Ch 04. Rejected

Hollywood: King of the Commercial Films

Ch 04. Rejected

There is a stark contrast between words and reality. Duke is fully aware of this, and his mother's assessment didn't discourage him. After taking a brief hiatus to regain his mental clarity, he is now among the many newcomers in Hollywood, hungry for success, plunged into this unpredictable Hollywood circle.

He possesses distinct advantages that set him apart. Being a native of Los Angeles, his family has strong ties to Hollywood, and he is well-versed in the inner workings of the studio and the Hollywood industry. He will not run around like a headless fly, buzzing erratically without any sense of purpose.

Duke made meticulous preparations before starting and established a clear goal in his mind.

In Hollywood, when a screenwriter believes they have written a good script, they typically follow one of two paths.

Like a self-directed director, one option is to approach influential producers or brokerage companies, like CAA, to pitch their ideas.

Should the other party appreciate the script, these producers, known for their extensive network, alongside the company, will advocate for the project to the production company. Following a stringent review, the project can secure the required investment.

Alternatively, you can skip the middleman and go straight to the relevant department of the production company to hand-deliver the script. From there, it will go through the film company's screening and assessment process. This is the simplest and most direct method, but it is also a futile approach.

Despite Duke's acquaintances with several producers, only George Lucas had a personal connection with him, thanks to his mother's friendship.

Duke's plan was to start with the second option, fully aware that failure would have no negative repercussions.

Duke wasted no time, bringing several copies of his Speed script as he drove directly to Century City on the west side of Beverly Hills, eager to pitch his idea to the industry professionals.

This is one of the most famous large-scale integrated commercial districts in Los Angeles, where many Famous films such as Die Hard and Planet of the Apes have used this city as their backdrop. Many television and music companies are located here. Duke's goal is the largest company of them, the 20th Century Fox that occupies the entire Fox Building!

With his handbag in hand, Duke made his way through the front entrance of the Fox Building. His eyes darted across the expansive hall, observing the hustle and bustle, as he leisurely headed towards the front desk.

"Is there anything I can do for you, sir?"

The reception staff at Twentieth Century Fox greeted Duke with professionalism, accompanied by a warm smile.

"I'm looking for Mr. Tim Fisher from the Review and Editorial Department," Duke replied.

The person in charge of that department at 20th Century Fox is certainly not foolish. Therefore, Duke wasted no time and straightforwardly stated his intentions.

"Excuse me," he called out, hoping for a response, "is he there?"

"Do you have an appointment?" The lady at the front desk still maintained a bright smile.

"No..." Duke's voice trailed off as he shook his head slowly. "I had hoped to schedule an appointment, but unfortunately, I am unaware of his secretary's desk phone number."

Even if Mr. Fisher knows him, he's afraid the other party will not make an appointment for him.

"So, what's the purpose of your visit?"

In response to the proficient question from the lady at the front desk, Duke confidently gestured down his handbag. "I am a screenwriter and director," he stated. "I've got a script for Mr. Tim Fisher to take a look at."

Seeing the other person's slightly surprised expression, Duke said, "What?" with a puzzled expression on his face. "Do I not look like a director?"

"I didn't mean that," she stammered, the words catching in her throat. "It's just that you look too young to be a Director!"

With a heavy heart, Duke silently acknowledged that his age and qualifications were indeed lacking.

"Is it possible for you to make a call for me?" Once more, he asked, his tone growing more insistent.

"This..."

Upon seeing Duke's sincere expression, she couldn't help but feel a slight embarrassment, as he resembled all ambitious young individuals craving for opportunities.

"I can reach out to Mr. Fisher's secretary."

Duke had to rely heavily on his striking good looks and his convincing display of sincerity to elicit that response. The lady at the front desk swiftly dialed a phone number, exchanged a few hushed words, and ended the call.

"I am sorry. Mr.?"

"Duke, you can call me Duke."

"Sorry, Duke. Mr. Fisher is busy at the moment. Just drop off your script on the seventh floor with the Script Review department and they'll take care of it."

"Thank you!"

Duke said this sentence with utmost sincerity, considering they were all strangers and knew the other party's limitations.

Riding the elevator to the seventh floor, Duke spent some time asking around, determined to find the right office. At Twentieth Century Fox, there is a department solely responsible for ensuring the smooth delivery of scripts. It's not an exaggeration when we say that the quantity of scripts received here is often in the hundreds or even thousands.

"Speed?"

A man about 30 years old received Duke. With a swift motion, he took the copy and exchanged it for a form, the sound of paper rustling filling the air.

"Please provide your name, phone number, address, and email address for our records. You can expect to be notified immediately as soon as we receive any updates."

"Thank you."

Duke swiftly opened his pen and efficiently completed the form before promptly returning it to the other party. After taking a quick glance at it, the man carefully tucked it in with the script and placed the bundle on the file cabinet beside it.

Duke's eyes were fixed on the filing cabinets, particularly the tall stacks that resembled hills, filled with scripts waiting to be reviewed. Some of them had gathered so much dust over time.

As it was of no use to ask the staff at this level, he didn't bother inquiring about Mr. Fisher or directing.

Moreover, judging from the situation on the scene, it seems unlikely that 20th Century Fox will use the script, considering they have hundreds of other such scripts filed. Well, he didn't put all his hope in one basket.

In the span of just one day, a multitude of scripts are received by the film company, their fate uncertain as they are read and reviewed in an ongoing cycle. But Duke knew that achieving his dream of getting his script to the top through this method was highly unlikely.

Duke acknowledged the receptionist with a nod as he stood in the lobby on the first floor, hesitant to depart just yet. Instead, he made his way to the resting area on the side of the lobby. He found a comfortable spot with a clear view of both the elevator entrance and exit, and settled down to wait patiently.

The path to success has never been straightforward or uncomplicated. Moreover, he is a person of great obscurity. He was accustomed to waiting for extended periods of time, even for the slightest chance to come his way. And today, he is remarkably patient.

As noon approached, Duke's eyes suddenly locked onto the three figures who had just stepped out. It was him—the very same person he had seen in the newspaper. Tim Fisher himself was the one who walked through the door.

Duke's handbag held the script tightly as he walked over to them, his steps unwavering. Instead of running towards them, he chose to discreetly tail them as they left the Fox Building.

"Duke?"

As he walked out, he immediately recognized the sound of a very familiar voice coming from up ahead. "What brings you to this place?"

Duke, whose attention was always fixed on Tim Fisher, heard a voice that made him turn his head slightly. To his surprise, he realized that the person farthest from him was actually his agent Lovett.

Ah…No, it should be a former Agent. The contract between the two parties ended in May.

Duke stepped in front of Tim Fisher, nodding slightly to Lovett as he did.

"Mr. Fisher, I'm sorry to disturb you," he blurted, his manners impeccable. "I've written a script. Can you please take a moment to look at this?"

Tim Fisher had grown accustomed to encountering this type of situation outdoors, so he remained unfazed. As the security guard approached, he extended his arm to halt him in his tracks. He quickly grabbed the script that Duke had given him, then glanced in the opposite direction. "Tell me, Lovett, is he part of the CAA?"

"Mr. Fisher, Mr. Bob."

Positioned on the outermost side, Lovett respectfully turned to Tim Fisher and Martin Scorsese in the middle, disclosing, "I used to be his Agent. In May, his contract expired and the CAA made the decision not to renew it."

It was evident from Lovett's insinuation that Duke was no longer valued by CAA, as they chose to abandon him without hesitation.

"Wait, you were an actor?", Tim looked at Duke and said, "No contract renewal from CAA, huh?"

Tim Fisher frowned and put his hand on the script, like he was gonna flip through it. "You're Duke, right? I'll take the script. If there's any news, I'll have someone get in touch with you."

After delivering his speech, he raised his hand, silencing Duke with a stern gesture.

Duke is not foolish; he understands that if he utters a word, the security guard lurking behind will immediately come forward and forcibly remove him. With a courteous nod and a soft-spoken "Thank you," he slowly turned on his heel and made his way out.

"So, this is the kid from the Rosenberg family?"

From behind, the resounding voice of a middle-aged man echoed in the air. Duke recognized that he was in the presence of one of the top five behemoths in CAA and the renowned filmmaker, Martin Scorsese.

The other party spoke freely, knowing Duke hadn't gone far, and Martin didn't have to worry about being overheard, as he was not afraid of a small time person like Duke.

"I thought he had some potential," remarked Martin Scorsese. "However, the agency's evaluation indicated low abilities and a lack of talent on his part. Now he is a person who was abandoned by the CAA."

Even without glancing behind him, Duke Rosenberg can envision the look on Tim Fisher's face. 'Can anyone who's been discarded by the CAA still make it in Hollywood?'

Duke fought the urge to look back but couldn't help stealing a glance at the 20th Century Fox Building before he turned the corner. As Tim Fisher sent away the two CAA personnel, Duke's eyes followed his script being handed off to a nearby staff member.

Turning around, that particular staff member made their way into the 20th Century Fox Building, heading towards the office.

In all honesty, this outcome was somewhat predictable, wasn't it?

Duke started his second-hand Chevrolet, the engine purring softly as he turned the steering wheel and eased out of the parking lot. Everybody needs an Image, and in public, he needs to showcase his Talent to become a sought-after individual. Upon hearing Lovett's comment about Duke, Tim Fisher downplayed the situation and acted as though everything would be alright, without even bothering to inquire about Duke's name or how to reach him.

While the other party may not hold the ultimate decision-making power for launching a film project, they can easily dismiss a script.

After leaving Beverly Hills, Duke stumbled upon a charming eatery where he could enjoy a satisfying lunch before continuing his journey. Failure would not deter him; instead, it would only fuel his determination.

His destination this time was Burbank, a bustling city known for its vibrant entertainment industry. The Chevy smoothly entered the bustling city streets, effortlessly finding its way to the iconic Warner Building. After inquiring about it at the front desk, he pressed the elevator button and ascended to the office floor of Warner Bros.

Maybe it was God's blessing.

When Duke went to deliver the script, he unexpectedly met Jeff Robinov, who is in charge of the film production and development at Warner Bros.

Once his simple self-introduction was over, Duke revealed his Jewish heritage, which prompted Jeff to offer him a generous five minutes of his undivided attention.

"…A criminal has placed a bomb on a bus that is now moving swiftly through the city. The bomb is rigged to explode once the bus's speed drops below 50 miles an hour. The bus contained a mix of innocent passengers, a temporary female driver, and a person with a criminal past. One of the Police officer boards onto the bus through a Speeding Car which crashes…"

Five minutes is neither short nor long

and

In a few words, Duke summarized the script's main concept and expressed his keen interest in directing it as a film.

Jeff Robinov, a middle-aged Jew with a thinning hairline, looked up and leaned back in his office chair. He directed his gaze towards Duke, who was standing by his side and inquired, "If I understand correctly, young Mr. Rosenberg, do you have a desire to direct your own script?"

With a serious nod, Duke confirmed his agreement with a resolute, "Yes."

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[~ 2300 Words]