The Most Famous Actor in Hollywood

"Harvey, I can introduce you..."

Inside a private club in Malibu, Frank Miller, wearing a cowboy hat, spoke to Harvey Weinstein, "But I'll only make the introduction."

Harvey Weinstein, a stout man, sat on a sofa, took a puff from his cigar, and exhaled a cloud of smoke, "Frank, have I ever asked you to do anything else?"

Frank Miller sat comfortably on another sofa and remained silent.

Due to their personal connections, he had accepted Harvey Weinstein's invitation and had already introduced Helen Herman to Harvey, but beyond making introductions, he would not involve himself further.

Though he was the original creator of "300 Spartans" and would be credited as a screenwriter, he was not foolish enough to believe that a few words from him could sway decisions involving tens of millions of dollars. The Weinstein brothers had indeed successfully produced and distributed "Sin City," but Warner Bros' capabilities seemed just as formidable.

Frank Miller was clear; he merely introduced David Ellison and Jack to Harvey Weinstein. What they discussed was none of his concern.

Ultimately, whether "300 Spartans" was distributed by Warner Bros or Weinstein Films didn't make much difference to him as the creator.

Harvey Weinstein continued smoking his cigar, glancing at his watch. It was almost time for the meeting, yet those two hadn't appeared...

Had he not seen a few scenes from "300 Spartans" at Frank Miller's, he wouldn't have been so interested in it. The segments directed by Zack Snyder and starring Matthew Horner were distinctly styled, delivering an overwhelming visual impact. The slow motion and heavily stylized backdrops made Matthew Horner seem like a god of war.

As an experienced film operator, he sensed the potential value. Regardless of the movie's planning stage, the god-like Matthew Horner alone could attract a massive following of female fans.

Frank Miller had briefed him thoroughly. Matthew Horner was definitely set to play the lead role. Matthew's performance over the past few years reminded him of the early days of Tom Cruise, with each movie causing a box office explosion.

Seeing the potential for a lucrative opportunity, particularly with a film funded by a young investor, he naturally wanted to grasp it.

Larry Ellison's son was just a newcomer in Hollywood.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the meeting room door. Harvey put out his cigar and cleared his throat, "Come in."

The door opened, and the club staff led two men inside. The first, with golden-brown hair, and the second, a full-bearded face.

Harvey immediately recognized that the first was David Ellison, and the second was the producer Jack, formerly an assistant to Ridley Scott.

As they approached, Harvey didn't stand up immediately but remained casually seated on the sofa.

David Ellison walked toward the sofa but suddenly frowned and stopped. He smelled the cigar smoke, which he clearly disliked.

Stopping in his tracks, Jack also halted.

Noticing their pause, Harvey felt a flicker of irritation but stood up, having been a Hollywood mogul for years, and walked over to David Ellison.

Frank Miller quickly followed to make introductions.

David Ellison shook hands with Harvey Weinstein, exchanged a few pleasantries, and coughed a few times. He turned to the club staff, "Is there another meeting room available?"

The staff, not understanding the implication, simply answered, "Yes."

David turned to Harvey, "Let's talk somewhere else." He added, "I don't like the smell of smoke."

Harvey's flesh twitched slightly on his face, but he nodded, "Alright, let's change the location."

With the staff's help, they moved to an adjacent meeting room. Frank Miller smartly excused himself, leaving the two parties to cut straight to the point after some initial pleasantries.

"I heard from Helen Herman that you want the distribution rights to '300 Spartans' that my Skydance is producing?" David Ellison, a favorite of the heavens and not needing anything from Harvey, spoke bluntly, "If that's the case, we don't need to talk. Skydance has already finalized the distribution rights with Warner Bros."

This was Harvey's first interaction with David Ellison, and, accustomed to being a Hollywood big shot, he was not used to such directness.

"David, won't you even listen to my offer?" Harvey pressed, trying to hide his irritation, "It's much better than what Warner Bros is offering."

"No need," David shook his head, "Money is just a numbers game to me."

This response left Harvey speechless for a few seconds before he could reply, "Weinstein Films is very sincere. We can guarantee that Weinstein Films can offer comprehensive cooperation with your Skydance."

In the past, with Miramax at its peak and the backing of Disney, he wouldn't have given someone like David Ellison the time of day. Now, separated from Miramax and Disney, his newly formed Weinstein Films needed resources, especially funding and film resources

.

Everyone knew David Ellison was wealthy.

Hearing Harvey's offer, David frowned. Harvey's tone was condescending, as if collaborating with Weinstein Films would be an honor for someone like him.

Harvey himself didn't realize it; accustomed to commanding authority, he subconsciously assumed a superior posture when dealing with young people.

Young actors might kowtow to such an attitude, but David Ellison wasn't one to play along.

"Warner Bros will also offer comprehensive cooperation with Skydance."

Harvey's tone irked David, who bluntly stated, "Harvey, can Weinstein Films really compare to Warner Bros?"

Before Harvey could respond, David continued, "Here's the thing, Harvey. Whatever you have, Warner Bros has too. What you don't have, Warner Bros still does. Why wouldn't I choose Warner Bros?"

With that, he stood up, "Sorry, I have other matters to attend to."

Harvey watched as David Ellison made his exit, striding with the boldness reminiscent of Larry Ellison.

Jack, unlike David, still had to navigate Hollywood.

He stood, nodded at Harvey, exchanged a few polite words, and then followed David out.

Harvey sat back down, watching David leave the meeting room.

Had the world changed, or was he out of touch? Were all the newcomers in Hollywood this arrogant? Harvey's expression darkened.

Didn't David realize this was Hollywood, not Silicon Valley? Or did he think he could adopt his father Larry Ellison's brazen tactics here?

Outside, David's car pulled up.

Jack caught up to him, cautioning, "David, Harvey Weinstein is not a good man."

David was unconcerned, "Do you think I'm a good man?"

Jack thought for a moment and then fell silent.

"We can't give the distribution rights to Weinstein Films," David asserted as they got into the car. "After all the talk, it always comes down to this. Why not be direct? Should I waste my time for Harvey's sake? My time is precious."

His aim was big-budget commercial films, and he had already made inroads with Warner Bros. Harvey Weinstein and Weinstein Films were of no use to him; without value, why waste time?

For someone he saw as valueless, he wouldn't even spare a glance. If not for respecting Frank Miller, the original creator, he wouldn't have attended.

For valuable individuals like Matthew Horner, he was willing to pay handsomely to show his sincerity.

Once in the car, Jack still advised, "It's best to notify Matthew, Zack, and Helen. Harvey Weinstein's influence in the industry is substantial, and many fear him. There are few things in Hollywood he can't accomplish."

"I know," David nodded, "I'll call them personally."

He had confidence in Zack Snyder and Matthew Horner. Could Harvey offer a better deal than his for "300 Spartans"?

After David's car departed, Harvey too got into his vehicle. He called Frank Miller to inquire about the rights to "300 Spartans" but soon realized that Weinstein Films wouldn't likely persuade Frank to breach his contract and secure the film rights.

After some thought, he told his assistant in the passenger seat, "Find Matthew Horner's phone number."

Harvey had his own plans; securing Matthew Horner was key to the project. If he could handle Matthew, everything else would be simpler.

"300 Spartans" was an opportunity for Weinstein Films, one he was eager to seize.

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