Gilbert Jr.'s two companies also brought about an unexpected outcome: Apple.
For the past few years, Apple has been in turmoil internally, with its stock price continuously falling. However, after Facebook and Banana went public, Apple's stock price actually saw its first rebound in years, which surprised Apple's executives. It was a shame that Apple didn't have the money when Facebook and Banana were raising capital, missing that opportunity; otherwise, Apple might have been completely revitalized. For now, it's alright; it hasn't fully recovered, but at least it can ensure its survival.
At this critical juncture, Gilbert Jr. visited Pixar Animation Studios and spoke with Steve Jobs. In a screening room, Gilbert Jr. had an early viewing of Toy Story, which was about to be released.
"How was it?" Jobs asked after the movie.
"It's excellent, Steve. Pixar Animation has revolutionized animated films. This will be the world's first 3D animated film," Gilbert Jr. commented.
Like Facebook, Pixar Animation Studios also went public this year, though it didn't receive as much attention as Facebook and Banana. But after Toy Story is released, Pixar Animation Studios' stock price will see a surge, earning Jobs enough capital.
"Steve, I think the time is ripe for your return to Apple. After this animated film, the Apple board of directors will invite you to take charge of Apple again," Gilbert Jr. said.
"Do you also support my return to Apple? After all, you could easily take direct control of Apple yourself," Jobs remarked.
Gilbert Jr. shook his head. "For me, I don't know much about the technology and internet industries; I'm completely an outsider."
"After Facebook and Banana went public, no one would dare say you're an outsider anymore."
Jobs pointed to the cover of Silicon Valley Magazine, which read: "Super Leader of Internet Technology: Gilbert Jr. Landrini." When you're already leading the industry, no one believes you're an outsider.
Gilbert Jr. smiled, offering no explanation; it would have been useless anyway. He patted Jobs on the shoulder. "Get ready. By next year at the latest, you'll be back at Apple."
Jobs' face showed confidence. "With your full support, I'm sure I can return to Apple."
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A lot happened in August. Netscape unveiled their new generation browser, causing the company's stock price to surge again. Meanwhile, Microsoft released Windows 95, completely solidifying its dominant position in the operating system field. Bill Gates ultimately didn't agree to Gilbert Jr.'s stock exchange proposal. Aside from a few shares circulating on the market, Gilbert Jr. didn't acquire more Microsoft shares and thus didn't get a seat on the board.
However, buying Microsoft stock was purely for asset preservation, and the same logic applied to Cisco and Oracle shares. The U.S. dollar was constantly depreciating, so holding large amounts of cash wasn't ideal.
After finishing these non-film investment ventures, Gilbert Jr. shifted his focus back to movies. In mid-August, he officially submitted the script for Saving Private Ryan. After Twentieth Century Fox got involved with The Rock, it was natural for them to continue investing this time. For Gilbert Jr., after targeting Braveheart and affecting Twentieth Century Fox, some compensation was inevitable. Braveheart's box office performance was a disaster, and after the Mel Gibson incident, the Oscars were no longer a hope.
Paramount Pictures, however, was a bit unlucky, missing the opportunity to participate in Gilbert Jr.'s new project. But Paramount Pictures quickly partnered with Tom Cruise, planning to adapt a 1960s TV series into a film called Mission: Impossible. audiences are more familiar with its other title: Mission Impossible.
In fact, Tom Cruise initially wanted to work with Gilbert Jr. After hearing that Gilbert Jr. was preparing a big project, Tom Cruise even invited Gilbert Jr. to Australia for a hunting trip. Nicole Kidman is Australian, and the Kidman family owns many farms and estates there. But Gilbert Jr. still declined, as he had already invited Tom Hanks. Tom Cruise was quite disappointed; he had always wanted to collaborate with Gilbert Jr., but due to various reasons, they kept missing opportunities, which was truly regrettable.
Tom Hanks, on the other hand, had already agreed to work with Gilbert Jr. The moment he saw the script, he didn't hesitate to have his agent accept the offer. The script for Saving Private Ryan was full of the humanistic concern that Oscar veterans loved most. Although it was an ensemble piece, his role as John Miller offered significant room for performance. If handled well, he might even receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, or even win the award.
As for Leonardo DiCaprio, he had passed the audition for James Cameron's "big boat" film, but that movie was still a long way from filming, so Gilbert Jr. snagged him first.
The script quickly passed the review of the three companies. At Disney, for some reason, Michael Ovitz replaced Robert Iger, who had always collaborated well with Gilbert Jr. It goes without saying that this was another struggle between Michael Ovitz and Michael Eisner. Compared to the strong Michael Eisner, Michael Ovitz was more popular among Disney shareholders.
Thus, the Saving Private Ryan project, originally overseen by Robert Iger, was now handled by Michael Ovitz. Michael Ovitz was very confident; if this project succeeded and became a huge hit under his leadership, his position would be secure, and it wouldn't be as easy for Michael Eisner to remove him.
As usual, the film had no other small investors. Gilbert Jr.'s proposed $80 million budget was quickly met. Disney and Warner each contributed $30 million, and Twentieth Century Fox and Watermelon Studio each contributed $10 million, forming the film's investors.
At the initial production meeting, Michael Ovitz made a special appearance. Facing Gilbert Jr., the young director who had once embarrassed him, Michael Ovitz had a thick enough skin. "Hello, Director Gilbert Jr., I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration on this film."
"Oh?" Gilbert Jr. seemed quite surprised. "I didn't expect you to be in charge of this project."
"I am the president of Disney; I am qualified to be in charge of Disney's most important projects," Michael Ovitz stated.
"Is that so?" Gilbert Jr.'s tone was lukewarm. "As long as it doesn't interfere with the normal operation of the crew, do as you please!" For Gilbert Jr., as long as it didn't disrupt his control over the crew, he couldn't be bothered to inquire about who was in charge of the project. Although he had a good relationship with Robert Iger, he had no intention of getting involved in such internal company disputes.
One significant difference between Disney and other film companies is that Disney itself is a large media group. Moreover, Disney's core business is primarily in animation, which was one of the reasons why Disney's live-action film business languished in earlier years. It wasn't until Robert Iger lured Gilbert Jr. from Universal Pictures that Disney's live-action film business began to improve. Therefore, for Disney, Gilbert Jr., as the face of live-action films, was certainly an object of contention for various internal factions. No matter who was in power, they had to appease Gilbert Jr.
Michael Ovitz was naturally the same. Although Gilbert Jr. didn't seem particularly respectful, he was still full of smiles, sitting next to Gilbert Jr. like a mascot.
Gilbert Jr. ignored him and proceeded with assigning tasks. "Kane, start negotiations with the actors. Try to keep Tom Hanks's salary as low as possible. I don't want his salary to squeeze my film production budget." Gilbert Jr.'s own salary was $15 million, and if Tom Hanks's $20 million salary were added, it would undoubtedly consume a large portion of the budget.
Kane Waxman understood. "One plus two?" Tom Hanks's current value was quite high; if his salary were reduced, he would certainly demand a higher percentage of the box office. Although Gilbert Jr. was already a top-tier Hollywood director, he still couldn't compare to established Hollywood superstars in terms of salary and box office share.
Gilbert Jr. nodded. "Try to keep it as low as possible."
Charles Roven reminded, "Tom Hanks is with CAA." When CAA was mentioned, Michael Ovitz's expression became a little unnatural.
Gilbert Jr. then said, "CAA won't be an obstacle to our cooperation. Eino Martin won't refuse." Everyone knew that Gilbert Jr.'s projects were among the most sought-after in Hollywood. Unless they were fools, CAA wouldn't make unreasonable demands based on Tom Hanks.
It seemed that being a mascot wasn't Michael Ovitz's goal, as he interjected timely, "My relationship with CAA is good. Let me talk to Eino Martin!" Gilbert Jr. glanced at Michael Ovitz. Since Michael Ovitz was willing to take on this task, he let him, nodding in agreement.
Gilbert Jr. continued, "There are still many roles in the film, Annie, Sophia. I need you to start auditions as soon as possible and select suitable actors. Starting in September, the actors will need to undergo a month of military training to master basic tactical movements." Annie and Sophia noted this in their work journals, acknowledging the instruction.
Charles Roven asked, "Gilbert Jr., where are we shooting? In France?"
"Getting filming permits in France won't be easy. I suggest we shoot in the UK," Kane Waxman suggested.
Gilbert Jr. remembered that in his past life, the opening grand scene of this film was shot in Ireland, and some scenes were also filmed in the UK. So he said, "Talk to both the UK and Ireland sides. See who is willing to provide a military unit to participate in the filming, and we'll shoot the opening grand scene there. At the same time, scout locations in both places to select suitable filming sites."
Gilbert Jr. also added, "Charles, contact World War II history experts. I need the film to maintain a realistic, documentary-like quality, which will also be a selling point for early promotion. Also, contact the real-life inspiration, Fritz Niland. We need him to tell us the entire story." In reality, Gilbert Jr. had learned about the existence of the real-life inspiration at the beginning of the script's creation, and thus he and the two screenwriters from his studio specifically visited this World War II veteran. The entire script was an artistic creation based on Fritz Niland's described story. The existence of a real-life story would give the film a stronger historical authenticity.
Gilbert Jr. then communicated with art director Selena Heffy. "I need a lot of World War II U.S. Army uniforms, and also German Army uniforms. I also need a large quantity of firearms, tanks, and other equipment. Have the prop and costume departments find them. If they can't find them, we'll modify them ourselves."
"Understood, Director. Leave it to me!" Selena Heffy promised.
The initial production meeting concluded, and everyone went their separate ways, quickly getting busy. The film also began its initial publicity, with information about its upcoming production being announced in newspapers and media.
"Gilbert Jr.'s new film is about to start shooting. It is reportedly a World War II historical action blockbuster..."
"It is reported that Tom Cruise and Arnold Schwarzenegger are both interested in starring in the film. We are looking forward to their collaboration with Gilbert Jr."
"Hollywood rising star Leonardo DiCaprio has been confirmed to join Gilbert Jr.'s new film. The specific role has not yet been announced."
As soon as the news was released, it attracted the attention of many movie fans.
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