Chapter 170: In Paris' Company

[Chapter 171: In Paris' Company]

The plan involved a wealthy heiress footing the bill, which relieved them from worrying about funding. Twitter was a great platform for promotion, and Hawke could even pitch it to Fox Television. Just these two factors alone eliminated a significant portion of the usual Hollywood project hassles.

Hawke took charge of the creative aspects while Eric assembled his professional team to turn those ideas into a feasible project plan. Katherine was responsible for all production duties. The three of them divided their tasks clearly, and within just two days, they completed a solid proposal for a variety show.

The project was titled In Paris' Company.

That's right; the name was inspired by Paris Hilton's handbag-carrying friend, Kim Kardashian. Once the shooting proposal was finalized, Hawke called Rooney.

...

That afternoon, Rooney Chasen arrived at Twitter with Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. Hawke introduced them to Eric and Katherine. Katherine shook hands with Paris, saying, "We met in New York when you were still in school."

Paris recalled, "I remember you. You lived on the Upper East Side and were part of the socialite crowd."

Katherine replied, "I'm a film producer now."

This piqued Paris' interest. "How did you get into the film industry?"

Katherine looked at Hawke and said, "Because Hawke helped me navigate it, I achieved success quite easily."

Paris felt her confidence in Hawke soar; she asked him, "What's your plan?"

Hawke handed over two copies of the proposal to Paris and Rooney. "Take a look at this first."

Rooney took her copy and started reviewing it carefully. Paris also read it with a rare level of seriousness. Kim glanced at both Paris and Hawke, wanting a copy for herself, but no one paid her any attention.

After a while, Rooney asked Hawke, "Is this design meant to highlight contrast?"

"Exactly, contrast. A rich heiress doing everyday things," Hawke emphasized. "This contrast will provide immense entertainment value for the audience. It's a unique advantage that Paris possesses -- something most stars and actors can't replicate. Her lifestyle and media presence over the last few years have made her irreplaceable in this regard."

Paris scratched her cheek, thinking aloud, "That sounds interesting. I can show off my lifestyle while doing things I enjoy..."

Rooney liked the idea. "I think the concept is great." Being a responsible PR manager, she asked, "Which platform will it air on?"

Hawke replied, "Twitter or Fox Television. I've contacted the latter, but they need to see some sample footage first."

Paris was impulsive by nature and didn't need to think long about it. She declared, "This plan sounds feasible; I love it!"

Hawke had tailored the idea to fit Paris' everyday style. "I plan to shoot three episodes first to gauge market reactions."

Paris pondered, "Isn't three episodes a bit short?"

"The shooting cycle for this kind of show is quite brief," Hawke explained, staying focused. "Let's see how it works out first."

Coming from a business family, Paris had some entrepreneurial sense. She nodded and asked, "What's the budget?"

Hawke estimated high. "Three million dollars for the three episodes."

Rooney interjected, "That's a bit steep."

Hawke explained briefly, "We need to rent a top-notch mansion for filming."

Paris jumped in, "I have a big villa in Malibu. It's been renovated but hasn't been lived in yet."

Hawke nodded. "Aren't you chummy with many big brands? We'll need outfits, accessories, and everyday items..."

"No need for that fuss," Paris said dismissively. "I have plenty of that stuff. I'll have my team pack a few trucks to deliver everything to the villa."

At this point, everyone -- Hawke, Eric, and Rooney -- preferred to avoid further conversation with Paris Hilton. No wonder she had a reputation for being obnoxious; she spoke with an air of bragging.

The upside was that Paris was straightforward about money, exclaiming, "Three million dollars for three episodes? Deal!"

Hawke stated, "Once the funding is confirmed, we can assemble the crew today. Please prepare the Malibu villa as soon as possible; Eric and his team will be on-site tomorrow."

Paris turned to Kim. "Kim, run back to the hotel and have my clothes, jewelry, and everyday essentials packed and shipped to Malibu. Bring back a key to the villa."

As Kim hurried off, Paris told Hawke, "You can head over tonight."

Hawke looked at Eric. With a significant budget, Eric would be well-compensated -- wealthy clients incentivized him. He said, "I'll start preparations tonight."

Hawke turned to Paris, saying, "You still have some work to do for the show's promotion."

Since the project aligned with her needs and personality, she was cooperative. "Just tell me what you need."

Hawke wasn't just speaking to Paris; he looked at Rooney as well. "Make a note. Before the show goes live, we need to do the following."

Rooney took out her notepad and pen.

Hawke instructed, "Let Paris' lawyers sue Rick Salomon. Try to do it publicly, ideally engage in a media battle to capture everyone's attention."

Rooney was adept at this kind of work. "Leave it to me."

Hawke continued to Paris, "You don't need to change your lifestyle. Go ahead and enjoy your life to the fullest -- maintain your high-profile way of living, even amp it up a notch."

Paris chuckled, "That's something I am excellent at." She had a little scheme in mind, "To draw more attention, I'll drag Britney along for the fun."

Hawke praised, "Great idea."

Rooney added, "Britney is notoriously spacey; you can definitely manage her."

Paris beamed even wider.

Hawke instructed Paris, "Set up a Twitter account. We'll generate buzz and traffic for you. Show off your wealth on Twitter."

Paris nodded enthusiastically. "That's something I know how to do."

In that moment, her impression of Hawke was through the roof. He didn't lecture her. While he did guide her, everything he suggested allowed her to continue doing what she loved.

Show off her wealth? Absolutely. Enjoy her leisure? Without question.

Hawke stood up and clapped his hands, saying, "Alright, everyone, let's get moving."

The team dispersed to take care of their tasks.

...

Once they all left, Hawke turned to Edward. "Any news about Rooney Chasen?"

Edward replied in a low voice, "Campos' people have been following her for a few days and reported no irregularities."

Hawke nodded slightly. "Have them keep following her."

Edward made the call.

...

Hawke then gathered Caroline and Harland for a meeting to discuss the feasibility of airing In Paris' Company on the Twitter platform. This required adding a video segment, but the timing wasn't right.

...

Later, he called Megan Taylor.

Fox Broadcasting owned a dedicated film and television channel with high ratings, which also aired variety shows. Despite Megan's connections, they still wanted to see a sample first.

...

With enough funding and Paris generously sponsoring filming locations and props, they would start shooting the first episode.

The next afternoon, Edward drove the bulletproof Mercedes, bringing Hawke to the beachfront villa in Malibu.

Paris' ocean-view villa sprawled across almost two acres, complete with a pool, beach, and lawn -- everything one could wish for. The two-story home showcased lavish interiors, appliances, and furniture at the highest luxury level.

Hawke entered the villa where Eric was directing crew members to set up camera tracks in the open kitchen area. Since this wasn't a studio, shooting was less convenient and required a lot of coordination.

Fortunately, Paris was generous enough that any decor or furniture that needed removing for filming could be adjusted at her discretion.

Hawke made his way to a large living room specifically cleared for filming, adorned with various women's clothing and a large amount of recently purchased everyday and kitchen goods.

The first episode of In Paris' Company would primarily showcase this heiress' culinary skills.

However, this wasn't just any ordinary cooking segment.

Once Eric wrapped up his tasks, he walked over.

Hawke said to him, "At the start of each episode, Paris should make a glamorous entrance, wearing the finest evening gown in her luxurious villa."

Eric nodded and noted, "There are plenty of high-end custom outfits available."

"They need to be eye-catching," Hawke cautioned. "First choice -- sparkly or gold."

Eric understood the directive, "To create a sense of luxury."

Hawke pointed to a few garments adorned with sequins or crystals. "Paris loves this style; these luxurious outfits enhance the contrast."

He moved into the kitchen area, picking up a spatula. "This spatula, although high-end, isn't suitable for shooting."

Eric examined it. "But it is top-of-the-line kitchen equipment."

"There's no sparkle," Hawke noted. "The spatula must be encrusted with diamonds. Genuine diamonds are too expensive, so use artificial diamonds or rhinestones. Our motto is: don't focus on usability, only on the cost!"

Just then, Paris descended from upstairs.

Hawke grabbed a pair of evening gloves and told her, "We can modify these a bit to serve as your kitchen gloves."

Paris asked curiously, "How do we modify them?"

Hawke replied, "Cut off the fingertips for practicality."

Without hesitation, Paris took a pair of scissors, snipped the fingers off, and asked, "How's this?"

"The style works," Hawke responded, then pointed to the back of the glove. "Add gemstones -- rubies, sapphires, and diamonds."

Paris' eyes lit up. "I love these gloves! I can show off while cooking!"

Hawke then picked up an iron from the utensils. "This also needs some alterations -- add gold and diamonds."

Paris inquired, "Iron my clothes? I can't do that."

Hawke shook his head. "Don't use it for clothes; instead, show off your extraordinary culinary skills by ironing bacon."

"Great! Great!" Paris excitedly clapped her hands.

A brilliantly creative mind paired with a delightfully extravagant heiress equated to an unbeatable combination.

From the preparation stage, they exuded an astonishingly wealthy allure.

*****

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