hollywood system: art

At Century Studios, they set up what they called an "express production study." Incomplete, but alive with details, it had six rooms representing different scenes from the Titanic. One was the lower deck, another a boiler room, a confined cabin, a bedroom, a shop… it was the magic of production: fragments coming together to create a complete story after filming.

Kate wore wide-leg jeans and a white shirt with a triangular cut, her hair tied back. Her skin was creamy and white as clouds, and she looked radiant. She smiled at everyone, thrilled by her chance to be part of Titanic.

She watched people bustling about. While Titanic was important, it wasn't the main focus of the bustling production center, with many hurrying from place to place for other films. The open space gave it the feel of a small, secluded city.

She crossed paths with a young woman wearing a headset, the microphone hanging by her neck. The woman glanced her over, raising an eyebrow. Wasn't she rather pretty? She almost looked disappointed.

-Miss, please follow me. We don't have a fixed space for you yet, but we're working on some arrangements. For now, it might be best if you take some time to review your lines.- said the production assistant. Kate wasn't sure of the girl's role, but quick and efficient, she led Kate to a small room with frosted glass and a ceiling fan. The walls were painted white, and two scripts lay on a table.

Kate looked over the script, making a slight face. She tapped her foot against a chair leg, slightly stumbling before nodding. She read through the lines, letting her mind slow until everything seemed strange and somewhat surreal, but she stayed focused for over an hour, intent on perfecting the part, she murmured to herself.

…

Billy arrived well before Kate and met with a few producers to discuss small details. Known for his business acumen, he had an idea brewing since he'd first read James Cameron's script: to write a romance novel. This massive bookould capture every detail of the Titanic while interweaving love stories. He mentioned the idea to James, who only narrowed his eyes but finally admitted it was a tough challenge.

-You want to write a book based on the script?-asked Peter Lamont, with clear surprise, joined by Jon Landau. They had a degree of control over the script rights. Obtaining a license wasn't much, but Billy was already envisioning the story he could produce—a hefty book, probably around 1,000 pages, covering all sorts of details.

-It's exactly what I want to do,- Billy replied.

-Why though?-Jon Landau questioned.

-I simply want to, with the difference that readers will know the book is based on the film's script, not the other way around. I'm proposing something unique, and the release can be timed with or around the movie's schedule—that's negotiable, but the rest isn't.- Billy replied. Seeing the incredulity on their faces, he smiled. "-I think no one can deny that I'm a decent writer. I've been crafting stories my whole life, and this one needs a proper book, something that elevates both the novel and the movie, inviting two parts to come together and create something beautiful.-"

-As long as James and I have thorough oversight,- remarked Peter Lamont, who was the most committed to the story.

Billy agreed without much concern; he was focused on crafting the story that had begun forming in his head. Describing the main characters perfectly was what mattered. He'd only need his imagination to flesh out the rest. And, of course, selling books was profitable. Even though his books were already selling well, if he managed to sell even half of what Game of Thrones would someday sell, he'd have no further financial needs.

-Done,-Billy said, signing a check. The license for the book was $80,000, a modest price given the potential profit, though he knew selling books wasn't as simple as it seemed. It was an exhausting activity.

Afterward, he went through additional paperwork, which he signed and sent to the legal team, who would finalize the details. His printing investment would support budding writers, even though Tor Books hadn't yet yielded much profit. He had a scholarship with 15 writers enrolled so far, offering them monthly stipends for five years.

If they succeeded, it would be a result of their efforts, and he was eager to see how the near future would paint success in his favor.

…

He arrived late to the meeting, later than expected. Entering, he saw the blonde with loose curls draped over her script. She was so absorbed she hadn't noticed anything else. His cough startled her; she nearly fell out of her chair, a shiver running down her spine. Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled.

-Sorry I'm late. I had a meeting,-- Billy said, checking his watch. -As an apology, let me treat you to lunch. Do you want to join me?-

A subtle question, but she looked at him with wide eyes. He was late—two hours was no joke. She wanted to be angry but knew it would do no good. After all, it wasn't a formal meeting.

-Alright,- she replied.

-What would you like to order?- Billy asked. -I don't think going out is a good idea. Traffic would trap us, and the paparazzi would smother us. Let me order something in.-

-Chinese… I mean, I'd like Chinese food,- Kate replied, slightly flustered by Billy Carson's intense presence. He had an air of command that was uncommon among guys her age.

-Great, I'll let the head assistant know. Anything to drink? Any preferences or recommendations?- Billy asked.

She shook her head, feeling completely disoriented. She needed to calm herself; her first impression of the lead actor was one of intensity, with commands that felt a bit strong. If only she knew, he was just as unsettled beneath his composed facade.

Billy's voice could be heard through the wall, one of those things. She listened intently to every detail of his conversation as he ordered two specials with spring rolls and an orange sauce. He requested water with the meal and an extra soda.

-It's surprising how fast you can get food around here,- Billy said, closing the door.

...