From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Outside the car window, the sun shone brightly.

Inside the car, silence reigned supreme—

Only the sound of hearts pounding against chests surged and echoed faintly in the air.

Time slipped away like sand through fingers. Before they could even blink, it had been a full week since Anson and the two screenwriters of "The Butterfly Effect" had met at the coffee shop.

Clearly, Anson had become part of the project.

After that, they split into two groups.

Eric and Mackie went home to discuss and brainstorm how to add details without disturbing the framework, lay a foundation for the origin story, and leave some space in the main plotline to allow Anson room to perform, showcasing the psychological arc and the character's edges.

Meanwhile, Anson took on the responsibilities of a producer, beginning to seek out suitable film companies. He wasn't in a rush to seek help from Darren Star.

Firstly, Darren's main connections were concentrated in the television industry. If it were the film industry, Darren would probably need to expend a lot of effort.

Secondly, Anson had some ideas of his own. He felt he could try it out first. If it didn't work, he could think of other ways—

DreamWorks, Disney, Warner Bros.

These three companies represented Anson's three works so far: "Catch Me If You Can," "The Princess Diaries," and "Friends."

The collaborations on these three projects had opened doors on different levels and in different dimensions, creating intricate connections with high-level executives at the film companies.

"Catch Me If You Can" naturally went without saying, Steven Spielberg was the director; at the premiere of "The Princess Diaries," Anson had met Bob Iger, the current second-in-command of the company; and at the party after the Emmy Awards for "Friends," he had met a group of producers.

Among them, "The Princess Diaries" and "Friends" were involved in the company's operations to varying degrees, and Anson did play an important role—

Of course, a small role. An actor is just one small link in a chain of reasons behind success.

But Anson believed that this was precisely the opportunity he could use to break into the industry and make the film companies aware that he was entering the production field. This idea was also supported and encouraged by Edgar.

So, why not Sony Columbia?

The reason was very simple: Edgar didn't want to alert them prematurely.

Next, Sony Columbia was about to start negotiations with Edgar regarding Anson's salary for "Spider-Man 2" and his role in the crew.

If Anson had the opportunity to become a producer, there was naturally no reason to miss it; but Edgar thought the chances were slim. Sony Columbia probably wouldn't be willing to share the pie, so his focus was on improving Anson's actor benefits.

Under these circumstances, Edgar didn't think it was a good idea for Anson to discuss a collaboration on a brand new project with Sony Columbia as a producer; it might instead become an excuse for Sony Columbia to lower his salary.

However, Sony Columbia could be considered as a backup option. When other negotiations didn't go smoothly, Anson could sit down with Sony Columbia and start discussions.

In short, Anson began to take action.

Somewhat surprisingly, the first to respond was not DreamWorks, but Warner Bros.

Although the specific reasons behind this were unclear, the fact that Warner Bros. responded first was good news. Today, Anson and the two screenwriters were arriving at Warner Bros. in Century City, Los Angeles, to attend a production meeting.

This was a good thing, but at this moment, the atmosphere in the car was somewhat subdued.

Eric looked at Mackie with slight worry, watching his good friend with a furrowed brow and a hesitant expression, trying to speak but not knowing where to start.

Because including himself, he wasn't sure at this moment—

Anson's idea was for him to go and discuss it in person.

Mackie and Eric's production meetings had not been going smoothly all along. There could be many reasons for this. Perhaps their insistence on the script was affecting the negotiation process, perhaps their insistence on directing as screenwriters was disrupting expectations, or perhaps their own names weren't well-known enough, causing the other party not to pay attention.

But whatever the reason, the result was that "The Butterfly Effect" had not yet found a film company willing to invest.

Therefore, Anson believed they should switch to a different approach.

For example, Anson could go alone, repositioning "The Butterfly Effect" and branding the project with a different label using Anson's image.

There was an inexplicable sense of emptiness and awkwardness, as if their work was being snatched away; moreover, this was Hollywood, and weren't there plenty of unscrupulous things done for fame and fortune? It was indeed unpleasant to watch Anson take over, even if reason told them that Anson didn't intend to take the project for himself, it was still difficult to accept emotionally.

For a moment, the air fell silent.

Not only Mackie, but Eric was also feeling awkward.

Anson sighed lightly in his heart, not showing it on his face, "Then let's go up together. It's most appropriate for you to explain the story and the inspiration behind the creation."

Honestly, Anson was very open and honest. He had no intention of taking credit for other people's work. Now that others were looking at him with the suspicious eyes of a thief, he was also very aggrieved; but having experienced the various twists and turns and hardships of his previous life, he was able to look at everything in front of him more peacefully and calmly.

"When we go up later, I'll be responsible for the greetings and pleasantries, and you'll be responsible for the professional part. When discussing project ideas and the story framework, leave it all to you. As for how to make this project more marketable, leave it to me."

Anson didn't continue to force the issue. After all, this was the other party's seven years of hard work, and their only hope. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it their lifeline.

After saying these words, Anson was about to get out of the car, but he didn't expect Mackie to speak.

"Anson, you should go up alone. We won't go."

Anson was stunned.

Eric also looked at Mackie with a look of astonishment.

After struggling bitterly, Mackie met Eric's gaze, gritted his teeth, "Anson is willing to become our male lead and take on the responsibility of producer, we should make good use of his influence, otherwise our efforts and struggles will be in vain."

"Anson… I hope everything goes well."

Finally making a decision, Mackie seemed to have unloaded a burden and seemed exhausted, drooping his shoulders and letting out a long breath, regaining some energy.

Eric was also half-understanding, but in the end, he nodded in affirmation, "Anson, we're counting on you for everything."

This time, it was Anson's turn to be stunned. He thought they would never be able to get rid of their obsession; but he didn't expect that a new situation had opened up.

Anson took a light breath, "You guys wait in the parking lot, I'll be as quick as possible."

Mackie waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no, no, you don't need to rush, everything can be done slowly… slowly, slowly, take as much time as you need."

Anson immediately realized: if the meeting ended too quickly, it probably wouldn't be a good thing.

Anson revealed a smile, "Then I'll make my entrance."

Pushing open the car door, Anson took a step, but after only a few steps, he suddenly turned his head and saw Eric and Mackie looking at Anson like sheepdogs, with a look of longing and eagerness in their eyes, just short of sticking out their tongues.