Chapter 54

The next day, the board meeting continued.

When the board members appeared in the room, Will could see that they had all read [Sherlock Holmes] script, and if his plan managed to impress them, they would agree even if they had some wrong givings in their hearts.

So, without wasting time, Will started explaining the plan that he had thought of for [Sherlock Holmes].

It was basically going to be a big gamble as there was never a case in history when a director had gone to direct a 90 million movie from a 500k one.

Just that was enough to make people interested.

And that was Will's plan too. He wanted to make people interested enough to watch the movie. Even if they thought it wouldn't be good or it would fail, he was confident enough that it would impress them once they watched the movie.

The board members also agreed with it as they had all seen the script. But there were still some points that needed to be discussed.

'I know the script is exceptional. As a fan of Sherlock Holmes novels, I know it will work as a novel, but a movie is completely different. We would need exceptional and well-established actors.'

Mark said, and Will smiled at him. He was finally starting to accept the fact that even a Sherlock Holmes movie can work.

'A major part of the budget I told you would go to sign A list actors. I'm very well aware that, unlike my previous movie, I can't sign newcomers for it.'

Although Will said that, he didn't know what people would think if he told them that the actor playing Sherlock would basically be unknown.

With a wry smile, he opened his mouth.

'If the first movie worked, we can create sequels and prequels because of the amount of material we have. So, the actors playing the roles would be big ones.'

'Does that mean we would be buying Sherlock Holmes rights?'

Anthony asked, and Amanda replied instead of Will.

'Yes, we are planning to buy the rights from Z studios. They have the rights sitting there in the dust without any use, so I am sure we will get them for cheap.'

'Yes, they would instead thank us.'

Will chipped in too.

His reply satisfied everyone, and they couldn't help but be excited. After all, they were going to be producing a big movie now instead of the small ones they did till now.

They felt like they were suddenly in a completely different league.

'Your plan isn't bad. We could use Sherlock Holmes fans and start a social media campaign. Moreover, people are easily attracted to cinematic versions of classics.'

Jeffery said, looking up at Will. He had worked as the cinematographer for big directors before but never for a 90 million movie.

At that moment, Mark asked a question that made everyone sceptical again.

'We would need a big distributor too then. We can't just go for a small one. The movie needs to be released in North America and overseas simultaneously, and a big distributor would make people come to the theatres. Do you have anyone in mind?'

His question made everyone look at Will. He had only worked with Wheel work studios till now, and there were rumours that their relationship had already ended.

Even though he gave them a big hit, no company liked earning less than an individual, and after gaining Blair witch rights, they didn't have any use of Will.

But when everyone was expecting a bad answer, Will said something that shocked everyone.

'Actually, I already got an offer from Foxstar.'

***

The board meeting ended soon after, this time with a better aftermath atmosphere.

Everyone was on board with the plan, and the whole studio would soon start working on the [Sherlock Holmes] movie.

Although there were few who were still doubtful, it was still a natural reaction. And in all honesty, Will didn't even need to discuss their opinions in the first place; however, he still did.

This was because he was making a 90 Million dollar movie, and it was of a universe whose previous movies had tanked on the box office miserably.

This was a big jump from his first movie, and although he could just tell them to go with it and they would have to agree with him no matter what, there would still be dissatisfaction among his employees.

What Will was doing here was thinking about long term plans. With the help of the system, he was sure to create a lot of exciting movies and shows, but that also meant he would have less and less time to handle the core of the company, and that was why he needed trustworthy and confident people at the helm of the company.

Another thing was that Will still needed to prove himself to everyone in the group; after all, a camcorder movie is nothing compared to a full-fledged cinematic movie.

He was confident that once Sherlock Holmes became a success, he wouldn't need to argue with these people, and they too will gain some confidence in him.

For now, the company would gear up for the preproduction things.

The first task in this list was, of course, getting the movie's rights from Z Studios.

Amanda was already working on it, so Will didn't need to worry too much about it.

'5 Million.' As he parted ways with Amanda, Will said, 'That's the final price for the rights. I don't think they will ask this much, though; just don't let them get wind of the total budget.'

'I think they might already know about it,' Amanda replied.

'How?' Will frowned.

Amanda smiled at this, 'Will, you're new to Hollywood. Consider this incident as your first lesson - in this industry, word spreads very fast. People make connections, and they like to keep up with their connections. Sharing such information is how you earn the favor of other people.'

'Oh?' Will narrowed his eyes and added, 'Well, if they know about the budget, then tell them that we will drop another million if they tell us how they got to know about this.'

Amanda frowned, 'Are you sure about that?'

Will shrugged, 'We're not running a circus, Amanda. I can listen to all the objections and arguments against this movie, but I won't stand any snitches or betrayers. Whatever we discuss in the boardroom must stay in the boardroom.'

Amanda nodded with a slight frown, 'I will see this thing.'

Will nodded, 'See you tomorrow then. Good luck!'

Amanda nodded and left.

Just as Will was about to head back, his mobile phone suddenly rang.

-ttring~ ttring~!

'Hello?' Will picked up the phone.

-Hi, Will! It's me, Edward. Can you come to MCA right now?

It was Edward Friedman, the Director of the [17 Again] movie who's script was given to the MCA by Will, and that was how he started his journey in this industry.

'Right now?' Will asked, 'Is it about the script?'

-Just come, I have something to ask, and I think it would be better if I tell you in person.

Will thought for a moment and replied, 'Alright, I will soon be there.'

-Cool, I will be here for the next two hours at least; if you can hurry up, that would be great.

Will nodded, 'I will be there at ten.'

Disconnecting the call, Will went to his car and headed towards the MCA main office.

It wasn't too far away from his own company, but the difference between the two was pretty stark.

'One day… I will build something even bigger than this.'

Will took a deep breath as he walked towards the entrance of the MCA Building.

'Hi, I am here to see Mr Friedman,'

Will said to the receptionist at the desk upon entering the building.

The young lady on the other side smiled and said in a respectful tone, 'Do you have an appointment?'

'Yes,' Will nodded, 'He just called me a few minutes ago. I am Will. Will Evans.'

'Ah, Mr Will, the Director did inform you about your arrival. Please head to the fifth floor.' She said, 'Director is waiting for you.'

'Thank you,' Will smiled and headed for the elevator.

….

-Ting~!

The elevator's door slowly opened, and Will stepped on the fifth floor of the building.

'Hey, Will!' Just as he was looking around, he heard someone's voice calling him out.

Turning around, he saw Edward waving his hand at him through the half-opened conference room, 'Come in!'

Will nodded and stepped inside.

'Come, take a seat,' Edward gestured at Will.

As Will sat in front of him, Edward added, 'Will, I have called you here to discuss an important thing.'

Will inwardly frown. 'What's going on?'

With the way Edward was acting, the situation seemed pretty serious.

'Don't tell me they're shelving the [17 Again] movie?'

That would be pretty disappointing because he wanted to take part in it.

'Is it something related to the script?' Will asked.

This was his second and most probable guess. He may have given the audition, but he didn't think the MCA would lack actors that would give the movie's screenwriter a role in the film.

'It's not about the script,' Edward cleared Will's doubts, 'This is about the role you auditioned.'

'Oh? What of it?' Will asked, 'Have you decided to give the role to someone else?.'

Edward shook his head, 'No, that's not the case. Your audition went pretty well, but the aura around you doesn't fit well with the character Alex.'

'What do you mean?' Will was a bit taken aback.

'Um, how should I put it…' Edward thought for a moment and then added, 'Well, Alex is a simpleton, but the vibe around is a lot different. That's why I don't think you would be a good option to play as Alex.'

'Oh…' Will cleared his throat, 'Ahem, so… you called me all the way just to tell me that I am not getting the role…?'

'Ah, no,' Edward shook his head, 'You see, although Alex isn't the perfect role for you, there is another option. And coincidentally, the actor who was supposed to play that role got arrested under drunken driving charges and is currently behind bars. We don't know when he will be released, and opportunities wait for none in this industry. His is gone, and now it has come knocking at your door.'

'You're offering me his spot…?' Will understood what the person in front of him was trying to say.

'Yes.'

'But I didn't even audition for any other role… don't tell me it's a side character who just needs to stand in a corner?'

'No, no, no, I could have hired any random small-time actor for that; why would I call you here for then?'

'Oh?' Will put on a thoughtful expression, 'Now I am curious which character I will be playing.'

'The character for which you will be perfect is Stan,' Edward replied with a smile.

'....Stan?' Will froze for a moment, 'The stud and bully of the school…?'

'Yes!'

'...'