บท 101: Chapter 101: Making an Impression
In this circle, talent and genius were overused terms; no one would easily believe in so-called geniuses. To earn people's respect, one simply needed to present convincing results.
Bill Rossi had left to find someone from New Line Cinema, leaving Murphy to engage smoothly with Milton Johnson. From their conversation, Murphy could clearly sense the stark contrast in how Milton Johnson viewed a so-called genius versus a small director who could make a profit for the film company.
The former was worthless, while the latter could make him spare some time for a chat.
"You've done well. Although I haven't seen that film, the fact that it has earned multiple times its cost speaks volumes," Milton Johnson said with an air of authority under the palm tree. "Young man, keep up the good work. It's not easy to direct a feature film at your age."
Murphy remained humble. "Thank you. Your praise is my honor."
Milton Johnson nodded slightly. So far, this young man had left a good impression on him. He was humble and polite, unlike some young directors who became arrogant after directing a film, or those who thought the world revolved around them just because they had talent...
Yes, they needed talented directors, but without the support of distribution companies, even the best directors couldn't spread their works worldwide.
Murphy had been discreetly observing Milton Johnson. Conversations in such settings required finesse. One couldn't hastily state their purpose upon meeting someone for the first time. Even in more direct North America, it would undoubtedly reduce the already low success rate.
Would Milton Johnson admire him if he claimed to be a genius who made a film with a market value of possibly millions? He would probably think Murphy was delusional.
So, Murphy patiently conversed with him.
Seeing Milton Johnson's tone and attitude improve, Murphy felt the timing was right. "It's indeed not easy. To succeed in Hollywood, not only do you need to work hard, but you also need the support of big companies like Lionsgate Entertainment and experienced individuals like yourself."
Everyone liked to hear compliments, and Milton Johnson was no exception. A faint smile appeared on his lips.
Murphy continued, "Someone like me, lacking experience, greatly needs guidance from someone as experienced as you."
"Guidance is one thing," Milton Johnson said in a good mood, waving his hand. "If you have any questions, I can offer you some advice."
He was the most sensible young man Milton Johnson had encountered this year.
"Thank you!" Murphy said earnestly. "After completing 'Hard Candy,' I directed another small production. I just finished editing it a few days ago, but I feel something is off, yet I can't figure out what..."
Milton Johnson's smile gradually faded.
"If... I mean, if..." Murphy could see the change in his expression, but Milton Johnson didn't interrupt him or walk away directly. Obviously, Murphy's previous words had worked. "If you have time, could you watch this film and point out my shortcomings? It would be very helpful to me..."
Hearing this, Milton Johnson glanced at Murphy. Having reached his current position, he wasn't foolish; he naturally understood the meaning behind those words.
Normally, he would have directly refused if an unknown director had said such things. But Murphy had left a good impression earlier. Moreover, 'Hard Candy' had brought Miramax triple its cost, and this number was bound to increase over time. A profit in the million-dollar range, even for Lionsgate Entertainment, wasn't a small figure.
Murphy looked sincerely at Milton Johnson. Like before, everything he did was for his own purposes. He knew his strategy might fail, but there was also a chance of success, especially with the success of 'Hard Candy.'
He wasn't just an empty talker; he had some credentials. Although these credentials were insignificant, they still had some influence.
Without 'Hard Candy' as a foundation, he wouldn't have approached Milton Johnson to avoid trouble.
After considering for a moment, Milton Johnson finally asked, "What genre?"
Choosing Lionsgate Entertainment was intentional for Murphy. "Horror."
"Oh?" Milton Johnson's interest perked up slightly more. "Let's discuss a time for me to watch it."
Impressing someone was one thing, but business was another. He wouldn't easily make any commitments.
This ambiguous attitude made it difficult to determine whether he had accepted the invitation. Murphy also noticed that most people who climbed to higher positions in Hollywood weren't fools; they were cautious, especially when it came to matters involving business interests.
He tentatively asked, "Can I have your contact information? I..."
Before he could finish speaking, Milton Johnson raised his hand to interrupt and nodded to his assistant, who immediately approached and handed Murphy a business card.
After exchanging pleasantries, Milton Johnson walked away. Murphy glanced at the phone number on the card, a slight smile on his lips. He had achieved his goal.
Since Milton Johnson had left his contact information, there was a good chance he would accept Murphy's invitation to watch the film.
Later on at the party, Murphy mingled and tried to meet some notable figures to expand his network. However, being unknown and without proper introductions, he couldn't penetrate the higher echelons of social circles.
Around nine o'clock, Bill Rossi found him, and the two didn't linger, leaving the Four Seasons Hotel.
Outside the hotel, Bill Rossi immediately asked, "How did it go?"
Murphy nodded lightly. "I got his contact information. What about you?"
Bill Rossi didn't answer, just shook his head. Obviously, the situation with New Line Cinema wasn't ideal.
As they got into the car, Bill Rossi planned to drop Murphy off in Santa Monica first. Murphy fastened his seatbelt and said, "It's already quite good to have one intention secured."
"The distributor..." Bill Rossi sighed lightly.
As the car started, turning onto the road, Murphy seemed lost in thought. Bill Rossi reminded him, "Don't forget about your meeting with Jones-Butler tomorrow. Don't be late"
Murphy nodded.
He valued his cooperation with Miramax more and held greater hope. However, just like tonight, he wouldn't stake everything on Miramax alone.
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