Scorsese auditions DiCaprio and De Niro for James Packer’s new Asian gambling meccas

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THE-INTERVIEW-PACKER.jpgJames Packer has reportedly paid Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro more than $15 million each to endorse his gambling meccas in Macau and Manila.

The one minute trailers to promote a short film ‘The Audition’, were directed by Martin Scorsese via RSA Films and filmed on location inside Packer’s Studio City casino in Macau and City of Dreams casino in Manila.  A follow up spot will star Brad Pitt. ‘The Audition’ – to be released mid 2015 – is rumoured to have cost more than $70 million to make.

The movie was produced by Hollywood producer, RatPac Entertainment’s Brett Ratner, the director of movie blockbusters ‘Red Dragon’, ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’, ‘Hercules’ and the ‘Rush Hour’ film franchise.

Says Ratner: “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. Lawrence Ho and James Packer served as executive producers and convinced iconic filmmaker Martin Scorsese to direct the film whom I was thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with.

“The cooperation between Mr. Scorsese and the Melco Crown Entertainment brand is synergistic because of the fact that Mr. Scorsese directed the film ‘Casino’ starring Robert DeNiro. Mr. Scorsese has collaborated with Mr. DeNiro on eight films and with Mr. DiCaprio on five films and is working with Mr. Pitt for the first time.

“Our hope is that the trailer for ‘The Audition’ gives audiences an early look into what will surely be an important cinematic experience directed by one of the most culturally influential directors in the history of Hollywood films. I look forward to the global premiere of the film at the launch of Studio City in mid-2015.”