My Hollywood System

Chapter 107:

“The movie’s name is [500 days of Summer]. It’s a romantic comedy and they need one of our A listers for the lead role. I read a bit of the script and it’s pretty good. And it seemed like they would collaborate with Foxstar on this too. At least that’s what the rumours say. You do know it’s hard to find any reliable info on Foxstar these days.”

Matthew calmly listened to Benjamin but his eyes wasn’t calm. A rage was in his eyes and black lines were forming on his forehead.

“Why are you telling me all this?” He asked.

“You very well know why I’m telling you this. The last time you caused a scene at the monthly meeting due to Dream Vision and Will.”

After Robert had become a big star acting in [Sherlock Holmes], causing Matthew to be really angry. He felt like he had missed a big opportunity.

The thing that MCA desperately wanted was a big star and someone with the potential to be one had been taken away from him right under his nose.

He had even fired the agent that was handling Robert.

At first, he wanted to acquire Robert by filing a lawsuit. But after going through his lawyers, he had realised that they wouldn’t be able to present a solid case and it was far too risky.

In the end, Matthew had lashed out at the management during the monthly meeting. To be honest, he knew his anger wasn’t justified but he would never accept that.

By nature, he was a stubborn man.

“I caused a scene because I didn’t like what the kid did. He’s in the industry because MCA bought his script but he doesn’t know how to be grateful.”

Benjamin found it difficult to control his emotions hearing that. This nature of Matthew was also a factor behind MCA’s fall.

He had changed important core members of the management because he didn’t like them and he was painfully stubborn in some matters.

Hiding his emotions, Benjamin tried to persuade him.

“Now, he’s trying to make sure the relations between him and us don’t reach a point where there’s no solution. I think this role will suit Reagen a lot and would help stabilise his place as an A-lister.”

Reagen Norris was one of the few famous actors MCA still had. He had passed the ranks of Hollywood for years before cementing his place on the top.

Benjamin felt like the role of Tom would really suit him well and a romantic comedy was always a safe venture in Hollywood.

“Ben, a lead role just isn’t enough for MCA’s forgiveness. I’m not so easy and don’t you think that you are taking that kid’s side too much. I know he’s your friend’s son but don’t forget who you work for.”

Those words were said with an icy tone. Matthew clearly wasn’t happy with Benjamin’s attitude.

He was still angry at the fact that it was Benjamin that had set up a meeting between Robert and Will. The only reason he hadn’t gotten the same fate as Robert’s ex agent was because he had been working for MCA for a long time and was trusted well.

Matthew still knew the importance of his skills and connections, making him control his rage against him.

“I know who I work for very well.” Benjamin shifted in his seat and said, “I’m only informing you because this can be a good venture for us. The last time we collaborated with Will, it brought us a lot of profits and making an enemy out of him isn’t good. He’s now one of the young stars of Hollywood. We are pretty lucky to have good ties with him.”

Matthew softened his expression. The final box office collection of [17 again] was 120 million dollars and it had earned MCA quite a lot of profits.

And it was true that Will was counted as a good connection thanks to his talent. He had earned millions of dollars with each of his projects.

“I know that well…”

“Then, I hope you agree to me sending Reagen’s profile to Dream Vision and hold an audition. I feel like after this movie, we could present Reagen as MCA’s face.”

Benjamin said but Matthew wasn’t focusing on him. His eyes were looking outside the window and a thought was looming in his head.

‘I can’t just let anyone walk over me without major repercussions.’

Thinking that, a plan formed in his mind and he smiled.

“Okay, I won’t have any problems with this. But during the contract negotiations, I want you to add something.”

“What?”

Benjamin asked, having a bad feeling about this.

***

“You sure this looks good on me? Feels too flowery.”

Robert asked, looking himself in the mirror and feeling uncomfortable in his clothes. He was currently getting ready for his photoshoot.

Looking at himself wearing a shirt with all sorts of colours mashed together, he wondered how people would see him.

“We can’t do much about it. They are paying you millions to wear it and advertise it. And the designer is used to coming up with wacky fashion choices that are apparently very famous.”

Alvin, his agent said, standing next to him. He was a senior agent that had joined DTA and was directly given the role of working with Robert.

Compared to his former agency, it was a hundred times better work environment for him.

“Yeah, okay.”

Robert took a deep breath and closed his eyes. As he opened them, his body language changed a bit and he found himself being more confident in the clothes.

‘Clothes don’t make me, I make the clothes.’

He thought inwardly.

Confidence – A thing that was missing in him before doing [Sherlock Holmes] but after the success of the movie, he had really reinvented himself as an actor and a person.

“What’s the shooting schedule for today?”

While removing his shirt to try out a new one, Robert asked his agent.

He was currently in the middle of shooting his next movie [A Bullet to Kill].

After the initial auditions were done, he had started the shooting quickly, not wanting to waste any time. Earlier, movies had been scarce for him and now that he was getting the chance to play the lead in them, he wanted to do as many movies as he could in the next 3-4 years.

“They are shooting indoor scenes today, so we need to reach by 6. It’s a midnight schedule.”

“Okay, let’s finish this first then.”

“Is the schedule too hard for you? We can cancel it for today if you want to take a day off.”

Alvin said, knowing full well how much Robert was working these days. As his popularity grew, many sponsorship offers came towards him.

He had carefully looked at them and selected some of them, making Robert one of the few actors who was earning millions of dollars in just sponsoring deals.

“No, it’s fine. I feel like I’m understanding my character more and more everyday. No need to take a break.”

“Okay.”

Robert shrugged his shoulders and tried out another pair of clothes.

Work was a lot but it was the best he had felt in a long time.

***

“How’s the press release going?”

Terry asked one of the editor in chiefs as he cupped his hand. They were having a final meeting before the book launch tomorrow.

“I completed it and sent it to some news agencies. I went with the title ‘A fantasy adventure that will leave you wanting more’.”

Jack, the editor in chief answered and Sarah, a junior editor sitting next to him opened her mouth.

“The bookstores had also told us to be ready to send more copies. They are expecting a nice response.”

“Let’s see how it goes.” Terry said before moving on to another topic. “How is the response of the authors we sent the book to?”

Normally, publishers would send books to famous authors for a review. Then, they would use their comments to market it.

“Most of them gave good reviews. I attached some of them in the press release too. The author of the Hunter’s apprentice franchise was particularly impressed with the book and even promoted it on his own.”

Jack said with an excited expression.

“Yeah, but many authors also refused to give out a review.”

Sarah replied, sighing but Jake shook his head.

“There are always those there. Some authors would just discriminate based on the fact that it’s a children’s fantasy and some are just busy.”

Terry nodded his head.

“We have already done everything from our end, so only the public reception is left. Let’s hope a lot of people buy the book.”

“Did you call Will Evans and get him to agree to do some promotions?”

Originally, Warden Books had to rush the release of the book a bit because Will wanted to get it out as soon as possible and also because no famous authors were releasing their books at this point of time.

It was a safe period.

Moreover, Will’s busy schedule meant he hadn’t really promoted the book a lot.

“Yeah, he said he’s handling some stuff these days but he can do some interviews to promote his book and go on talk shows and radio shows.

…

//DreamNote//

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