hollywood system: art

A talented actress, paired with two actors whose careers are, in a sense, stepping into a new chapter—the story of two people. On one side, we have Helena Bonham Carter, whose tightly packed production schedule is matched by her youthful energy, though she already displays the kind of acting quality one expects from someone of her caliber. Then there's Edward Norton, a true maniac when it comes to film production. The guy hasn't slept more than five hours a night in the past two months. He always looks exhausted, stealing an afternoon nap here and there, and constantly appears as if the world around him is about to collapse.

And then there's Billy, who has significantly improved his physique, looking fit enough for the scenes, with more muscle and mass on his body. He exudes a new rebellious energy, appearing in peak physical shape. He trained for two months on a light routine, but by January, the intensity doubled to the point that each workout felt torturous. With heavy food and water intake—chicken breast, eggs, whole milk, spinach, saltless rice, and lemonades or celery water that tasted like lawn clippings—he endured a miserable diet. Few carbs, lots of greens. A dietary nightmare for anyone craving something as simple as cured meats.

–It's official. We'll begin rehearsal in the next two hours. Each cast member will read through the script and have time to present their suggestions.– said director David Fincher, who continued to work with his trademark precision. He conducted public rehearsals and resisted giving a soft, friendly rundown of what needed to be done. Fincher, very much a director who values talent, developed characters and let them evolve, only stepping in when changes clashed with the dialogue.

What was this? A strong script that could steal the spotlight—that was the issue when people tried to enhance their lines in pursuit of some morbidly visual performance. Choosing different clothes or dialects was fine—it could be worked in. Films often thrive on such touches. But when suggestions start stealing opportunities from other actors, it becomes a trainwreck of clashing egos.

–So I just hope Edward doesn't pass out.– said Robert Paulson, his black hair slicked back, well-built, and possessing a transformative presence that was hard to come by, simply due to how he carried himself.

–I've got plenty of changes to make, but I'm not completely brain-dead right now. A bit of coffee and some chilled fruit is enough to wake me up.– Norton replied. His dark, deep-set eyes looked utterly consumed, his complexion yellowed, carrying a dance of fatigue.

–Let the Lord of the Bets speak.– said Helena, especially slim for the role, quite different from what you'd expect of that kind of actor. The Lord of the Bets was none other than Edward, a poker addict who constantly encouraged people to play.

Edward shrugged with a smile, tightening his jaw as he weighed the downside of refusing. Helena's dry humor was cherished for her dignified aloofness.

Billy nodded slightly. Santa Monica was a literal prison of sunlight, and he knew this wasn't even the worst of it. Mid-year heatwaves were worse, and the general feeling reflected a climate change-induced discontent that only required a shift in consumption patterns.

It was his investment—Lux Films. He had invested $25 million into the film with the sole aim of putting the money to good use.

–Looks like we're a bit stuck.– murmured Fincher, visibly worn, sitting beside them in a space of complete indifference, drawn instead to the allure of a new setting. One that echoed the artistic vibe seen in people trapped by the half-hearted help of mutual friends.

–We now begin the script read of Fight Club.– said Chuck Palahniuk, who still slipped up like a rookie. Though this wasn't much, it was his first real job that paid enough to let him live for a couple of months. He kept afloat by ghostwriting for TV shows and working as a freelance journalist. Being part of something this big was such a luxury that he couldn't hide his joy.

Anne had read Billy's message saying that the Oscars would be the perfect launchpad to let all their opportunities and truths unfold. She was eager for it to all work out, in whatever way it would.

–We've known each other for years, and this is the first time you've come to ask for advice. I can't even remember the last time you invited me over for coffee, even though my best friend is your boss. But let's be honest—you never wanted my friendship. You're afraid of being in debt to me.– said Raimon, who handled ID Software's accounts with a contagious thoroughness.

–Since when do video games sell this much?– asked Anne, scanning the financial statements and the investment plans they had discussed with Raimon.

–Since Billy pulled off a brilliant move, revamping the new series and bringing a visionary development strategy that seems to fall perfectly into place. His selective material purchases and the many companies he's acquired have fostered a harmonious spirit of collaboration.– Raimon explained calmly. –It's like Pixar. They brought in so much money that we've been able to buy really good companies. Development seems to stay on track.–

–So, if we want to raise money to expand gaming, how profitable do you think the price point is?– asked Anne.

–I'd inject another $50 million to buy Midway Games and train them in all things Real Engine, but honestly, it would be pointless. They're not worth it—just small fry. It's not smart to buy up too many companies because of antitrust issues. It would be much smarter to build good relationships with MIT, the University of Oregon, Michigan, or some schools in Texas.– said Raimon. –But I do think that if we buy RAD Game Tools, that would be fantastic for business. They have multiple design structures for consoles and PCs, and cutting-edge technology. We could focus them entirely on game creation—strictly by commission. Inject $20 million into them to build a sort of Autodesk for video games, in partnership with Epic Games.–

What's more aggressive than trying to corner the entire video game market while denying others their space in it?

–So you want to buy, but you also don't want to buy.– Anne quipped.

–Let's start small. You and Billy always rush to raise capital. A solid money offer doesn't always mean just raising money. But I like how you both get excited about chasing it... I'd restructure with that company and invest in businesses like Apple. I heard from Rachel that they want to reduce the company down to four products: MacBook, portable MacBook, phone, headphones, and MP3.– said Raimon, a bit stunned by the news of shrinking almost 50 products down to just five.

–You've got the market wrapped around your finger… I'd like you to run another one of your real estate plays in Texas, Oregon, Seattle, North Carolina, New York, and Panama.– Anne added.

–Panama?– Raimon asked.

–Near the center of Panama City.– Anne replied.

–I could make some tentative purchases. But what's the endgame?–

–The Panama Canal. Billy mentioned the need to ease our operational costs. If we continue working with manufacturers in Thailand, many shipments could cross through the canal and reach Miami, helping to supply raw materials to either Miami or Lisbon.– said Anne.

–Sounds interesting. But if you want to invest in industry, I'll ask a few good friends. I've heard that the bigger the company, the more likely the state offers economic incentives.– said Raimon. –Some of those states offer complete tax exemptions for up to 30 years or generous tax breaks.–

–Let me ask my dad, but... I think if Billy gets involved, everything could change. He has a gift for making people do what he wants. I'll ask about states that could benefit us. First, let's buy RAD Game Tools.– said Raimon.

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