The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 10: Are There Professional Moviegoers Now?]

After running around all afternoon and well into the night, contacting dozens of film crews, Hawke finally stumbled upon an opportunity.

He went over the details of D.C. Heights as his gaze landed on Brandt. Drawing from his past memories, he slowly began to devise a plan. Brandt's local background and strong connections were crucial.

Hawke gave Brandt a light pat on the shoulder, "I have a plan. Want to make some cash together?"

Brandt, still just a college student, replied, "I'll help you out, but you owe me a meal. That'll be enough."

Hawke knew that help alone wouldn't cut it; he needed Brandt fully committed. "If the plan fails, we both walk away broke. If it succeeds, I'll give you twenty percent of the profits."

Brandt hesitated, doubting that a film focused on Mexicans could be profitable. Hawke deployed his ace: "Next time you see that girl, bring some Tiffany jewelry or a Chanel bag. It'll change things up, and who knows, she might start pursuing you!"

Instantly, Brandt perked up. "I'm in!" He cracked his knuckles, fully energized. "So, what do you need me to do?"

Hawke turned his attention to the Salt Lake Theater. "First thing tomorrow, head to the committee office and make copies of the application materials for D.C. Heights. Also, ask for the past three years of film trade data and statistics on audience demographics, if they have them."

Brandt couldn't hide his excitement. "For my dream girl, I'll be first in line tomorrow!"

Outside the Salt Lake Theater, Eric and Katherine emerged, Eric opening the car door for her before they hopped in and drove to a nearby hotel.

Hawke glanced at the time. "Let's get dinner."

Brandt was feeling hungry, too.

They headed to High Mountain Pizza, the hour late and the large restaurant sparsely populated, giving it a somewhat empty vibe.

Brandt led the way, pushing open the glass door, where two diners at a nearby table greeted him.

One of them waved him over, "I heard a shocking rumor in the film industry!"

Suddenly, Hawke felt a headache coming on.

Sure enough, the guy continued, "Winona Ryder has a shoplifting problem, and she specifically steals male stars' underwear."

The other added, "She stole Tom Cruise's underwear, and that's why Johnny Depp broke up with her!"

Hawke and Brandt exchanged glances, momentarily speechless, before they quickly moved to a table further away.

Brandt shook his head, "The speed at which scandals spread is terrifying."

"What's scarier is that they evolve into all sorts of versions as they spread." Remembering Brandt's tendency to blabber, Hawke decided to put a lid on it. "Our plan must be kept under wraps. If anyone finds out, we won't make any money. If you don't have cash, you can't ask that girl out, and she'll be having fun with someone else!"

He threw away the imaginary key to the secret. "Imagine her playing poker with guy after guy while you sit there and watch!"

People who talk a lot tend to think a lot, and Brandt expected some alarming imagery, quickly shutting his mouth.

Hawke ordered their food; the owner, Bill, was well acquainted with Brandt, chatting with them as he brought out their meals.

Brandt asked, "How's the business since the film festival started?"

Bill shook his head, "Same as always. The diners are all local regulars."

"I'm from out of town," Hawke chimed in, "but your pizza, fried chicken, and fries are top-notch."

Bill laughed. "Young man, you clearly know how to appreciate good food."

Once the old man left, Hawke continued discussing the community theater, parties, and Brandt's family situation.

Brandt, being quite chatty, couldn't help but spill everything.

...

The next morning, Hawke got up on time to work out, aiming to adjust his body to peak condition.

After a quick breakfast, Brandt rushed off to the committee office to get documents copied.

As he stepped outside, he ran into Lewis.

Lewis inquired, "Did you and Hawke discover anything last night?"

"Uh, yeah..." Right as he started to reply, the lock in his mind clicked shut. Brandt could almost envision his dream girl playing poker with many people, forcing himself to redirect, "Not yet..."

His awkward change of topic caused him to cough awkwardly. He waved goodbye to Lewis and headed on to the committee office.

Inside the hotel suite, Hawke borrowed Brandt's laptop to search online for Castle Rock Entertainment, Bruce Richmond, as well as demographics of North American film consumers and Hollywood's public data.

After some time, Brandt returned with a hefty stack of copied materials.

Hawke first glanced over Eric and the others' general backgrounds, then sorted the documents into categories, making sure to note all relevant data.

Understanding the target and preparing accordingly improved their odds of success.

Once finished, he pulled out the business card he received the night before and dialed Eric's number. "Director Emerson, we met last night and exchanged cards. I can help you resolve your audience exit issue. When can we meet?"

There was a brief hesitation before Eric agreed.

After hanging up, Brandt asked, "What should I do next?"

Hawke packed his briefcase. "Give that lawyer you've used a heads-up. We might need him today."

...

In a hotel business suite, Eric had been anxious since returning last night, even too preoccupied to sweet-talk Katherine.

Feeling the pressure of sunk costs, Katherine reassured him, "Bruce Richmond from Castle Rock Entertainment will be here in person. He has independent purchasing rights, and our film will hit theaters."

Eric replied, "Did you see the DV I shot last night? Many viewers left early. If that happens again on screening day, I can't even imagine what that would mean."

Katherine recalled the stipulation from Castle Rock Entertainment: "Bruce insisted on an open screening."

Eric understood the implication: "I've heard from colleagues that Bruce Richmond really values the audience's word of mouth."

Katherine was also worried, "The movie turned out well. What's wrong with those viewers? Why would they leave early?"

"That guy just now said he could fix that issue," Eric glanced at the time. "I need to go now."

He took the elevator down and found Hawke waiting for him in the cafe on the second floor.

Eric recognized Hawke; they had indeed exchanged business cards.

Hawke got right to the point: "I just got word from the committee that Bruce Richmond, the VP of Castle Rock Entertainment, will arrive in Park City early the day after tomorrow. The screening of D.C. Heights is on his agenda."

Eric didn't deny it. "Yes."

"With all due respect, given last night's screening results, he is likely to reject your film," Hawke had gathered some intel. "He is very concerned about audience reception in the primary market."

His words were a mix of truth and exaggeration: "If a movie leads to a mass audience exit, he would walk out early too."

Eric's expression became blank, yet he still held out hope, "The next screening might not be the same."

Hawke assured him with confidence, "It will definitely happen."

"I don't think so!" Eric was trying to play games, fishing for more details.

Hawke sensed this but didn't care to follow suit. "You won't be able to solve this issue on your own, especially in Park City."

Eric questioned, "You're here to help me fix this problem?"

Hawke replied, "I work in media, specializing in problem-solving."

Eric added, "And you're good at charging fees as well."

Hawke didn't respond.

Eric kept pushing, "Unless you specify the problem, there's no way I'm paying."

Hawke pulled out the first document, handing it to Eric. "Over the last three years, Mexicans made up less than three percent of all North American moviegoers. The largest consumer group is white, followed by black audiences."

Eric examined the data closely, recalling the viewers who left early. "So, the black and white audiences don't like my movie?"

Hawke replied plainly, "Movies centered around the Mexican community don't interest them."

He then presented the second document: "This shows the audience demographics from the past three years; Park City has very few Mexicans, with only about two percent coming from outside. The next audience will still predominantly be white..."

Eric thought he'd grasped the focus, "I'll try to attract Mexican audiences."

"Your film will flop even worse," Hawke pointed to the first document.

Eric frowned at the dismal statistic regarding Mexicans, mumbling, "Film companies won't pay for such a small audience."

Hawke added weight to his argument: "Mexican director Rodriguez doesn't even cast Mexican actors as leads in his films in Hollywood. And Eric, you're a rookie director without any big-name actors in your film. It's a low-budget, somewhat rough production..."

Eric recognized the conundrum seemed insurmountable.

Hawke continued calmly, "I can create the best audience atmosphere for you, ensuring no one walks out, with maximum enthusiasm for the film, making sure Bruce Richmond feels the audience's appreciation for the movie."

Eric felt a spark of interest. This might actually work...

"I know what you're thinking. You can find someone yourself, right?" Hawke stated confidently. "Hiring movie enthusiasts who are paid to watch a film may work, but how much will it cost you to counter the ingrained biases of white audiences? Do you think those free spirits can rival an organized group?"

He shifted his tone, "I can bring in a batch of highly skilled professional audience. They have seen a ton of films, possess rich acting experiences, and know how to express the right emotions at the right moments, giving the loudest applause when it's most needed."

"Professional audiences?" Eric questioned the absurdity of it all. The commercialization of films had reached such heights? Audiences were now professionals? "Is this your first time? How come I've never heard of it before?"

Hawke smiled and looked up. "Because every time, we're successful; the film crews or directors we assist never mention us. They'll only say their film is good enough -- it's the triumph of cinematic art."

He lowered his voice, "The Sundance Film Festival has been running for 18 editions. If we had ever messed up, you'd have heard the backlash weaving through the film community."

Eric reflected for a moment and, as he pondered, did realize he had never encountered such complaints within the industry.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.