Chapter-66: Success Party & Ric's male friends
After three weeks of being in theaters, the film finally broke even at the box office. To commemorate this achievement, FC Pictures threw a lavish party attended by the cast and crew of the film, as well as various celebrities and industry insiders. The event was a celebration of the film's success and an opportunity for everyone involved to let loose and have some fun.
However, this party was not just a celebration. It also served as a strategic marketing move for FC Pictures' upcoming film, Sleepless in Seattle, set to release in the first week of July. Additionally, the party was a chance to generate buzz and anticipation for Rics' upcoming project, which FC Pictures has been keeping under wraps. While the details of Rics' film remain a mystery, the party was the perfect opportunity to drop hints and build excitement among industry insiders.
Overall, the party was a well-planned event that served multiple purposes beyond just celebrating the success of the current film. It was a chance for FC Pictures to showcase their upcoming projects and generate excitement among their audience.
As usual, Ric arrived fashionably late to the party, strolling into the hall a minute behind schedule. This time, however, he was flying solo, as Drew had already arrived with Reese much earlier. Upon entering, Ric made a beeline for his co-stars and friends, eager to catch up and mingle.
Over the years, Ric had made countless acquaintances and friends through a variety of means, whether it be through work, chance encounters, or even at the occasional club. While he wasn't necessarily a clubgoer by nature, he couldn't deny the allure of the nightlife scene. However, due to his busy schedule and general distaste for the clubbing lifestyle he got from his previous life, Ric rarely found himself in those types of environments.
Despite this, Ric had managed to forge some bonds with some of the biggest and would-be names in Hollywood, including Will Smith, Mark Wahlberg, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Paul Walker, Christian Bale, Joaquin Phoenix, Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many more who are in his peer group or close to his generation.
He also had a good connection with many A-listers or seniors in the industry, having forged a strong bond with Tom Hanks and a good relationship with Tom Cure, Brat Pitt, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro, among others.
It was a testament to his magnetic personality and genuine nature that he had managed to cultivate such a vast network of friends and colleagues.
It's amusing how almost all of Ric's acquaintances and friends are heavy drinkers, chain smokers, and substance users. However, Ric is quite the opposite. He rarely smokes, only doing so when a scene demands it in a film. He has never touched any substances in his life, and when it comes to drinking, he only indulges in a glass or two, never getting wasted.
Despite his friends' invitations to places where such things are regularly used, Ric respectfully declines or joins them without partaking in the fun. As teenagers, they may poke fun at him, but they also respect him for his self-discipline and healthy lifestyle. Ric's reputation as a role model among his peers is well-earned.
He hopes that by setting an example, he can inspire others to make better choices for their health and well-being. However, this is Hollywood in the 1990s, and the darker side of the spectrum is rife with drugs, alcohol, and other substances. Scams, exploits, and abuse are also common occurrences in this glamorous industry.
Despite the challenges, Ric remains steadfast in his commitment to a healthy lifestyle and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
Joaquin and Paul are undoubtedly the closest friends in his circle. They first met on the set of the iconic movie The Goonies and have been inseparable ever since. Joaquin introduced him to the Phoenix family, and although Ric had a great relationship with them, there was always a bit of distance between him and River.
As a loyal friend, he always looked out for Joaquin and Paul. He even helped Paul land some fantastic roles in TV shows on CBS. Joaquin, on the other hand, didn't need much assistance, but he always made sure his auditions went smoothly for any role he chose from PC Pictures or its affiliated studios.
Joaquin and Paul were among the select few who could drop by his house at any time. Unlike Drew, who had fewer reservations about inviting friends over, Ric was more selective. He needed a strong bond with someone before inviting them to his home, regardless of their gender.
It's worth noting that when Drew invites friends over, it's to her villa in the Point Dume community, not the mansion. The mansion's private parties are reserved for mutual friends of both Drew and Ric.
Ric found himself surrounded by a throng of people eager to meet him at one stage of the event. After all, he is a well-known figure in the industry. However, many of these individuals had more than just a simple greeting in mind. Newcomers saw the opportunity to hit the jackpot or gain his protection, while struggling directors hoped for a chance to direct a film, and producers sought to invest in his projects. Even scriptwriters were eager to turn their scripts into films with Ric's help.
Despite his popularity, Ric knew that not everyone could be a part of his inner circle. However, he always kept an eye out for fresh talent and potential collaborations. His reputation as a successful and influential figure in the industry made him a sought-after connection for anyone looking to make it big in Hollywood.
Ric, being the ever-charming man that he is, used his smooth tongue to navigate through the crowd while respectfully declining those who didn't quite fit the bill. He knew that not everyone could become an exception or a rare example, but he remained open to those who showed promise.
After that, Ric found himself surrounded by familiar faces. He shared a few drinks and jokes with his friends, who had come to celebrate the occasion. However, as he scanned the room, he noticed Paul Walker standing alone in a corner with a drink in hand.
"Hey, what's up, Paul? Why are you all alone in a corner?" Ric asked, approaching his friend.
Paul smiled, relieved to see a friendly face. "Hey man, it's nothing. Just a few of my acting buddies didn't get the invitation to the party."
Ric's expression softened. "You could have told me. I could have managed some."
Paul shook his head. "Nah, it's alright. Then again, I didn't want to come, but my agent brought me here anyway."
Ric raised an eyebrow. "Why not change the agent?"
Paul shrugged. "Nah, he's good. I like him."
Despite his friend's nonchalant attitude, Ric couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy. "Hey, could you wait for some time? Then we could hit some bowling or something."
Paul agreed, and the two of them socialized with some of the industry's bigwigs before leaving the party together. Ric had a driving license, but he enjoyed having his own personal driver. They drove for a bit before arriving at a local bowling alley, where they spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other's company.
Throughout the party, Ric couldn't help but notice his godfather, Steven, huddled in a private conversation with two other individuals. This wasn't the first time he had seen the trio deep in discussion, and he knew exactly who they were: Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, two of the most prominent figures in the industry.
As Ric surveyed the scene, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. He knew that Dreamwork Pictures was just around the corner, and if his memory served him correctly, it was set to launch next year. Even without future knowledge, Ric would have guessed that something big was in the works.
But now, the question on his mind was what role he would play in this new venture. Would he join forces with his godfather to turn Dreamwork into a powerhouse studio? Or would he let it sink as it had in a previous timeline, then buy it outright before others?