Ch 01. Reincarnation or Transmigration? I am Duke Rosenberg

In a cramped living room, Duke crouched between the large boxes, giving a quick glance at his diploma from the California Academy of Art before discarding it into the glove box. He retrieved the tape to seal the box, making preparations to ship it back to Santa Monica the next day.

He's heading home.

'Does it really matter if he graduated with top grades in film and video majors? Every year, tens of thousands of people flock to Hollywood in search of opportunities. Are any of them truly ahead?'

While Duke was talking to himself, he dropped the tape on the old sofa, then went back to the bedroom to get changed, ready to head out.

'It has been 21 years since I entered this world. I haven't done anything noteworthy yet, what a complete waste of time and my knowledge.'

Despite his words, Duke found himself sitting down, and the memory came rushing back to him. There are some memories that can never be fully erased.

Even though he has been living in the greater Los Angeles area for 21 years, Duke cannot shake off the fresh memory of an experience he had on the other side of the Pacific just yesterday.

Despite graduating from a famous film academy's directing department, he found himself in the circle without any opportunities to meet renowned individuals. There is a noticeable absence of big players or influential figures in this circle. It is really difficult for newcomers to get ahead.

Before his Time-Travel or was it Transmigration?, Duke's been grinding his way up the ladder, working in different crews and even doing assistant gigs in Props and Pyrotechnics department to make his dream of being a film director a reality.

Duke's been at it for years, working hard and doing his research. He put in the hours and became a well-known pyrotechnician in the scene. 

Additionally, he honed his skills in the art of generating explosions and shooting explosive scenes.

He finally landed a job as an assistant director for a low-budget war film in his thirties, shooting his specialty - the explosion scene.

But before he could taste his first success, he got blown up and turned into Duke Rosenberg, a LA native.

It's not cool to rob someone of their chance at success in their current life. Despite that, Duke is enjoying a positive and satisfactory life.

He was raised by his mother in a single-parent household. Similar to many astute Jews, his mother, Leah Rosenberg, possesses her own business.

While not considered immensely wealthy, her net worth exceeds tens of millions of dollars.

What is of utmost significance is that her advertising agency possesses close business relations with Hollywood. During the 1970s, when George Lucas had not yet amassed his wealth, the two individuals enjoyed a close friendship.

Duke has grown wiser and more knowledgeable in this lifetime. He's got a clear vision of what he wants and has been putting in the work.

The family environment has created a lot of convenient conditions. In both his childhood and adolescence, he frequently spent time with George Lucas.

Even though his part in "Star Wars" was ultimately deleted, it remains a noteworthy experience for him.

While on set, he attentively studies the Hollywood-style production model and familiarizes himself with the various components of the world film factory. This is the path he has selected for his future.

When things are normal, he spends most of his time immersing himself in his passion for film and also participates in sports that catch his interest.

Screenwriting, photography, editing, coordination, and other elements are all crucial for achieving success.

Duke has a knack for soaking up knowledge, just like a sponge soaks up water. He has been acquiring valuable knowledge for over a decade. Following his high school graduation, he opted not to enroll in the business school that his mother had suggested.

Instead, he went to the California Academy of Arts, which is all about Hollywood and movies.

Once he was sixteen, he found an agent who was also a beginner. With some help from his relatives, he hopped between crews as extras and temporary workers to get more knowledge and experience. It's all worth it for the experience.

Duke has done over a dozen roles where he doesn't speak or have close-up shots. He's even worked on Spielberg's "Captain Hook" and other gigs. Like a desert traveler, he has spent ten years accumulating, yet never finding contentment.

These are for things you actually need, but also for life.

Since he turned sixteen, Duke has been in charge of paying for his own living expenses and other costs, except for tuition fees, as is tradition for a member of the Rosenberg family.

It is universally recognized that the journey towards becoming an exceptional person is through learning.

Directing is a costly endeavor.

The financial burdens of purchasing various related books and expensive film, renting photographic equipment, and shooting experimental films continue to trouble Duke, even after reaching the age of 21 and officially beginning his journey in California.

Since graduating, his financial situation hasn't gotten better, and his credit card is in the red.

"What should I do next?"

Once he's back in Santa Monica, he can mooch off his mom's food for a bit, but he really needs a decent job ASAP.

'It took me more than ten years of struggle to become the assistant director. Is this lengthy process still necessary?'

It's Year 1991.

 With each passing year, the likelihood of him getting a chance decreases by one point. Duke's patience has been unwavering for all these years, during which he has diligently learned and amassed knowledge for more than ten years.

What he needs right now is a chance to shoot actual movies.

'Who wouldn't want an opportunity?'

'Do those who aspire to be part of Hollywood really can do without opportunity?''

With this in mind, Duke got up, opened the closet, retrieved his formal attire, and made his way towards the floor-length mirror.

'Maybe Lovett can lend me a hand?'

Duke has hired Lovett as his agent. Unlike Duke's career as a temporary worker who hasn't improved for a few years, Lovett is good at bootlicking.

Due to years of dedication, he has become the representative of the younger generation that CAA prioritizes.

Duke has a clear understanding of the significance of the current CAA for the entertainment industry.

Actually, his agreement with the brokerage is almost up. The meeting with Lovett is also to discuss the renewal of his contract with CAA.

With CAA's power, he can say 'No' to taking too many detours.

Duke changed out of his comfy clothes and into a fancy suit, checking himself out in the mirror. He didn't wanna make any mistakes in this crucial meeting, thanks to his good family education.

Neatly divided on both sides of his head, his Dark Brown medium hair is a trait inherited from his mother. 

He inherited his dark brown hair from his mother, a shade that perfectly complemented his piercing black eyes.

His face screamed "Michelangelo's masterpiece". He was captivating, and no one could deny it.

He possessed an innate grace that effortlessly allowed him to blend in with the elite of the society.

I mean, being a vase man in a commercial film could be easier, right?

With his captivating mixed-race features and a height of six feet and one inch, Duke undeniably possesses the capability.

He didn't want to be famous for his looks alone. He dreamed of being a director, calling the shots and making movies.

Leaving the rented apartment, Duke took the time to carefully lock the door behind him before descending the stairs. Upon reaching the street, he located his reliable second-hand Chevrolet and positioned himself on the side of the road. With anticipation in his heart, he began his drive towards the renowned California Institute of Art.

Valencia isn't too big, it's like a little sister to LA. Duke's place isn't too far from school. The car successfully reached the side entrance of the California Academy of Arts after driving through Central Avenue and making two turns at intersections.

Lovett was assigned to a specific location within a cafe, which happened to be next to the side door. Duke found a parking spot on the side of the road for the Chevrolet, skipped the green belt, and entered the cafe through the glass door.

Duke walked in, turned left, and saw Lovett in the quiet corner at the end of the passage, but it wasn't what he expected. Someone else was with Lovett.

'Why is he here?'

With a slight frown, Duke walked up to Lovett, who acknowledged him with a nod, saying, "Duke."

"Hi, Lovett."

Duke gave him a friendly greeting, grabbed a chair and plopped down in front of Lovett, and then extended his hand across the table. "Hello, Rick Solomon, I didn't expect to see you here!"

The other guy didn't even bother shaking hands, just waved.

Duke withdrew his hand and didn't bother looking at Rick Solomon. Rick and I were both students in the same class at the California Academy of the Arts. The relationship between the two is very ordinary. They were the quarterback of the college football team and were both chasing after the cheerleader captain. They had competed for her attention where, of course, Rick Solomon had lost.

He's not here to start a fight over what happened before.

Duke made eye contact with the other side. Lovett, like all Hollywood agents, rocked a sharp suit with that professional poker face.

"Hey Lovett," Duke said, realizing the other party wasn't going to speak. "So, about that contract renewal..."

"Sorry, Duke!"

Lovett put down his coffee cup and interrupted him, saying, "Some things can't be said over the phone, you know. I'm in Valencia to discuss a brokerage contract with Mr. Solomon this time."

He stopped for a second and casually said, "CAA will check out all the artists they represent, and honestly, Duke, your acting is terrible and you haven't made any progress. About what you mentioned about becoming a director, sorry, but I don't think it's gonna work out. CAA and I won't be renewing your contract."

Duke looked up, slightly surprised, when he heard this unexpected remark from his agent. It seemed like he couldn't rely on the agency anymore.

"Sorry it had to come to this, Duke."

To be honest, Lovett had nothing to apologize for. "The company's management officially invited me to be a partner. After that, I'll take care of a few big-name artists. More work and resources are coming my way, but I won't have any extra energy to handle everyone. I can't plan the future for those who have no hope."

While Lovett maintained a poker face, Duke's depth of experience is undeniable. The unconstrained satisfaction was obvious in Lovetts' eyes and the slight upturned of his mouth.

In an instant, Duke's surprised face vanished, leaving behind his usual expression. His silence spoke volumes, as he chose not to say anything at all.

Lovett stood up, gave him a pat on the shoulder, and said in a condescending tone, "You really let me down. In five years you played 17 roles, but your career Without any progress, listen to my advice, you are not suitable for this industry, you will only waste your time and energy if you continue."

He walked out of the cafe, not bothering to look back at his partner of five years, like he was done with Duke.

"Duke, I just heard you're not Hollywood material." said Rick Solomon, who had not left. He had an unpleasant and hostile demeanor. He kept going after Duke, thinking he was heartbroken. Among the new agents, Lovett is the one with the best eyesight for talents, But he rejected you."

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~[2K words]~