hollywood system: art

Chapter 31: that which we desire.



Billy attended to his business responsibilities, feeling unenthusiastic about an entertaining afternoon of cartoons. Lately, he had been highly engrossed in the delivery matters due in 15 days. The Lion King was just a business endeavor for Lux Comics.

-So, Claudia has been ignoring you for a week and doesn't want to talk to you, little boss, - Anne said from the adjacent desk.

-My father told you a lot! - Billy exclaimed, indignant at Anne's words.

-Well, look for her. I think she doesn't know what to say or do and is afraid to see you, - Anne said. "Maybe she feels worse than you. Go and have an honest conversation tomorrow. You're a sweet kid, and she'll know if you're telling the truth."

-I'll give it a try, - Billy replied, lowering his head to focus on his drawings. He had ruined quite a few drawings. He wasn't one to make mistakes, but now everything was turned upside down.

That same afternoon, Mr. James Cameron entered the boardroom of Caralco Films. Completely confident, he considered the script sent by the Dark Horse Comics kid to be a good one, almost something he would have done himself. The meeting revolved around the "film project" or "financing proposal." This document typically contained detailed information about the script, estimated budget, cast, technical crew, artistic vision, and various expenses, from rented locations to shooting scenes.

The meeting proceeded with enthusiasm, focusing on the Terminator 2 project. James Cameron impressed everyone with his eloquence and almost photographic attention to detail regarding the flow of each scene in the film. Meanwhile, Mr. Cameron was eager to commence production in May 1990. There were only a few minor details to address in the upcoming months of production. This kid was quite creative. After the meeting, Cameron purchased some of his comics and saw the evident talent in the child. He had the potential to become a screenwriter or director. Anyone with such skills could capture the necessary shots, but being a director required more than just creativity.

-Patrick, remember to finalize the details and call Jim Wiatt. Tell him I need to have a very important conversation with him, - Cameron said.

-Oh, sir, he's on the phone. He's been waiting for the reasons for the past fifteen minutes. The meeting went on for a full hour, and he wants to know the news, - said young Patrick, a recommended intern who unfortunately got hired after Cameron's previous assistant left due to his grandchild being born, opting for early retirement.

-Call him and tell him I'll be on the phone with him in five minutes,- James Cameron said.

- Where's my lunch? I'm starving, - James Cameron asked as he organized some papers in his briefcase.

-Hahaha, Mr. Cameron, I didn't know... you didn't order lunch, - young Patrick replied.

-Bah... that's what I get for hiring idiots. Come on, kid, go and get me some burgers. I talk to give, -Cameron responded.

Poor Patrick hurriedly went to get some burgers for Mr. Cameron's lunch.

-Hello, this is Shrimp speaking, -

-James, - Jim Wiatt replied. - So, how did the meeting go? -

- The meeting was perfect. Everything went as expected, and I secured a $90 million investment. I can work with that production budget, - Cameron said.

- That's amazing! A blockbuster is taking off, and now all that's left is for you to do a fantastic job, - Jim said.

- Yes, Jim, the film must be incredible. Most of the profits will come from bonuses and box office shares, - Cameron said.

-By the way, I need to fulfill a favor for a young boy. The script he wrote was for a Terminator comic series. He offered me the script in exchange for promotional consideration on my part. The information can't be made public. His father signed an agreement to keep everything confidential until the boy turns 21, something about respecting minors. Some close associates may know, but keep it quiet, - Cameron explained.

-Of course, I'll make the arrangements. Do you have any ideas on what we could do? - Jim asked.

-We could go for a small advertising campaign to promote his company. Do you still have that friend who works at The New York Times? They can conduct an interview where I promote the new film and, at the same time, the Comic company, - Cameron suggested.

-Perfect, I can arrange an interview after you return from your recreational trip. It can be scheduled for late January, - Jim commented.

-Yes, late January sounds perfect. Oh, get me Linda Hamilton's phone number. She'll be in the second installment with Arnold - Cameron said.

-And Arnold's number? -

-I have that one. I'll call him later, - Cameron replied.

-Well, let me know if there's anything else I can assist with. Just give me a call - Jim said.

-I have one more thing, -Cameron said.

-What is it? -

-Keep an eye on that kid. All the drawings he has are brilliant, and his potential is great. He could be the next Francis Coppola in scriptwriting, and I dare say that if he becomes a director, we'll have another blockbuster saga or a star-maker. He has created, so keep me updated on the kid's news. His ideas are promising, -James Cameron said.

-Well, I'll keep you updated on the news from Lux Comics. If someone is talented, it's worth keeping an eye on them," Jim Wiatt said. With a hint of evident surprise in his voice, he commented on James Cameron's praise. He's a demanding person.

James Cameron was very impressed with the script that young Billy delivered. It was perfect, with a few minor adjustments. It made a profound impression on James Cameron's mind. He called it a coincidence, or perhaps it was the outstanding artistic charm that Billy had in describing the scenes. It was very close to what he would call a "perfect" job. He's confident that this work will have a perfect reception.

-Excuse me, Mr. Cameron, I brought the hamburgers you ordered, - Patrick said nervously from the door. It's been two weeks, and the days have been terrible. From constant reprimands from Mr. Cameron to a loss of confidence due to constant mistakes in completing tasks properly. Well, at least he hasn't been fired. He'll make the most of this opportunity while it lasts.

-Ah, yes, I had forgotten. You can go home for today, kid. We don't have much to do. Get me a gift for a beautiful woman and have it in my office tomorrow morning, - Cameron said.

-Yes, sir, gladly. Tomorrow, you have a meeting at 10:00 am at the Fox Studios with some partners regarding the profits from 'The Abyss' movie, - Patrick said.

-Well, keep organizing my schedule for the next few days, kid, - he said.

-Yes, sir. Have a good afternoon, -Patrick replied.

-Kid, take this money and buy something nice, - Cameron said.

The young Patrick went off to the jewelry store to find a necklace. He bought one for his girlfriend, and she was fascinated. With a thousand dollars, buying a nice necklace is not a problem.

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