The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 8: The Mountain Community Theater]

When the bus arrived in Park City, Hawke had already struck up a lively conversation with Brandt. The two exchanged phone numbers, and Brandt invited Hawke to stay at his house. Park City was renowned across America as a premier ski destination. Brandt's parents worked at the ski resort on the mountain and rarely came down during the busy tourist season.

Unable to resist Brandt's enthusiasm, Hawke agreed to the invitation. Primarily, he preferred avoiding a $50-a-night shared room at a hostel. A star-rated hotel was out of the question; Hawke had called Salt Lake City earlier and found that the cheapest single room was $455, while even the budget motels started at $285 a night. Even at that, rooms were hard to come by.

Park City had only one main street, with various houses scattered along it, built on the hillside in an irregular pattern. The bus stopped midway down the main street, and Brandt waved at Hawke to get off.

The houses in the community were evidently older. Although the town was small, there were clear class distinctions. As the bus drove off, Hawke glanced across the street and saw a big Salt Lake Cinema, where numerous movie posters hung at the entrance.

Brandt, slinging his backpack over his shoulder, looked over and said, "The Sundance Film Festival is essentially an independent film expo. Every year, around this time, any theater in Park City will be screening films for over sixteen hours a day."

Hawke returned his gaze. "Every independent filmmaker wants to create a miracle."

"Let's head this way," Brandt said, leading the way into the hillside community. As they walked, he shared, "Not too many people live here. This is one of the biggest communities. Don't let the modest conditions fool you; folks aren't wealthy, but neighborly relations are great."

Hawke observed the community, which was constructed along a large gentle slope, and each house was a modest wooden cabin. He hardly spotted any minorities.

Two young people approached from a distance, greeting Brandt. "You little rascal, snuck back to attend the festival?"

Brandt replied, "The theater group has gatherings every festival; I can't miss out."

One, dressed in a puffy coat, said, "Our group hasn't produced any big stars. We all have to split the bill at gatherings because no one has money, and many have complaints."

"Because nobody is willing to sponsor," Brandt shrugged. "Without some big names backing us up, what can we do? If we cancel the gathering, the troupe might really break apart."

"Captain Larson hasn't organized any activities for over six months." The one in a knitted hat glanced at Hawke and asked, "Your friend?"

Brandt quickly introduced, "This is Hawke Osment, a practitioner in the entertainment media business, a friend I met in Salt Lake City." He then pointed to the two, saying, "This is Damian, and this is Lewis."

Damian bumped fists with Hawke. "We're unemployed slackers."

Hawke replied seriously, "I was one of those not too long ago."

Damian and Lewis burst into laughter.

Brandt pointed up the hillside. "I'll take Hawke back to settle in, and we'll talk later."

Lewis said, "We'll come find you later."

Brandt was quite popular in the community; people continued greeting him as they walked. Hawke followed him into his not overly large standalone house, which had three bedrooms partitioned off.

Since it had been unoccupied for a long time, the furniture and beds were covered in dust sheets. Hawke helped Brandt tidy up and casually asked, "Does your community theater group hold regular gatherings?"

"The biggest ones happen during the film festival," Brandt said with a hint of confusion. "Didn't I tell you on the way here? Sorry, I forgot."

He explained, "During the festival, we collectively watch one or two films, and then have a self-help party to discuss the troupe's developments for the following year. It's split cost. In the beginning, everyone was really excited, hoping one of us could become a star, but not a single professional actor has come out of the troupe, which was really disappointing."

Hawke expressed interest in this community theater group, asking, "Are there many people in the troupe?"

Brandt replied, "The troupe was established during the seventh Sundance Film Festival, and this year marks the eighteenth. Over ten years, about 200 people have joined the troupe, and the number of attendees has dwindled. Last year, fewer than fifty showed up because no one wants to fork out money."

Hawke understood the mentality of splitting costs and joked, "What if someone treated everyone?"

Brandt laughed heartily, playing along with the joke, "Big blogger, are you going to treat us? I guarantee you could gather over a hundred people with their families."

Hawke responded honestly, "I can't afford that."

As lunchtime approached, Brandt pulled out his phone. "I'll order some food."

Hawke stopped him. "I'll go buy it." He figured he shouldn't burden someone right after arriving for meals, and asked, "I noticed a mountain pizza place nearby. How's the food there?"

Brandt suggested, "They make it pretty good."

Hawke grabbed his wallet and phone, opened the door, and found Damian and Lewis waiting outside.

Lewis greeted, "Hey, man, are you leaving right after you got here? Did Brandt change teams and harass you?"

Hawke shrugged. "I'm going to grab lunch."

Lewis bumped fists with Damian. "Awesome! We'll tag along for lunch!"

Brandt came over from the living room and raised a middle finger at Lewis. "Don't tarnish my reputation; I actually have a crush on a girl at the state university and invited her to the film festival."

Damian scoffed, "You said that last time when you were back! You're chasing your dream girl like a love-struck puppy, and she's not interested, continually rejecting your invitations."

Brandt fell silent for once, losing his usual chatter.

Hawke thought of the pretty girl at the bus station but said nothing and headed out to buy pizza.

...

Damian and Lewis came inside, asking, "Is Hawke really working in the entertainment media?"

"Of course, he's an extraordinary entertainment blogger!" Brandt perked up again, his words spilling out faster than his thoughts. "He knows tons of Hollywood insider info."

Seeing that there was juicy gossip to be had, Lewis pressed on, "What kind of insider info?"

Brandt quickly covered his mouth, but the urge to spill the beans felt unbearable. "Listen, I'll let you in on a confidential secret, just don't tell a soul -- Winona Ryder! Yes, the star of Edward Scissorhands, she has a shoplifting problem and often steals stuff."

Damian and Lewis's jaws dropped in surprise, leading to a flurry of chaotic questions.

...

Not long after, Hawke returned carrying two large pizza boxes. He had also bought a dozen cans of beer, opened one, and tossed it to each of the three, lifting his can in a toast. "To our friendship, cheers!"

"Cheers!"

After finishing his beer, Lewis asked Hawke, "Did Winona Ryder ever steal a male star's underwear?"

Hawke didn't answer, turning to Brandt, distressed. "That's confidential!"

"Sorry," Brandt quickly apologized. "I couldn't help myself."

Feeling guilty, he added, "That was my bad -- Hawke, if you run into trouble here in Park City, feel free to reach out to me."

Still young and impulsive, Lewis chimed in, "You shared that blockbuster gossip and treated us to drinks; whatever happens in Park City, just let us know."

Damian added, "If we can't solve it, we can find a whole bunch of people to help you."

Hawke certainly wouldn't hold any grudges and responded, "On the way here, I saw many places starting their screenings. Shall we check some out this afternoon?"

Opportunities wouldn't come knocking; they needed to be sought after. He remembered the potential for profit and knew he needed the right crew to capitalize on it.

Brandt agreed, "I'll take you there. It'll be easy; I have connections with the organizing committee."

The locals in the small town had an extensive network of connections.

The four of them ate pizza, drank beer, and the mood was incredibly warm.

*****

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