The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 421: Who Could Refuse Such a Request?

Honestly, the Middle Eastern tycoons' GDPs weren't that huge, but their cash on hand was massive.

If you dare to call, they'd raise it several times over.

Hawke said directly, "This project is different from the past. Investors are eager to fund it and promise not to interfere with filming. They're like gods; whatever is needed, just ask."

To attract investment, his fund wouldn't be as exploitative as some Hollywood bastards.

Tom Cruise chimed in, "If every investor was like them, that would be amazing."

"In that case, the marketing and distribution have to be handled like a top-tier project," Sherry Lansing said nonchalantly. With Tom Cruise's golden name attached, Paramount Pictures, as the distributor, was guaranteed profits -- just a matter of how much.

...

She asked bluntly, "What about the Oscars?"

Tom Cruise had won the Oscar for Best Actor, fulfilling a lifelong dream, so his enthusiasm for Oscar campaigning had dipped.

But Hawke was different; the ideal was to achieve both box office success and awards.

He said, "Los Angeles Fires deals with California and America's permanent wounds. I think Los Angeles should commemorate this tragedy in a very special way. We can try aiming for Best Picture at the Oscars."

Tom Cruise was smart. His lost interest in the Oscars reignited instantly. He offered, "Last time, we only took home Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay, but missed out on Best Director and Best Picture. I think we can make another push."

With two international investors backing them, Sherry Lansing was okay with it -- besides, if the film really won big, Paramount would also reap more rewards. "Sure, let's aim for the next awards season."

It was already the second half of 2005. Los Angeles Fires had just finished the script and financing, the main cast wasn't set, and filming hadn't started. The movie wouldn't be finished until mid-next year at the earliest.

The 77th Academy Awards ended in March. The 78th next March was out of reach, so the earliest was the 79th Academy Awards in early 2007.

Hawke thought about what happened in the 79th Academy Awards in early 2007.

Eric had won Best Original Screenplay and hoped to snag Best Director as well: "I'll shoot this film with grand scenes and a profound theme."

Hawke smiled, "I believe in your ability."

Having worked with Eric before, Tom Cruise had a clearer understanding: "With Eric's talent, mastering a production like this won't be an issue."

Eric knew exactly how to shoot this film. All else could wait. First and foremost, it had to serve Hawke's goals.

Hawke's needs matched perfectly with the film's serious theme.

Los Angeles Fires wasn't a natural disaster but man-made!

As for special effects and spectacle, Hollywood excelled at that.

...

With the Oscar plan confirmed, Hawke brought up another topic: "Abu Dhabi's side contacted my investment fund. They want to participate in Tommy's new film, and they'll send a business delegation to Los Angeles soon."

Hollywood always borrowed other people's money to make its movies. Sherry Lansing immediately showed the proper attitude when she heard the prince was coming: "Paramount Pictures will welcome the delegation with the highest standards."

Roger Keene interjected, "They have a request: to invest in Tom's Mission: Impossible film series."

Sherry Lansing smiled, "That's fine with Paramount Pictures."

If outside money comes in to help you make money, Tom Cruise wouldn't refuse, "I have no problem with that either."

"It's still about the investment amount," Roger Keene reminded them. "Mission: Impossible III's budget was $150 million. They think that's a bit low. For Tom's status as an Oscar winner, it should be at least $200 million."

Sherry Lansing twitched her lips, "What can I say? Who could refuse such a request?"

Hawke reminded her, "A major portion of the film needs to be shot in Abu Dhabi."

The Mission: Impossible series was already filmed in various international locations, so the city didn't really matter. Tom Cruise agreed on the spot, "No problem."

As long as the money was good, Ethan Hunt could stay in Abu Dhabi.

Hawke wasn't into film production but understood the power of money, saying, "In that case, we can make the scenes bigger."

Tom Cruise was already considering that.

Hawke thought about some effective promotional tactics from the series' later installments, saying, "For hype, you could try doing more of your own difficult stunts on camera."

Tom Cruise said, "I'll take note."

Abu Dhabi would also participate in financing West Coast Foundation projects.

No need for Hawke to elaborate on that.

...

After finishing discussion on the two film projects, Sherry Lansing excused herself first.

Roger Keene stepped out to discuss fund transfers with Aziz's side.

When Hawke was about to leave, he ran into Jacqueline.

This rising Hollywood star would play the female lead in Los Angeles Fires, though her character was an antagonist.

Jacqueline greeted him but was momentarily at a loss for words.

He remembered their first meeting -- he had been a paparazzo sneaking photos of Robert Downey Jr. and Sarah Jessica Parker. Now, he was a bona fide billionaire who could sway public opinion across the US.

Hawke noticed Jacqueline spacing out and asked, "What's wrong? Don't recognize me?"

"No," Jacqueline, beautiful as ever and even more so when smiling, replied, "I just want to say thank you."

Hawke waved, "No need to be so polite." He looked at Eric, "Director Emerson endorses your acting skills, and that's why you have so many opportunities."

Jacqueline had been through a lot and knew how to survive in Hollywood. She said, "If you ever need me for anything, just let me know."

...

Two weeks later, a small business delegation led by Abu Dhabi's Prince Rashid arrived in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Mayor Brian personally received them.

After a detailed review, Rashid decided to collaborate with the West Coast Foundation.

---

By August, after multiple hearings and out-of-court settlements, the civil lawsuit between Twitter and BlackRock entered trial.

Hawke sat in the gallery.

The FBI's Los Angeles office had specially brought in two Russian spies as human witnesses.

Also present were the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director and the head of the research group from the Congressional Budget Committee, who testified on the importance of the Manhattan AI Project for America.

Since the Manhattan AI Project was sent to the White House, Hawke had built a massive coalition of interests.

This super project involved over twenty supporting companies.

Each company represented a political faction.

A hoard of hungry parasites were waiting to take their share; any obstacles would be swiftly eliminated.

Besides the defendant's seat and their lawyers, almost everyone else in the courtroom supported Twitter.

Even the jury members were carefully selected.

And Hillary, who outwardly still supported BlackRock, had essentially put BlackRock on the chopping block.

This lawsuit was impossible to lose.

...

After a long trial, the judge announced BlackRock's defeat.

Of course, the full $3.32 billion compensation was unrealistic.

BlackRock had to pay Twitter a total of $2.137 billion, covering personnel and time costs.

Other public apology clauses were trivial.

BlackRock immediately announced an appeal.

...

Hawke and Erica left the courtroom and headed to the parking lot.

From a distance, Larry Fink and Robert Kapito stood beside a Mercedes van, watching them.

The two knew the war was just beginning; there were still appeals on espionage cases and criminal lawsuits to come.

But with support from the donkey party Hillary and Bill Clinton, they remained somewhat optimistic.

Suddenly, a squad of FBI agents in blue uniforms appeared in front of Larry Fink and Robert Kapito, showing them subpoenas.

People who had been arranged earlier quietly took photos.

...

Hawke didn't look over and got into the car with Erica.

Erica asked, "That doesn't look like Jennifer's people?"

Hawke knew more: "FBI from New York."

Erica frowned, "Found direct evidence linking these two to the espionage case?"

The FBI in Los Angeles only had confessions from the two spies and no other evidence directly implicating BlackRock's leadership, especially Larry Fink and Robert Kapito.

If they were ordinary folks, they'd get arrested and try to figure things out.

But they weren't ordinary.

Hawke said softly, "People on Hillary's side found evidence that Larry Fink and Robert Kapito coerced minors."

He added, "To be more precise, it should be fabricated."

*****

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