Chapter 17: Chapter 17 Black and White
"The documentary plan has been finalized and will first be broadcast on Channel 6," Karla Farris said to Murphy as they drove in her Audi. "If the response is good enough, we will do our best to push it into the video and DVD market."
"That sounds good," Murphy replied, reclining uncomfortably in the passenger seat, feeling a bit awkward in his fitted suit. "Time waits for no one. If the African American community disperses, the documentary's appeal will also decline."
Karla gave him a thumbs-up. "Your news sense is getting sharper."
"Thanks," Murphy replied casually. "I've learned from you."
although some time had passed since the initial incident, Due to the media's relentless coverage of the recent news events, protests by the African American community in the Los Angeles area showed no signs of abating. Instead, they began to spread to surrounding areas, with even some human rights organizations joining in.
The two black men were criminals, but even criminals had human rights, and human rights organizations were experts at finding fault in any situation.
The media also added fuel to the fire, fearing that the news wasn't sensational enough, constantly asking if the police would still have opened fire if the subjects were white.
This incident had the potential to become a focal point of American society. The issue of black human rights was once again being pushed to the forefront by the media's ulterior motives. Unlike the widespread praise received during the large-scale shootout in North Hollywood two years ago, the Los Angeles police department was under tremendous pressure this time. Several officers involved in the arrest were even forced to take leave.
"What's wrong?" Karla asked, noticing Murphy's contemplative expression. "Are you feeling guilty?"
They were the catalysts for this incident, opening Pandora's box.
However, Karla never regretted it. She had always been pursuing big news that would make headlines across America, and the effects of this incident were exactly what she had hoped for.
As for the means used in between, Karla, who had been in the news industry for many years, knew very well that there were no hot news stories without something behind them.
" you're kidding, right? " Murphy said with a puzzled expression. "What did we do?"
Even while driving, Kara couldn't help but glance at Murphy, who remained calm. "The continuous protests in front of Los Angeles City Hall and the Los Angeles County Police Department are due to the mishandling by the Los Angeles police and the psychological sensitivity of the black community. What does that have to do with us?"
Upon hearing this, Kara laughed. "Indeed, it has nothing to do with us."
She glanced at Murphy again, seeing his rugged profile, unusually calm, as if what he had just said was an undeniable fact.
"What are you looking at?" Murphy turned to ask.
Kara shrugged. "You look handsome."
Never before had someone made her feel so in tune with her own tastes.
The Audi left the city and headed onto the road to Santa Monica. Passing through an intersection, Karla suddenly thought of something else. "You've earned quite a bit of money recently. Why not treat yourself to a new car? Your Ford is on its last legs."
"As long as it runs," Murphy replied. It was because his Ford was in such bad shape that he ended up in Karla's car. "Every dollar of mine has a big purpose; I can't spend it recklessly."
Karla remembered some things Murphy had said and asked, "Are you really planning to leave this industry?"
"Yeah," Murphy nodded. "It shouldn't be long now."
"It's a pity. You're very well-suited to this profession," Kara expressed some regret. In the past month or so, it could be said that her career had taken off, largely thanks to the guy in the passenger seat. "Do you have a plan?"
She knew Murphy to some extent and knew that he wouldn't act without a plan.
"Of course," Murphy paused for a moment, looking ahead at the straight road, and finally said, "I want to enter Hollywood and make movies."
"What?" Kara asked instinctively, then burst into laughter. "You... you want to make movies, Murphy? Are you joking?"
Murphy shook his head seriously. "Of course not."
"How could you have such an idea?" Kara glanced at him again, her expression incredulous. "You must be crazy to want to enter such a completely unfamiliar industry."
With a tone of exaggeration, she added, "I almost forgot, you're already a lunatic."
"Thanks."
This kind of remark wasn't the first time it had come from her, and Murphy didn't mind. In fact, he responded, "You understand me best."
Indeed, without any qualifications or connections, wanting to run to Hollywood to produce movies was not much different from being a lunatic.
But Murphy had always told himself that there was once a lunatic who gave up his job as an engineer, came to Los Angeles to become a director, and ultimately succeeded. Not only did he win an Oscar for Best Director, but he also became the "King of the World" with a movie that dominated the global box office!
Yes, he couldn't compare to true geniuses like James Cameron, but he was still willing to try.
At only twenty-one years old, just legally an adult, he still had plenty of time and energy to find another path even if he failed.
The Audi gradually entered the area of Santa Monica, and Kara suddenly remembered something else. "No wonder you suggested the TV station produce a documentary." She seemed to understand many things now. "You've had thoughts of entering the film industry for a long time."
They stopped near a luxurious villa, and Kara parked the car on the roadside, beckoning Murphy to get out and walk towards the villa.
Murphy followed alongside her. "You look especially beautiful today."
Karla wore a short dress that reached above her knees, accentuating her long legs, while the fitted design emphasized her curvaceous figure. With her delicate face and floral blonde hair, she was no less attractive than the Hollywood actresses Murphy had in mind.
"Thank you." Karla glanced at Murphy, who was wearing a well-fitted suit. With his tall, strong stature and rugged appearance, he exuded a sense of strength that seemed to emanate from his bones. She couldn't help but compliment him. "You don't look too bad yourself."
Afterwards, she teased, "If you fail to make it in Hollywood in the future, you can always try the San Fernando Valley. I'm sure the directors there would be interested in you."
Murphy shrugged but didn't say anything.
Kara naturally placed her hand on his arm as they walked, and Murphy glanced at her, seeing that the woman in heels was almost as tall as him, a striking figure in the crowd.
He wasn't used to these Western customs, but he could always adapt. And so, he walked into the party with Karla, experiencing a world he rarely encountered. This was a good opportunity to expand his network.
Of course, Murphy didn't tell anyone that he was a freelance journalist. In Kara's introduction, he was the chairman and CEO of Stanton Studios.
No one doubted or found it surprising. In the media and entertainment capital of Los Angeles, there were countless studios like Stanton.
But what these people didn't know was that Stanton Studios, from management to employees, consisted only of Murphy.
After socializing with Kara at the party, the two of them walked to a lounge area near the beach, preparing to sit down and have a drink. At this moment, a black man walked up to them.
"Hello, beautiful lady."
The black man was very tall. "Can I buy you a drink?"
He seemed to be attracted by Karla's outstanding appearance and completely ignored Murphy beside her.
Meanwhile, Murphy carefully scrutinized the man. He seemed very familiar.
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