"Murphy, I'm so glad the deal went through. I've some more requests to do with the company. As the majority shareholder, I believe I have the right to change the name. And decision making right? Wright confirmed everything-"
"Yes sir, you do. But I also heard that you've to talk with the board. There are nine directors, and without their vote, you won't be able to do a thing with the platform."
Ian nodded, listening to Murphy's words. It's true and Murphy made sense. Their board has been loyal to the platform ever since the beginning of time, which was thirty-five years. A week ago, they celebrated their thirty-fifth anniversary.
"I'll see what I can do," Ian said. He paused before asking, "Did Leonardo send over the contracts by signing them?"
"We gave him until today, and there's still no word about it. But the locations are ready. The schedule is done too."
"How about Real Estate?"
"It's still in the talks. Raelynn handles it well, and I'm sure tomorrow everything will be settled. Don't worry, sir. I'm keeping track of everything. The managers should be here at 3.30 for their meeting."
"Managers for Inception?" Ian asked.
"Yes, sir. The ones for the actors."
"Martin can handle it without me. Ask him to continue the meeting and explain the schedules we discussed." Ian sighed.
"Is there anything wrong, sir?"
"It has been tough. With all the work, I've to do many things alone. I'm not complaining, I'm just tired, and all this paperwork is the toughest thing to do. I'd rather stick to just directing and enjoy the final presentation than doing all this including budgeting."
Murphy nodded.
Ian sighed again.
"It's alright, I'll manage. Let me know 10 minutes before the next meeting, I'm working on something."
"A new script?" He asked out of curiosity.
"Nah, something different."
Murphy nodded and walked out of the office. Ian was left with his computer.
// Rebecca Chambers //
Under the name, there were several images. They were all of different designs, costumes, and faces.
'This is totally how I didn't Rebecca's character to be' Ian thought as he continued to scroll down and see other characters.
Scrolling down, he saw character images that Feazel Gaming had created for the characters in Resident Evil including Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Jake Muller.
"I don't think this is going to work…" Ian said loudly.
For Ian, the main focus was on the interface, characters, and visual likability. The other technical stuff was solely handled by the Gaming company.
"Murphy, scheduled an appointment with the CEO of Feazel Gaming and Lucas. We'll need Lucas's help."
"Okay sir, Will do."
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[Raelynn's office - Renner Studio]
Ian, Raelynn, Martin, Will, Gar, and Keanu sat in Raelynn's office. It was a small space, but during this time, the space was more than enough for everyone to sit and be comfortable.
Raelynn's office furniture was white, and the vibes were transparently positive until Will and Gar got there, just right in time to begin the meeting.
Raelynn was surprised as she didn't know what Ian was planning with Will and Gar. With the little time he had with her, he spent it as an ordinary couple instead of going into details regarding matters of work.
"What are they doing here?" Raelynn asked a bit louder.
Will and Gar who heard it, looked at each other, then at Raelynn just because they weren't sure if they heard her.
"I invited them. There's going to be a small meeting. They still don't know about the script, so we'll discuss the script today, then they can decide if they're going to collaborate with us in Real Estate or Inception, the movie that I'd be directing."
Ian had thought of doing an exclusive collaboration with them. But he ended up deciding against it. He finally wanted them to join with either Real Estate or Inception, whichever they preferred.
Will at first hesitated with that suggestion, but after realising they've no option, it's either that or losing their career, they went along with it.
"I invited them. Please, have a seat."
Will and Gar both nodded. "Thanks for having us!"
"No problem. This is Raelynn, the director who's working on this project, Martin, co-directing, and Keanu Reeves, you know him."
"Is he the main character?" Gar asked innocently.
"No, he wrote the script. That's the specialty. For a very long time, the studio has been investing in a movie that I didn't have a word for. 14 million dollars. So, I want to make every cent worth it, with expected profits."
Keanu's eyes got bigger. Raelynn and Martin simply nodded.
"So, this is the story… A man who's very passionate about real estate,...."
Keanu continued to explain the core of his story. Everyone listened without asking anything in between. But from time to time, their facial expressions changed based on the story.
Ian, who listened to what Keanu was saying, had already read the script, and in front of him was a list of notes that he knew he needed to discuss.
"So, but at the end of it, he's going to be happy with his wife. A simple yet colourful ending."
Ian nodded. "Okay, does anyone have anything to add?"
He asked everyone, Will raised his hand.
"I think the character should be a little greyer than presented. By his actions, I'm not sure if he'll be someone memorable for the industry. Because sentimental, emotional characters with the same trope, being successful already exist, a lot. So, I think it's better if we go for something different."
Gar nodded. "I have got a suggestion. Mr. Reeves, you've full rights to deny. What if we wrote off his wife's character in the end? We can make it a little tragic and give more meaning to his success. Fans would be bawling their eyes out in the end, and I bet, with the right cast, I can already see Real Estate becoming a blockbuster."
Ian nodded. "Among my many suggestions, Will and Gar picked some. Keanu, there are two ways people remember a movie immensely. One is when sadness fills with happiness, and the feeling you get with tears while watching it. I'm sure with the tragedy we add… The numbers will hit the peak."
"I'd also like to add that, I like how the climax builds. Many stories have the climax with romance, but you've shown the core with how the main character's passion for work never dies."
"For the main song, before the last scene, I can compose a song. I have got the perfect melody in mind."
The ideas and suggestions kept flowing in and out. Keanu was listening to every one of them with stiff nods.
In the end, Ian asked, "Keanu, you've been silent for a long time. What do you have to say? This is your script. You've every right to say no to anything and everything we say, we don't own anything yet."
Keanu nodded.
"Yeah, Ian. So, I need time to think about all the suggestions. I've to think if it fits my perception. I've to think if it will be the same as I planned before… So, can you give me some time?" he asked again.
"Yeah, sure-"
"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I don't want to waste it away-"
As soon as Keanu started to talk about how lucky he had been with Ian by his side, Ian shook his head.
"Keanu, this isn't about your chance. This is not a riding or die sort of situation. I have read many scripts written by you, and I know you have the talent. I want to invest in a good movie, and from how I see it, with a few changes here and there, things would be better than good. But, I also want you to know that you have one hundred percent rights over your script. If you don't like changes, say it. If you like changes, we'd proceed with them. This meeting is all about negotiations."
Ian explained the situation thoroughly while everyone understood where he was coming from.
"Okay, about the change with the character, let me show it from a different corner…"
Their discussion went on for four more hours, and they finalised many things. Will and Gar loved the final movie idea, they agreed to sign in with Renner Studio, for the collaboration.
According to them, the movie is going to become a huge franchise, and they already see it coming. Ian smiled at the idea, while they went forward with the discussion about the personalities of different characters.
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Guys, my laptop has a dying battery and wouldn't work without the charger. so, it takes time for me to write and set everything up.
anyways, read chapters ahead and support me, -patreon.com/TC_L
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