The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 19: Unprecedented]

Park City, the Megaplex Theatre.

The screening of the film The Trespasser had just ended, and the credits started to roll.

Hawke stood up, applauding.

One by one, other audience members joined in, rising to their feet with enthusiastic claps.

In just ten seconds, over a hundred moviegoers collectively stood, clapping in tribute.

The applause thundered, echoing throughout the hall, unwavering.

In the front rows where the media sat, Jenna Ingram curiously asked her colleague, "How long has it been?"

Her colleague checked their watch. "More than five minutes."

Brazilian director Beto Brant repeatedly bowed in gratitude, further igniting the audience's enthusiasm.

The clapping grew even more fervent.

The Latin director took a prolonged bow, remaining there for quite a while.

The audience responded with applause.

There was an unspoken camaraderie in the air.

After about ten minutes, the clapping gradually subsided.

The reporters in the media seating were surprised.

Jenna remarked, "Was the movie really that good? Ten minutes of applause is just over the top."

Another female colleague chimed in, clapping, "It was decent, considering the atmosphere today. I think The Trespasser has a shot at a small award."

Another colleague reminded them, "It's almost time to head to the hotel. The film crew is hosting a reception, and there's a mysterious big gift."

The female colleague smiled, "I wonder what kind of gift they prepared."

Jenna shrugged, "If we accept the gifts, the news articles will have to follow their press release."

With the film screening concluded, the media reporters exited first, guided by the assistant director to the hotel for the banquet.

...

Hawke slipped out of the side door of the screening room and encountered Beto Brant in the lounge.

The latter, speaking heavily accented English, asked, "Are the press releases prepared? Do we need to add anything else?"

Hawke pulled out a chair and sat down at the typewriter. "Let's add a little something new. I just got a rush of inspiration."

Beto Brant stood by, waiting.

Hawke quickly tapped away at the keyboard, channeling the inspiration he had felt during the applause, along with his past experiences, and swiftly produced a draft.

Of course, the main focus was on the direction; he was just typing out the themes for the report.

"The Trespasser Breaks Records: The Film with the Longest Applause Time in Sundance Film Festival History!"

"Unprecedented, The Trespasser Ends with 15 Minutes of Applause from the Audience!"

"Viewers Said the Movie Was So Good, They Clapped Until Their Hands Ached and Didn't Want to Stop."

Beto Brant, a wealthy and visionary new director, saw The Trespasser as his first feature film in a promising directing career.

Having money solved many problems.

Nodding repeatedly at the content, he exclaimed, "Great! Great! I'll have someone put this into the gift bags."

As Hawke gathered his belongings and tidied up his clothes, he accompanied Beto Brant to a nearby hotel for the media reception.

He didn't need to take any initiative, just needed to be there to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

...

Inside the banquet hall, Hawke grabbed a bite to eat and found a discreet corner to enjoy his lunch.

Jenna, having received a gift from the crew, also sought a quiet spot to eat. After scanning the area, she noticed Hawke and hurried over.

Hawke wasn't surprised to see her and said, "Feel free to sit."

"Why are you everywhere?" Jenna commented, recalling her time at the Great Salt Lake Theatre, where she had followed George Hansen for news coverage.

Sitting across from him, she observed him for a moment before speaking. "The Trespasser received an exceptionally long round of applause. I heard D.C. Heights also got a truly enthusiastic response. You've turned up at both sets -- any connection?"

Hawke shrugged nonchalantly, "I'm a media professional, an entertainment and film blogger chasing new films."

He picked up the gift bag next to him. "Not just you have gift bags; I've got one too."

Jenna inquired, "Are you going to write the press release according to the crew's directives?"

As the agreement hadn't concluded, Hawke was serious about his work. "This way of writing isn't a problem, right? The crew didn't ask us to fabricate false news; we just report the facts."

Jenna raised an eyebrow, "It's all flattering for the crew."

Hawke shook his head in disagreement, "The audience applauding wildly is true, right? Standing and clapping together was real, right? The unprecedented record at the Sundance Film Festival is true, isn't it? We're just reporting the facts. We don't have to compromise our principles to write false news."

Jenna glanced at her gift bag, "You make a good point. I'll report it as it is."

Hawke gave her a thumbs up, "You have principles."

...

The reception went very smoothly.

Afterward, Hawke found Beto Brant to say goodbye, also to inform him that it was time to settle the payment.

"Just wait a moment," Beto Brant said, making a phone call. He then told Hawke, "I've notified the bank to transfer the funds. It should take at most thirty minutes."

Hawke packed up his things, grabbed his briefcase, and left the banquet hall.

Before long, he received a text notification confirming that the $15,000 had successfully been deposited into his account.

This money would also be split.

Because there was no group meal, the cost for the Mountain Community Theatre's individual fee went up to $15.

The situation was similar to Brandt's, and the next time would also see a price increase.

...

During the Sundance Film Festival, Hawke managed to score four deals in Park City, and after deducting various expenses and splits, he walked away with $42,600.

Brandt also raked in a decent sum.

As the film festival concluded, Hawke prepared to leave Park City.

Brandt watched Hawke pack his luggage and asked, "The troupe captain wanted me to ask you if you're coming to the festival next year."

Hawke secured his briefcase and zipped up his backpack, smiling as he replied, "Let Larson rest easy. I'm a man of my word. I definitely won't be back for the next one."

Brandt sighed with relief but also felt a sense of loss. These past few days had made him more composed than before. "I wonder when I'll see you again."

Hawke gave him a playful nudge on the shoulder. "Stop being so coy; where's your former straightforwardness?"

"I learned a lot following you," Brandt said with a smile. "Once you're gone, I won't be able to find a better mentor."

Hawke glanced at the time, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and said, "Some things you wouldn't want to learn from me; it could lead to trouble. I know you'd rather not see me in jail, right?"

"I'm not that bold on my own," Brandt admitted, aware of Hawke's daring nature. "What's next for you?"

"I'm off to find my next business opportunity." Hawke said as he walked out, adding, "I also want to learn how to make a dish."

Brandt was surprised. "You want to become a chef?"

Hawke replied vaguely, "Most regular chefs would struggle with this dish."

Seeing he wouldn't elaborate, Brandt stopped probing, picked up his keys, and followed up, "I borrowed Larson's car. I'll give you a ride to Salt Lake City."

Hawke didn't hesitate. "Thanks."

Brandt drove Hawke to Salt Lake City, where Hawke got out at the platform where they first met.

Once Brandt had left, Hawke shouldered his bag and embarked on a new journey.

He had already set his sights on a target while in Park City.

Hawke made his way to Las Vegas, where he had spent time in his past life, and enrolled in a club that combined fitness, shooting, climbing, and fighting for a month and a half of training.

Since he would be heading to Los Angeles as a media professional, he also signed up for a photography and videography course.

Soon, a brand new Hawke Osment would emerge in Los Angeles.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.