บท 28: Impact
(Arthur's POV)
Just an hour after "The Demonfather" premiered, I find myself inundated with requests from major distributors and companies. It's a dizzying change from being the "trashy prince" everyone ignored.
I decide to meet with Louis Bell, a representative from Impact, a famous electronics company known for their cars, cameras, projectors, and vinyl record players. We're at "Underworld Cuisine," one of the city's most expensive restaurants. The irony of negotiating a deal for my demon mob film in a place called "Underworld Cuisine" isn't lost on me.
Louis, dressed in an expensive suit with equally pricey glasses, leans forward. "Mr. Morningstar," he begins, his tone a mix of condescension and forced politeness, "the colored camera you have isn't really groundbreaking. There have been colored pictures before, but the technology has been... limited."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Of course, they want to downplay my achievement.
He continues, "Since there's nothing truly new about the technology, we're simply asking to license the patent for a reasonable price." He names a figure that's insultingly low, barely more than pocket change for a company like Impact.
I have to fight to keep from laughing out loud. Instead, I maintain a neutral expression, channeling my inner Michael Corleone. If there's one thing I learned from directing "The Demonfather" - or rather, adapting "The Godfather" - it's the power of a good poker face.
"I'm afraid I can't accept such an offer," I say calmly, watching Louis's expression carefully. "You see, Mr. Bell, while colored pictures may not be new, our technology represents a significant leap forward. It's not just about still images - we've created a way to capture full-color moving pictures. That's unprecedented."
I finish my pitch, but Louis's face remains impassive. Clearly, he's not easily impressed.
"You see, Mr. Morningstar," Louis begins, his tone patronizing, "we have to consider various factors for the production of these colored cameras. The manufacturing cost, the marketing, and of course, since it's a colored camera, the price would be significantly higher than black-and-white models." He leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "We'd be risking a considerable amount of money, and we don't even know if these colored cameras will sell. So what I've offered - the licensing rights, the royalties? It's already very reasonable."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes again. Instead, I nod along, feigning understanding. Sometimes, you have to let them talk themselves out.
"Whether it'll sell or not isn't the question, Mr. Bell," I counter, my voice calm but firm. "I'm confident it will sell and become the new standard for the picture industry."
Louis strokes his chin, a hint of curiosity breaking through his skepticism. "How so?"
I take a sip of wine, allowing a small smile to play on my lips. "Didn't you see the colored film I've recorded with my camera?" I ask, savoring the moment. "Just an hour ago, this film premiered and received a ten-minute standing ovation. This film will be the best marketing for the colored camera because it's made such a strong impression."
"Hmm..." Louis raises an eyebrow, but then drops a bombshell. "I'm sorry, Mr. Morningstar, but I haven't actually seen the film you made with that camera of yours."
I nearly choke on my wine. "You haven't seen it?"
Louis nods, completely unabashed. "Yes. I've heard about the film from my business partners who watched it - they said it was good. But I don't care. All that matters to me is that the film was in color."
I set down my glass, my appetite gone. "If you haven't watched the film, then we have nothing to discuss. You can't understand how much this film will impact the colored camera market." I stand, ready to leave. "And I certainly won't agree to your offer."
Louis frowns, realizing he's losing control of the situation. "Wait, Mr. Morningstar," he says hurriedly. "I don't really think a demon- cough, a film, whether it's as good as they say, will really affect the sales-"
I can't help but chuckle as I turn to leave. "That's exactly why you need to see the film first. When you've done that, then we can meet again to discuss this properly."
As I walk away, I can feel Louis's eyes boring into my back. He underestimated me, underestimated my film.
***
(Louis Bell's POV)
I watch the arrogant, trashy prince strut out of the restaurant, my blood boiling. "If not for the fact that your colored camera is protected by Global Copyright laws, I'd just copy the whole damn thing," I mutter under my breath.
A wave of humiliation washes over me. To be dismissed so casually by an infamous, exiled prince... it's almost too much to bear.
I scoff at the thought of his precious film making any real difference in camera sales. As if I have time to watch some demon's vanity project. I'm Louis Bell, for heaven's sake. I have better things to do with my time.
That damn prince is stubborn, but soon he won't be so--
My internal rant is interrupted by a flash of white on the table. A piece of paper, presumably left behind by that ex-prince. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I reach for it.
As I read, my jaw clenches:
"If Impact Electronics can't make a decision by tomorrow, I'll have little to lose. There are other companies, rivals of Impact, willing to acquire the license for my technologies. I'm sure some of them watched my film and are prepared to make a good offer. -Yours Truly, Arthur Morningstar."
Anger surges through me. I crumple the paper and toss it aside, my mind racing. The audacity of this demon, trying to play hardball with me!
But... what if he's not bluffing? What if our competitors have seen this film and are ready to pounce? Can I really risk losing this opportunity over my pride?
I grit my teeth, coming to a decision I never thought I'd make. "Fine, Morningstar," I growl. "If that's how you want to play it, I'll watch your damn film. But it better be worth my time."
I arrive at the festival, ready to get this over with, only to be met with an unexpected obstacle.
"I'm sorry, but we're sold out for the next screening of this film tonight," the receptionist says apologetically. "Perhaps you'd like to reserve a ticket for tomorrow's screening?"
I blink in surprise. "Already sold out? The film just premiered an hour ago."
The receptionist gives me a sheepish smile. "I apologize, but the film is unexpectedly popular..."
"Must be because it's the first colored film," I mutter under my breath. Sighing, I nod. "Alright. Save me a ticket for tomorrow's screening."
It's inconvenient, but what choice do I have? I need to see this film if I'm going to negotiate with that exiled prince effectively.
The next day, I arrive at the theater to find it packed. I have to admit, I'm impressed by the turnout.
Clearly, the novelty of a colored film is a powerful draw.
As I settle into my seat, I can't help but think that even if the story is mediocre, the colored aspect alone will attract attention. Maybe that exiled prince was right about the colored camera being the next big thing - but that was always predictable.
I only haggled with him to save money. As president of the Impact Electronics branch in the Anatolia continent, it's my job to maximize profits and minimize risks.
The lights dim, and "The Demonfather" begins. I watch with little expectation, still convinced that the color is the film's only real selling point.
Oh, how wrong I was.
Three hours later, I leave the theater in a daze, my mind reeling. This film... it's not just good. It's phenomenal. Possibly the best film I've ever seen.
Suddenly, I remember why I'm here. Arthur's request. I glance at my watch and curse under my breath. I need to move fast.
As I hurry out of the theater, my mind is racing. I need to make Arthur an offer he can't refuse. Because if I don't, someone else will. And I'll be damned if I let this opportunity slip through my fingers.
The irony isn't lost on me. I came here expecting to humor a delusional prince. Instead, I've just witnessed the future of cinema. And now, I'm the one desperate to make a deal.
บท 29: Disrespect
(Arthur's POV)
The day after the premiere, I find myself in a whirlwind of meetings. Unlike Louis Bell, the representatives from other electronics companies actually watched "The Demonfather" and aren't being stingy about royalties for our camera patents.
It's amazing what a little color and a lot of talent can do to change perspectives.
But the real frenzy is around the film itself. Major distributors are clamoring to acquire the license, having seen how "The Demonfather" is exploding in popularity. We're only on the second day of screenings, and tickets are selling out faster than hellfire spreads.
I can barely believe it when I see the numbers: 4,000 dollars from ticket sales already, and that's after the festival takes its cut.
Now, every major demon studio, especially Demon Pictures - the same ones who rejected me before - are falling over themselves to convince me to sell them the distribution rights for the Morningstar Kingdom.
The irony isn't lost on me, but I push my feelings aside. This isn't about revenge; it's about what's best for Hellfire Studios.
Demon Pictures is offering a 30% share of the box office and an upfront payment of 1 million dollars. It's tempting, incredibly so. My team is practically begging me to accept it. But I'm not ready to commit just yet.
Underground Films is on the table with a 40% box office share and a 600,000 dollar upfront payment. It's not bad, but something about it doesn't sit right with me.
There's more offers from various demon studios, then there's Lava Brothers.
Their offer catches my eye: 70% of the box office and a 300,000 dollar upfront payment. The initial payment is lower, but that percentage... it's hard to ignore.
As I mull over the offers, I can't help but focus on Lava Brothers.
They're not as influential as Demon Pictures that's in the Big Three, but they're among the Little Five in the Morningstar Kingdom.
Their offer is intriguing, and I find myself wondering if I could push them a bit further. If they'd raise the upfront payment or bump the box office share to 73 or even 75 percent, I'd be hard-pressed to refuse.
It's a risk, no doubt. I can't be certain "The Demonfather" will be an overwhelming success. But my gut tells me the chances are high.
If we hit even just 10 million at the box office in the Morningstar Kingdom... well, the math speaks for itself. The potential earnings from those shares are staggering.
But it's not just the demon studios that have caught my attention.
The offers from human, dwarf, and elven studios are equally compelling. Bryan Brothers, a major human studio, is offering 3 million upfront with a 10 percent box office share.
Then there's Science Pictures with 2 million and 8 percent. The options seem endless, each with its own pros and cons.
As I weigh these offers, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. From scraping together a film with salvaged equipment to fielding offers from major studios across multiple races... it's almost surreal.
But I can't let myself get carried away. Each of these deals could make or break Hellfire Studios. I need to think not just about the immediate payoff, but about our long-term future. Which deal will give us the best platform to build on this success?
I remind myself that there's no need to rush into a decision. I've got time to weigh my options carefully. It's a luxury I never thought I'd have, but one I'm determined to use wisely.
The day has been a whirlwind of meetings - film studios, electronics companies, all clamoring for a piece of the Demonfather pie. It's exhausting, but exhilarating.
When Louis Bell finally walks in, I can't help but smile at the change in his demeanor. Gone is the condescending businessman from yesterday. In his place is a man who's seen the light - or in this case, the color.
"Mr. Morningstar," he begins, his voice noticeably more respectful, "I've reconsidered our previous discussion. Impact Electronics would like to offer you a 15% royalty on the colored camera patents."
I raise an eyebrow, remembering his initial lowball offer of 4%. "That's quite a change of heart, Mr. Bell."
He has the grace to look slightly embarrassed. "Yes, well... after seeing your film, I realized I may have underestimated the potential of this technology."
I nod, keeping my expression neutral despite the satisfaction I feel. "I appreciate your candor. And I accept your offer."
Louis visibly relaxes, but I'm not done yet. "However, you should know that while other companies have offered 15% or lower, but with milestone payments and minimum guarantees. I hope Impact is prepared to be competitive in those areas as well."
He nods quickly. "Of course, of course. We can certainly discuss those details."
After we hammer out the patent licensing deal, Louis surprises me with another proposal. "Mr. Morningstar, Impact would also like to discuss the possibility of product placement in 'The Demonfather'. We'd be willing to pay for our brand to be featured in the film."
I can't help but chuckle. "You're not the first to make such a proposal, Mr. Bell," I say, thinking of the other companies who've approached me with similar ideas. "But I'm certainly willing to discuss it."
As Louis leaves, looking far more satisfied than when he arrived, I feel a wave of exhaustion wash over me. It's been a long day of negotiations and decisions.
I make my way back to my "humble home" - the studio that's become so much more than just a workspace. As I settle into my makeshift bed, surrounded by the tools of our trade, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
We've come so far, so fast. From a laughingstock to the belle of the ball, all because we dared to dream in color.
As I drift off to sleep, my mind is still buzzing with possibilities. Tomorrow brings more decisions, more negotiations. But for now, I'll allow myself this moment of satisfaction.
***
(Richie Robbins' POV)
As a demon priest of the Solarus Church branch here in the Morningstar Kingdom, I'm no stranger to prejudice. It's not just me - all demon followers of Solarus face the same discrimination. But what of it? These close-minded demons who look down on us have no real power over the followers of Solarus.
Let them try to harm even one of our members. They'll face the fury of the Solarus Religion and our Lord Solarus himself. It's a comforting thought, even in the face of daily sneers and whispers.
Today started like any other, tending to my priestly duties. But then I overhear something... unusual. A group of our choir demon orphans are huddled together, whispering excitedly:
"Did you guys watch The Demonfather? It was so good!"
"Yeah, Michael is so cool."
"But is it really right to admire such a film? I mean, it kind of disrespects our religion-"
"Shh!! Don't talk about it!"
I frown, stepping closer. "Is there anything I should know about, children?"
The orphans scatter like startled imps, their faces a picture of panic. One of them stammers, "Umm... Priest Robbins. It was nothing."
I raise an eyebrow, trying to keep my voice gentle but firm. "Thou shall not lie, my child. What is it?"
They exchange nervous glances before one reluctantly hands me a newspaper.
"What could this be?" I mutter, unfolding it.
The headline screams at me: "First Ever Colored Film is a Demon Film! Yet it was not only colored, it was also the best film I've seen!"
Confused, I start reading. What does this colored film have to do with our religion?
But as I read on, my confusion turns to dismay. One line in particular catches my eye: "As a demon critic - the best scene for me is the baptism scene. I love every scene of it, every disrespect to Solarus was both funny and exciting. It was so bold for the exiled prince to even include it."
My frown deepens as I study the black-and-white photo of Arthur Morningstar in what appears to be a baptism scene. Wait a minute...
"Isn't this the exiled prince who shot a film in our church a few weeks ago?" I ask, more to myself than the anxious orphans.
The pieces start falling into place, and a cold dread settles in my stomach. We allowed a film to be shot in our sacred space, and this is how they've used it? To mock our faith?
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