Ch 02. There’s almost no chance of success.

Hollywood: King of the Commercial Films

[** Rick Solomon's name was a mistake, it's Salomon. After some research I found him. Sorry for the mistake.

After Transmigration he retained original memories of the Duke Rosenberg]

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"CAA is gonna sign a formal contract with me to help me make a complete plan for the future."

Rick Salomon, with a smirk, spun his coffee cup and said, "Guess what? Lovett won a supporting actor for me in CAA's packaging project 'Alien 3'. I'm already succeeding."

He stared at Duke and said, "Duke, I heard Lovett say you've been in and out of the set for over five years, and you had a minor role in a movie by 'George Lucas' when you were sixteen."

"What about you now? You were in Seventeen movies, but as an extra with no lines or close-ups, and no one noticed you on the big screen. You're a complete loser!"

But Duke gave Rick Salomon a faint look, hands folded on the table, as if he was watching a circus clown.

Duke's attitude must've gotten to Rick Salomon, as he raised his voice and said, "What are you so proud of?" Still want to be a Director like you said in the College? Don't be so naive, wake up and face reality!"

"The Truth is, Lovett only signed you back then because of your family's strong ties to 'George Lucas' and your connections in Hollywood. You only got those small roles because of nepotism! Not because of your Talent"

"Wait, Robert Salomon is your dad, right?" Duke abruptly spoke, his voice low yet strikingly severe, "If my memory serves me right, he holds the position of executive Vice President at Warner Bros. and According to your previous speech, CAA only signed you because of Nepotism?"

Rick was quick to react, "That's because I have the talent and potential to shine, but you don't!"

Rick Salomon wasn't about to be fooled by Duke's questioning, so he changed the subject right away.

"Remember when you pushed me out of the team to be the top quarterback? What about now? Can you get into the Major League Football now? or be a part of the Super Bowl?"

With a smirk, Rick revealed, "Oh, and Anne Bennett has actually agreed to be my girlfriend!"

Rick was psyched that he took someone Duke had his eye on, but then Duke asked in a strange tone, "Uh, who's Anne Bennett?""

Rick Salomon's eyes popped out and his jaw hit the floor when he heard the question,

Duke patted his forehead, a flicker of recognition crossing his eyes. "Oh, I remember," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "it turned out to be the blond cheerleader back then. I spent only two nights with her and threw her away. I didn't think you'd choose my leftovers now."

Rising to his feet, Rick Salomonjo's frustration was palpable. "Fuck, I..." he began, his voice filled with determination as he gestured towards his chest. "I am destined to be a major star, to shine on the Oscars stage, and to have my name reverberate worldwide."

With a dismissive gesture towards Duke, he sneered, "And as for you, you will fade into anonymity, forever branded as a pathetic loser."

"You just wait and see!" muttered Rick.

Ignoring any response from the other person, Duke promptly got up and made his way to the door. He didn't have to get involved with this type of person.

Rick Salomon is pretty well-known in another world, but not as famous as Kim Kardashian because of her Sex Tape. He also got some attention for his Sex Tape with Paris Hilton. He was in some movies, but nothing noteworthy.

"Making a couple of weird experimental films doesn't make you a director!"

Because the cafe was really quiet, Duke sort of heard Rick Solomon's voice before he headed out. This is probably the most reliable thing Rick said today. If you make a few experimental films, you can indeed enter Hollywood as a Director. But he won't make it far and won't be acknowledged in the Hollywood Circle.

Ugh, Today's meeting really sucked!

When he drove his used Chevy back to the apartment, Duke was still thinking about what they talked about. CAA didn't think twice about leaving him for some nobody. He no longer has the massive backing. What should he do next?

He could search for a new crew to build up his qualifications. Or waiting for some chances to come his way?

Once back at the apartment, Duke resumed his task of packaging his belongings. Among the items taken by him were hundreds of almost ripped books, hundreds of videotapes, dozens of rolls of film tape, as well as a 16mm camera and small film kit.

The items were meticulously divided into various boxes, and then stored one by one in preparation for tomorrow's shipment.

The accumulated wealth of the previous Duke, which he had worked hard to amass, has unfortunately become useless due to his Transmigration.

Duke and the landlord got the apartment lease transfer problem sorted out bright and early. As the moving company arrived, he carefully loaded all his luggage onto the truck, making sure everything was secure. Then, he climbed into his Chevrolet and started following the truck out of Valencia.

Their destination was Santa Monica, a picturesque coastal city known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful beaches.

In addition to being a tourist hotspot, this small city is also known for attracting affluent buyers who are interested in acquiring property.

Nestled just a short distance from Santa Monica's marina area, the Rosenberg's villa is perfectly positioned for those looking to enjoy the vibrant coastal atmosphere. Though not overly spacious, the villa features a welcoming vestibule and a delightful small garden.

With its unique sophistication and elegance of French architecture, the Villa spanned across an acre.

When they finally arrived home, the sound of cicadas filled the air, signaling the approaching noon.

Duke smoothly parked the Chevy in the garage and had the servant point the movers to the storage room for the luggage. He handled the payment and waited until the truck left.

The main entrance revealed a building that he knew all too well - its off-white exterior was a familiar sight. As he ascended the stone steps, he couldn't help but reminisce about the countless times he had walked through those doors.

Duke hadn't returned in ages, but as he stood in the place where he grew up, memories flooded back, and he instantly felt at home.

As Duke walked across the smooth marble floor, he could feel the coolness under his feet, adding to the grandeur of the large living room in the main house. Of course, his mom, who's always busy with work, was waiting for him.

The woman, in her middle age, had hair and eyes that were an exact match for Duke's, creating an intriguing similarity between the two. She stood tall, her Jewish heritage evident in her distinctive facial features.

Despite her age, her youthful appearance made her look like she was in her early thirties.

"Hey mom, I'm home."

Leah Rosenberg gave a slight nod to Duke as she looked up and suggested, "Shall we start eating?"

She set aside the fashion magazine, rose from her seat, and made her way towards the dining room. Duke quickly caught up and walked alongside her.

Duke has long been familiar with the coldness and indifference that always radiates from his mother. Despite her shrewdness and capability, his mother's reserved nature and strictness make her a formidable presence in his life.

Though she deeply yearns for him, she rarely allows her emotions to surface in her speech and behavior.

Her love for Duke is evident as she puts aside her busy work to prepare lunch and eagerly waits for her return home.

Even though she was a complete stranger, he had spent 21 years living with his mother, fostering a deep connection and mutual respect. He will continue to be good to her, ensuring that she is never burdened with worries, and his desire to take care of her remains strong.

First, he went to the bathroom by the dining room and washed up. Duke casually walked into the dining room and sat on his mom's left side, as per usual. They didn't have a big lunch. The barley bread had a hearty texture and a nutty flavor that complemented the meal perfectly. The potato roast beef was tender and succulent, with a rich aroma that filled the room.

With just one taste, he instantly recognized the familiar homemade touch that only his mother could provide.

"You're officially done with college."

Their family does not adhere to strict dining customs. After only a few bites, Mrs. Leah asked with a concerned tone, "Have you given any thought to your future plans?"

"Yes, Mom."

Duke looked at his mom and said with a serious face, "I wanna be a film director! And a successful one at that!"

Actually, he knew his mom wanted him to go into business.

"Duke, do you have any idea how treacherous this road is?"Mrs. Leah said a few more words, her voice filled with concern, "Are you mentally prepared?"

"I've been prepared for a long time, Mom," Duke said with unwavering determination.

"Only you know how much time and energy I have put in for this, and how I toiled in the sets as extra endured unspeakable hardship. It has been all towards this goal."

"Please share the details of your plan with me."

Mrs. Leah knew very well that although Duke was a risk-taker, he was not an impulsive one.

"In the coming weeks, here's what I'll be up to..."

Duke pointed to his head and said, "I had an idea that came up ages ago. My next step is to convert it into a script that captures the essence of the story, opening doors for investment and directing opportunities."

Looking up at his mother, he could sense her disapproval in the way her beautiful face tightened, a silent judgment. "Mom, I know I've only made two experimental films, but..."

"The issues of seniority and age are equally important." his mother bit back.

"But don't overlook the fact that there are young directors in Hollywood too. John Singleton sold the script for "Baby Boy" to Columbia Pictures last year and they made him a director. How old was he at that time? Can you believe he was only 22 and black?" Duke hoped his mother understood him.

However, the reply came back with a fierce tone, "Hollywood has never been short of scripts!"

With her advertising agency and Hollywood connections, Mrs. Leah is well aware that "John Singleton is an exception, not the rule."

Duke understood that his mother's reminder was a subtle encouragement to maintain a steady pace in his progress.

Reflecting on the situation, he came to a decision and shared, "If I follow the standard Hollywood tradition, I'll be part of the TV or advertising crew after I graduate."

"I can start from the position of an assistant director or below, steadily gaining experience and being patient for the right opportunity to come along."

"But Mom, I'm really pressed for time. I've got a bunch of ideas and I can't wait forever."

His mother, with a hint of hesitation, started, "Duke."

Mrs. Leah, a composed and level-headed businesswoman, calmly stated, "Now your chances of success are infinitesimally small!"

"I understand that 99% of people vying for Hollywood never succeed."

He hasn't really made it in Hollywood, but he did go through the same struggle in another country in his past life.

Difficulties will never make Duke back down. He firmly told his mom, "Even if the chance of success is infinitely close to zero, I will still try."

Duke's confidence in himself has been forged through over a decade of practical experience in his previous life and more than ten years of dedicated learning and practice in his current life. It's a confidence that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

If he lucks out, it's his chance. If it doesn't happen, he won't really be affected. He'll just be a laughingstock to Hollywood companies and investors, not worth their attention.

The Road to Hollywood is full of hardships, with challenges that surpass even running an advertising company, according to his mom.

Unwavering in his resolve, Duke had already chosen to press on this road, no matter the hardships or pain he may face along the way.

First and foremost, he must brainstorm and create a script. Even if his mother agrees with him, he will regret it if he did not work hard to achieve success.

He firmly believes that there is a proven track record of success for this film concept in his mind. This film has deeply touched Duke, as he has dedicated time and effort to studying it.

It goes without saying that this is the type of shooting he is most skilled in.

[~2300 Words]

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