The studio system can be said to be the norm for major Hollywood companies. Whenever a high-budget film project is launched, the production company will establish a corresponding studio to coordinate all aspects of the film, including funding, preparation, personnel, shooting, advertising, sponsorships, and merchandise. Some studios behind blockbuster films can last for several years, or even more than a decade.

The pre-production and post-production of a film are often more complicated than the actual shooting, especially for commercial productions filled with large-scale scenes.

Lucasfilm has a deep foundation and strong influence in the industry. The "Speed" studio was established for just over ten days, and contracts were successively signed with cinematographers, set designers, lighting, makeup, costume, and art directors—most of whom are frequent collaborators with Lucasfilm.

Many positions can also be filled internally by Lucasfilm. For example, the score is handled by Skywalker Sound, and special effects are produced by Industrial Light & Magic.

The entire pre-production process is closely tied to the director: what kind of visual language is needed, how actors might influence the film, inspecting soundstages and coordinating with other departments on lighting and set design, clarifying the post-production editing approach, communicating with Skywalker Sound about dubbing and music—these are all preparations that Duke must complete in the early stages.

Renting props and locations, building sets based on Duke's suggestions, contacting affordable car rental companies, searching for suitable roads and outdoor locations—these tasks are all handled by professionals. Hollywood's assembly-line production emphasizes both collaboration and a highly specialized division of labor.

Over the following month, Duke completed the vast majority of the storyboard sketches. The film's pre-production was only a little more than halfway done. According to Robin Grant, there was no way filming could begin before mid-September.

"There will be at least five major explosion scenes during shooting."

At the crew's meeting, Duke stated his requirements. "The two explosions in the opening scene, as well as the shot of the bus colliding with the plane—we can use scaled-down models to film these on set..."

He had to save costs; there was no other way. "For the bus explosion on the street and the house explosion, we should try to shoot on location as much as possible."

"Duke..."

At this moment, a subordinate of Robin Grant spoke up: "The approval for the street explosion has already come through."

"I'm looking for a suitable house," another person said. "We have someone specifically checking records at city hall, searching for standalone houses in the Greater Los Angeles area that are awaiting demolition."

"Model construction is underway..."

When Duke looked over, the head of the Industrial Light & Magic effects team said, "It definitely won't affect your shooting schedule."

The atmosphere at the meeting seemed pretty good, at least on the surface. Duke knew he couldn't win everyone over. The crew was made up almost entirely of Hollywood veterans—very shrewd people. With Lucas's strong support for him, even if they had their own thoughts, they wouldn't show it openly.

Duke didn't care what these people thought. Aside from George Lucas's support, he had nothing else to rely on. In this industry, which values seniority and is full of power plays, he didn't believe that simply demonstrating his abilities at work would be enough to command the respect of these seasoned veterans. That was simply unrealistic. Their doubts would probably linger until the crew disbanded.

Especially since it had taken them years, even more than a decade, to reach their current middling positions, while he had risen to the level of a director with a multi-million dollar investment overnight. It's easy to imagine the sense of imbalance many of them must have felt.

None of this mattered to Duke. As long as he could maintain a working relationship on the surface and it didn't affect the filming and production, he didn't care at all. What he needed most right now was a successful credential!

A single success could change many things in Hollywood. He wouldn't be ignored like before, even when offering himself up for work. He would have the capital to form his own production team and, in future shoots, minimize the internal friction that inevitably exists in every crew!

After some more discussion about special effects production, the conversation gradually came under the control of Robin Grant, who was, after all, the most powerful person in this office.

As the film's pre-production entered its final stage, selecting suitable lead actors naturally became a priority.

The others quickly left the office that was temporarily serving as a meeting room, leaving only Duke, two assistant directors, and a few producers including Robin Grant.

"I suggest we cast Keanu Reeves as the male lead."

After Robin's assistant refilled everyone's coffee, Duke was the first to speak. "Although his acting isn't outstanding, he's good enough for a role that requires a straight face from start to finish. Plus, he's fairly well-known and his fee is low enough."

"I've seen his movies, and I've met him in person."

This was Conner, the first assistant director, who had nearly ten years of industry experience. He voiced a different opinion. "Keanu Reeves is too skinny! Don't forget, this is an action film—he doesn't have the kind of tough physique!"

Duke's gaze quickly swept over Conner's face, but he wasn't in a hurry to argue. This wasn't the first time the other party had opposed his suggestions.