Director Martin Scorsese and actor Robert De Niro were frequent collaborators throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s starting with the acclaimed crime drama Mean Streets in 1973, and ending with Casino in 1995. Leonardo DiCaprio became the autuer's next muse, beginning with the 2002 period drama Gangs of New York and culminating in 2013's The Wolf of Wall Street. Never before have Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro appeared in the same Martin Scorsese movie together, until now! The duo have finally teamed up, along with Brad Pitt, for the short film The Audition.

Each actor was paid $13 million apiece to star in the short film, which is being used to promote City of Dreams Manila, a new casino in Manila Bay, Philippines. With a budget of $70 million, we get our first look at The Audition in the form of two trailers meant to serve as ads for City of Dreams and Studio City casinos, both just blocks away from each other. The ads feature Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro competing for the same role. In the full short, Brad Pitt will also throw his hat into the ring for this imaginary 'upcoming movie'. About the project, producer Brett Ratner had this to say:

"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. Mr. Lawrence Ho and Mr. 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 8 films and with Mr. DiCaprio on 5 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.