring!

The call was connected.

"Who is this?"

"Is that Director Nolan?"

"Yes, who are you?"

"I'm Jon Hardy."

Nolan took a while to respond. "It's Assistant Hardy. What do you want to talk to me about?"

"I want to talk to you about filming the movie. Do you have time in the evening? Let's go to a bar for a drink." Hardy said.

"Hasn't the movie been handed over to Warner?" Nolan asked doubtfully.

"A new movie, a western."

"It seems that the company has no budget this year?"

"No, I got the investment," said Hardy.

......

Hardy walked into the bar.

He found a quiet booth, took off his coat and put it aside. A few minutes later, a middle-aged man walked into the bar and saw Hardy walking towards him.

"Hello, Assistant Hardy."

"Hello, Director Nolan."

The two shook hands and exchanged greetings before sitting down. After ordering some drinks, Nolan asked in surprise, "Assistant Hardy is planning to run a movie?"

"Yes, we have a script and some funding," Hardy said, handing the story outline to Nolan.

Nolan read the synopsis in the dim light of the bar and pondered for a while. Many pictures appeared in his mind. The more he thought about it, the more interesting he found this story.

“No script yet?” Nolan asked.

"The screenwriter is already writing it, and the first draft should be out by tomorrow evening," said Hardy.

"How much investment can Mr. Hardy attract?" Nolan was most concerned about money.

"How much do you think it would cost to make this movie?"

Nolan picked up the wine glass and took a sip. "There are huge differences here. First, the actors. Big-name actors are paid very much. For example, to hire Clark Gable, you need at least $500,000. If you hire a second-tier or even third-tier actor, you only need a few thousand or even less."

"For this movie, I pursued the cinematic effect rather than the star effect. It's no problem to find second- or third-tier actors or even extras with good acting skills," said Hardy.

Nolan nodded.

"Then there are the sets and props. I read the story and it's not complicated. It's just something that happened in a small town. I remember that several film companies have filming bases in New Mexico. We can rent them for a while. Then there are costumes, props, carriages, explosives and the like. These are not expensive either."

"Then there's the film. Is Mr. Hardy going to shoot in black and white or in color?" Nolan asked.

“Is the difference big?”

"It's huge, about three times the difference. Film is a big expense. If black and white film costs $50,000, then color film will cost $150,000," said Nolan.

"Black and white." Hardy decided directly.

The classic film "Roman Holiday" was filmed in 1953, still using black and white film. Some people say that Gone with the Wind, filmed in 1939, used color film, so why didn't Roman Holiday, which was filmed more than a decade later, use color film? This is considered a pity by many people.

In fact, there is a very simple reason.

Not enough money.

But this does not erase the fact that Roman Holiday has become a classic in film history.

Hardy thought about this and said to himself that if he had the chance to meet Audrey Hepburn in the future, he would definitely fund the filming of Roman Holiday in color.

Hardy and Nolan chatted until the early morning, and through the conversation, Hardy gained a better understanding of the process and tricks of filming.

The two talked about "Red Dead Redemption" again, and Nolan shared some of his thoughts on desolation, purity, wildness, and masculinity.

Nolan's idea fits in well with Hardy's.

"Director Nolan, I formally invite you to shoot and produce this movie." Hardy extended his hand to Nolan.

Nolan paused. "Can I ask how much the investment is?"

From what they were talking about just now, Nolan had already heard that the investment in this movie should not be that much.

"150,000, this is the total investment."

Nolan frowned and thought about it.

150,000 is indeed a bit too little.

After a few seconds, he reached out and slapped Hardy's palm hard.

"I'll take this job."

......

The next morning.

Hardy contacted an agent and bought a shell film company.

There are many such shell companies in Hollywood. The company has nothing. Hardy bought it to save the time and trouble of registration.

A few hundred dollars more.

The company name was re-registered, and just like that, Hardy now had another "HD Film Company" under his name.

In just two months.

Hardy already owns three companies.

HD Brokers,

HD Commercial Security Company,

HD Movies.

After the film company was registered, Hardy called Sean and said, "Come on, follow me to the bank."

"What do you want to be the boss of a bank?"

"Loan."

Movies require money, and hiring a large number of subordinates also requires money. Hardy plans to mortgage the toy factory to the bank and take out a loan so that he will have money to spend.

Kevin Madayne was at work. When the front desk lady told him that a man named Jon Hardy was looking for him, Kevin's heart shuddered.

Why did it start again? Is this never going to end? o(╥﹏╥)o~~~