Chapter 5: Film Company
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
‘I’m very lucky indeed to have a friend like Claude,’ Adrian wondered, then shrugged. He asked for a coffee refill, then began drawing the storyboard of his first film. While he had many low-cost high-profit films in mind, none of those cost as low as the one he was working on.
He could very well draw the storyboard at home as his initial plan was to have dinner together with Claude after their meeting, but Claude told him that he did not want to have dinner with him alone, and ridiculed him for meeting in a small and worn-out coffee shop.
‘Damn that fella, how is this coffee shop small and worn-out? Not only is it clean and neat, but the service here is great, and the view is nice. Besides, it’s not like we’ve never been here before…’ Adrian thought to himself, then was startled for a while before he chuckled and shook his head. ‘I’m adapting very well, I should be completely used to this in a few month’s time. That’ll be great, I won’t have to bear too much of my past.’
“Is this… Your drawing?” Someone spoke to him all of a sudden.
When Adrian looked up, an angular face came into view. The person seemed to be in the 18 to 30-year-old range as he was a handsome man who also seemed like he had experienced many changes in life. Hence, Adrian was certain that he attracted many females to the coffee shop, and had unique hobbies. The man fixed his gaze on Adrian’s drawing as he was very attracted.
“Do you have any opinions?” Adrian asked curiously.
“Oh, no, nothing,” The man quickly responded, and was so nervous that he filled Adrian’s cup to the brim. “I’m sorry, I apologize if I disturbed you, but please… Don’t complain about me to my boss.”
Adrian chuckled and shook his head. “I won’t, but do you understand my drawing?”
“Yes, sir.” The man nodded. “Although the lines are simple, I can tell that you’re drawing a film’s storyboard.”
Adrian who did not expect the answer was instantly surprised. The young man quickly explained, “I acted as minor characters in a few films, so I can roughly understand.”
His reply shocked Adrian even more, who became interested. “What can you see then?”
“I’m sorry, I only recalled some past events when I saw your storyboard, it wasn’t because I saw something from them,” the man replied honestly. “I’m not at the level to analyze a film through its storyboard.”
“Some past events? If you don’t mind…” Adrian glanced at his name tag, then continued, “Mr. Knight, can you tell me?”
“There’s nothing much to say, sir. I came to this city four years ago when I was 16 years old, with a dream to be a star, yet I’ve been working in this coffee shop for four years.” Knight sounded very desolate.
Adrian then came to a sudden realization that Hollywood was a vanity fair that constantly attracted men and women who desired to become famous overnight. Unfortunately, it was normal that only one out of a hundred of those people ended up being signed as a performer. Many of them eventually spent their days working for others like Dennis Knight after their dreams were crushed.
‘But judging from Dennis’ qualities, he should be able to gain popularity easily?’ Adrian squinted his eyes. Even though he only directed some small television dramas before he was reborn, he had a good eye since he watched many films. Dennis may not be outstandingly handsome, but his angular face made him look like a guy with character, and he had strong plasticity. Especially since he was only 20 years old, he was actually similar to Brad Pitt.
‘His bleak look shows that he has clearly had an unhappy experience.’ Adrian shook his head to himself. Perhaps he was curious or he only meant it as a joke, he suddenly blurted, “I’m preparing for my first film, and I need someone with experience in acting. Are you interested in trying?”
Dennis who was cleaning the table instantly paused, then looked at Adrian for some time before he nodded. “No problem.”
Adrian raised his brows as he was surprised. “Aren’t you worried that I’m a conman?”
“You don’t look like one, sir.” He shrugged. “Even if you are, so what? Whatever it is, nothing can be worse than my current situation. Besides, you’re not gay.”
2
‘This fella…’ Adrian was lucky that he was not drinking his coffee at the moment he heard Dennis’ reply, but his interest in him grew. “It’s set then, this is my name card. Give me your number, I’ll be calling you very soon.”
He later snapped his fingers, then smiled mysteriously. “You’re in luck, fella. From now on, I can turn anyone into a superstar if I want to!”
…
Laverne Meyer hurried into the meeting room, then sat in his seat before he glanced at his colleagues. Although most of them were expressionless, the anxiousness in their eyes could be clearly seen. He sighed as he knew that everyone was concerned about their new boss’ character after their company was bought over.
Upon thinking about this, Laverne was rather dismayed. He had been the film company’s general manager for almost 7 years, thus he found it hard to accept that the company had been bought over. Although Bosworth Film Company was small, it was built in the ’60s, and it stood still even after many hardships. If it was not because of the boss’ son who needed a capital turnover after taking over the company, it would not have been sold.
Accompanied by the sound of footsteps, a young man in his twenties appeared at the meeting room’s door with a smile. There was an indescribable gentleness on his face that had distinct edges and corners, which made him look more charming.
“Ladies and gentlemen, hello.” The young man proceeded to the seat of honor. “I’m Adrian Cowell, the new chairman of Bosworth Film Company. I understand that many of you are worried that I’ll make bold reformations, or that you’ll lose your jobs because of it. I hereby assure you that I won’t be involved in the company’s business for at least half a year, and I won’t dismiss any of you from your positions without reason.”
While Laverne, as well as the others, were unsure if Adrian’s words could be trusted but were slightly relieved when they knew that he had more to say.
“But I’ll be inspecting all of you for the next six months, and I’m willing to raise your salary if you gain my approval. Of course, if you fail to do so, I’m sorry.” The people present were worried again after hearing their new boss, then they looked at General Manager Laverne at the same time.
Laverne hesitated for a while and was about to speak on behalf of everyone else when Adrian said, “That’s all for today. Mr. Meyer, please stay for a while, the rest of you may leave.”
Soon enough, only the two of them were left in the meeting room. The room felt empty even though it was not a big space.
“Mr. Laverne Meyer—can I call you Lave? Thank you.” Adrian nodded with a smile. “I read about you, and I know that you’re an excellent general manager. You would’ve succeeded greatly if it wasn’t for the previous owner, who was short-sighted. If I may ask, why did you resign from Paramount when you were already the CEO’s assistant, then came to work at a small company?”
“The world is unfair, Mr. Adrian.” Laverne shrugged without saying much. He believed that Adrian would have already known about his misfortune in Paramount since he looked at his information. “As for why I came to Bosworth Film Company and stayed for 7 years, it’s because my dad and the old Mr. Bosworth were acquaintances—are you satisfied with the answer?”
“Very.” Adrian laughed out loud. “Alright, Lave, don’t worry. I said that I won’t be involved in the company’s business for half a year, and I’ll keep my word.”
“If I may ask, what’s your plan, Mr. Adrian?” Laverne suddenly asked.
Adrian looked at him for a few seconds, then grinned. “Very simple. I’ll be going to England to produce and direct a low-cost film, and I plan to finish the shooting and post-shooting in 2 months, then exhibit it at the Venice Film Festival in August. I’ll need a few people who are familiar with the business.”
“I’m sorry, you’re saying…” Laverne looked at Adrian in disbelief as he did not expect his new boss to be someone who liked to produce and direct films on his own.
“You heard me right.” Adrian nodded. “I’ll be directing and producing a B-movie that costs less than 200,000 dollars in two months, then send it to Venice’s exhibition. Though it’ll be my first time directing and producing, I believe that its box office sales will be a hundred times more than it cost.”
“It sounds… Great.” Laverne could only reply with a bitter smile on his face.
“I know that it’s hard for you to process my empty words, but you’ll see the results in two months.” Adrian smiled. “Let me also reveal that I’ll soon inject funds into the company. Buying Bosworth Film Company was only a beginning.”
Laverne kept quiet as he waited for Adrian to continue.
“You’re a smart person, Laverne, and I need help from smart people.” Adrian sat up straight. “I hope that you’ll ensure normal operation in the company for half a year, especially our network and connections.”
The general manager was skeptical about whatever the new boss said since he had encountered all kinds of people after working in the industry for over ten years. That being said, he could tell that Adrian was an ambitious man, and he could not ignore his confidence. Therefore, Laverne stood up after pondering for a few seconds. “It’s my pleasure to assist you, sir.”
“Very well, it’s set then.” Adrian tapped the table, then suddenly said, “Oh, right. Can you also make a report of the scripts sent to the editorial team, create a table of contents and summaries of the scripts, then let me take a look?”
He added, “Don’t worry, I have some knowledge in screenwriting. I just sold four scripts, and I’m waiting to sell two more at a good price.”
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