The My Hollywood System
Chapter 31

"Not bad?" Will sat down and placed his chin between his index finger and thumb, with his elbow on the table.

James nodded, "I don't want to sound rude. I can see the effort you've put in, but a movie like this will never work."

"Oh?" Will narrowed his eyes at her, "And why not? Not that this was the first time such a technique had been used."

"I know," James replied, "But the last time it was used was thirty years ago. Not just one or two years, but three decades!"

"And?"

"And?" James frowned, "Can't you understand what I mean? One, your technique is very old. Right now, one movie costs millions of dollars, with crazy CGI and VFX, and what you give me is a home video on some cheap camcorders. What do you think the audience will choose? Home recording or something that has been invested by the company in the millions and has amazing visuals and effects."

Will slightly nodded and then stood up, sighing, "So, that's not it?"

"Um, just tell me, give me your contact, I'll call you if there's anything" James replied.

He may not give an immediate answer, but it is not difficult to see from his answer that he is not impressed.

"And if he's not impressed, then no one at Foxstar will be impressed."

Because James was the one whose words would be considered the truth because he was the one who reviewed the film.

Will gripped his bag and moved his right hand to shake.

"I'll see you then."

James just smiled and stood up and buttoned his white blazer, he said, "Give your contact to the receptionist. See you soon."

Without waiting for Will's reply, he turned around and left the room.

Will looked at his back while slowly pulling his hand.

After a moment of silence, he sighed once more and left the room, heading for the exit without stopping at the reception.

Five minutes later, he stood near the exit of Foxstar Studio, looking through the passing cars.

Nearby, there is a small garden. Taking the soda from the vending machine, he sat down on the chair and opened the can.

- gulp!

"It's gonna take time."

Will may be rejected, but this is not the end of the world.

At that moment, his phone rang.

trring, trring.

[Incoming call]

[June]

Will stared at the caller id for a long time and, taking a deep breath, he leaned forward, put his elbows on his knees and palms on his chin while clicking the green button on his phone.

"Hello." He spoke. His voice came out rather rude and depressed due to his mood and the hand on his chin.

- the...Will?

It was June on the other side. He was waiting for good news, but Will's tone of voice froze him.

- Is that you?

- What's going on? Don't tell me…

"Yes, they rejected the film."

- Hmm

June pursed her lips, and after a moment of silence, she lied.

- It's okay. I don't expect instant success.

Although she wished her best and couldn't even sleep well due to her nervousness, she chose to say the opposite because she didn't want Will to feel more disappointed.

will, don't worry now. And I'm going to be real, everyone in the cast, and you - the director - are still the nameless person in the industry. And we're not alone. Hundreds and thousands of struggling actors and directors are trying to make it big. And they go to these big companies with their ideas, scripts, talent, and videos, but are rarely selected.

in fact, the company itself views struggling artists as mere fools. This is your first work, and the struggle to make it happen is just beginning. These big companies are not willing to take the risk by taking on nameless artist projects. Once you overcome these obstacles, things will be much easier.

Will remains silent at her words, which only makes June even more worried.

are you listening to me, Will? Don't despair, okay? This is nothing but a setback. And setbacks are nothing but stairs to success. Okay well?

"Yes" Will smiled.

Her mood slightly eased after hearing June's words.

- Good.

June smiled as she continued.

and don't forget that Foxstar isn't the only studio in town.

Will nodded, "I understand. I'm gonna go and knock on the door of every studio in town. I'm sure there will be at least one studio that will accept this film."

yep. Will, you're a tough diamond. There are many struggles that you will face in the future, and that will only make you more cut and slippery. And believe me, those companies that will reject you today will regret it later when they see you succeed. I'm sure there will be a day when these companies will come to you, imploring you to make them part of your project.

Will smiled, "You'll spoil me, June. What if I become arrogant after listening to your persuasion?"

- You will not. And even if you do, I'll be there with you to encourage you to be a better person.

"Oh? And how are you gonna push me?"

- Hmm, come to my apartment; I'll tell you.

"Oh…." Will laughed, "Well, right now, I still need to explore the entire city, don't tease me, what if I skip everything and come to you right now?"

well, I hope you don't, but I don't mind.

Will smiled, "Alright, I'll finish this and meet you later.

- Sure.

June releases the phone from her ear as the call is interrupted.

He then closed his eyes, folded his hands near his chest, and he prayed.

"Lord, please be with us and help Will succeed."

Although he wanted the film to succeed for his personal gain as well, now the main reason for the film to succeed was for Will's success.