Chapter 108: One-Stop Service

[Chapter 109: One-Stop Service]

West Hollywood, a Private video store.

A massive poster hung at the entrance featured a man and a woman, but their heads were replaced by bold letters -- The Appointment of Superstars Officially Released.

Early in the morning, long before the store opened, a queue formed outside. Dozens of fans lined up, eager to get their hands on the DVD or VHS tapes. These folks showed no sign of embarrassment as they eagerly discussed Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith.

As soon as the doors opened, fans surged into the store, their years of being single having honed their speed as they scrambled for the DVDs. In just half a day, the 300 copies stocked in the store had completely sold out.

The owner hurriedly called to restock. On that day, the Private films company's release of The Appointment of Superstars shattered the single-day sales record for VHS and DVDs in the San Fernando Valley.

Due to distribution limitations, some stores did not have dedicated areas for 18-and-over products, which meant that this film could not match the sales of the best-selling The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. However, in many stocked stores, it shot to the top of the sales charts.

In less than two days, The Appointment of Superstars sold over a million copies.

Inevitably, pirates popped up online, spreading the product further and sweeping across the nation. On forums, blogs, and social media platforms, the hottest topic became Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith.

While new photos of Allison surfaced online, the massive scandal brought an intensity akin to the sun, sweeping away everything in its path. This only fueled the fire.

The two made headlines in several gossip outlets, including National Enquirer and Hollywood Life. It's not easy to grab a headline in Los Angeles, a hub for scandals, but Josh and Allison managed to dominate for days.

The video's heat was the foundation, but Allison's bold statements during interviews became the key. "My body, my choice!"

This slogan resonated with certain groups. Allison boldly took center stage, pushed into the limelight.

Josh Hartnett maintained a sense of responsibility throughout the chaos. Although he didn't garner as much attention as Allison, his own scandal was overshadowed by hers.

The incredible scandal managed to eclipse another one.

..

On the third day after The Appointment of Superstars was released, when the news buzz started to subside, Hawke called another press conference for Allison and Josh to announce they were suing the Private films company.

Online, fans who had followed the scandal felt a sense of satisfaction, assuming the role of justice fighters as they rallied around the relatable Josh Hartnett, protesting the Private films company's infringement.

Hawke took advantage of the situation and had Will hire a professional protest company, gathering a crowd of over a hundred people to sit-in outside the Private films company.

Many fans from the San Fernando Valley also showed up to join the spectacle. A large crowd quickly formed, protesting outside the Private films company.

Reporters and paparazzi eagerly snapped photos, not letting the opportunity slip by.

While this news was still heating up, Hawke orchestrated another twist. The computer technician who sold the footage emerged during a media event attended by star detective Erica Ferguson, moved by her righteous presence, and confessed on the spot.

He participated in an interview, detailing how he copied the video from Allison's laptop and sold it to the Private films company, unable to resist bragging about it online.

The public, while munching popcorn, was also captivated by Detective Erica Ferguson's charm.

...

The following day, news from the LAPD triggered Josh and Allison's public outcry. The technician was bailed out later that night. Even in court, it was likely to result in just fines and probation.

Amidst all this commotion, Fox 11's Midnight Entertainment invited Allison and Josh to the studio, where they shared their experiences over the past ten days in an interview with Megan Taylor.

The episode garnered astonishing ratings, which directly boosted the sales of The Appointment of Superstars.

In just over a week, the film set a new record for sales since Private Media Group entered the new century.

The selfie scandal reached its peak.

...

At that point, Western Voice Records officially announced that Allison Faith would soon release a new album titled My Body, My Choice!

Following this, the lead single was released. Based on Hawke's directions, the lyricist made urgent revisions to better align with Allison's current situation.

After the first music video dropped, it left everyone in awe. The song's quality was average at best, but the MV's energetic dance captivated fans and free-spirited girls alike.

Allison's look in the music video truly encapsulated "My body, my choice."

Previously, there may have been similar scenes in shows, movies, or posters, but nothing had depicted it this clearly.

Allison claimed the early advantage once more.

On the most influential platforms online, Hawke had Fergie's team post continuously, branding the camel toe as a new symbol of female empowerment, fashion, and avant-garde.

Allison's first music video became a massive hit.

While there was plenty of criticism, there was also widespread applause.

Under the momentum generated by the scandal and Western Voice's operations, Allison's new single quickly climbed into the Billboard Top 50.

That was already a victory.

However, as they moved forward, Hawke would no longer be responsible -- those tasks fell to the record company.

In a responsible manner, before wrapping things up, Hawke contacted Wardell Bell, the associate editor he had met during the Steve Nutt incident at People Magazine.

As long as the heat was there, entertainment media didn't care about anything else.

People wanted to do a feature on Josh and Allison and had them lined up for the next cover.

At the same time, agent Will forwarded Josh Hartnett's profile to several casting agencies.

With only a few exceptions, most accepted his material. A number of studios even notified Josh Hartnett to audition.

Furthermore, the selfie scandal also caught the attention of several Hollywood producers.

Maybe the mid-sized and large production companies weren't interested; they had countless scripts gathering dust.

But for smaller companies, if they leveraged the heat well, they could potentially profit.

...

Culver City, The Asylum Pictures.

At the Monday meeting, the three founders -- David Michael Latt, David Rimawi, and Sherri Strain --convened on time David Latt's office.

They had once been executives at Village Roadshow Pictures and were involved in producing The Matrix.

Sherri asked, "How are the negotiations for the film adaptation rights of the sci-fi novel War of the Worlds going?"

"Not well," David frowned. "I just started negotiating with the rights agent when Spielberg swooped in. We could only offer $500,000 while that old jerk asked for $5 million. How can we compete?"

Sherri sighed, "Our total project investment wouldn't even reach $500,000."

David thought of a solution: "Spielberg's film has heat, so why not create an original script titled War of the Worlds? We could release it before Spielberg."

"You're brilliant!" Michael praised, grabbing the latest issue of People and sliding it toward them. "Take a look at the cover story."

Sherri instantly recognized it, "Those two hotshots -- Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith."

David, who focused on film operations, said, "These two have a public relations wizard behind them. In just over a month, he has transformed almost forgotten Josh and overlooked Allison into prominent figures across the nation. Reviving two 'dead' careers is no small feat."

Sherri continued, "It's a rarity for public relations firms in Hollywood to accomplish such a feat."

Michael quickly redirected the conversation, "Don't you think this process is fascinating? It could be turned into a movie! And we could get Josh Hartnett himself to star, maximizing that buzz!"

David pondered, "If we had a ready-made case, the script could be done in a month. A month for preparation, a month for shooting, and a month for post-production, and we could release it in just four months, just in time for this year's schedule to take advantage of the heat."

Among the three, Sherri, who excelled in scriptwriting, considered for a moment and said, "Josh and Allison are suing the Private films company, but based on past experience, they'll reach an out-of-court settlement for a portion of the profits. There's bound to be some anger between them."

The more she talked, the clearer her ideas became. "I have a main storyline in mind. The movie will be called The Punisher. The male protagonist has his privacy invaded by a paparazzi who refuses to delete the footage. The paparazzi sell it to a media company, which then goes public for profit, causing the protagonist to face ridicule from media and the public. In seeking justice through legal means, he finds it elusive, forcing him to take matters into his own hands."

"Good idea," Michael deduced Sherri's narrative arc. "So we'll conclude with an epic action scene where the protagonist takes out all the scoundrels who exposed his privacy!"

Sherri replied, "Exactly! The real Josh must feel suffocated, and we could let him vent on screen."

David, skilled in operations, calculated, "Excluding Josh's fees, production costs can stay under $1.5 million."

"Now, we have one issue left," Michael stated. "How can we entice Josh Hartnett to star in this role? No one fits better, and losing him would diminish the film's selling point significantly."

David suggested, "A $500,000 salary plus a share of the profits, no audition necessary -- tailored for him."

Michael nodded, "Sounds good. You should draft a script outline quickly. Once we have the framework, I'll reach out to negotiate."

"I'll start writing now." Sherri grabbed a pen and pad and left.

Being a small company meant fewer bureaucratic hurdles; the three could make decisions for The Asylum Pictures.

...

Burbank, Western Voice Records.

A van pulled up to the entrance, and Joanna was the first to step out.

Eager reporters and paparazzi swarmed in, snapping photos as the door opened.

Allison slowly got out, raising her hand to greet the cameras.

She reveled in the feeling of being surrounded by flashing lights.

Suddenly, she spotted two paparazzi lying on the ground, capturing shots from below.

Rather than being annoyed, she deliberately parted her legs as she exited the vehicle.

One paparazzo finished shooting and quickly got up, dashing back toward the car.

Camel toe -- he had captured it, sure to fetch a good price.

Joanna and Allison, mother and daughter, loved being the center of attention, and they strolled slowly toward the record company's entrance.

The receptionist awaited them at the door: "Ms. Faith, Miss Faith, the president wants you to head straight to the conference room on the second floor."

They picked up the pace, entering the conference room, where the president, along with Hawke and his assistant, awaited.

Joanna quickly stepped forward and respectfully greeted Hawke, "I apologize for the delay; we were pursued by reporters."

Hawke replied graciously, "No problem, I just arrived."

Once the mother and daughter sat down, Roger said, "Over this past month, I've witnessed what it means to turn the mundane into the extraordinary. You mobilized half of Hollywood's paparazzi and journalists to work for us for free, leading to today's success."

Hawke asked, "Where did the first single land on the charts?"

Allison replied, "Number 33, with a solid chance to break into the top twenty."

Hawke understood that such results meant Western Voice Records must have invested resources into promoting the song.

Though he was unfamiliar with Billboard's rules, he was aware of Hollywood's and the Oscars' operations -- wherever there are people, there are dynamics.

Joanna said with anticipation, "Hawke, if possible, we'd like to hire you as Allison's public relations manager."

"My fees are quite high," he reminded her. "The typical public relations manager doesn't earn what I do, but since you're a friend of Dwayne's, I've only charged you $800,000 for this job."

Joanna opened her mouth but quickly closed it, realizing she couldn't afford Hawke.

Roger noted her reaction, recognizing the fortune it was to have someone like Hawke as a partner; being on the opposing side could be terrifying.

He glanced at Joanna: "Now that the planning has been successfully executed, I'll inform the finance department to transfer the payment."

Joanna came to her senses; though it pained her financially, she still called her accountant to clear the balance she owed.

Before long, Hawke received a call from the bank's liaison, informing him that two deposits of total $400,000 had just been processed.

With the payment received, the contract concluded.

Hawke stood to leave and shook hands with Roger. "You have my contact info; feel free to call whenever needed."

"I will," Roger thought otherwise, concluding he wouldn't want to hire him unless a scandal erupted that was impossible to handle.

On the one hand, the fees were too steep.

On the other hand, it just felt wrong.

Roger always felt that everyone, including himself, was being manipulated like puppets.

And the puppeteer was obvious.

Joanna stepped forward to shake Hawke's hand.

Just as he was about to leave, she turned and reached out for Edward.

With work so hectic lately and the pressure mounting, she had no time to catch up with the charming, dark-haired guy -- now she could finally breathe.

Joanna asked, "Do you still have my contact info?"

Edward flashed a big grin, "I'll call if I get a chance."

"I'll be waiting," Joanna smiled and nodded.

Hawke had already exited the conference room.

Allison rushed out after him, "Hawke, wait!"

"Is there something?" Hawke asked.

Allison struck an exaggerated pose, her body curving attractively. "Do you have time tonight? I'm at home waiting, ready to thank you properly."

Hawke, wary of potential complications, replied, "I'm just doing my job; it's expected."

At that moment, Edward stepped out and waved.

"Savior, let's go."

...

The two made their way downstairs, getting into a Cadillac as Edward drove away from the curb, asking, "Where to?"

Hawke replied, "To Sherman Oaks, to Josh Hartnett's place. Will and I have an agreement."

Edward drove west, "Boss, every time we wrap up a contract, it goes smoothly. Back when I worked with Bull Daddy and others, it was always complicated."

Hawke explained simply, "Take this instance, for example. The lawyer I hired is not ordinary, well-connected with the LAPD and Fox 11, able to coordinate support from the Feminist Majority Foundation, arrange a People magazine exclusive, and even craft persuasive statements."

Edward realized, "If they don't pay the final bill, the cost will be greater!" He then added, "And you always have me record crucial points."

...

The Cadillac arrived at Sherman Oaks, pulling into Josh Hartnett's driveway.

Will and Josh emerged quickly from the villa to greet them, both wearing smiles as if something good had happened.

Once inside, Hawke asked, "Seeing you both so happy, you didn't just land a major role, did you?"

Josh replied, "Major roles usually require several rounds of auditions -- it doesn't happen that quickly."

Will handed Hawke a document. "The president and chief creative officer from The Asylum Pictures came by this morning, preparing to invite Josh to star in their major project."

Hawke looked through it.

Will continued, "This lead role doesn't require an audition. The Asylum Pictures is tailoring it for Josh; the plot aligns perfectly with his current situation."

What Hawke saw was an outline for a script whose main storyline mirrored the public perception from the selfie scandal.

There were differences, of course, primarily in the ending, where the protagonist picks up a gun and takes out the culprits.

Josh was relishing the prospect of a comeback and asked Hawke, "Do you think I should take this project?"

That was the wrong question to ask. Hawke responded, "Your agent or manager understands these situations better than I do. Let the professionals handle what they do best -- I don't want to give you bad advice."

"Okay, then." Josh chuckled, "I was presumptuous."

Will added, "I think the project is solid. Although the investment is modest, the short turnaround allows us to leverage this momentum. Once the film turns a profit, it'll be much easier to pursue additional roles."

Josh said, "You give them a call. I'll consider their offer and will give them a definite answer in two days."

Hawke returned the document to Will. "Our contract has been fulfilled."

"Understood." Josh grabbed his phone to call his accountant.

Since Josh planned to mortgage his New York apartment loan, he initially only paid Hawke $200,000.

The remaining $600,000 quickly arrived.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.