Model to Holywood

The next morning, at the Santa Monica Plaza in Los Angeles, inside the Focus Features office building.

As the elevator slowly ascended, Li An pondered for a moment before speaking. "Luca, let me tell you in advance: Mark Wahlberg officially declined the lead role yesterday. We need to pick the male lead first and then decide on the second male role."

"Mr. Li, what do you think about me playing Ennis?" Luca asked after some thought.

"You?" Li An glanced up at him, shook his head, and said, "No way."

"…"

Luca smirked, spat into his hand, and stretched it out, greeting in a dull tone, 

"Hello, Mr. Li."

"…"

Li An froze for a moment, recognizing the gesture as Ennis' greeting in the novel.

He waved his hand dismissively, showing some disdain. 

"You don't fit. Your personality is more extroverted, and you have striking features with a charming smile. That's why I chose you for the second male lead.

Ennis, on the other hand, is quiet, withdrawn, and stubbornly strong inside. He's a typical, unremarkable Western cowboy. Playing this role is a huge test of acting skills.

You're still new and not ready to handle a role like this."

"Alright then." 

Luca nodded. Though he had a melancholic air about him and could handle such a role, as Li An pointed out, he was still a newcomer. There was no need to jump straight into such a high-difficulty part—trying too hard too soon could backfire.

*Ding!* 

The elevator arrived, and the two stepped into Focus Features.

Focus used to be Good Machine, founded in January 1991 by James Schamus and Ted Hope, starting with a low-budget $490,000 production of Li An's first film, *Pushing Hands*.

This year, the company merged with Universal Pictures' Focus Features to form Focus Films.

Though Focus Features belongs to Universal, it has an independent production system.

Classics like *Lost in Translation*, *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*, and *In Bruges* came from Focus, earning it a reputation as the new Miramax.

The company has two heads: General Manager David Linde and Chief Producer James Schamus.

Schamus is in charge of the *Brokeback Mountain* project.

Schamus made his name through Li An's films, and with Schamus' support, Li An rose to fame. Nearly all of Li An's movies had Schamus as producer or involved in the writing process, including *The Wedding Banquet*, *Eat Drink Man Woman*, and *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*.

They share a close relationship.

Generally, whoever Li An favors, Schamus supports. 

This is why Luca focused his efforts on winning over Li An.

"Good morning, James!" 

Li An greeted as they entered the producer's office.

James Schamus, a middle-aged white man with a bit of a bald spot, wore wide-framed metal glasses, exuding a scholarly and well-groomed air.

"Ha! Li, perfect timing! Yesterday, I met an actor who wants to play Jack, and coincidentally, his name is Jack too. What do you think?" 

Schamus, full of excitement, pointed to a guy sitting on the sofa after hugging Li An.

"Hello, Director Li, I'm Jake Gyllenhaal." 

Jake Gyllenhaal, dressed in a blue denim outfit with shoulder-length hair and a short beard, looked impressive.

Li An studied Gyllenhaal closely and nodded to himself. Gyllenhaal had a good look—perfect for a Western love story. His fame was about B-list, making him very suitable. 

No, not just suitable—he was *ideal*.

After a month of searching with no results, why did two good options suddenly appear?

"Hello, Mr. Schamus. I'm Luca Kelly!" 

Luca stepped forward to break the silence.

He knew Li An well. Typical of Chinese men—gentle on the outside, firm on the inside, reserved and rational, and afraid of his wife. The downside to such people is their soft heart, easily influenced by those close to them.

Like when filming *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, Li An initially wanted Shu Qi for the female lead.

But after hearing some nonsense from a director named Zhang, he ended up choosing Zhang Ziyi, and it took a lot of effort to train her, basically handing Zhang a well-prepped disciple.

If Schamus pushed hard for Gyllenhaal, Li An might very well fall for it.

So Luca had to make his move.

However, Schamus was a bit distant.

"…" 

James Schamus had noticed Luca but was not pleased with Li An's pick this time.

In the U.S. entertainment circle, Luca Kelly was notorious for scandals—car sex, publicity stunts, Mr. Big, and engagement fiascos. Scandal after scandal.

After Britney Spears, he had been linked with Gisele Bündchen, Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba, and others.

So many rumors in just a year? Clearly, this guy was no saint.

Schamus figured Li An must have been desperate to pick such a newcomer.

"Mr. Kelly, welcome to the audition!" 

Schamus responded coolly.

"Thank you!" 

Luca sighed inwardly—this role was slipping away.

"Director Li, I read *Brokeback Mountain* when I was 19, and I thought, 'How cool would it be if this novel were made into a movie?'" 

Jake Gyllenhaal began his pitch to Li An. He spread his hands earnestly and said, 

"My two godfathers, my closest family members, are a same-sex couple. We lived together but were always afraid of other people's judgment.

So, I want to help them.

Last month, when I heard you took on this project, I was thrilled.

If *Brokeback Mountain* becomes a film, the same-sex community will win more understanding and acceptance. That's why I hope to play a role in *Brokeback Mountain*."

Li An nodded silently. See? He spoke so well. Making a movie wasn't about fame and fortune; it was about a greater cause. Not like someone who only offers stinky tofu.

"What do you think of Jake?" 

Schamus asked, stroking his beard lightly.

Luca looked around and realized Schamus was talking to him. He pursed his lips and replied softly, 

"When it comes to casting, Mr. Schamus has great taste—Li told me so.

Li said he respects your opinions greatly.

That's why he brought me here, hoping to get your approval.

Although Li hasn't had a chance to introduce me yet."

Luca spread his hands in a regretful gesture.

Schamus adjusted his glasses, feeling a little embarrassed. He had tried to take the lead by introducing Gyllenhaal first, but in hindsight, it seemed a bit rushed and disrespectful to Li An.

That wasn't good.

Li An was the director, the expert in choosing actors and knowing who would work best.

If he was set on Luca, that meant there had to be something worthwhile about him. Maybe Schamus should learn more before making a final judgment.

"Please, have a seat, Mr. Kelly."

"Thank you!"

(End of this chapter)