Hollywood King

"I know right. Let's talk about our next project now, shall we?"

"Yes, sure. What is it about, Ian?" Mason's curiosity was clearly laced in his voice. He leaned forward, showing he is all ears.

"A musical, romantic movie. In many words, it contains, musical, romance, drama, melodrama, and comedy-drama. The story is about an aspiring actress Mia and a jazz musician Sebastian, who struggle to make ends meet while trying to reach their dreams in a city known for destroying hopes and breaking hearts. With modern-day Los Angeles as the backdrop, this musical about everyday life explores what is more important: a once-in-a-lifetime love or the spotlight…"

While explaining the story of Mia and Sebastian, Ian was reading Mason's facial expressions every second. In the end, after saying the conclusion of the story, he knew Mason had bad news coming.

"... So, you see, La La Land is basically a term representing unrealistic dreams. The story will all be about persuading individual careers while trying to develop personal relationships. Although it is not exactly going to work out, it'll give leave a piece of great advice to the public."

Mason nodded in approval, but Ian saw the 'but' coming miles away.

"A good theme, and very thoughtful of you Ian. But, I don't think musicals can be a very safe challenge to take in. We just got into the industry and that would be a huge risk"

Ian totally understood what Mason was trying to say. He knew that in this world, musicals were really rare, at least the good ones were. Once in every few years, a good musical would come out but then the industry will die down. The whole genre was a mixed bag all in all. Mason, who was experienced and knew all of it, was pretty trusting about what he saw inside the industry.

The movie musical is a genre of films almost as old as film itself. Ever since the invention of the "talkies", or motion pictures with sound, there have been movie musicals. In fact, many of the studio system actors became famous strictly for their singing and dancing in the era's movie musicals. Others used the popularity of the movie musicals to enhance their own fame;

Even in Ian's previous world, regardless of the increase in movie musicals in made-for-TV and animated musicals, the number of movie musicals had significantly decreased since they began in the late twenties. In 1929, there were 60 movie musicals released but in 2013, only 9 were released and one of those was a made-for-TV film. The decrease has been the case by a multitude of factors.

The main reason is that the general movie-going public no longer has the same love of musicals that it once had. Another reason is that musicals are now being catered to a younger audience. Although occasionally there are a few mainstream released musicals for older audiences per year, most are either made-for-TV or animated children's films. The movie musical is dying out. One can only hope it finds some kind of way to survive.

"I understand, uncle. But, you should understand that even Home Alone was completely different from the typical movies out there. Just like you trusted me with it, I want you to give this a try, too. I'll bring the script, I know you won't say no,"

Ian chuckled playfully while saying the last sentence.

"Yeah, sure. Oh, and take a look at these numbers," Mason pointed towards the screen in front of him which showed the profits they made.

"Now this looks satisfying. Don't you think I should've started running the business a long time ago, we might be now on somewhere huge,"

Ian joked earning a laugh from Mason. They had grown a lot closer than they were mainly due to how the young playboy Mason knew had changed completely and unbelievably.

"I doubt. By the way, you did told that you have a meeting with Cube Pictures today right? At what time will it be?"

"Oh, yes. Exactly after two hours, I think we'll be able to secure the deal."

[...]

Ian got out of his car after parking it in front of Cube Pictures. The building was unbelievably huge which made Ian smile slightly knowing if they secured the deal, everything else regarding home alone would go smooth.

"Hello sir, good morning. Can I help you with something?" The young lady who was wearing too much red lipstick asked while batting her eyelashes which didn't go unnoticed by Ian.

"Good morning, I'm here to meet the CEO, Jackson Corealla," He muttered politely.

"Please, give me a second," She said while typing out some unknown things on the computer screen. "Ian Renner, the CEO of Renner Studios?"

"Yes,"

"The elevator is to your left, sir. 9th floor."

"Okay, thank you," He said and walked away to meet Jackson Corealla.

Jackson's assistant announced that Ian was there to meet him and he approved right away. Ian went in and was welcomed by Jackson who sat in a huge office that had been designed astonishingly beautiful. The view of the entire city of buildings and clear blue sky was visible through the large glass windows which had been open.

"Good afternoon, Ian. I'm so glad you could make it," Jackson stood while offering his hand. "Please take a seat,"

"Thank you so much. A nice view you got here,"

"Ah, yes, thank you. We moved into this building last year and I exclusively made this office for me, because it just is very peaceful to look at it. Anyone would agree with me on that,"

"I know right, thank you for having me here today, I hope I return back to the studio today with a deal that can benefit us both," Ian acknowledged while smiling politely.

"I remember the exact words coming out of my mouth at the party, that night. Which reminds me, Resident Evil was such a good book."

"I'm glad you enjoyed, yet surprised you read it…"

"Hold on a second, you see that shelf over there?" Jackson pointed to the small bookshelf that was on their left. Resident Evil was on the front, which gave Ian a smile that obviously didn't go unrecognized by Jackson Corealla.

"I'm actually surprised,"

"It was a good book, I was the one to be surprised first when I started reading it. It was my wife who suggested me to read it, she totally adores horror."

Ian let out a chuckle listening to his terms, "Once again, I'm so glad she enjoyed it,"

"I started reading it for two reasons. One, I was tempted to read it by seeing how hooked she was to the story for three nights in a row. Then the second reason is, that someone I know wrote it. Blatant reasons, right?

"Haha… I think so,"

"Also, Ian, would you mind if I gave a piece of advice?"

"Of course not, go on."

"This field is not all flowers and rainbows. It is much darker than it seems on the screen. From what you read, to what you see matters a lot. I'm sure my words would make sense to you one day, with time."

He hinted at something that Ian wasn't able to identify, but he didn't pressure it because that was not why he was here.

"And… Ian, you and your company, Renner Studios have so much potential for future investments…" The topic changed in a second right for which Ian had wanted to.

"...Cube studios would be delighted to invest in any future project that you develop, either as investors or as we are going to be now, distributors. Both locally and internationally. I just hope you make the right decisions from your very next step knowing that we are undoubtedly interested in them"

Ian saw right through his words. Cube Pictures were long known for being very knowledgeable about what they are getting ready to invest in and knowing the future of things they started investing in. Jackson Corealla was someone who won't say things he doesn't mean.

"Thank you so much, that's huge coming from you. For now, I would be more than glad if we can reach a good agreement for Home Alone. Based on that, we can talk about the future later and we'll see how things might go."

Jackson smirked listening to what he said and thought how smart the young man is.

"How much do you expect for Home Alone?" He asked without thinking twice.

"We'd like to hold 27% of the international box office of home alone,"

"Ian, 27% is a bit high. You see, our company has to pay for each individual cinema hall in different countries. We can part with 17%"

'Last string of the day to pull', Ian thought.

"Twenty-three percent."

"Twenty. That's the best share I can offer," Ian smiled hearing the words coming out of the CEO who sat right in front of him. And that was exactly what he wanted the entire time.

'Well played, Ian' he complimented himself.

"That's agreeable. I would get in touch if investment opportunities open for my future projects, and I would look to Cube Pictures first for distributing my movies both locally and internationally, before looking to other options,"

Ian said and shook hands with him, knowing he secured the deal as his will.

---

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