"Can you tell me the inspiration or motivation behind creating this script?"
Although he trusted that Pat Kingsley wouldn't lie to him about such things, and the woman and the boy across from him didn't seem to be acting either, Harvey Weinstein still needed to confirm things personally before he could feel at ease.
"Inspiration? Motivation?" Ryan showed a knowing smile. He was well aware that age was a big issue, but if used properly, it could be a great advantage. After all, some things said by a child carried a very different weight than when spoken by an adult.
"Let me put it this way, Mr. Weinstein. Although I wrote this script as a suspense thriller, in essence, it should be classified more under family drama. I don't know if Pat mentioned it to you, but I'm an orphan. Before being adopted by Nicole, I lived in an orphanage. From the time I could understand things, everyone in the orphanage—except for the old headmistress—called me a freak. No one wanted to be friends with me or play with me."
Ryan showed a self-deprecating smile. "Of course, that had something to do with my reclusive personality and quirky behavior, but there's no denying I grew up in a cold and indifferent environment. Especially when I saw other kids being adopted one by one while no one ever asked about me. Sometimes I would fantasize: would someone come along and help me out of this predicament?"
"Headmistress Katie of the orphanage was a warm-hearted lady. If it hadn't been for her encouragement and support, I truly don't know how I would've gotten through those cold years. In a way, Dr. Malcolm in the script is a manifestation of Headmistress Katie."
"After the old headmistress retired, I went through even worse experiences. The world felt not just cold but completely dark to me. This continued until I met Nicole by chance. She took me in and even spent everything she had fighting a legal battle for my custody. Without her, I can't imagine what I would have become."
At this point, Ryan seemed to be emotionally touched and gave Nicole a grateful smile. "Although my personality became much more cheerful under Nicole's care, I still remained somewhat reclusive and unpredictable, often getting into trouble. Whenever that happened, Nicole would always sit down and talk with me—not in a lecturing way, but as equals. Over time, as we got to know each other better, our bond grew stronger. The communication issues in the script come from these experiences. It's communication that reduces fear of the unknown between people and deepens familial love, don't you think?"
"Aside from the supernatural elements, most of this script is based on my life experiences." Ryan added a special note here, "The single mother who deeply loves her son is actually Nicole in real life. Without her, there would be no story and no script for The Sixth Sense. I poured my heart into writing this script to commemorate the special bond between us."
"May I ask which orphanage it was?" Harvey Weinstein's eyes gleamed with interest.
"It's in Los Angeles—North Hollywood's Norston Orphanage."
Ryan wasn't worried that the other party would investigate. After all, what he said was mostly true—he had simply forced real experiences into the script, and his words were full of subtle hints and guidance.
Of course, someone as experienced as Weinstein would definitely sense that. But don't forget—Ryan was just a child under ten years old. Adults might suspect a child of lying, but rarely would they think the child was deliberately digging a trap for them to fall into.
In fact, after Ryan finished speaking, Harvey Weinstein already believed about 90% of it. A child under ten, able to express himself so clearly and logically, was proof of his intelligence. Besides, Weinstein always had confidence in his own judgment.
Not to mention, the Norston Orphanage was right next to Hollywood. The truth of Ryan's story could be easily verified by asking a few questions.
"Ryan—" Everything he said deeply moved Nicole. Though she had always known they shared a deep bond, she hadn't realized he remembered her kindness so clearly. At that moment, no words could convey her feelings better than a heartfelt hug.
Well, Ryan hadn't managed to fully convince the big guy yet, but he had ended up moving Nicole to tears. Nestled in her soft embrace, Ryan felt a mix of sentiment and helplessness.
Harvey Weinstein had read the script more than once. While it had its share of small issues—especially with shot divisions—that only confirmed it was written by a newcomer. He and his brother Bob Weinstein had discussed it: the story's quality was unquestionable, especially the ending, which would absolutely shock audiences.
Moreover, films of this genre didn't require large investments. As long as there weren't any catastrophic issues, turning a profit was entirely feasible. He even had a few candidates in mind for the director and the male lead.
But the role of young Cole was what troubled him the most. Portraying such a unique boy vividly was no easy task. Having worked in the film industry for years, Harvey Weinstein knew well that animals and children were the most unpredictable elements on set. It was difficult to explain exactly what a scene required to them. Especially with children—if they performed poorly, they could ruin a film; if they shone, they could save it.
However, after hearing Ryan's words, a new idea popped into Weinstein's head. Since most of the script was based on Ryan's real-life experiences, why not have him play the role himself? He wouldn't even need to "act"—just being himself would be enough.
Most importantly, Ryan was a complete newcomer, which would save a lot in terms of salary. Besides, even if they held a large-scale casting for the role, who could guarantee they'd find someone more fitting than the original inspiration?
And that Australian woman was a somewhat well-known actress. He'd recently seen her in To Die For—aside from being a bit too beautiful, her acting was quite solid. She could totally play the single mother. Translating their real-life relationship and story onto the big screen could be a perfect marketing hook.
A two-for-one deal like this was simply too good to pass up. As for the woman's age and appearance, those were minor issues easily resolved with makeup and post-production.
In just a few seconds, all these thoughts flashed through Harvey Weinstein's mind. Having weighed the pros and cons, it was clear he was a shrewd businessman driven by profit.
"Ryan, Nicole, this script is excellent. Miramax has already decided to produce this film, so we hope to purchase the script as soon as possible. However, since Ryan isn't a professional screenwriter and is a newcomer, the price will be lower. What I can offer is fifty thousand dollars."
Seeing the confused and puzzled expression on Ryan's face, Harvey Weinstein added, "This is standard practice in Hollywood. For a newcomer, fifty thousand dollars is actually a good deal."
Though Ryan knew Weinstein was telling the truth, and understood the awkward status of screenwriters in Hollywood during that time, he still found it hard to accept. Compared to the movie's potential profits, that amount was pitiful—barely more than what he might earn for a mid-length story.
Nicole, being more familiar with Hollywood, knew the offer wasn't a deliberate lowball. But she never made decisions for Ryan. She simply said, "Ryan, it's your call."
Ryan sighed and looked to his agent. Ms. Kingsley nodded. "It's a fair price."
"Mr. Weinstein, I agree to hand the script over to Miramax. You can discuss the details with Pat."
At this point, Ryan wasn't sure if Weinstein had fallen into the traps he had laid, but some things were best left unspoken. If the other party brought them up first, the effect would be far better.
Harvey Weinstein didn't let Ryan's efforts go to waste. After a brief chat with Pat Kingsley, he turned directly to Nicole Kidman.
"Nicole, if possible, I'd like to invite you to play the role of the single mother in the script."
"Me?" Nicole clearly hadn't expected to be brought into this.
"Of course. From what Ryan said, it's clear the character is based on you. No one would suit the role better!" Before Nicole could react, Weinstein continued, "Age isn't an issue—what matters is the emotional connection between you two. I believe Ryan would love to see you appear on the big screen in such a meaningful way."
"Right, Ryan?" Harvey Weinstein looked over with a foxlike smile.
"Yes. Nicole is one of a kind in my heart." Ryan stared at the Australian woman with bright eyes. Nicole Kidman thought for only a second before nodding.
"Alright. Looks like I don't have much choice."
"If Nicole's going to play the mother, what about you, Ryan?" Weinstein now felt the thrill of a successful scheme.
"Me?" Ryan feigned surprise, as if he truly didn't understand what the man meant. "What does this have to do with me?"
"Let me put it this way, Ryan—do you have any acting experience?"
"No. Unless playing the violin and guitar on stage at school counts." Ryan shook his head, though his real thoughts were different. Does acting every minute of every day count?
Ryan's answer exceeded Weinstein's expectations. Before Nicole could show an expression of realization, he quickly said, "I'd like to invite you to play Cole."
"I don't agree!" The one who refused—was Nicole Kidman.