Chapter 171: Commercial Landscape

[Chapter 172: Commercial Landscape]

After four days of preparation, the new era variety show In Paris' Company officially started filming in a luxurious mansion in Malibu.

The production team included producers Catherine, Hawke Osment, director Eric Emerson, the leading lady Paris Hilton, and cameo star Kim Kardashian.

Thanks to Paris' exclusive funding and the advice of the experienced Rooney Chasen, they set up Paris Entertainment Studio, which naturally owned the show's rights.

Rooney saw Paris as a long-term cash cow and actively protected her interests.

Once filming commenced, Hawke chose to remain silent, fully entrusting the professional aspects to Eric.

...

The primary focus of the show was essentially Paris Hilton, dressed in high-end couture, attempting to cook various dishes herself, including candy and cakes.

The production aimed to showcase a stark contrast between her glamorous lifestyle and her cooking mishaps.

The show portrayed Paris as the quintessential rich girl, rich but a bit naive and silly, engaging in the chaos of everyday life.

In the open kitchen, Paris donned diamond and ruby-encrusted fingerless gloves while whipping cream.

Her enthusiasm caused her to be a bit overzealous, resulting in several gems falling into the cream.

Annoyed, Paris threw down her spoon and unleashed a string of complaints at her assistant Kim, demanding she retrieve the gems immediately.

At that moment, Kim could only lower herself in Paris's presence.

Once the storm of emotions erupted from Paris, the filming had to be halted.

...

Eric and Rooney attempted to calm her down, but the young socialite was unyielding.

With no other option, they stepped outside to request Hawke's assistance.

Hawke, expecting the tension, asked as he approached, "What's going on?"

Rooney detailed the situation, "Paris is throwing a fit at the assistant."

Hawke entered the mansion and heard Paris's furious shouts. He found a place to sit, signaling Rooney to stay calm.

Eric joined them, and the trio decided to have the production assistants fetch coffee while they waited.

A short while later, Kim emerged from the mansion in tears.

Eric pointed in her direction.

Hawke shook his head, "No need to worry, she'll come back."

Rooney observed Hawke's every move. In light of their last interaction, she felt her conventional PR methods seemed a bit outdated.

Moments later, Hawke stood up, "I'll go talk to her."

Rooney followed, "I'll accompany you; after all, she's a woman."

Hawke waved his hand and approached Paris's dressing room, gently knocking on her open door.

The moment Paris saw him, she complained, "Filming this stuff is such a hassle." She waved her hands in front of her, "And I have to wear these gloves."

Hawke sat down in a chair, not addressing her complaint but instead asking, "You aren't going to inherit the Hilton family estate, are you?"

Paris shrugged, "I'm not the heir."

Hawke continued, "Eventually, you'll marry into some rich family for the Hiltons and have children, right?"

He didn't need her to answer. "So, before that happens, you should go wild, enjoy all your freedom."

"You really know a lot," Paris glanced at Hawke, finding him interesting. "We might as well give it a shot -- I'm great at it, I'm sure you've seen those videos..."

Hawke adopted a sage-like demeanor, "Don't say such pointless things. Once you marry and want freedom, a successful career is your foundation. Only with success can you truly be yourself."

Paris blinked, realizing how reasonable that sounded; with enough money, she could do whatever she wanted.

She threw her arms wide, "What does that have to do with wearing them?"

"Fingerless gloves, or rather, Paris's diamond-studded fingerless gloves." To encourage the socialite's entrepreneurial spirit, Hawke suggested, "If the show's a hit, you can create a brand, you could incite a fashion wave."

Paris seriously contemplated Hawke's words; she knew fashion much better than he did and it seemed there weren't many competitors in the diamond glove market.

She turned to Rooney, "Contact someone right away and help me register this brand, just as Hawke mentioned."

There were still many more complicated matters to deal with in filming. Hawke advised her, "Not just a fashion brand; in the next episode, you'll make glittery cotton candy and sparkling candy that can also leverage the show to create your own brand."

Paris's eyes sparkled like diamonds, glimmering under the lights.

She asked, "Is the career plan you devised for me just about being a TV star?"

Hawke pointed his index finger at her, "Did you forget? We signed a contract for a business strategy plan! A life strategy -- understand?"

"I get it," Paris nodded vigorously, "A true business map belonging to me."

Her temper and frustration vanished, she strode out of the dressing room, calling, "Director Eric, Director Eric!"

Eric stood up and waved.

Paris rushed over, apologizing, "Sorry, Director Eric, I shouldn't have blown up like that. I've calmed myself down; let's continue filming."

"Sure," Eric nodded, reminding her, "Your assistant..."

Before he could finish, Kim had already entered from outside.

Paris impatiently asked, "Are you ready? Come on, let's start shooting."

Kim muttered an apology before obediently following Paris to the kitchen area.

Eric called for his crew and resumed filming.

This left Rooney and Hawke alone.

...

Rooney thoughtfully said, "I'm starting to understand why clients who work with you always praise you so highly."

Hawke replied, "Looks like you've done your homework on me."

"Of course, last time I lost badly, my clients met their maker," Rooney chuckled. "You don't just focus on the present; you consider the long term."

Hawke shook his head, "Talking about entrepreneurship? If it were someone ordinary, I wouldn't suggest it, but Paris is different."

Rooney asked earnestly, "Can you elaborate?"

Hawke explained, "Paris holds some sway in high society. Forget about her friends on the Upper East Side; the influence she has over Britney can save her a lot of trouble in the fashion world."

Rooney realized, "That's true."

Hawke continued, "As for the candy business, the Hilton Group owns thousands of large hotels globally, and candy is a necessity in hotels. Just a small inkling during the procurement process could support her candy brand."

Rooney glanced towards the kitchen, "Those are truly her unique advantages." She tapped her head, "Paris wants to start her own business but isn't using her brain."

Hawke said, "If she had a few more years of social experience, she would have realized this. Right now, all her thoughts are on enjoyment."

Suddenly, Rooney scrutinized Hawke and invited, "Want to grab a drink tonight? The new bar at Grapevine Winery has a male cocktail that supposedly tastes amazing."

"I can only apologize," Hawke politely declined, also making it clear to avoid any inappropriate advances, "My girlfriend has made dinner plans with me tonight. If I don't show up, it'll be very messy."

Rooney nodded, "Let's do it another time."

...

Hawke went to the kitchen area to observe Eric's filming.

Compared to before, Paris Hilton was much more serious, but the more focused she got on her cooking, the more blunders she made.

Eric never called a halt, allowing her to explore on her own, even resulting in a cream cake flecked with diamonds and rubies.

The director believed this would be a selling point.

...

As the afternoon filming neared completion, Catherine rushed in.

She approached Hawke, saying, "I contacted someone I know at FOX, and the feedback is clear; for an external show, a test screening is essential."

Hawke stated, "Let's finish the first episode first, then prepare for the test screening."

Catherine replied, "Once Eric finishes shooting, I'll bring in the editors immediately."

Hawke wouldn't interfere with such specialized work, "Post-production editing can just be handled by you and Eric."

...

After today's filming wrapped, Hawke exited the mansion first, driving away from Malibu towards Laurel Canyon.

Erika arrived even earlier, waiting at an Italian restaurant.

She heard from her coworkers about the restaurant and specifically invited Hawke to join.

As Erika ate slices of lamb, she asked, "Is there any news from FOX?"

"Not yet," Hawke hadn't been closely monitoring it; after all, it was merely a strategy to gauge FOX's reactions. "It seems everything's normal over there. I made inquiries about Gretchen, and her work situation hasn't changed."

Erika nodded, changing the subject. "I haven't checked out your new place yet."

Hawke chuckled, "I called you; you were busy these past few days."

Erika sighed, "Los Angeles is a concentration of crazies." She was about to say more but noticed Hawke was thoughtfully selecting meat for his dinner. She held her tongue, "The poor are brutally poor, while the rich are pathologically crazy..."

Hawke replied very seriously, "Brian intends to run for president in the future; let him change that."

Erika remarked, "His reforms probably won't last long before he gets shot down."

...

After dinner, they both drove to Santa Monica, pulling up to 20th Street.

The villa's garage could accommodate two cars, and they parked side by side.

As they stepped out of the cars, Erika carried a tote bag.

Hawke curiously asked, "What did you bring?"

Erika took a couple of steps forward, linking her arm with his, "A new uniform; you're going to love it."

Hawke was intrigued, pulling her towards the house.

But Erika interrupted, "First, take a shower; you smell like sheep. Go upstairs, and I'll be downstairs. Do not come down until I'm dressed."

Hawke, genuinely perplexed, asked, "What kind are you preparing?"

Erika didn't answer but returned, "Do you like being a pilot?"

Hawke affirmed that he really enjoyed it.

*****

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