"'You look familiar, I guess it's because you're wearing clothes that I didn't recognize you', haha, Simon, how did you come up with that monologue from 'Celebration'? If I didn't know your age, I would definitely think that the person who wrote that line was an experienced playboy".
Inside a restaurant in Santa Monica.
Madonna, sitting across the table, leaned slightly towards Simon, chattering about the song Simon had written for her last time.
'Pulp Fiction' had entered its final sound editing phase, and Simon was not entirely satisfied with the recording quality of a few lines of dialogue in Sean Penn and Madonna's scenes.
He called to sound them out about whether they could spare some time to re-record, and the couple, who happened to be back on the West Coast during that period, readily agreed.
Having completed the dubbing work in the morning, Simon naturally didn't stint on a lunch.
If Sean Penn hadn't been present, Simon wouldn't have minded teasing her back a bit, but at this moment, he just smiled and said, "Speaking of which, what are the sales of 'You Can Dance' now?"
When Madonna heard this question, she immediately became excited: "2.16 million in North America, about 3.35 million overseas, totalling 5.51 million. I originally thought selling 5 million copies in total would be good, but now, that number can at least double. So, Simon, when are you going to give me the next song?"
Simon said, "It definitely has to wait until your next album, right? I can't just write one casually, can I?"
"It doesn't matter if you write one casually, as long as it's good enough, I can specifically create an album based on your song", Madonna said, looking like she had tasted enough sweetness, and then added, "Also, Simon, do you have any small roles suitable for me? This time I don't need money, just one song for a cameo".
Simon said, "A campus thriller, a girl receives a call from a perverted killer at the beginning, is quickly murdered, and her body is not only hung on a tree but also disembowelled. Would you play it?"
Madonna immediately shook her head: "No, this kind of situation is easily imitated by extreme fans. I don't want to end up like John Lennon".
Simon shrugged: "Then there's nothing else".
Madonna hesitated for a moment and said, "Is there really such a role?"
"Yes, but, hearing you say that just now, I'm a little worried too, so I'm not giving it to you", Simon shook his head, turned to Sean Penn, skilfully found a topic, and said, "Sean, how's 'Colours' that you co-starred in with Robert Duvall?"
"The release date has been set for April 15th. I think the finished film is excellent, but Orion isn't very confident in this movie", Sean Penn said with a hint of regret, and then added, "Simon, I heard you signed on for 'Rain Man,' the one Ovitz has been personally pushing?"
Simon recalled the reactions from newspapers, media, and some people around him in the past few days, and said with a smile, "Yeah, I'm now considered a fat lamb. You're not going to mock me too, are you?"
Sean Penn's expression was somewhat hesitant upon hearing this.
Madonna, however, was frank: "Sean also wants to direct. Simon, you're so rich now, help us invest a bit".
Simon smiled and nodded, saying, "Let me see the script first. If it's good, and this fat lamb of mine hasn't been completely eaten by then, then it's no problem".
Madonna said enviously, "1.6 billion dollars! I think that's enough for me to spend a lifetime".
Simon winked at Sean Penn: "Sean, it looks like you need to work hard to make money. This woman plans to spend 1.6 billion in her lifetime".
Sean Penn shrugged manfully: "One beating and she won't have so many ideas".
Madonna playfully punched Sean Penn's shoulder and said, "Maybe I can earn that much money myself".
After lunch, Simon saw the couple off.
As soon as he got into his car, Neil Bennett in the front seat said, "Mr. Westeros, Ms. Pascal just called. Mr. George Coggo, the president of the Writers Guild, wishes to speak with you. He's already at the company".
Simon checked his watch; he had planned to go to WMA headquarters that afternoon, but since Amy had called personally, this matter clearly couldn't be put off, so he just said, "Then let's go back to the company first".
Neil Bennett started the car, and Simon picked up the car phone to greet Jonathan Friedman.
After a few words, the SUV was already parked outside the Daenerys Entertainment headquarters.
Seeing Simon's car, Amy came out to greet him.
Simon had already roughly guessed the purpose of WGA President George Coggo's visit on the way back, and Amy's explanation confirmed Simon's suspicion.
The WGA is divided into two major chapters, East Coast and West Coast.
To be precise, George Coggo should be the president of the WGA West chapter.
Simon met him in his office; he was an elderly man in his early sixties, with a round face, silver hair, and seemed very energetic.
After a brief chat, George Coggo explained his purpose: "Simon, as you surely know, we are currently in negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. As Hollywood's most outstanding young screenwriter, we very much hope you can join the WGA and make your voice heard for the screenwriting community".
Simon's face showed a troubled expression, and he said, "Mr. Coggo, I now own my own production company. If I join the Writers Guild, once the WGA goes on strike, I simply won't be able to abide by the strike regulations".
George Coggo shook his head and smiled, saying, "Simon, negotiations are still ongoing, and it's not certain that it will lead to a strike. Moreover, there are always exceptions. Even if a strike does happen, you just need to not participate in scriptwriting for a period of time and stop signing new contracts with major film companies".
Listening to George Coggo, Simon realized that the other party was clearly an optimist and had not realized how serious the upcoming strike would be.
A strike lasting five months meant that none of the projects currently underway at Daenerys Entertainment could hire professional screenwriters.
If Simon were to bind himself to the WGA's rules as well, the company would have to shut down.
Shaking his head firmly, Simon regretfully said, "George, I'm really sorry, but it's truly inconvenient for me to join the WGA right now".
George Coggo did not give up easily, continuing to lobby for more than ten minutes, and only when he saw Simon's firm stance did he have to get up to leave.
Politely seeing George Coggo out of the company headquarters, and watching his car drive out of the parking lot, Amy said to Simon, "The WGA Awards nominations will be announced next week".
Simon wasn't in a hurry to go to WMA, and returned to the office building with Amy, saying, "You want me to join the WGA, huh?"
Amy nodded and said, "The voting for the Oscar screenwriting awards is also in the hands of WGA members. The screenwriting award is one of your most promising projects to win this year. If you reject George Coggo, 'Run Lola Run' definitely won't have a chance".
Simon smiled wryly and said, "The WGA is missing one of me, it shouldn't be a big deal, right?"
Amy laughed and said, "Last year, all three of your screenplays, 'Run Lola Run,' 'The Butterfly Effect,' and 'Final Destination,' made it into the top ten of the annual box office charts. If a screenwriter like that isn't a WGA member, they'd lack confidence when they go on strike".
Simon was a bit helpless; he actually understood George Coggo's and Amy's thoughts.
Both of them clearly didn't think this year's strike would be very serious, or even that the WGA would necessarily go on strike.
If a top screenwriter like Simon, who was currently making waves in Hollywood, were to join the WGA at this time and voice support for the WGA's negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, it would be very beneficial for both sides.
At this crucial juncture of award season voting, Simon's stance would definitely win the favour of many screenwriters with voting rights.
Conversely.
If the WGA went on strike, and Simon, a top screenwriter who created three films that made it into last year's annual box office list, were to break away from the striking group, not only could he create freely without restraint, but he could also continue to sign contracts with studios.
That would be a huge slap in the face and even embarrass the entire WGA.
After 'Run Lola Run' last year, Simon had already made a name for himself in Hollywood, and he had met the criteria to join the WGA, but the WGA had never actively expressed interest until now, and this invitation was not accidental.
Everyone could easily understand the subtext.
Just as Amy had just said.
The WGA Awards nominations will be announced next week.
Clearly.
If Simon agreed to join the WGA at this time, he would become a 'big favourite' for next week's nominations and subsequent awards.
But, Simon, who was well aware of the developments over the next few months, could not possibly agree to the WGA's invitation.