images.

February 18.

The first week, Jerry Maguire had an outstanding box office performance with at least a significant difference, earning 24 million over the opening weekend, and with its success in the reviews, it was clear that it was favorably received.

Taking into account many mistakes, failures, and turning points, the film had its first weekend, and the statistics came in as fast as they should. But the growth was entirely driven by the statistical points carried by the men. Jerry Maguire brought in 40,000 in its first week, and their progress as an actor, writer, and illustrator continued growing slowly but surely.

The meetings and castings had to be handled appropriately, the kind of work that could help resolve the production timeline, which is long and fundamentally different. Being part of the auditions for three or four days, many people have earned the favor to attend, and from other reaches, they've conducted various types of castings, but nothing seemed to please James Cameron, who always found some flaw in how he perceived the initial character. It was like refreshing a first performance, then pushing for the role, with different people; apparently, they'd hold several auditions to see the chemistry between actors, which is why numerous actors were selected.

-Mr. Carson, they're waiting for you in the room,- someone called out.

Voices echoed in the production office. He didn't need anything extra, as a tuft of hair fell over his face. The wardrobe was exactly as he imagined, and there was a serious man—Jon Landau—alongside James Cameron, who was sitting to the side, visibly frustrated. Billy could see that the audition process would be entirely different and awkward in an exasperating way, given the various issues and desires that compelled him to act. The first thing they asked him to do was walk around the room, followed by reading a few lines, which seemed different from what he typically had to do, playing the role of a poor boy—nothing too difficult.

Billy Carson:

Drawing: 35,8009

Literature: 32,900

Acting: 37,59229

Points: 0000

His points lit up after reaching 34; he felt immensely relieved. To get to 36, he needed 9,999 points, but to reach 38, he needed 99,999 points, a complicated system. Considering the value of 37 points, it was that of a regular actor. Adding to his skills, he could stand out, but the system wouldn't budge.

His performance ended quickly and smoothly, and he bid farewell. James didn't do him any favors, but they had more details to discuss. Jim Waiit deeply understood the kind of favors and held a small meeting behind the scenes, where they discussed the project and the timeframe Billy wanted to participate.

"Altered Carbon." – 20 points.

"The Expanse." – 20 points.

"Mistborn." – 20 points.

Three books to be published within the proper timeframe, each vastly different. For now, he'll be writing Altered Carbon and Mistborn. For these series to be written, they just need a little more force, as they are significant literary sagas, especially The Expanse, which could be turned into a profound series, an anime, or something uniquely American in style.

Waiting for the right moment, in a small café, he'd soon meet Jon Landau and James Cameron for lunch. Meanwhile, Billy began writing the first chapter of Altered Carbon, a good way to pass the time amidst his frustrations.

This meeting might help secure a chance to be part of the series. The details are different; Titanic is the event of the '90s, and being the lead is essential for what he seeks—an unbeatable image, followers, and the foundation to create a major entertainment company.

***

At the Fox Studios, Monica and Winona were doing everything they could to make their roles in the main scenes work. Monica was just a pilot who died halfway through the film, but it was the start of her fledgling career.

-You need to take the green screen at your own pace. It's strange sometimes. You just have to pretend something's there. This technology is weird, it makes my skin crawl. It's new to me, but everything that feels strange now might become essential in the coming years, and a big part of our performances, - Winona whispered to Monica.

-I think it's exciting to feel exposed in front of the cameras, and that they'll put the 'dress' on your performance,- Monica replied, happy and completely absorbed in the new and different recording system.

They took note and captured the moment from various angles. It felt chosen, but here, it was different due to the difficulty—whether it was a quick shot or a long take, the gestures made the director doubt how people could perform in the room.

David Fincher frowned at the film's imagery. It was quite peculiar. He was somewhat disappointed with the whole situation and the model. The set didn't allow the actors to get close to each other, and the division of the set was rather annoying.

…

The recording ended, and the rhythm of celebration could be felt, convincing everyone it was a unique evening, which they'd call "a night in Soho," fantastic for all.

-I heard you're about to do a movie with a big budget,- Winona commented, brushing her hair. Both were in a dressing room, taking a long break.

-It's called Liar Liar, - the dark-haired woman responded. -I play the role of a beautiful woman with a charming appearance, trying to take all her husband's money. She's a con artist. And, well, I've been practicing with Billy for the role. He's given me lots of ideas that have helped me understand the character better. -

Both took up the script to practice together, like good friends, inseparable. They kept their private lives far from the media, no need to be in the spotlight, free from paparazzi. It was perfect and different from their usual, homey life—growing berries, reading books, with a glass of wine in hand.

-If only she didn't like Billy so much,- though the dark-haired woman was in complete despair, feeling like she was carrying rocks on her shoulders. But the need to excel and the urge to correct mistakes left no room for conspiracy. She could only open her eyes and close the gap in her decision-making.

-Thank you for being so considerate with me,- she whispered. Working in Hollywood was vastly different from France in terms of how things were filmed. It was, without a doubt, the best place for these kinds of opportunities.

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