Chapter 199: Awards Selection
After changing flights in London and flying for another two hours, Eric and Alan finally arrived at Marco Polo Airport in Venice.
Including Jonathan Demme and Virginia, a middle-aged man named Bill Gallo and his two a.s.sistants also came to receive him. After he introduced himself, Eric learnt that Bill Gallo was the head of Disney"s European branch. Since Disney obtained the distribution rights of The Others, he was sent to a.s.sist Jonathan Demme in the marketing and publicity of the film.
After they exchanged greetings, Eric and his entourage boarded a yacht. Instead of going to the main Venice island, they arrived at Lido island and checked into a boutique hotel. The boutique hotels actually have a very interesting history.
It is said that the Venice Film Festival was born to solve the problem of a lack of patrons at the boutique hotels during fall. As a result, staying at a boutique hotel has become a status symbol during the Venice Film Festival. Only the film crew that enters the main compet.i.tion unit and any specially invited crew can stay at such hotels.
As one of the biggest guests of this film festival, Eric certainly has the right to stay at a boutique hotel. In fact, his room is a luxurious suite with a view of the sea.
"Bed, bed!" After Jonathan, Bill and the others left, Eric sighed and jumped in the big bed in the bedroom, rolling around vigorously.
Virginia, who was unpacking Eric’s luggage, chuckled, "Is it that tiring to fly?"
"It"s not just slightly tiring, it"s completely exhausting. We also encountered turbulence above the Atlantic Ocean."
Eric kicked off his leather shoes, comfortably laid down in the big bed, and turned to look at the beautiful young woman who was putting his clothes inside the closet.
Virginia was wearing a thin sleeveless white shirt with her lacy dark bra barely visible and tight white trousers on her legs. When viewed from the side, her outfit vividly displayed her perfect curves.
Eric jumped out of the bed and walked towards Virginia before holding her from behind. His hands wrapped around her slender waist as he stroked the soft skin exposed between her shirt and trousers. At the same time, he looked at her delicate earlobes adorned with ruby earrings and kissed her fair cheek.
Virginia felt Eric"s sudden intimacy as her body trembled and the coat in her hands fell to the floor. Her delicate hand held Eric"s arm moving around her waist and she said, slightly panting, "Eric, don"t be like this. They… they are waiting for us in the restaurant downstairs."
Eric turned her face to him as he kissed her red lips and sucked on them before he whispered, "Come to my room tonight."
"That’s… no..." Virginia felt Eric fondle her hips as she gasped and refused, "It won"t be good if someone sees me. Just wait until we return to Los Angeles, and then... and then... okay?"
"Okay," Eric had just momentarily gotten h.o.r.n.y, but he soon realized that the hotel was full of film crews from around the world, as well as the judges of the film festival. If someone saw him and Virginia alone, it would have an unpredictable effect. Still, he was disappointed as he raised his hand and fondled her busty chest, "You look really s.e.xy in this dress."
Virginia raised her head and gave Eric a kiss on the cheek as she smiled and said, "I’ll wear it often for you in the future."
"Actually," Eric leaned down into the girl"s ear and whispered, "You look better without clothes."
Virginia thought Eric was going to say something important, however, hearing his words, she rolled her eyes and lightly slapped his shoulder, "Pervert." Eric laughed and slapped her peachy b.u.t.t before he picked up his coat which she had dropped on the floor and said, "I"ll help you. Let’s pack up together and get downstairs quickly."
***
"Eric, this is John Landis’s information. Before the meeting in the evening, you should check it."
In the hotel restaurant, Eric and the others were sitting at a table when Bill Gallo from Disney handed him a doc.u.ment.
Eric had already read John Landis" resume before, but he knew that the information given by Disney must be more detailed. He opened it and casually asked, "What’s the general situation surrounding The Others?
Jonathan Demme and Bill Gallo looked at each other before the latter replied, "We have made sufficient preparations and have contacted several judges. Although we have not received any promises, they all have a good impression of The Others. Also, I’ve contacted some local media. After the film festival starts, they will heavily do public relations."
"Good," Eric nodded with satisfaction. In fact, for a film festival like Venice, public relations is enough.
After thinking some more, Eric immediately asked, "What are our chances of winning?"
Bill Gallo said, "The Golden Lion Award is definitely hopeless. A City of Sadness is almost certain to win it. However, we have a chance to compete for the Silver Lion Award and the Best Screenplay Award.”
After Bill finished, Jonathan Demme and a few others looked at Eric in unison. He will definitely talk about this issue with John Landis, one of the judges this year.
John Landis had been in contact with Disney before, and he had actually agreed to help lobby for The Others. After all, he is an American and he is not an old stubborn filmmaker who insists on voting strictly for the “best film.” John Landis has always been a commercial film director. As for his meeting with the latter, Eric wasn’t sure who brought the idea. Maybe John Landis was interested in him, or maybe it was Jonathan Demme or Bill Gallo who suggested it. However, since it was good for The Others, Eric didn"t mind and readily agreed.
Eric’s decision meant that John Landis would definitely fight to lobby for The Others. However, even with its theme and anti-war gimmick, the jury would only give it one prize at most, so among the two nominations they could only win one.
In fact, Eric hopes to win the award for Best Screenplay for himself, but for the sake of the film"s box office interests, he must focus on the more influential Silver Lion Award.
"Don"t worry, I know what to do," Eric said as he looked at some people who were waiting.