The executives discussed it briefly, then quickly forgot about The Shallows, and it seemed as though Spielberg had only recommended it casually. If Universal Pictures didn't want it, he could always recommend it to other film companies. Smaller, second-tier companies might give Gilbert a chance out of respect for Spielberg.
However, the Universal Pictures executives overlooked one crucial detail: they had a new owner, and the president was new as well. Akio Taniguchi had just been instructed to agree to whatever conditions Spielberg set, without question. The executives had already discussed The Shallows and agreed it was a good script; their only concern was the director's age.
Akio Taniguchi had always believed in letting professionals handle professional matters. He was an outsider to the film industry, so he rarely made direct decisions. Universal Pictures' recent decisions were typically made after discussions among the executives, with a majority vote. In other words, Taniguchi was a hands-off boss, only approving funds and projects, without getting involved in other details.
However, seeing that the executives were clearly not interested in The Shallows project, Taniguchi felt this was an opportunity to curry favor with Spielberg. So, he spoke up: "Director Spielberg, I think this script is excellent. Universal Pictures is willing to invest in this film. What do you think?"
"Oh?" Spielberg raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. "Mr. Taniguchi is willing to invest in this film?"
"Of course," Akio Taniguchi affirmed. "Mr. Matsushita specifically instructed me to listen to you more regarding film matters. Since it's a project you recommended, there's certainly no problem, wouldn't you agree, Lou?"
Lou Wasserman silently cursed the damn Japanese midget but had to concur. "Indeed, in the film business, Director Spielberg is unmatched."
"Excellent then," Akio Taniguchi clapped his hands. "Tell Gilbert to get ready; Universal Pictures is investing in this project."
The executives exchanged glances, surprised that the new Japanese president had finalized the project with just a few words. According to Hollywood custom, such matters required executive discussion, and if not approved, the project wouldn't even be launched. But Akio Taniguchi was clearly not on the same wavelength as the Hollywood executives. He was issuing direct orders, following Panasonic's management model. At Panasonic, or rather, in most Japanese companies, when a superior issued an order, subordinates were only expected to execute it without objection.
If Universal Pictures were still the old Universal Pictures, the executives could have initiated impeachment proceedings to remove Akio Taniguchi. But now, Universal Pictures' parent company was Panasonic, and during Panasonic's integration of Universal Pictures, people were being dismissed daily. At this critical juncture, no executive wanted to offend Akio Taniguchi, who had been sent from the parent company.
Thus, when Akio Taniguchi announced that he would accept the script recommended by Spielberg, the executives neither opposed nor supported him. Just like that, in a somewhat muddled fashion, Gilbert got his directing opportunity.
Spielberg himself was momentarily stunned. He had merely made a casual recommendation, assuming the executives would reject it, but he hadn't expected this Japanese man to be so dictatorial. However, smart as Spielberg was, he quickly understood the underlying reason: Panasonic had only recently acquired Universal Pictures. He, Spielberg, was Universal Pictures' pillar of stability, and he had just finalized "Jurassic Park," a truly massive project. Of course, they would want to win him over now... They were giving him face to ensure he would wholeheartedly work for Universal Pictures.
From this perspective, Gilbert was quite lucky, Spielberg thought. He hadn't even expected his first recommendation to Universal Pictures to be accepted by them. In fact, they hadn't initially been interested, but the president had changed, and the new president was interested.
Since Akio Taniguchi had made his decision, Lou Wasserman, even if he wanted to object, couldn't say anything now. Lou Wasserman simply said to Spielberg, "You'll supervise The Shallows, and Universal Pictures will invest in and distribute it." Spielberg thought about it; after all, his goddaughter, little Gwen, would also be starring as the female lead, so he readily agreed: "Alright, that's no problem."
The executive meeting concluded smoothly. What happened today would give the executives plenty to discuss for a long time.
Spielberg left the meeting room, declined Akio Taniguchi's invitation for tea, and called his assistant over: "Notify Gilbert that he can start preparing. Tell him to get a detailed project proposal to me."
"Understood..." The assistant quickly went to notify Gilbert.
When he received the notification, Gilbert had just finished a "workout" with Gwyneth Paltrow at his apartment. The filming of Hook had ended, and with nothing to do, Gilbert was free. So, Gwyneth Paltrow often sought him out for dates—shopping, going to bars, then back to his apartment, and finally, sleep. Except for what they couldn't do, they did everything they could.
It was fortunate that Gilbert was in good physical shape and exercised regularly. Otherwise, during their "yoga sessions" together, his waist might have been snapped by Gwyneth Paltrow's long legs.
"Okay, I understand. I'll prepare a proposal as soon as possible," Gilbert said, hanging up the landline phone.
Gwyneth Paltrow embraced Gilbert from behind, feeling his strong muscles. "Darling, is there any news about the movie?" she asked.
"Yes," Gilbert nodded. "Uncle Steven sent word. Universal Pictures is willing to invest in this film, and they want me to submit a project proposal."
"That's fantastic!" Gwyneth Paltrow released Gilbert and jumped up and down excitedly. "I've got my movie star role!"
Gilbert, unable to watch, tossed her a bathrobe. "Put this on first. My apartment isn't safe; be careful someone doesn't secretly photograph you."
"So what if they do? What am I afraid of?" Gwyneth Paltrow said indifferently.
"You're going to be a future Hollywood goddess. Is it appropriate for people to see indecent photos of you?"
Gwyneth Paltrow pouted but obediently put on the bathrobe to avoid any accidental exposure. And surprisingly, with the bathrobe covering her, there was a different kind of allure. Men and women who understood this well knew that sometimes, a bit of concealment could be more alluring than complete nudity.
With the bathrobe on, Gwyneth Paltrow, still savoring the experience, hugged Gilbert again from behind. "Darling..."
Gilbert silently chanted "Amitabha," resisting the temptation with extreme willpower. "Stop it, I need to work. Since you're free lately, find a surfing coach and practice your surfing skills!"
With that, Gilbert broke free from Gwyneth Paltrow, got dressed, and began to work.
Not getting another "round," Gwyneth Paltrow wasn't disappointed. She went to shower, then changed into her own clothes. Seeing Gilbert start working at his desk, she said, "Gilbert, I'll come find you tomorrow. I've already contacted a surfing coach; I'll start training in a couple of days."
Calling him "darling" during yoga, but "Gilbert" when not doing yoga, right?
"Okay," Gilbert turned and waved. "Train well. I won't see you off. Good luck!"
"Hmph, you're the one who needs luck! Bye!" Gwyneth Paltrow blew a kiss, grabbed her bag, dashed out of the apartment, and sped away in her small sports car.
Gilbert watched Gwyneth Paltrow leave, then continued working, focusing on preparing a project proposal.