Chapter 61: Black Community Film
Early morning, Aaron's apartment in West Hollywood.
In the bedroom, Jennifer Connelly lay weakly in Aaron's arms, "You seem optimistic about Ridley Scott's 'Thelma & Louise'?"
Aaron stroked the woman's back, "At this stage, works about feminism, racism, and homosexuality are types that are highly valued in the independent film scene."
"They easily gain the favor of critics. Director Ridley Scott has gone through a few years of lows, but the crime action film 'Black Rain' released last year was quite successful, it can be considered a revival."
"The two female leads, Geena Davis won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress last year, and Susan Sarandon is also a well-known actress who has been nominated for the Oscar for Best Actress!"
With a good script, a renowned director, and capable actors, 'Thelma & Louise' has attracted significant attention.
Jennifer Connelly smiled and kissed Aaron on the lips, "So next, besides developing 'Ghost' what other scripts do you have?"
"Of course, if I come across the right script, I will support it too," Aaron said, noting that there was still $5 million in cash in the account!
"Alright, let's get up."
Saying this, Aaron patted the sexy Jennifer Connelly on the back.
Before long, the two arrived at the offices of Dawnlight Films in Burbank.
"Aaron, it seems the company has received quite a few project applications?"
Jennifer Connelly entered Aaron's office holding a script idea that had been mailed to them.
"Yes, many new directors are mailing their projects. After the staff reviews them, they send them to me!"
As Aaron spoke, he began to flip through the script.
In the afternoon, Aaron found a crime film script titled 'Boyz n the Hood' about life in a black neighborhood!
The director, John Singleton, is a 22-year-old black student who just graduated from USC's film school this year;
The script is based on the song of the same name by Compton rapper Easy-E.
"Connelly, have someone call this young man named John Singleton and tell him that Dawnlight Films is interested in his 'Boyz n the Hood'."
"Oh, okay!"
The chaotic and impoverished black neighborhoods of Los Angeles are rife with gang violence, drug crimes, and various activities.
"Alright, he will come in for a detailed discussion tomorrow."
Not long after, Jennifer Connelly returned to Aaron's office.
"Is it a story about black gang members?"
"It is," Aaron smiled, pulling Jennifer Connelly into his lap.
"This kind of story reflects the reality of black communities in various cities; it's very realistic!"
In Aaron's impression, the most representative black director is Spike Lee, who last year, with his self-written and directed film 'Do the Right Thing', received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the 62nd Academy Awards.
The next day, Aaron met John Singleton at Dawnlight's office.
"Your script 'Boyz n the Hood' doesn't have much in terms of black and white opposition scenes; it mainly depicts the unsettling life in black ghettos, guiding the audience to pay attention to various issues faced by black youth, such as broken families, racial discrimination, community crime, and teenage parents."
"Moreover, the film also attempts to propose the possibility of changing fate, with a strong expectation for changing the fate of black community youth."
"Very educational!"
John Singleton's eyes lit up, "Is Dawnlight willing to invest?"
"I've been preparing this script since college; all my ideas are in my head!"
As a new director and a black man, John Singleton's desire for opportunities is incredibly strong.
Aaron looked at him, tapped the table, a new director, new actors, a violent crime film in a black community!
"Dawnlight is willing to invest, but the budget will be quite low."
John Singleton stared wide-eyed, the sheen on his dark skin radiating, "I plan to shoot in the South Los Angeles community, without much scene construction."
"We can choose some inexpensive black actors, that won't be a problem."
"How about this, you go back and prepare a complete project proposal for me, and Dawnlight will formulate the relevant film shooting budget."
"Your script, Dawnlight has bought it!"
"Great, I will definitely prepare a complete proposal quickly..."
After John Singleton presented the project proposal for 'Boyz n the Hood', Dawnlight Films also spent money to purchase his script;
At the same time, prepared a production budget not exceeding $5 million for the film.
Los Angeles, Compton community, Jack Wells accompanied Aaron to follow John Singleton in search of filming locations.
"John, are you sure you want to shoot here?"
Aaron was certainly a bit worried, after all, there are too many gang members in Compton.
"Aaron, some outdoor scenes are here, but my main filming location is the Crenshaw community," John Singleton continued to explain,
"In the film, I am still selecting the male lead, but I have already been in contact with other actors; Ice Cube will play an important role."
"He is quite famous around here and can get a lot of things done!"
"Ice Cube?"
Jack Wells exclaimed, "Isn't he one of the former members of N.W.A?"
Ice Cube co-founded N.W.A with Dr. Dre and Eazy-E in 1987, representing the rise of West Coast rap music;
Unfortunately, Ice Cube left N.W.A in 1989 due to financial disputes and began his solo career.
And 'Boyz n the Hood' is originally a song by Eazy-E!
"Yes, Ice Cube is very supportive of my script!"
John Singleton smiled.
"The young black male lead is indeed not easy to find, any ideas?"
Aaron looked at John Singleton, "What thoughts do you have for the male lead?"
"Still in auditions, I believe we will find the right one soon."
Aaron nodded; this is originally a black film, so he had no specific suggestions on who to use;
Denzel Washington would be great, but he just won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and is a bit older, not suitable.
"John, keep an eye on the budget. Dawnlight Films is just a newly established small company, and we don't have much funding."
"If we go over budget, it will be troublesome!"
Aaron was worried that the new director would not adhere to the budget for filming.
John Singleton nodded seriously, "Don't worry, Aaron, I will definitely not go overboard. You supporting this kind of film, we should all be grateful to you."
"There are many filmmakers willing to help, which can save us some costs!"
In the evening, after Jack Wells and Aaron left.
"Aaron, will this kind of film have commercial value?"
Aaron smiled, "Don't worry, it will! Trust my judgment, I have already sent this project to Sony Columbia."
"They are interested in distributing it!"