Hollywood King

Ian got a call from a famous publishing house saying that they’d like to publish his novel from their publishing company. The main influence for this was Ian’s name spreading like wildfire in a dry forest. 

M.J. Steven was a famous publisher but was well-known for his own writing. He started Actus Books, a publishing house two years ago, wanting to experience new ins and outs of his career. In his younger days, he wrote stories from romance to thriller, family-oriented to mature audiences. 

Being a great writer for 12 years, gave him so many experiences when it comes to publishing. When he completed his very first novel, he had to carry his work to several places just to get accepted. This was why he knew traditional publishing is a tough path to take if you aim for quick money. This is also why he wanted to help novice writers with good stories to earn quickly.

His family, which contained three kids and his lovely wife, was talking about the new Christmas movie for three days straight. They had to watch it without him because he was busy with work. Yet, he was curious about the movie because every year they'd watch a Christmas movie and this year, all the kids had been nagging before saying there are no nice movies. The sudden change of talk, made him wonder.

The very next day, just like every day, he got 10 books to review. He was skeptical about the second book he got named Resident Evil. It was normal for them to do a quick search about the author before reading the insides, and just like that, he found out it was by Ian Renner.

The young inexperienced director who made millions in his first movie. 

As soon as he knew about it, he started to read Resident Evil. With every page, he got a thrill to read more and more.

'This boy is quite good just as he thinks he is' he thought to himself.

*Accepted* he typed on his computer, in front of the book title.

He accepted Resident Evil, mainly because of the plot and the story flow. Although his writing skills weren't too good, Steven liked how he had put forward his story.

"Hello, we're from Actus Books, the publishing house, is this Mr. Ian Renner?"

"Yes, hello,"

"We're glad to say that your submission has been accepted." 

"Oh, great. When can I see the editor?"

Ian asked that question because he had so many things to talk about in the book. 

"Will you be able to meet our editor tomorrow, around 2 pm?"

"Yes, sure. Thanks."

Ian was feeling good after the call. The first thing he did was to search for Actus Books publishing house. He found out that it's famous and well-known for publishing works of new writers. 

-

Home Alone was already popular among the local movie lovers and was more than ready to be distributed internationally. 

There was a certain crowd of people already in demand of this new Christmas movie hit, home alone. Due to this, many companies tried to make deals with The Renner's. 

"Alpha, Good Movies, and CM Cine talked today. And Alpha was asking 85%," Mason said.

"Hmm… What about the other two?" Ian asked back.

"Good Movies, 92%, and CM cine  asked 87%,"

"They must be thinking we are fools or something. Let's wait a bit more. If you can, forward my number to all of the international distributors. I'll handle them myself." Ian said strictly.

Different companies related to international distribution, contacted Ian and Mason to make deals that were favorable for them. Yet, Ian waited patiently till the perfect deal got secured. 

Not after too long, Ian got a call from Light Studios where he secured a deal over the phone for 80% which was a good deal compared to others. It was normal that they couldn’t get more than 20% from it. They were content with 20%. Hearing this, Mason praised Ian's luck over and over. 

"I can't believe this movie is going international. I mean, who would have thought that this would turn this way?" Mason was still in disbelief.

"Me. I thought, uncle." Ian said and smirked.

They made plans to meet the Light company during a day in the upcoming week. Meanwhile, Ian went to meet the editor of his novel Resident Evil.

"Mr. Steven?" Ian asked, trying to get his attention.

"Ian Renner, I suppose?" Steven stopped what he was doing and signaled him to sit. 

"Yes, that I'm."

"Please, take a seat," Steven said. "So, I read through 5 chapters without a break. I find this extremely interesting. Can you really tell me where you got the idea, or what made you write this?"

"Yeah, sure. It's just that I've been reading lots of books on the genre. And from what I saw, I always find myself wishing… only if this happened, that happened. I mean, any reader with the sanity of a brain would do it, right?"

Steven laughed hearing this, "yes, but that's not the problem. This is your first novel, I assume?"

"Yes, it is."

"I've never seen someone writing a plot this good for the first time. This… is a first to me. I mean, I've seen plenty of creative minds doing wonders, but this… this manuscript over here, is an extreme surprise. Are you sure you don't want to self-publish?"

"Hmm… I did think of it. But I honestly would not have enough time to focus on every other thing related to publishing, like, marketing and all. Also, if you know me… my name has been quite popular lately, which also means people would buy it for the sake of it. This way, they'd know it was by me, yet, there won't be any huge effect like I had self-published. But my main focus is, I can't give 100% focus to this. But, I want the best for my novel." Ian let out a sigh after trying to explain his situation. 

One thing he knew about his work was, that readers are going to love it. The company itself would be able to earn huge profits due to his novel. 

"Yeah, I understand where you are coming from. Also, would you mind if I changed a few things here and there?"

"It depends. Can we talk about it one by one? I don't want to harm my plot,"

"Neither do I. I'll make the necessary arrangements and call you again if it's fine?"

"Thank you so much, I think I'll leave then," Ian stood up while shaking hands with Steven.

"Oh and… My kids love Home Alone." Steven said with a smile.

-

Within a matter of days, the Renner's studio got its ultimate success after the International distributions. Fans from different countries had their own favorite part of Home Alone.

It became more and more exciting for Ian and Mason. In fact, this was the first time Mason truly enjoyed Christmas after a few years. Ian's social media got busy with tags of different parts of the movie, Home Alone cinema tickets, good feedback, and fans wanting to know more about Ian's future goals.

But, with the Christmas hype dying, profits from the movie got lower. It decreased to around 80 million dollars in two weeks. 

And as the New Year began, many Hollywood directors, actors, and people in the film industry wanted to associate with Ian. In fact, they wanted to make connections with one another. 

For different Hollywood parties, Ian got invited along with Mason. 

"Before two years ago, I remember we got invited to many such parties. But it's a waste of time with people drinking and talking. Ideas flow here and there in the room. I might not attend," Mason said. 

"I think I'll go. This is the best way to find people and introduce myself. Among it all, we need to focus on our next project, and for that… I think I want to find some hidden talents," Ian said, thinking about so many things at once.

"Have you thought anything about it?" Mason asked.

"I have thought many things about it. We can discuss it later, but for now, I'll go. Tonight I have the first party I got invited to."

Ian said and left the studio. 

During the past couple of weeks, just when the income was decreasing, he started working here and there on his next project. 

He also found out what type of talents he needed to look out for, and his main goal for the night. Since the guest list was obvious in the party invitation, he did a background check-up on almost every actor, director, and persona who got invited. 

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A/N; Click on the heart and leave a review if you're enjoying so far! -tc.