章 57: Chapter 57: Screening Opportunity
"It seems like you have a lot of experience," Kara smiled, "Have you done this before?"
"How could that be?" Murphy feigned innocence, "Am I that kind of person?"
He put on a serious face but said in a playful tone, "Well, except for you, darling."
"Don't joke like that," Kara picked up her glass and took a sip, warning, "I might take it seriously, and then you'll regret it."
"Ah..." Murphy coughed into his fist, quickly changing the subject, "Let's talk about movies instead. Hollywood has already established a perfect production system. Once it's set, it's hard to break free from the norms, just like how bad money drives out good."
He shrugged, continuing, "So, in chase scenes, the protagonist's car always manages to escape smoothly. Either the chasing cars crash or break down. And in romantic arguments, it always ends with a slap, followed by a brief silence. The man then tightly hugs and kisses her, and suddenly all the problems are solved."
Kara Feis wasn't impressed, "Isn't that how romantic movies usually go?"
"I swear, it doesn't work," Murphy shook his head, steering the conversation back, "Anyway, this system has become a money-making machine for Hollywood. It's not just me saying this; it's a fact."
Raising her glass, Kara took another sip and suddenly said without warning, "I'm going to New York."
"Hmm?" Murphy looked up, puzzled, "Why?"
She was one of his few friends in Los Angeles.
Perhaps due to diverging paths, Murphy could sense Ross becoming more distant, and if Kara Feis left, he would truly be alone in the City of Angels.
"The company suggested further education for me," Kara Feis set down her glass, chin resting on her hand as she looked at Murphy, "My mentor at Columbia University has also secured a good opportunity for me."
Murphy raised his glass to her, "Congratulations."
Although he didn't understand American universities, he knew it was a good thing.
As an extremely career-driven woman, a few days later, Kara Feis embarked on a flight to New York. After seeing her off, Murphy focused all his energy on the post-production of "Hard Candy," and with each task he undertook, his skills improved. As Bill Ross had remarked, while Murphy lacked experience, his ability to learn was outstanding.
After a busy few weeks, Murphy could independently handle most of the editing work, finding suitable editing points from the tangled mess of footage to realize his vision.
Every film typically required music, and "Hard Candy" was no exception. With limited funds and time, Murphy couldn't afford to commission original music. Instead, he selected a few fitting tracks, paid the necessary licensing fees, and obtained permission to use them. These tracks set the tone for the film: "Yearning Afternoon" for Haley's entrance, a disco track for Jeff's photoshoot, and a heart-pounding pop metal track for the finale.
With the $300,000 budget nearly depleted, Murphy couldn't afford professional sound editors. He and Jody Griffiths had to personally handle the task, taking over a week to complete it.
On another front, Bill Ross delivered on his promise, securing an opportunity for Murphy to participate in the official screening section of the Sundance Film Festival. "Hard Candy" would be showcased alongside numerous independent film projects associated with CAA.
Through CAA's channels, "Hard Candy" was also submitted to the MPAA. Thanks to Murphy's meticulous handling, the film received an R rating without any issues.
However, Murphy wasn't naive enough to believe that Bill Ross valued him as much as he claimed. While this opportunity was rare for someone like Murphy, lacking connections and credentials, it wasn't particularly challenging for those with resources. After all, the Sundance Film Festival was the most prestigious independent film festival in the United States, with over 300 independent films and dozens of feature films screened each year. Very few films, if any, made it to theaters or even onto videotapes.
For CAA agents, orchestrating such an opportunity didn't require much effort.
Murphy was well aware that he was just one of the many fish caught in Bill Ross and CAA's wide net. Whether he could make it ashore depended on his future development.
Entertainment agencies and film production companies were essentially the same. They valued clients who could demonstrate their worth, while those without value would inevitably be eliminated.
Nevertheless, receiving an invitation to the Sundance Film Festival provided Murphy with a platform to showcase himself and created a rare opportunity.
The biggest advantage of participating in the Sundance Film Festival was that Murphy didn't have to go from one distribution company to another to promote his film. Every year, the festival attracted numerous professional viewers and buyers from various companies. If a film caught their eye, deals could be struck during the festival.
"This is so frustrating!"
In the airport lounge, Carrie Mulligan stood opposite Murphy, wearing her little boots and fuming, "They insist on sending me back to London now!"
She was referring to her parents. "I really wanted to accompany you to the film festival."
"There will be other opportunities," Murphy gently patted her arm, glancing at her luggage behind her, and reminded, "Don't forget to call me when you get to London."
"Mm..." Carrie nodded vigorously, then gave a reproachful look at Paul Wilson, who had peeked his head out from behind Murphy, and pleaded pitifully, "I won't be able to see my first film premiere in theaters."
"I'll record it for you."
As Murphy sighed, "Perhaps we won't even have a single audience."
"Don't say that. It won't happen," Carrie grabbed Murphy's arm and shook it, "You've always been the best! Always..."
The airport broadcast about the London flight interrupted them. Murphy reminded, "It's almost time. You should go in."
Carrie didn't move, staring at Murphy for a while. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too."
Hearing Murphy's seemingly sincere words, Carrie took a step forward, hugged him tightly, and pressed her cute doll face against his chest. "You have to wait for me. I'll be back soon."
Murphy gently patted her back, "Have a safe journey."
After seeing off Carrie, Murphy, along with his unpaid assistant Paul Wilson, pushed two large suitcases and walked into another boarding gate, boarding the plane bound for Utah.
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