บท 105: Chapter 105: Internal Screening
"Tomorrow morning at nine? Alright, no problem."
In the secluded restroom of the restaurant, Murphy listened to the voice on the phone and continued, "Please prepare the screening equipment. Alright, see you tomorrow."
Hanging up the phone, he let out a sigh and walked to the sink, washing his hands. The cold water helped cool down his heated mind after receiving calls from Lionsgate, Morris Entertainment, Miramax, and Fox Searchlight, all wanting to host internal screenings of the film. However, Murphy knew that success for the film was still far away.
Exiting the restroom, Murphy noticed Kerry Mulligan anxiously pacing in the corridor, clearly waiting for him.
"You finally came out," she approached him as he walked out, "I was about to send Paul in to check on you."
"What could I possibly be doing?" Murphy pulled her along as they walked, "I received two more calls."
"From the distribution companies again?" Kerry asked with concern.
"Fox Searchlight and Miramax," he checked his watch, "We need to stop for lunch. Let's head back and prepare."
"Yeah," Kerry knew the importance of distribution.
Not only for Murphy but also for herself. Despite her first film being released, hardly anyone knew her among the audience, even among her fellow acting classmates. They hardly believed she had starred in a real feature film. One annoying British girl always mocked her about it.
Back in a semi-open private room, Murphy saw Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill still munching away, while Bill Rossis whispered with James Franco, possibly trying to poach him. Murphy clapped his hands to get their attention.
"Lunchtime is over. Miramax and Fox Searchlight called too. We need to get back and prepare," he said.
There was no resentment from the group; in fact, they all smiled. Especially Seth and Jonah, first-time actors who raised their hands high, shouting, "Yes!"
Motioning for them to calm down, Murphy said, "We have screenings at both companies tomorrow morning."
He looked at his agent, "Bill, if you have the time, can you take Jonah and bring a copy to Morris Entertainment?"
Without hesitation, Bill nodded, "No problem. Leave it to me."
Although not a professional producer, he had seen the film several times from the rough cut to completion and was very confident.
Murphy then turned to Seth Rogen, "You'll come with me to Miramax."
The assignment clearly showed Murphy's high expectations for Miramax, which they had collaborated with before.
"Hey, what about me?" James Franco raised his hand, feeling a bit excluded.
Bill Rossis shook his head at Murphy, "Seth and Jonah are enough."
Murphy gestured towards James Franco, "You'll be my dedicated driver tomorrow."
Arranging Kerry Mulligan's coat from the coat rack, Murphy helped her put it on and said to the group, "Let's move quickly. We still need to pick up the copies."
Staying in the neighborhood where Stanton Studios was located wasn't exactly safe. Murphy had stored the copies at a professional security company, a well-known spot in Hollywood where many film companies kept their copies.
With the screening scheduled for nine in the morning, they needed to retrieve the copies beforehand.
After arranging everything, Murphy drove to Beverly Hills. They picked up the copies, dropped off Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill at their newly rented place, and finally returned to Stanton Studios.
Parking the car, Murphy asked Kerry Mulligan to open the door while he opened the trunk to retrieve the film reels.
"I'll help you," Kerry Mulligan walked back, reaching out to take the circular film canister from Murphy's hand, "Give it to me."
"You should rest here," Murphy said.
The film reels may not look heavy, but stacked together, they were quite weighty. Murphy picked up one and headed towards the door.
Kerry Mulligan watched him go, then glanced at the packed trunk of copies. Without thinking much, she picked one up, closed the trunk, and followed Murphy.
The copies were heavier than she expected, but she gritted her teeth and refused to give up.
Entering the living room and setting down the copies, Murphy heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw Kerry Mulligan, her forehead glistening with sweat, hurrying towards him, holding out the film canister.
"I'll take it," Murphy said, reaching for the box in her hands.
Kerry Mulligan stood with her hands on her hips, taking deep breaths, "I just wanted to help."
"I know," seeing the sweat on her forehead, Murphy didn't say much more, affectionately patting her shoulder, "Let's go."
He certainly wouldn't let Kerry Mulligan continue doing such heavy lifting, especially not in the heels she was wearing.
Opening the trunk, Murphy picked up two more film reels. Seeing Kerry Mulligan about to help again, he said, "You stay here and watch the copies. This is all we have."
Hearing this, Kerry Mulligan withdrew her hand and nodded solemnly.
After organizing the copies, both of them were covered in sweat. It was mid-June in Los Angeles, and the heat was unbearable. After showering in the bathroom, Murphy and Kerry Mulligan decided not to go downstairs but to hide in the master bedroom on the second floor, enjoying the coolness brought by the air conditioning.
Kerry Mulligan sat on the sofa, legs curled up, hands hugging her knees. "I wish the film could be released in theaters sooner."
"Are you in a hurry?" Murphy poured a glass of water and placed it on the small table in front of her, pulling over a chair and sitting across from her, "Don't worry, trust me, our film will definitely make it to the theaters."
"I just want to prove to those people in acting class..." She looked up at Murphy, "That I've been the lead actress in a real feature film."
Hearing this, Murphy understood it was just the bragging of a young girl. He reached out and pinched her cute face, "Once the film is released, you can invite them to the theater to watch the movie."
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