My Hollywood System

"Have you received any updates from Will?" A young woman asked while taking a sip from her cup of coffee.

In front of her was another young woman, equally beautiful as her. Both of them were seated in a quiet suburban coffee shop and had made a prior arrangement to meet and discuss the coming plans regarding [Friends].

"I am yet to," The other young woman replied, "How many days we have in our hands, Susan?"

Susan, who was sitting in front of her, had a light frown on her face while replying.

"We have around two weeks." She added, "We're low in time, and with Will's busy schedule, I have a feeling we might face some difficulties in the beginning."

After a pause, Susan asked, "Jennifer, I remember Amanda contacting me about Will's request to find all actors with Matt or Leblanc in their names. Do you know what that was about?"

Jennifer shook her head, "I don't know the reason behind this, but I did look into the actors with similar profiles and forwarded the file to his office. There were about four actors with either Matt or Leblanc in their names, but I gave that file a few days back and haven't heard from them since. I don't know what he's planning."

Both, Susan and Jennifer were part of the Dream Vision. While Jennifer was heading the DTA, Susan was one of the main personnel responsible for the success of [Friends] and was pseudo-handling the whole production because of Will's busy schedule. Although, the latter himself had given her the full authority and only asked her to report the progress and any hiccups they faced.

Now with the dates for the pre-production work of [Friends] Season 2 coming closer, Susan was feeling under pressure and wanted to solve the problem regarding Joey's character.

Since the Season 1 had reached somewhat of a worldwide fame, Benjamin Scott's firing brought a lot of attention to this matter, and there were many who had predicted the downfall of this show. And since the show was literally her sweat and blood, she wouldn't let it die out.

"Will also told me he would be taking part in the auditioning of the prospective actors," Susan said, "I am worried about the time and schedule constraints this will bring."

Jennifer nodded and after taking a sip of her coffee, she replied, "I think you're worrying too much here. Although your worry is not groundless, but if you continue to stress yourself like this, you will harm your own health.

"Have you begun the auditions for Joey?"

Susan nodded, "I have, and I have received quite a number of big names for auditioning roles. But none of them were independent. They have their own agencies, and after what happened with Scott, I don't want to take a risk. We can't keep on changing the actors, and I am sure the other parties are also aware of this."

"Yes," Jennifer sighed, "It would be better if we find an independent actor who is willing to sign up with DTA. And even if we take an actor from other agencies, we will have to make a strict contract, and I don't think they will be willing to sign the contract too easily."

Susan agreed. "Yes. And since we're on this topic, I have taken the auditions, and there were three actors who I think are worth consideration. The only problem is them already being a part of an agency."

Jennifer pursed her lips, "Email me their files, and I will talk to Will about this. We can't delay this matter any further."

…

While the two were discussing the future of [Friends], Will was stepping out of his car in front of a multi-storey building. Raising his head, he buttoned the first button of his navy blue blazer while looking at the building from top to bottom.

There were many people walking in and out of the glass entrance to the building, and soon a valet approached Will.

As he gave the car keys to the former, someone else also walked towards him.

He was a middle-aged man, and someone Will had worked with in the past. James Dankworth, the Head of Distributions at Foxstar Studios.

Will knew the latter since the days of [The Blair Witch Project] and he was one of the reasons behind the camcorder blockbuster's success.

"You're here," James smiled upon reaching him and put forth his hand for a handshake.

Will nodded, and as they shook their hands, he replied, "You said it's something important. Is it about the script I sent? Or did something happen?"

James frowned, "No, it's a bit more serious. I don't know what Colt is planning, but I think he's trying to target [Sherlock Holmes 2]."

Will nodded, and after a moment of silence, he asked, "Isn't he your boss? Why are you telling me this?"

James shrugged, "I didn't say anything, I don't understand what you are trying to imply."

Will squinted his eyes for a moment but then nodded. "Alright, you said nothing. Let's go, it's time to see what shit he is trying to pull."

James gestured to him to follow, and the two headed for one of the top floors.

As they stepped into the VIP elevator, James broke the silence.

"Colt is acting weird these days whenever your topic comes up. At first I thought it was envy, but I overestimated him."

"He's jealous?" Will frowned, "Of what?"

James glanced at the latter, "No need to act ignorant, I am sure you know very well what he's thinking and what he wants."

Will pursed his lips.

Noticing that they were halfway up, he replied, "I am still not strong enough. Hollywood can't be ruled by a single man army, so I won't consider myself the reason to be someone's envy. At least not yet.

"As for what he has in mind, I do have a hunch. And I am curious to know if he will really ask more of what he can chew."

James nodded, "I hope this meeting doesn't escalate."

The corners of Will's lips curled upwards, "I am up for good business."

Ding!

A prompt rang, notifying the two that they have reached their destination.

James then led Will through a hallways and into a sizeable meeting room.

There was a meeting going on among various people, and when Will entered, the first face he saw was of Colt's. As soon as he saw the latter, Will knew this was most probably a board meeting, and it was quite likely that his hunch was about to come true.

On the other hand, everyone's eyes had turned at him as soon as he stepped in. Having gotten used stares, this was nothing new for him, however he was more interested in the hidden scowl and smug looks on some of the board members.

"Mr Evans, welcome!" One of the board members stood up, and greeted him.

It didn't take long for others to follow suit and in no time, the room was filled with greetings. Although it was hard to tell how many of them were genuine.

"Have a seat, Will." Colt finally broke his silence.

Will stared down at him from up to down and then sat in front of them. The atmosphere suddenly took a weird time. This was the first time Colt and Will had not shaken hands in a meeting like this, and the few were quick to catch up on this.

"You surprised me," Colt said, "Weren't we having our meeting a few days from now?"

He shook his head, "No anymore. We will discuss the matter here."

"Here?" Colt frowned and then noticing the middle-aged man behind Will. "James? You…"

Will interrupted his train of thoughts, "I am not here to waste anyone's time, so let's get straight to business."

Colt turned his head towards him, "Alright, let's talk."

When he took the seat, Will sat in front of him, on the other side of the chair.

"Well, I am most importantly here for two things, first is the second installment of [Sherlock Holmes]. I have been in talks with Carson Duckstien, and he's ready to become get onboard and become the movie's director."

As soon as he said this, the others glanced at Colt, and sensing the weird atmosphere, Will squinted his eyes and asked, "You have something to say?"

Colt stared at him for some time, and then taking a deep breath, he leaned forward and said, "Will, we first need to talk about the contract breach. You and your studio have breached the contract."

...

//DreamNote//

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