hollywood system: art

Chapter 21: pressure pot



The Terminator comic book made its way to theaters across North America and some parts of Europe, delighting audiences since its loud debut in 1984 with its groundbreaking take on the science fiction genre.

James Cameron is known as one of the pioneers of technical innovation in the Hollywood industry, showcasing his mastery of special effects, makeup, prosthetics, and Arnold Schwarzenegger's infamous portrayal of the deadly T-800 android. This charismatic "tin man" turned Cameron into an acclaimed and creatively driven director for years to come.

Coincidentally, a member of Carolco Pictures, a successful film production company specializing in action and suspense films, found the concept of a relevant Terminator comic from 1984 intriguing. The company, focused on action movies that have been gaining popularity year after year, reached out to James Cameron to discuss the potential development of this comic published in June 1989.

After several calls from multiple agents, the Hollywood scene became ablaze with the potential for a blockbuster film. The battle for opportunities began, with small favors and opinions regarding the state of the industry. The possible roles, production costs, interested commercial brands, and the fight for box office success all started in 1989, even before production began.

First, a meeting was held to discuss the fate of the comic publication, which clearly conveyed the excitement and raw potential for a filmmaker's product. Cameron was captivated by the comic's events, the freshness of the scenes, and the well-crafted storytelling. After reading the entire book, he could already envision the entire film.

James Cameron himself called the head of Dark Comics, and our own Mike Richardson gladly accepted the purchase offer for this derivative product, stemming from James Cameron's previous work. Cameron expressed his deep interest in this new way of expanding upon the events of his 1984 film, "The Terminator." As a strong-willed director, he saw a new opportunity to reap substantial benefits from this upcoming film that was about to go into production.

Cameron's previous film, "The Abyss," released on August 8, 1989, did not have the impact he had initially envisioned. The box office numbers declined after the second week, and it could only be considered a film that recouped its production costs without generating significant profits for the Hollywood machine. The fantastic ideas and special effects showcased in "The Abyss" provided the technical foundation for "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," aiming to address the shortcomings experienced in the former.

However, Helmdale Film, who currently held the franchise's film rights, had not yet given a positive response regarding the financial terms or any collaborative ideas for promoting this new film as a box office success.

-This is Mike Richardson speaking, -came the voice in the background.

-Please hold on a moment... - responded Dora, Mike Richardson's 19-year-old secretary, a charming niece who now enjoyed a healthy job under the wing of her science fiction and fantasy-loving uncle.

-Mike here, - said the man, his voice weary and tired after sleepless nights, a new project swirling in his head. After reading Hellboy's book and being captivated by the art of the young fourteen-year-old Billy, he couldn't stop thinking about his artistic talents and proposing a joint edition. It was, in fact, his favorite series among all the works written by the young artist.

-Mike, pleasure to speak with you, - said James Cameron.

-Yes, sir, how can I assist you? -

-I see, a few months ago, you contacted me regarding the copyright license for a new Terminator saga, an allegorical continuation, you mentioned, - said James Cameron.

Mike Richardson's weariness vanished, like a drunkard sobering up after a good night's sleep. It was the one and only James Cameron speaking!

-Sir, apologies for any inconveniences, - said Mike. - I'm glad to speak with you. We at Dark Horse Comics like to connect with authors as a way of building relationships. You can tell us everything about your thoughts, and we'll always strive to find the best possible solution. -

-Ahhhhhhh... It's good to hear that, Mr. Mike. I recently read the masterpiece, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The continuation. I'm pleased to see the excellent work. I would like to get in touch with the comic's author, - said James Cameron.

-Ohhh... the comic's author is quite special. He prefers to handle only the artistic aspects. If we're talking about artistic matters, I can provide you with his phone number. If it's related to printing, copyrights, or financial aspects, you can direct all your inquiries to me, - said Mike.

-A man of art, -James said aloud in front of the phone, his focus solely on those words spoken by Cameron himself.

-I'd like to contact him. His ideas seemed extravagant, and a conversation between him and me would be beneficial for a new project I hope to bring to the screen next year, - said Cameron.

-If that's the case, please call this number, (408) 555-1234. Call during the evening hours; if it's earlier, I'm afraid he won't respond to anyone who calls, - said Mike.

-Well, Mike, it's a pleasure to have this communication with you at Dark Horse Comics. If you ever need any assistance or collaboration in the future, don't hesitate to call me, - said Cameron.

-It's my wish that you both have a fruitful conversation, Billy, - said Mike.

-Indeed, it's a pleasure working with you. I'll have a chat with the comic's author. I'm quite curious about this personality, - said James.

-Very well, sir. I only hope for good news. Have a nice day, - said Mike.

-Alright, goodbye for now, - said James.

in parallelthere was a phone call to a young man who had recently felt disheartened by some mistakes he believed he wouldn't make again in life. Leaving the theater club had left some impressions on his future. When did he start outlining all his plans? He didn't know. In a previous life, perhaps he improvised a lot, lacking even a stable home. He traveled throughout the European peninsula, visiting places ranging from Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, and Greece. Eventually, he settled in the United Kingdom due to an unexpected opportunity he never sought during his twenty years of work.

For now, he would continue with his meticulous character designs for " phantom report/YuYu Hakusho" and "Slam Dunk" in their respective chapters 25.

-Hello, - Billy said.

-Anne, how are you? - Billy asked.

-I'm doing well. I'm reviewing and analyzing the results of the past three months, and we have a net profit of $30,000,- Hanna said.

"Wow! The books are doing well," Billy remarked.

-Not as well as the first few months, but it's true that expenses have increased in some areas, - Anne said.

-Your father explained that as long as it's not a huge sum, you have the right to the company's earnings, - Anne continued.

-Wait, I handle the money! - Billy exclaimed, surprised. It's the first time he has so much money in his possession.

-That's right. Starting last month, it was agreed that I would be your administrator and in charge of your investments, - Anne said. - Of course, I can report on your financial behavior according to my judgment. -

- Hmm... Have we paid the salaries? - Billy asked.

- The salaries for this week are already paid. I accounted for the depreciation of the earnings, hence the net profit, - Anne replied.

-Good, invest $10,000 in a company called WorldCom, and $10,000 in Coca Cola stocks, - Billy said. - Keep the rest as financial support. Let's save a bit. -

-Stocks? I'll do some research, although I don't recommend this type of investment. There are better companies that could certainly give us more money, - Anne said.

-You're right. Look into Microsoft, -Billy added.

-I'll look into it. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Although I consider these companies a disaster for people who invest in them, don't expect too much, - Anne responded.

-I plan to sell the WorldCom stocks when they reach $50, - Billy said.

-I don't think that's possible, but I'll wait and see how the stock market situation develops, -Anne said.

-On another note, I'm still waiting for volume 25 of Slam Dunk. The delivery needs to be made by next Friday. Your father mentioned two volumes of 120 pages each, but we only have the printing of the first volume, which will be distributed this Friday, - Anne said.

-Yes, I'm working on it. 'YuYu Hakusho' is already finished. I'll leave it on the table for my father to pick up tomorrow morning, - Billy said.

-Oh, by the way, a secretary called and requested a phone meeting for tomorrow afternoon. I hope you'll have time; it seems to be something very important, - Anne said.

-Thank you, Anne. See you tomorrow, - Billy responded.

-Until tomorrow,- Anne whispered.

He needs to calm down. The next few weeks will be somewhat busy, and he needs to have the winter season ready, along with some new books based on his work.

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