C 27

Leaving New York, Lovett rushed back to Los Angeles on Friday. "Alien 3" is CAA's key package project this year, and as one of the participants, he couldn't miss the premiere, especially since several of CAA's actors appeared in the movie. He also had to keep an eye on Rick Solomon, who was signed by CAA for public relations with Warner Bros. Lovett wasn't entirely confident in Solomon—his simple mind wasn't particularly suited for Hollywood.

"Watch your words and actions, Rick!" Lovett reminded him before they got out of the car. "No matter what the reporter asks, just smile."

Seeing Rick, Lovett felt his stress mount. If Solomon were even half as calm and smart as Luke, Lovett's workload would be much lighter.

"I know, Lovett! I'll show my best side!" Rick waved casually as he exited the car. Though Lovett thought little of him, Solomon wasn't completely inept. As he walked down the red carpet, his good looks and bright smile attracted plenty of attention from reporters and cameras.

The cheers from the crowd and flashing lights intoxicated Rick. Waving to the crowd only triggered more screams, giving him a sense of importance—as if he were a major star, maybe even surpassing the lead actors who had walked the carpet ahead of him.

Buoyed by this excitement, Rick entered the interview area, handling reporters' questions in the polished way Lovett had drilled into him.

"Mr. Solomon," a reporter asked, "I heard you and 'Speed' director Luke Rosenberg are classmates? You both played on the college football team? Do you know each other?"

"Yes, we know each other," Rick replied, forced to acknowledge the connection.

The reporter continued, "As of yesterday, Luke Rosenberg's 'Speed' has earned $82.78 million at the North American box office. As a former classmate, what do you think of Luke and 'Speed'?"

Rick's earlier excitement faded. Though burning with resentment, he maintained his brightest smile. He noticed Lovett gesturing frantically from a distance, reminding him not to say anything damaging. Rick was no fool—he knew showing disdain for Luke would turn him into the media's laughingstock.

"Luke's a friend from school," Rick forced out, struggling internally. "He's a talented guy—I knew that early on. I'm happy for his success. 'Speed' is a fantastic film. I've always thought so."

Afterward, Rick hurried out of the interview area, hoping the questions wouldn't dig any deeper into his relationship with Luke or his thoughts on "Speed." As he entered the theater for the premiere, his mood soured. He clenched his fists. Why did "Speed" have to linger in the spotlight long enough to overshadow his own movie, "Alien 3"?

Meanwhile, Martin Bob, a top agent at CAA, approached Fox executive Tom Rothman. "Congratulations, 'Speed' is a huge success," Martin said. "Fox is going to make a lot from it."

Rothman, pleased with the film's performance, offered a reserved smile. "Thanks."

Martin pressed further, his tone shifting to a more strategic one. "The market potential for 'Speed' is almost tapped out, right? It's time for Fox to shift focus to 'Alien 3'."

Recognizing the market reality, Rothman agreed. "After this weekend, we'll transition all our resources from 'Speed' to 'Alien 3'."

Their conversation took on a more conspiratorial tone as they discussed future projects, reinforcing the deep cooperation between CAA and Fox.

Elsewhere, in Times Square, the final leg of the North American promotion for "Speed" was underway. As usual, Keanu Reeves and Uma Thurman were the stars of the show, but something had changed. When Luke walked the red carpet outside the AMC Theater, fans clamored for his autograph.

"Are you the director of 'Speed'?" one asked. Luke graciously replied, "Yes, thank you for your support."

Among the reporters, Robbie Padgett from The New York Times noticed Luke. While others flocked around the lead actors, Robbie saw potential in interviewing the young director. He approached Luke.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Luke Rosenberg?" Robbie asked.

Luke nodded, and Robbie introduced himself. "I'm Robbie Padgett from The New York Times. May I ask you a few questions?"

"Of course," Luke replied with a smile.

Luke's appearance suggested he could be an actor himself, but Robbie focused on the interview. "Luke, this is your first film, and it's been widely praised. What inspired you to make 'Speed'?"

"The pursuit of my dreams and my love for filmmaking," Luke answered simply.

Robbie noted the calm in Luke's tone. There was no arrogance, just confidence. Robbie continued, "Do you think the North American box office for 'Speed' will surpass $100 million?"

"It definitely will," Luke replied confidently.

"This weekend?"

"Maybe next weekend. Time will tell," Luke said with a smile.

Robbie admired Luke's poise. He asked about Roger Ebert's glowing review, which had awarded "Speed" 10 out of 10.

"Thank you, Mr. Ebert, for the compliment. It's an honor," Luke replied modestly.

Despite the high praise, Robbie sensed Luke wasn't overly concerned with critics' opinions. The young director had a clear, independent vision.

As the interview wrapped up, Robbie felt sure that Luke was more than just a flash-in-the-pan director. The next day's New York Times featured the interview, marking Luke's first appearance in a major publication. However, it didn't generate as much buzz as expected. Hollywood studios weren't clamoring to call him just yet, but Luke didn't mind. He was already focused on the next project.

More attention, however, was drawn to "Speed," which, over the new weekend, once again topped the North American box office chart.