บท 16: Chapter 16 Talent Worths Nothing Here
For the Los Angeles Police Department, $100,000 wasn't a significant amount, but as Murphy expected, smoothly obtaining that reward wasn't easy, especially when it was him seeking it.
However, Murphy had the police dispatch recording in hand, along with Channel 6 News ready to report another government breach of trust. With Robert, the money-minded lawyer, pushing for it, the LAPD, after some stalling and media pressure, eventually wired the reward into Murphy's bank account.
However, Murphy's reputation with the LAPD worsened. He faced multiple police stops, with flimsy excuses like suspicion of illegal firearms or drugs, but they found nothing.
Moreover, they summoned Murphy to the police station several times under the guise of assisting investigations. With his lawyer present and his meticulousness, they couldn't do much.
Murphy knew he was now on the LAPD's radar, so he strictly obeyed the law and kept away from anything that might give them an excuse.
He also bought a new Sony mini-camera to record everything, protecting himself from potential police setups.
Besides, Murphy continued his regular work. California media, led by Channel 6 and Fox, extensively covered the shootout, sparking significant public interest.
The coverage expanded beyond a mere criminal shootout, highlighting instances of police officers unjustly targeting black individuals, fueling protests in Los Angeles.
Massive protests occurred outside Los Angeles City Hall and the LA County Police Department, on the brink of escalating tensions.
The media loved such events and covered them extensively, attracting even more attention.
Moreover, Murphy collected a significant amount of footage, preparing to participate in Channel 6's documentary project, highlighting Los Angeles' security situation.
However, he mostly aimed to be involved.
In this documentary about violent crime, Los Angeles wouldn't be depicted as the angelic city of prosperity, but rather as a city filled with violence, drugs, accidents, and other criminal activities.
Additionally, thanks to Fox's intervention, the court didn't grant the police's request to ban the two videos Murphy shot.
"It seems like you're doing well lately," Ross remarked over a beer at a restaurant in Los Angeles's Chinatown, eyeing Murphy. "At least better than I imagined."
Murphy took a sip of his beer. "It's just been a stroke of luck."
"That's not just luck," Ross waved his tattooed hand. "Your willingness to take risks has always been your strength, and this time, you turned the LAPD into clowns."
Although Murphy briefly mentioned these events to him without delving into details, Ross could tell that his friend must have employed some shady tactics.
"You're playing quite a dangerous game," Ross retorted mockingly. "A responsible citizen of Los Angeles wouldn't have beaten up a British director."
Murphy couldn't help but bang the table, emphasizing, "That was an accident! Besides, he only suffered minor injuries at the time. His head issues came half a year later in prison, which had nothing to do with me!"
"You ruined his directing career," Ross didn't let up, "Poor Brit."
What was the name of that director with lingering injuries? Murphy pondered for a moment, vaguely remembering someone shouting Chris or Klaus at the time.
There weren't many people in the restaurant, and Murphy and Ross sat in a relatively secluded corner, speaking freely.
"What's your next move?"
After some banter, Ross gradually steered the conversation back to the main topic. "Thinking about breaking into Hollywood? I think what you're doing now is pretty good."
Murphy put down his fork and asked, "Why not? I plan to participate in a documentary project with Channel 6 first, gain some experience, and once it's done, I'll start making movies."
Ross, wearing a disdainful expression, shook his head and grumbled, "Making movies requires a lot of money. Do you have that kind of money?"
"Hey, can you stop knocking me down?" Murphy shot him a look, deliberately flaunting, "I just made $230,000!"
"Is that a lot? Are you sure all $230,000 are yours?"
Despite appearing like a simple-minded Latin American who only knew how to fight, Ross had a sharp mind. Otherwise, he wouldn't have carved out a significant portion of the underground market in downtown Los Angeles.
Pointing a finger, Ross said, "Let me calculate for you, naive Mr. Murphy Stanton. Wanting to enter the film industry means adhering to the government's rules. A significant portion of your $230,000 will go to the tax bureau, your lawyer will take a cut, and there are registration fees for relevant industry unions. How much will you have left in the end? Are you sure you can make a real movie?"
Looking at Murphy, Ross suddenly widened his eyes, "Are you planning to make those cheap, few-thousand-dollar trash films?"
"Of course not!" Murphy raised his voice slightly. "I want to make real movies, not those cheap things."
"You still need money," Ross shook his head. "You need a lot of money."
Murphy rolled his eyes at him. "Obviously. Without a significant amount of money, how could I possibly make a movie?"
Filmmaking was a future plan. Currently, Murphy planned to participate in Channel 6's documentary production. He didn't intend to start filming immediately but would use past footage aired by Channel 6. Many of the videos he had shot were in the running for the project.
It was hard to say how much income these would bring, but Murphy valued the opportunity to be involved and gain practical experience.
After discussing their respective future plans, Ross suddenly lowered his voice. "I saw the images of those two black men in the newspaper. I think I've seen them before."
Murphy couldn't help but be surprised. "You know them?"
"Not just them," Ross racked his brain, "I think I've seen the male head of the family that was wiped out on Bill Road before."
"Oh?" Murphy looked at Ross, waiting for him to continue.
Ross leaned in a bit closer and lowered his voice. "Both criminals are dead, and the family on Bill Road is wiped out. The police haven't found any more useful clues. In fact, they should have been involved in the same industry as me."
The same industry? Murphy was momentarily stunned, then understood. Ross's main business involved drugs and illegal firearms.
Murphy's mind raced. "Is it possible that this was a result of a drug dispute?"
"It's possible," Ross shrugged. "They're all dead now. Who knows?"
He stood up. "It's getting late. I have to go back. I have a party tonight. Want to join?"
Murphy checked his watch and shook his head. "No, I have a party tonight too. The news director from Channel 6 is taking me to a high-end party, and supposedly, many celebrities will be there."
On the way home, Murphy stopped to buy a new suit. He was going to meet Karla Farris tonight for a media and entertainment industry gathering. There would be many celebrities from the film and sports industries.
For Murphy, who aspired to Hollywood, it was an opportunity not to be missed.
Back home, he called Kara to confirm the meeting time and place. Then, he returned to his workspace, continuing his scriptwriting work. When he got tired, he retrieved the footage he had shot and edited it according to his ideas, considering it practice.
Even the greatest directors needed opportunities, and success required honing skills. Even universally recognized film geniuses like James Cameron and Steven Spielberg were no exception.
Despite his confidence, Murphy didn't consider himself a super genius like them. He understood that hard work was necessary for success, a simple truth.
Reviving a career didn't require much effort, but making a movie effortlessly? That was impossible. There was a vast distance between watching a movie and producing it, spanning more than just the Pacific Ocean.
Furthermore, genius... Hollywood never lacked film geniuses.
As for the idea that writing a few scripts would attract Hollywood's attention, Murphy had long abandoned it. He had submitted two scripts to prominent production companies or studios in Hollywood, but there had been no response so far. Calling to inquire, they heard he was just a novice screenwriter and offered only routine responses.
"Talent is worthless without opportunity."
Finishing editing the two clips, Murphy sighed. Before coming here, he was still an innocent student, like many others, believing that talent alone would lead to success and be appreciated by big shots.
However, over a year of experience had taught him that this idea was naive.
As the sun outside gradually shifted westward, Murphy put aside his work, put on his new suit, and prepared to meet Karla Farris. Perhaps he would encounter familiar faces at the so-called high-end party.
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