The recording of "Girl on the Ruins" was completed in half a month, leaving only the post-production process. The post-production didn't take much time either because of Eva's good habit of working on it as she filmed. So, in just over a month, a complete version of the MTV was born. After showing it to the record company's executives and Sinéad, they were all very satisfied. After a few minor adjustments, the MTV was officially completed. Next, it was up to Sinéad's team to handle the promotion and buildup since the single needed some publicity before its release.
As for the fans, they were, of course, mainly interested in Sinéad herself. Hardly anyone paid attention to the MTV director. After all, it's just an MTV, made to serve the song, and the focus is always on the singer.
Eva returned to her normal life and visited the Directors Guild again, wondering if she now had a formal work to qualify for membership. Upon arriving at the guild, she was approached by a stranger, a middle-aged man. The man politely asked, "Are you Eva Cody?"
Eva, wary, replied, "Yes, hello. Can I help you?"
The man introduced himself, "You can call me Rosen. I was the chief examiner for your short film during the competition, so I know who you are. I just happened to see you today and wanted to say hello."
Eva's attitude softened after hearing this. She politely responded, "Hello, Mr. Rosen."
Rosen muttered, "To be honest, it's been many years since a newcomer left such a lasting impression on me. I'm truly happy for your talent."
Eva's lips curved into a slightly seductive and charming smile. "Thank you for your appreciation."
Rosen then changed the subject, "However, you're very beautiful, and in this industry, that can be a burden."
Eva frowned slightly, "What do you mean by that?"
"Because you won't always meet good people. There are many individuals in high positions and practitioners in this industry with very dirty minds," Rosen straightforwardly pointed out, similar to the agent Eva had previously encountered.
Eva looked at him, unsure how to respond, sensing that Rosen hadn't finished speaking.
Sure enough, Rosen continued, "There are very few women in this industry, making it even harder to protect yourself." He glanced at Eva, "I'm just reminding you that you're very young and talented, so you mustn't make mistakes or take the wrong path. But you lack the ability to protect yourself."
Eva looked at him, "So, Mr. Rosen, what do you suggest?"
Rosen replied, "I suggest you find a mentor, a highly respected director. With their name behind you, anyone with ill intentions will have to think twice."
Eva smiled faintly, "That's a good suggestion, but I don't know anyone like that."
Rosen candidly said, "I can see your ambition, Eva. You won't just develop in Ireland; you might take the European stage and move towards European cinema, right?"
Eva honestly admitted, "Yes, I want to go to the UK and make European films."
The strongest European film industries are in Germany, France, and Italy. British cinema is considered mid-tier in Europe. But Eva could only choose to develop in the UK because she only spoke English and didn't know other languages.
Rosen said, "Since you want to develop in the UK, I'll introduce you to a famous British female director. See if you can become her student. How does that sound?"
Eva's eyes lit up, "Really? If there's such an opportunity, that would be wonderful."
The chance to learn filmmaking techniques from a famous director was incredibly tempting.
Rosen smiled, "Lynne Ramsay, have you heard of her?"
"Of course, she's the most famous female director in the UK," Eva's voice rose with excitement.
"Good, I'll write you a recommendation letter to her and include your short film. Then, you can go to the UK and see what she says. If you succeed in becoming her student, you might be able to establish and develop yourself in the UK faster."
Eva was very grateful to Rosen, showing a sincere and joyful smile. "I never expected such an opportunity. Thank you."
"Don't thank me just yet. I'm only recommending you. I can't guarantee she'll take you as her student."
Regardless, Eva was already very happy. A few days after returning home, Rosen informed her that he had spoken with Lynne about it. Lynne was interested in her short film and wanted to meet her in London if she had time.
Eva immediately booked a flight to London without delay and headed straight to the UK. After all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Following the address Rosen gave her, she found Lynne's home. Lynne, a British "kitchen sink" director, was best known for depicting the lives of the lower classes. She had made a name for herself in independent cinema many years ago.
Eva visited Lynne's home. Lynne warmly welcomed her, kindly inviting her to dinner and chatting about the past. Lynne was a woman of unique charm, with black hair and a mysterious, gypsy style.
During the meal, Lynne shared how she became a director, the struggles and efforts she made along the way, speaking vividly, and Eva listened with great interest. The word she mentioned most was: dream.
Then she asked Eva, "What about you? Why do you want to make movies?"
Eva's response might not have been what Lynne expected. She didn't immediately talk about dreams. She simply said, "Because I want to succeed on my own."
Lynne smiled kindly, "It seems you're very self-reliant. Maybe that's related to your past experiences."
"Maybe..." Eva responded nonchalantly.
Lynne asked again, "I saw your short film, and it's very talented. But..." She changed her tone, "You're too young. Are you really ready to walk this path? You know it won't be a smooth road but a thorny one, especially given the current situation for female directors."
Eva took a deep breath and calmly replied, "I'm ready."
Lynne smiled, "You seem very determined, which is good. Can you tell me what makes you so determined to choose such a difficult path?"
Eva paused, her gaze focused intently on Lynne, and said word by word, "Because I have nothing to lose and nothing to fear. My dreams are more important than anything else."
After she finished, Lynne scrutinized her face as if trying to see through her. "You indeed have talent and determination," Lynne continued, "but I won't take you as my student, even if your talent is rare, because you're too young."
Although Eva felt a strong wave of emotions inside, she maintained her composure on the surface. She quietly asked, "I don't quite understand what you mean."
Lynne's tone was steady and unperturbed. "Before you came, I didn't expect you to be so young. I've seen too many young people like you, who passionately and sincerely speak about their dreams. But in the end, they give up halfway because the road is too tough."
Lynne concluded, "You're still too young to decide your lifelong path. I can't take you as my student because I've been disappointed too many times before. I don't want to be disappointed again."