This week, Melco Crown released the trailer for its new short-film The Audition, which will promote the new Studio City Casino in Macau.
Studio City
The film will be shot in Studio City, a new casino resort from Melco Crown. The venue has cost $3.2 billion to build, and will be an impressive property for high roller visitors to Macau. The resort gets its name from its unique integration of film and television production into its facilities, attractors and design.
There will be plenty of Hollywood-inspired attractions, including Wonder Woman go karts and a virtual reality Batman ride. A space station-themed restaurant and a giant Ferris wheel will also dazzle guests.
Star-Studded Cast
The film has been directed by Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese (who also has a cameo), and has been produced by RatPac Entertainment, owned by director Brett Ratner. It will star Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Brad Pitt will also be in the film – but his presence in the trailer was limited to only a few still frames.
“This short film is a historic event because it is the first film ever to star such legendary actors as Robert De Niro, Leonardo Dicaprio and Brad Pitt in one film together,” says Ratner.
This will be the first time that all four renowned artists will work on a project together. Scorsese has worked with De Niro on eight films (including Raging Bull, Taxi Driver and Casino) and with DiCaprio on five films (including the Departed, Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street). This will be the director’s first time working with Pitt.
According to various reports, each actor was paid more than $17 million to appear in the short film and the overall budget was $70 million.
Our Thoughts
We’re certainly intrigued. The trailer certainly draws us in and makes us want to see more. It looks like it will be a great mix of comedy and drama from some of the best actors in history.
It is also shot beautifully in Scorsese’s inimitable style. If it were a full-length film, we would definitely spend money on a movie ticket to watch it in a theatre.
Just A Casino Ad?
There has been some criticism of the project, stating that it is just one expensive advertisement for a high-roller casino. While it most definitely is that, we can’t help but feel like there is more to it.
Studio City aims to treat every guest like a movie star, and what better way to promote this with a star-studded film? We also imagine that it will raise the bar for tourism and gambling ads all over the world.
