On September 10th, even though the script is still being tweaked, the movie *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* has officially been greenlit at Dunn Studios. The budget's set at $15 million, though we're telling the public it's $35 million. Gotta keep those expectations high, right? 😉
Dunn Studios also sent out dozens of audition invites to major talent agencies. Things are getting real!
Since the script's built around Nicole Kidman, everyone else is just a supporting character. Dunn handed over all the casting power to his assistant, Glenn Feyero, who's got his own big task—picking the director!
Truth is, Dunn's nowhere near skilled enough to direct this himself. All he's got to lean on is that "Mirror Possession" skill from his Sunglasses System. Yep, that newbie gift pack let him channel Cameron's pro skills back in the day, which is how he pulled off *Titanic* so smoothly. Lucky break! 🍀
Here's the cool part: the "Mirror Possession" skill triggers every time Dunn's films hit over $1 billion globally. *Titanic* crushed that mark, so he's got another use banked up. Sweet deal, huh?
The big question now: which famous director's skills should Dunn borrow? James Cameron's out—he's no good with family dramas or comedies. After a lot of head-scratching, Dunn narrowed it down to two: Steven Spielberg and Woody Allen.
Spielberg? Come on, he's the top dog in Hollywood today! The numbers don't lie. As a producer, he's got 92 in production, 94 in market judgment, 89 in artistic taste, 85 in project evaluation, and 80 in screenwriting—overall score of 88! That blows Cameron's 81 out of the water.
As a director, he's rocking 91 in cinematography, 97 in story design, 86 in actor guidance, 93 in visuals, and a solid 90 overall. Ties with Cameron there. A legend like that? Even if Dunn's had some beef with him, the respect's still there. 🙌
Woody Allen, though? His stats are way weaker. Producer score's just 69. As a director, he's got 89 in cinematography, 96 in story design, 71 in visual thinking, 93 in guidance, and 80 in visuals—86 overall. Compared to Spielberg, he's not even close. But here's the catch: Spielberg's never done a comedy, while Woody's all about family and laughs. The guy's a comedy genius—no one in Hollywood beats him there! 😂
Plus, Woody's got a 93 in screenwriting and nearly 80 in acting. If Dunn borrows his skills, maybe he could sneak in a cameo and scratch that acting itch. Hmm…
"Woody Allen… Spielberg…" Dunn's stressing hard, totally stuck. This movie's tied to his whole career plan—he's gotta be careful, like, *super* careful.
"Wait a sec!" Dunn slaps his forehead. "How'd I forget *him*?" Glenn Feyero's got a 97 in "casting"—and picking a director's part of that gig too, right?
While assistant producer Erin Kelly handles the crew prep, Glenn's swamped just with casting. When Dunn explains his dilemma, Glenn freezes for a second.
"Boss, with our budget, we can't afford *either* Spielberg or Woody Allen!"
Dunn waves it off. "Not hiring them, just analyzing. Which one's style fits our movie? I'll study up."
Glenn's jaw drops a little, impressed. His boss? The guy who made $1.5 billion with one film? Still learning, still grinding? That's why he's a winner. 😎
Glenn thinks it over. "Spielberg's a no-go."
"What? Why?" Dunn's shocked. "Sure, he hasn't done comedies, but his films always have heart—people cry like babies!"
"True," Glenn nods. "Spielberg's a pro at grabbing the audience—making them cry, laugh, freak out, whatever. That's why his movies kill at the box office. But it's all built on heavy, brutal human stuff turned warm. Our movie's different—it's warm from the start. That soft, cozy vibe? Not his strength. Check his love stories—they're kinda rough."
Dunn nods. Yeah, Spielberg's romance game *is* a bit clunky.
Glenn's face gets serious. "But the real kicker? Spielberg's Jewish."
Dunn's eyes widen. Whoa. Glenn's 97 casting stat isn't just talk—this guy's *sharp*. *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* is all about an American take on Greek culture, full of goofy laughs. Greek vs. Israeli vibes? A Jewish director could spark a mess—maybe even look like he's mocking Greek roots.
Dunn sighs. "So, Woody Allen then?"
Glenn smirks. "Woody's even worse!"
"Huh? But he's the comedy king!" Dunn's floored.
Glenn's not a fan, and it shows. "Sure, he's a comedy master—for artsy niche crowds. Our movie's gotta be a *crowd-pleaser*. We want box office gold, and Woody's never been a cash machine."
Dunn gets it. No Woody skills needed here.
Glenn's still ranting. "His films scream his style—artsy, European vibes. And with his scandals? No way his stuff's selling big in North America now."
Dunn chuckles. Woody's rep really tanked hard. "Alright, then who *do* you think fits?"
"Hmm…" Glenn mulls it over. Dunn doesn't rush him—just grabs a whiskey for the guy.
"I've got it!" Glenn jumps up, face flushed. "He's perfect—I *know* he is!"
"Who?"
"Garry Marshall!" Glenn's practically shouting, pumped.
Dunn blinks. "Garry… who?"
"What?" Glenn's stunned. "Boss?!"
"Uh…" Dunn coughs, covering his embarrassment. "You know, Glenn, I haven't seen *that* many movies…"
"Boss, you've never seen *Pretty Woman*?"
Dunn blinks again. "The classic romance? Of course I have! Wait—you're saying Garry Marshall directed that?"
"Yup!" Glenn relaxes. "Back when Marshall did *Pretty Woman*, it was like us—indie film, tight budget. He turned $14 million into $460 million and made Julia Roberts a star!"
Dunn's eyes narrow. "Huh. Sounds like this Garry Marshall might actually be our guy. Alright, I'll dig into his directing style."
Glenn lays on the flattery. "Boss, you're so dedicated! Oh, by the way, I've got a big audition in two days—tons of key supporting actresses. Wanna swing by and check it out?"
Dunn knows what he's getting at. Minor roles? No need to make a fuss. If some stunner shows up, with his clout at Dunn Studios, he'd have it in the bag anyway. 😏
"Nah, you handle it," Dunn says, then gets serious. "This is Dunn Studios' first flick—don't screw it up!"
The warning's crystal clear.
Glenn grins. "Got it, boss."
---