Logically, as a director, Gilbert's job was to make good movies. Since a strategy had been discussed, he should just focus on filming the movie and not worry about anything else.
However, Gilbert had a sudden idea, believing this was an excellent opportunity. It seemed like a fierce war of words, but Real Steel's name was repeatedly mentioned in recent media reports. This was a form of publicity, albeit a rather unusual one.
So, Gilbert thought, why not go big and completely ignite this fire, making Real Steel's name known throughout America?
When he first proposed this plan, both Disney and Warner opposed it. To them, Gilbert's suggestion was unheard of. If it failed, not only would Gilbert's reputation be ruined, but the movie would also suffer.
But Gilbert managed to convince Disney and Warner. In a mock debate held beforehand, Gilbert single-handedly debated eight people without losing ground. Crucially, Gilbert was incredibly eloquent, pleasant to listen to, and highly charismatic, making people instinctively believe him.
What they didn't know was that Gilbert had experienced online flame wars in the internet era. He had witnessed and participated in many battles between fanatical fans and anti-fans of certain idols.
He remembered a quiet night when the wind was a bit noisy. As a director, the first thorny issue Gilbert faced was when one of his lead actors, an idol, was attacked by a mob of anti-fans. Then, the idol's fans launched a massive war of words against the anti-fans to defend their idol. Their combat power was so formidable that Gilbert was stunned. Not to mention such top idols, even the fans and anti-fans of some online streamers had incredibly strong combat power. In fact, the fierce combat power of certain fans was one of the reasons for a particular idol's ban.
Such an online environment had already honed Gilbert, making it effortless for him to deal with these so-called debate experts of the 1990s.
The formidable capabilities of Disney and Warner quickly came into play. Under Gilbert's instruction, they began to hype up this debate, making it known throughout America. Then, they found the seemingly neutral ABC television station to broadcast it live. In reality, Disney already held shares in ABC and had replaced the debate program's host and staff with their own people, creating favorable conditions for Gilbert.
At the same time, they hired private investigators to delve into the private lives of several high-ranking officials of the animal protection organization. More importantly, they uncovered some past events involving the animal protection organization's debate experts, including over a dozen explosive photos. To counter any potential questions from the opposing debate experts, Disney and Warner specifically formed a team of advisors to strategize with Gilbert.
Finally, the night of the live television broadcast arrived. The show was broadcast live from a studio in Los Angeles. Gilbert finished filming on set during the day and then came to prepare for the debate in the evening. Naomi Watts and Sofia Coppola both came along. Naomi Watts worried, "Gilbert, what if you lose?"
"Don't worry," Gilbert took Naomi Watts' small hand and comforted her, "You have to trust my combat power. Those so-called debate experts are absolutely no match for me."
Naomi Watts was still very worried, but with Gilbert saying that and the broadcast about to start, she couldn't say much more. Naomi Watts just forced a sweet smile and said, "Go, I believe in you."
Sofia Coppola, with a heavy nasal voice, handed a stack of materials to Gilbert: "These are the prepared materials. Copies have already been submitted to the TV station. You should familiarize yourself with them quickly."
Gilbert casually glanced at them, then closed the materials, looking full of confidence: "Don't worry, Sofia, I've already memorized them."
"That's good. I don't want to be independent so soon. I temporarily need this job," Sofia Coppola said. This proud daughter of a famous director wasn't as gentle as Naomi Watts or as wild as Cameron Diaz, but she cheered Gilbert on in her own unique way. Feeling his friends' concern, Gilbert gave Sofia a confident look and then walked towards the studio.
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There, seven experts from the animal protection organization were already waiting, forming a vast net, just waiting for Gilbert to walk into it. Little did they know, Gilbert wasn't just walking in; he was carrying a torch, ready to burn down their entire net.
"Welcome to ABC Television. This is a special live debate program, and I'm your host, Abby." As the live signal began, the experienced program host, Abby, started her opening remarks.
In front of their TV, Zoe and Doug were watching. Zoe nervously bit her fingers; she was terrified that Gilbert would lose the debate. On one side of the table was one person, and on the other were seven. By all appearances, Gilbert was at a disadvantage.
Lewis and Salati Merton, along with over ten others, were quietly watching the TV program in a bar. Salati Merton asked Lewis, "Lewis, Gilbert will succeed, right?"
"I hope so!" Lewis looked at the TV, his voice lacking confidence.
This live broadcast was watched by fifteen million viewers across America, including Gilbert's small but growing fan base, a large portion of curious onlookers, and those negatively affected by animal welfare organizations.
Robert Iger, Jeff Robinov, and Doug Walter watched the TV program together. Michael Eisner pretended not to care but secretly watched the show on TV in his estate. Gilbert's aunt's family and his grandfather were also watching, silently praying for him. Cameron Diaz, Charlize Theron, and Scarlett Johansson were all watching the TV program in their respective apartments and homes, hoping Gilbert wouldn't fail. Naomi Watts and Sofia Coppola were at the recording site, silently clasping their hands and begging for God's mercy for Gilbert.
His opponents—Michael Ovitz, Martin Bob, and even Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt from Interview with the Vampire—were watching.
It could be said that this was the most extraordinary and highly anticipated debate in television history. On one side, a nationally known genius director; on the other, a formidable team of experts from a renowned animal protection organization. Gilbert seemingly had no chance of winning, although he had Disney and Warner behind him. The outcome of this debate seemed decided even before it began.
After Abby introduced the background of the event, she introduced the two sides of the debate.
"Let's welcome the famous Hollywood director, Gilbert Landrini."
Gilbert gracefully stood up and waved, a characteristic smile on his face, his manners impeccable. Then, Abby introduced the animal protection organization's team of debate experts: "Mr. Jack Wells, Mr. Amod Schneider, Mr. Galt Howard, Mr. Pasqual Saifi..." There were seven people in total, each a well-known expert in the animal protection organization. If one frequently dealt with animal protection organizations, they would certainly have heard of these seven. It could be said that these seven experts were a key reliance for the animal protection organization. They received substantial salaries and were certainly expected to fight for the organization's best interests.
This TV debate wasn't just being prepared by Gilbert; they were also preparing. They also hired private investigators to dig up dirt on Gilbert, but they found virtually nothing, unless eating meat counted as dirt. However, so many people eat meat that attacking Gilbert for it seemed inappropriate. But for the animal protection organization, being illogical was precisely their point, so Gilbert's meat-eating became a handle for them to attack him. Gilbert had previously hosted barbecue parties, and many photos were taken at the time, which now served as evidence. The experts had done this kind of thing many times, so they were adept at it.
After briefly introducing both sides, Abby declared the debate officially open. From the outset, the animal protection organization launched a swift attack, beginning to encircle Gilbert.