Bab 77: Chapter 77: The Young and Wealthy Mr. Hardy
Taylor found her mother, Sara, who took the plate from her hands and said, "Elizabeth, I want to introduce you to Director Ronald Niem. He's currently preparing a Western film, and there might be a role that suits you."
Sara guided Taylor through the crowd towards a group where Ronald Niem was standing. Niem, a prominent but not top-tier director, was working on a film about a family's struggles during Western expansion.
Niem was considering a role for a second daughter, roughly fifteen or sixteen years old. Knowing Taylor's previous work, Sara hoped to convince him that Taylor could fit the part.
"Mr. Niem, Elizabeth is here. Could she have a chance to audition for the role of the second daughter?" Sara asked persuasively.
Niem, while polite, seemed hesitant. "The role requires a more mature look, especially since it involves a significant emotional subplot."
Sara, not easily dissuaded, insisted, "Let her have a chance to demonstrate her skills. It will only take a moment."
Reluctantly, Niem agreed. Taylor performed a short monologue and scene from *Jane Eyre*. Niem listened attentively but eventually shook his head, "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I don't think this role is a fit for you."
Rejection stung, but Sara remained optimistic. She encouraged Taylor to mingle and continue making connections, knowing that opportunities often arose from such interactions.
Meanwhile, Hardy returned to the hall, noticing a variety of celebrities and influential figures. Among them was a portly man with a distinctive British accent—Alfred Hitchcock, the renowned director known for his mastery of suspense.
Hardy approached Hitchcock with a glass of champagne. "Hello, Mr. Hitchcock. I'm Jon Hardy, assistant to the chairman of Noah's Ark Film Company."
"Hello, Mr. Hardy," Hitchcock responded, his British accent thick.
Hardy took the opportunity to gauge Hitchcock's interest in a potential project. "We're working on a new film and I wanted to see if you might be interested. What are your current plans?"
Hitchcock, always on the lookout for compelling stories, was intrigued. Although he had several scripts in hand, none had inspired him to action. The story Hardy shared, about a killer and a young girl, sparked his interest as it offered a unique twist on familiar themes.
As Hardy described the plot of *Léon: The Professional*, Hitchcock's interest grew. The emotional complexity between the girl and the killer fascinated him. By the end of the narrative, Hitchcock was eager to read the script.
"Do you have a script?" Hitchcock asked.
"Not yet," Hardy replied.
"Once you have it, let me review it. Here's my contact information," Hitchcock said, handing over his business card. "We can discuss it further then."
Hardy thanked Hitchcock and, after their conversation, sought out Meyer. "Mr. Meyer, I'm looking to invest in a new film. Hitchcock seems interested, and I'm considering a partnership with MGM. Would you be open to discussing it?"
Meyer, intrigued by the prospect of a project involving Hitchcock, agreed to discuss further. Hardy detailed the story and his plans to use MGM's resources and talent, which added to Meyer's interest.
As Hardy and Meyer talked, Sara observed from a distance. Her attention was drawn to Hardy, who seemed to have significant influence and connections. Recognizing the potential value of engaging with Hardy, she approached Richard Day, Noah's production manager.
"Hello, Richard," Sara greeted with a warm smile.
"Hello, Sara," Richard replied.
Sara inquired about current projects at Noah's Ark Films. Richard mentioned collaborations with Warner and HD Films, including the film *Red Dead Redemption*. Sara was curious about HD Films and learned that it was Hardy's company.
"So, Jon Hardy is quite the prominent figure," Sara mused to herself, realizing the young man's significance in the industry.
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