Chapter 12.

Ian and Steffen finished overall editing in a week. A week is very short for editing compared to other huge movies. A movie like Home Alone, which made $285.7 million domestically, which is a record for a family comedy and held the number one spot at the North American box office for 12 consecutive weeks in the real world, wouldn't have been able to be edited in a week if it wasn't for Ian.

Also, this movie was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Highest Box-Office Gross - Comedy", grossing $477 million worldwide in the original world.

It was almost as if a huge step was closer to his goal. Now what was left was, to make deals, movie premiere, and the biggest step, movie release.

Just as Ian finished creating the movie, they started working on getting deals with theatre chains for a Christmas release. Thanks to Ian's father, they had a distribution channel that made things pretty easy. He did his best to acquire a distribution channel.

Because of this advantage, they were able to deal with theatre chains themselves without including a third party in it. Ian was lucky in this case.

Distributors who would determine the marketing strategy, and then the release date made things easier for Ian. Still, the industry holds many challenges.

For one, Christmas movies are a huge thing on the eve. The competition is real in Hollywood. On the other side, Hollywood's big studios were notorious for dominating distribution channels in the country and not allowing other companies to get it. In this way, major movies, no matter how great they are, need to get through them and profits will be shared.

It was a Sunday, December 7th. A big day for Ian.

It was the 'Home Alone' premier which was happening for the employees of Renner films and some close friends of Ian and Mason. But the majority were people in the movie industry such as small directors, actors, and their families. Ian invited John personally, knowing without him and his favor, nothing would've gone easier for him.

The streets were busy as usual, and so was Ian's mind. Although he knew every step was perfect or almost perfect, he still had nerves because this was his first movie. Yet, confidence was plastered on his face with a smile with which he politely greeted everyone he met.

At the small gathering, everyone who knew Ian was excited. Even the maid, Valerine who got invited by Ian had a huge grin plastered on her face.

The moment he invited her, she was doubting her ears. As to know what exactly she heard. She knew Ian was making a movie, which was why he was going out and in from the house. But this was a whole different surprising news for her.

"I'm sorry, what, sir? Movie pre-?"

Yet, not after long, he repeated himself which made it clear to her. She has never been invited to any of such events by the family. So, she made sure to wear her most expensive-looking dress. She wanted to know how the movie panned out, so badly that she couldn't hide her excitement.

Everyone was in their seats, waiting for the crowd to fill in while Ian and John started betting about how the feedback are going to be.

"If this isn't good, you'll work as my assistant. My current one does loads of shit to handle, anyway." John said while they both laughed.

"If this worked, you'll be my assistant. I've none, and trust me it's a good chance, not many get it. You're the lucky one" He stated loud enough for Mason to hear who burst out laughing.

The environment around the movie theatre already started to warm up. While Ian kept fidgeting with his fingers. It would be a shame if people didn't find things funny in such a great movie, yet his confidence was so high, that he knew things were going to work as planned.

The film hall darkened and the movie started. From the beginning, everyone was laughing. Ian was enjoying hearing laughs from all around. At times, adults laughed, and at some points, kids laughed. No matter what, the movie would never age. Ian knew it.

The movie came to an end, and many had tears in their eyes while the whole theatre was silent.

[The End]

Everyone clapped while the names of the people who the credits should be gone was on the big screen. It was quickly followed by the cast.

"Dad, can we watch again?"

"Aww… It was so cute, the endddd!" Two girls talked in loud pitches.

"Bro, can't imagine being home alone. I'd let anyone steal things instead of acting crazy."

"Wow! That was so good."

"It was wholesome- yeah"

"It's Christmas!!"

"What an adventure, damn"

"Yuckkkk! Those burglars got what they deserve!"

"It was hilarious!"

Whispers of different compliments and comments started filling Ian's ears. He was still sitting in his seat and was happy with how it turned out. Finally, the people who were on the screen stood up and started talking among themselves. All of the employees and John congratulated him knowing this is going to turn out big. The actors were more than content with how their skills helped. They all thanked Ian.

"That was an excellent movie. So glad to be a part of it," Fiona, who acted as Kevin's mother said.

"It was all due to everyone's skills. But, welcome." Ian replied.

Mason was talking to others while Ian bid goodbye to the people who he invited. Yet, his eyes were on Ian. It was because he never thought a kid could make this type of movie.

Mason walked towards Ian and gave a brotherly pat bringing his attention.

"This was way better than I expected. For a newbie like you, I honestly had no hope for the movie. But, this- This was a masterpiece. I did start trusting you right after I saw the screen, but you overly fulfilled my expectations. It was beyond appreciation,"

Hearing those words from Mason, brought a smile to Ian's face.

"Thank you, uncle. If it wasn't for your trust in me, I'd have had no help. Although I did have the highest share and could have taken decisions by myself, easily, but with you, it was more than easy. Thank you," He said.

"You won, Ian." John joined the conversation.

"Yep, I did!" He nodded.

"Now who is whose assistant?" Mason added.

"I've better things to do, but, that was really a good one. As far as my knowledge on stuff, I can't even think how you… You did that."

There was a hidden meaning to what he said, as he was referring to the old body owner.

Ian smirked, "Talk less, work more, that's my secret. I'm glad you enjoyed it." He mocked John.

"Tell me how that spider shit is not funny. Bro, you'd run to hills if we pulled those shit on you."

"You bet,"

John kept talking about various scenes and joking while Ian kept joking back to back.

"Not gonna lie, when I was watching Kevin make Harry and Marv suffer. It kind of reminded me of you, in both of their positions,"

"Nah, but I honestly thought that old man was you, so bad it isn't you. Could've been better" Mason said loud enough for everyone to hear, while they all busted out laughing.

The energy of the room was so high that they all kept chatting for around an hour.

-

As Ian was hurriedly preparing to release Home Alone right in the season, other studios were also getting ready to release their own Christmas movie.

The CEO of Leon movies was sitting in his regular chair in his office going through the list of Christmas movies that were about to be released in the season. That was something he did annually. Going through them, discussing them, and checking the competitiveness.

What he always wanted was, that their movies be at their peak when it comes to Christmas, especially. He had high hopes for the Rom-com movie they are going to release soon. Which he estimates would have an income of 70 million dollars to 100 million dollars. After several years of being in the industry, he had good plans for the end of the year.

"'It's a Christmas Carol', which is at the top, I heard it's good, and the others are pretty fine, too. Which also means, competition is pretty high,"

Leon White, the CEO was nodding to everything his assistant Marina say.

'Santa's gift', 'A Dream Come True', 'True Love brings Christmas?', 'Snow is blind', and so on were written down and down the list.

"Home Alone was done by a small film studio. Remember the Renners? The studio which hasn't been doing good for the past few years?" Marina added more.

"Hah! What are they even thinking? Of course, I remember. And, we don't have to worry about it. We don't even have to talk about it. Pfft," The CEO glossed over it while she nodded in return.

"That's the end of the list,"

Leon let out an evil chuckle, "We got no competition, take this away,"

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