Hollywood: From Shadows To The Spotlight

[Chapter 24: A Step Into The Past (I)]

Alternative Title - [Chapter 24: Breaking The Jaws Of Fate.]

Last Time on Chapter 023 of [From Shadows To The Spotlight] —

Glancing at the script, George's smile grew wider. Alex had a way of refining ideas, of adding layers to the story without overshadowing the heart of it. If not for him, George knew, Star Wars might've become a lifeless shell of what it was meant to be.

"Thank you, Alex," he murmured to himself. "For believing in this as much as I do."

As Alex's voice on the TV faded into the next topic, George turned his focus back to the script, his determination renewed. Attack of the Clones was shaping up to be everything he'd dreamed of—and he had his protégé and dear friend, Alex Masters, to thank for it.

Now Continuing —

~Back at the studio~

Margaret leaned back slightly in her chair, crossing one leg over the other with a knowing smile. "Alex, you've been at the center of so many iconic projects, but there's one story I don't think many people know about—how you started Studio [MONARCH]. Can you tell us about that? What drove you to create your own studio?"

Alex chuckled softly, his head tilting as if recalling a cherished memory. "Ah, MONARCH. That was a labor of love, for sure. Well, the truth is, it wasn't just me. I got together with a couple of friends—other passionate filmmakers—and we pooled together every dollar we had. Back then, it wasn't much. We were just a bunch of young dreamers trying to make something happen."

Margaret raised an intrigued eyebrow, prompting him to continue.

"We wanted to create a studio that wasn't just about making money, though don't get me wrong, that's important," Alex added with a playful smirk. "But we also wanted to tell stories that mattered—stories that resonated with people. That's why MONARCH's slate of movies and TV projects is so diverse."

"We'll fund a big-budget action blockbuster a year, and in that very year, we'll also produce an intimate art film about a topic so taboo or controversial that most studios wouldn't even dare touch it with a ten-foot pole."

Margaret chuckled at the analogy and nodded, her expression thoughtful. "And you've also taken risks on new talent. MONARCH has been responsible for giving directors like Quentin Tarantino, Wes Anderson, and Sofia Coppola their first big breaks. That's no small feat, Alex."

Alex shrugged modestly, his lips curving into a warm smile. "It's just my way of giving back to the industry. This business has been my home for almost two decades now. I know how hard it can be to get a foot in the door."

"Sometimes, all someone needs is a little support, someone to say, 'I believe in you.' I was lucky to have people like that in my life, so I believe it's only fair that I pass it on."

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In a modest but cozy living room, Alex's mother, Abigail, and his two younger sisters, Clara and Sophia, were watching the interview unfold on TV. The room was filled with the soft hum of the television, the crunch of the popcorn being partaken by the occupants, and the warm glow of the screen highlighting their expressions.

As Alex began talking about pooling money with friends to start MONARCH, Clara, the younger of the two, sat up straight, her eyes narrowing. "He's lying!" she blurted out, pointing at the screen.

Sophia, older by three years, turned to her sister with a frown. "Clara, what are you talking about?"

Clara leaned closer to the TV, her finger still pointed. "Look at his feet! He always taps his right leg three times when he lies. Watch!"

Abigail glanced at the screen, then back at her younger daughter. "You've noticed this before?"

"Of course!" Clara said triumphantly. "I've seen him do it since we were kids. Whenever he tried to lie about eating the last cookie or sneaking out, tap-tap-tap." She mimicked the motion with her hand.

Abigail sighed, a mix of amusement and exasperation crossing her face. "And you never thought to tell him this?"

Clara froze as she realized she might be in trouble, her confident grin faltering. "Uh... no?"

Abigail shook her head gently. "Clara, you should have told him. It's a terrible habit for someone in his position." She made a mental note to call Alex later and let him know. For now, she patted Clara's hand with a small smile. "It's fine, but maybe keep an eye on things like that in the future."

Clara nodded, looking both sheepish and proud of her observation, as the three of them turned their attention back to the interview.

------

~Back at the studio~

Margaret's smile widened, and her curiosity still piqued. "[MONARCH] sounds like it's become a real force in the industry, Alex. But backstage, you mentioned something about a new studio you're working on. You seemed very excited about it. Would you be willing to share any details with the public? Personally, I think it's a genius idea."

Alex chuckled, his grin widening. "Marge, you're putting me on the spot here."

"Well, how can I not?" Margaret replied, her tone light but insistent. "You've been teasing me about this new venture, and I'm sure the audience is just as curious as I am."

Alex paused, glancing momentarily down at his hands. "All I'll say for now is that MONARCH isn't slowing down anytime soon. In fact, we have a few hidden gems in the works, set to debut next year. I promise it's something worth waiting for."

Margaret's eyes twinkled with excitement. "Fair enough, but you should know—if you're looking for investors, count me in. I'd love to be part of whatever magic you're creating next."

Alex chuckled again, his charm lighting up the room. "I'll keep that in mind, Margaret. You'll be the first to know when it's time to unveil the next chapter."

Margaret leaned forward slightly, her notebook perched on her knee, the pen poised to capture whatever came next. She had spent years perfecting the art of coaxing revelations from her subjects, but with Alex Masters, she found herself genuinely intrigued—not by the chase of a story, but by the man himself.

"Alex, speaking of hidden gems," she began, her voice steady, "you've built a reputation as one of the most innovative minds in Hollywood. You've produced, written, and spearheaded franchises that have redefined genres. But… you've never directed a film entirely on your own. Many are left wondering why."

Alex chuckled softly, his hands clasped together, fingers idly tapping. For a moment, he looked away, as if organizing his thoughts against the backdrop of the warm studio light.

"It's a fair question," he admitted, turning his gaze back to her. "For years, I was content to collaborate, to learn the craft of filmmaking, to focus on building worlds and empowering others to bring them to life. But there's always been this… pull. A story I've been holding onto, waiting for the right moment to be told."

Margaret's pen stilled mid-word. "Are you saying you're ready to step into the director's chair?"

A quiet smile spread across Alex's face. It was the kind of smile that hinted at secrets long-kept and dreams finally unleashed. "Yes. I am."

The room seemed to hold its breath as he continued. "I've spent decades watching, learning, and refining my craft. It's time to bring my vision to life. My solo directorial debut is officially in production."

"I won't say too much just yet, but it's something deeply personal to me. A story that marries everything I love about cinema—adventure, heart, and a touch of darkness."

Margaret's eyes widened, the flicker of surprise unmistakable. "That's a big step, Alex. Can you give us a hint about the project? Genre? Cast?"

He leaned back slightly, the corner of his mouth quirking into a playful smirk. "Let's just say it's a genre that's been with me since I was a kid sneaking into theaters. And as for the cast—" he paused, his expression softening, "you'll just have to wait, and there will quite a few new faces mixed along with the familiar ones. And I promise, it'll be worth it."

Margaret couldn't suppress a grin. "You're not making this easy for me, are you?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Alex replied, his tone teasing but warm. "All I'll say for now is that this film will be a love letter to storytelling itself. It's a labor of love. My team and I've been working on its preproduction for the past 3 years, and I personally have been refining its script for the past 6. It's a reminder of why we fall in love with movies in the first place."

Margaret scribbled furiously, her mind racing. "My god..." She was almost rendered speechless by Alex's claim; she knew he wasn't one to lie to hype up his work. "Seems.. like you really went all out with this one, Alex. Any plans for when we'll get to see it?"

Alex nodded. "If all goes well, I will be inviting a group of reporters and cinema lovers next early spring to view the trailer on set. And you can bet that I've poured every ounce of myself into making this epic tale come to life."

As the camera panned out, capturing the determined glint in Alex's eyes, Margaret knew this was no ordinary announcement. It was a promise—a declaration of a new chapter for the man who had already conquered a part of Hollywood for himself and established his hermit kingdom on his own terms.

------

Margaret leaned forward, her elbows resting lightly on the desk, as she regarded Alex with a warm, curious expression. "You know, Alex, what strikes me most about your story is how long you've been in this industry. You've talked about your studio, your projects, and the incredible people you've worked with—but there's one thing we haven't touched on yet."

Alex tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "What's that?"

Margaret smiled knowingly. "How it all began. You're one of the rare few in Hollywood who didn't come from a film school or a well-connected family. And yet, here you are, one of the most respected names in the business. Tell us, how young were you when you first stepped onto a film set? And what was that experience like for you?"

Alex leaned back in his chair, a nostalgic glimmer appearing in his eyes. "Ah, my first film set," he murmured, almost to himself. He rubbed his chin, his expression softening as he let the memory resurface.

"I was... young. Too young, really. I lied about my age just to get my foot in the door. But it wasn't about breaking rules—it was about survival and following a dream."

Margaret's curiosity deepened, her voice gentle but probing. "And what film was it? What drew you to it?"

Alex exhaled softly, his gaze distant. "It was Jaws 2. A terrifying, thrilling sequel. The ocean, the mechanical shark, the chaos of it all—it was magical to me. But what really drew me in wasn't just the film. It was the chance to be a part of something bigger than myself. I'd do anything to make it happen."

Margaret leaned in further, captivated by his words. "Tell us more, Alex. What was it like for you, being on that set for the first time?"

Alex's lips curled up with the faintest of smiles as he answered. "It was... an education. A baptism by fire. But let me take you back to that moment."

The camera zoomed in slightly on Alex's face as the screen softened into a subtle fade, transitioning into the flashback. The hum of studio lights gave way to the roaring sound of ocean waves, setting the stage for Alex's tale of his youth.

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~Flashback: A Step Into The Past~

The harbor stank of salt and engine oil—the kind of smell that clung to the back of the throat, thick and unavoidable. Alex tightened his grip on the straps of his worn backpack, his ticket to survival these past few months.

He had used every trick he could think of to get here on the set of Jaws 2—one white lie after another. 

He had managed to land the job by bending the truth a little—or rather, a lot. Not only that, but he'd told the crew manager he was seventeen, not thirteen, and downplayed his lack of experience by claiming he'd "helped out on a couple of sets before."

In reality, this was his first time anywhere near a professional film production. He'd be paid a lesser rate than the usual assistant, but Alex didn't care about the money. He was simply grateful to be given a chance.

The work was grueling. Long days hauling equipment, organizing supplies, and helping the crew with setup meant he barely had time to rest. Yet Alex took to it all quickly, adapting to the fast-paced environment with ease.

He watched how others worked, picking up techniques on the fly, never letting on that he was learning as he went. By the end of the first week, no one suspected that this so-called "crew hand" had lied his way onto the set.

The first few days were grueling. Between the heavy swells and the constant smell of salt, he barely slept, his stomach uneasy, fighting off bouts of sickness. But his resolve held firm. Every spare moment, he scribbled in the small journal he kept tucked in his back pocket, writing to his stepmom and sister. 

Each night, after a long day, Alex found a quiet spot and sat down to write a letter back home. His stepmom and sisters were... he didn't even know how many miles away; they were still getting used to the idea of him working in Hollywood.

He'd told his stepmom that he'd found work, but he'd left out the details of how he'd managed it. With the pen in his hand, he took a deep breath and let his words flow.

------------

Dear Mom,

I got the job. I'm really doing it—I'm working on an actual movie set! There's so much to learn, but I'm catching on fast. Everyone here is good at what they do, and I'm just glad to be a part of it, even if it's only as a runner.

I have to tell you, though… I lied about my age to get the job. I said I was seventeen. I'm sorry for that, and I know it's not something you'd be proud of. I just didn't see any other way in, and I'll make up for it somehow.

The money isn't a lot, but I'll send what I can to help with rent and maybe to put a little bit toward Sophia's tuition.

I just hope you understand, and please don't blame yourself for me dropping out. We both know how much I love movies, so I would've ended up on a film set either way. Just think of this as me getting a head start.

I'll work as hard as I can to make this choice worth it. I will become a man you'll be proud to call your son.

I love you, Soap and Callie; take care of them for me. I will try to write often.

Your son, Alex.

-----------

He folded the letter, tucking it carefully into his bag to send home the next day. A pang of guilt settled in his chest, but he reminded himself that he was doing this for them—for his family. If he had to bend the truth a little, he'd do it without hesitation.

This chance, however small, was his way to make a difference, to prove that man wrong, to break the jaws of the cruel fate that had been written for him and rise up as the protagonist of his own story. This would be the first step for Alex Masters.

— To be Continued...

{2,527 words}

{TRL: This is the new Hollywood story that has been bouncing around in my head. I really need to get this out, so here's another chapter.

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