ALL NOVEL Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The Presentation
The anticipation was eating away at Alexander. For the past month, he had been preparing for this moment—pitching his script to a panel of industry experts. It wasn't just about impressing them; it was about making his dream a reality. This was his chance to take The Forgotten Treasure from an idea on paper to a potential blockbuster.
He spent the days leading up to the presentation refining his pitch. He knew he had to sell the emotional core of the story—how the group of kids, drawn together by the artifact, found strength in each other despite their differences. But it wasn't enough to simply describe the plot; he had to convey the heart of the story, the themes of family, sacrifice, and what it means to fight for something greater than oneself.
The system, as always, was there to offer advice.
"Focus on what makes this story unique. Why is it important? What does it offer that hasn't been done before?"
"Right," Alexander muttered to himself, running through his notes. "It's not just about an artifact—it's about these kids. It's about the bonds they form, the choices they make under pressure."
He practiced in front of the mirror, rehearsing his pitch over and over again, tweaking the words, adjusting his tone, imagining the panel's reactions. The butterflies in his stomach seemed to grow with each passing hour.
Finally, the day of the presentation arrived. Alexander donned his best suit, feeling the weight of the task ahead. As he walked into the sleek conference room, he saw the panel already seated, their faces unreadable. The room was cool and modern, every inch of it designed to intimidate. But Alexander wasn't here to be intimidated. He was here to prove himself.
"Mr. Alexander," one of the panelists, a middle-aged man with glasses, spoke as he gestured to the empty chair in front of them. "We're eager to hear your pitch. Please, take a seat."
Alexander sat, his mind racing, but he did his best to calm himself. "Thank you for the opportunity," he began, his voice steady despite the nerves. "Today, I'm presenting The Forgotten Treasure, a story about a group of kids who discover an ancient artifact that could change everything. But what makes this story different is not the artifact itself—it's what the kids do with it. It's about their journey, their growth, and the challenges they face along the way."
The panel's attention was unwavering as Alexander continued. He spoke about Leo, the reluctant leader, whose journey was one of self-discovery. Mia, the isolated tech genius who learns to trust others. And the rest of the ragtag group of kids who, despite their differences, come together to protect something greater than themselves.
"The artifact is powerful, yes," Alexander said, "but it's the bond between the kids that drives the story. This isn't just an adventure—it's a story about what it means to fight for something you believe in, and the sacrifices you make along the way."
The room was silent as Alexander laid out the stakes, describing how the artifact began to bring the group together, but also created friction. Leo struggled with his leadership role, and Mia, insecure and afraid of being vulnerable, pushed the others away. Meanwhile, Mr. Crawford's plans to take the artifact from them grew more sinister.
"I wanted Crawford to be more than just a stereotypical villain," Alexander continued. "He's a businessman on the brink of failure. His company is crumbling, and he believes the artifact can restore his lost power and reputation. He's not evil for the sake of it—he's desperate, willing to risk everything to regain control of his life."
One of the panelists, a woman with dark hair and a piercing gaze, raised her eyebrows. "You've clearly put a lot of thought into Crawford's character. Tell us—how does the conflict escalate in Act Two? What sets it apart from other stories in this genre?"
Alexander smiled. He'd been waiting for this question. "Act Two is where the tension really builds. As the kids discover more about the artifact, they realize the stakes aren't just about keeping it away from Crawford—they're about understanding its true power. They're faced with difficult choices that test their loyalty, their courage, and ultimately their humanity."
He leaned forward slightly, making eye contact with each of them. "It's a story about trust and betrayal, about fighting not just for survival but for the people you care about. It's a story about finding family when you least expect it."
The panel exchanged looks, and Alexander could feel the weight of their scrutiny. His heart was pounding, but he didn't waver. This was his story, and he was going to tell it his way.
"And in the end," he concluded, "it's not just about defeating Crawford. It's about the kids discovering what they're truly capable of when they come together. They face impossible odds, but they don't back down. The artifact is important, yes, but it's the people who matter."
The room was silent for a long moment. Alexander held his breath, waiting for their response.
Finally, one of the panelists—a woman with short blonde hair—spoke. "You've given us a lot to think about. Your characters are well-developed, and the emotional stakes are clear. What about the pacing? How does the tension build throughout the script?"
Alexander nodded, relieved that they were engaged. "I've structured the script to mirror the emotional journey. Act One introduces the characters and sets the stage. Act Two escalates the stakes as the kids realize the artifact's power and Mr. Crawford's true intentions. And Act Three brings everything to a head—there's a climactic battle, but it's more than just action. It's about the kids' growth and the choices they've made."
The panel exchanged another round of glances, and Alexander couldn't tell what they were thinking. He waited in suspense, wondering if he had made his mark.
After a long pause, the man who had spoken first cleared his throat. "Mr. Alexander, we're impressed. We'd like to move forward with The Forgotten Treasure. You'll be hearing from us soon."
A wave of relief washed over Alexander, and he couldn't help but smile. This was it—the breakthrough he'd been waiting for.
"Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'm honored."
As he left the room, a sense of accomplishment surged through him. The pitch had been a success, but this was just the beginning. There was still a long road ahead, but for the first time, Alexander felt like he was truly on the path to making his dream a reality.
And as he stepped out into the bright afternoon, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
"Next task: Finalize the production details and prepare for the first reading. Time limit: 14 days. Reward: Full production funding for The Forgotten Treasure."
Alexander grinned. It was time to make his story come to life.
The names of potential collaborators stared back at Alexander from his screen. Sophie had shared a shortlist of directors and cinematographers, and at the top of it was Eleanor West, a director renowned for her ability to weave powerful emotions into her stories. Her latest film had earned critical acclaim, and her reputation was almost intimidating.
"She's perfect," Alexander murmured, though doubt lingered in his tone.
"You're telling a story only you can tell," the system said. "Her experience is invaluable. Reach out to her with your vision."
Encouraged, Alexander crafted a thoughtful email. He poured his passion for The Forgotten Treasure into every line, explaining why he believed she was the perfect fit to bring his script to life. Before he could second-guess himself, he hit send.
---
The next morning, Alexander received an unexpected reply. Eleanor West had agreed to meet him. His hands trembled as he read her message, but excitement quickly replaced his nerves.
When they met in a quiet café, Eleanor exuded a calm confidence that made Alexander sit straighter.
"I read your script," she began, her voice steady. "It's ambitious, especially for a first-time project, but it's also compelling. The characters feel alive, and the stakes are real."
Alexander felt a swell of hope. "Do you think it's something you'd want to direct?"
Eleanor studied him for a moment. "I'll be honest. This will be a challenge. But I see the potential in the story—and in you. If you're ready to work hard and trust me with your vision, then yes, I'll direct it."
Relief and gratitude coursed through Alexander. "Thank you. I won't let you down."
---
As Eleanor joined the project, the team began to take shape. She brought along Mateo Ruiz, her trusted cinematographer, whose dynamic visuals perfectly complemented her storytelling. Alexander marveled at how effortlessly they understood his vision, translating it into a plan of action.
For the role of Leo, Sophie arranged an audition with Evan Marks, a young actor with a raw, magnetic presence. When Evan read one of Leo's most pivotal lines—"It's not about the artifact anymore. It's about us. We're the only ones who can stop Crawford."—Alexander felt a shiver run through him. The delivery was everything he had imagined and more.
After the audition, Eleanor turned to him with a knowing smile. "He's your Leo."
Alexander nodded. "Without a doubt."
---
The team quickly moved into pre-production. Eleanor suggested a rundown school on the outskirts of town as the setting for key scenes. As Alexander walked through the crumbling hallways and graffiti-covered walls, he could already envision the climactic moments of The Forgotten Treasure coming to life.
Meanwhile, rehearsals began in earnest. The cast gathered in an empty theater, their voices bouncing off the high ceilings as they read through the script. Alexander observed each interaction closely, noting how the characters seemed to leap from the pages. The camaraderie between the actors mirrored the bond he had written for their characters, and it brought a smile to his face.
As they wrapped up a particularly emotional scene, Eleanor patted him on the back. "You've got something special here, Alex. Trust the process."
For the first time, Alexander allowed himself to believe it. With the right team by his side, his story was no longer confined to the pages of his script. It was becoming real.