I am Hollywood

Chapter 21: The Flurry of Events



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The screening of 17 Again was a big success. Both the executives at 20th Century Fox and the theater representatives were excited about this coming-of-age comedy. During the Thanksgiving season, if Eric hadn't shown up, 20th Century Fox would have only released a comedy featuring Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver called Working Girl during the Christmas window on December 23rd.

Now with 17 Again in the mix, the originally empty Thanksgiving slot in November was perfectly filled. After some discussions, 17 Again was set to debut on November 18th. Eric was quite satisfied with this release date as he noticed from the movie schedule that there weren't any box office hits in November, which seemed tailor-made for the quiet debut of 17 Again. In December, there were only three movies that squeezed into the top ten at the North American box office for 1988: Rain Man, Twins, and Beverly Hills Cop.

...

Close to noon, James Brooks finally led Eric to a middle-aged man in his forties who wore glasses. This was Carlin Hunt, the head of the distribution department at 20th Century Fox. After a brief introduction, Brooks left the space for the two of them. Although he had a good impression of Eric, they weren't related, so he wouldn't waste his goodwill promoting Eric's low-budget film.

"Hello, Mr. Hunt," Eric greeted Carlin, who politely complimented Eric's acting in 17 Again. However, after Eric explained his intentions, Carlin Hunt immediately rejected him without a second thought: "I'm sorry, Eric, but the company's distribution plan is already full for this year. There's no way we can squeeze in a low-budget film at this late stage, so I'm afraid I have to apologize."

Such an excuse felt flimsy. If Spielberg had recommended Eric's movie, Carlin Hunt would probably have been begging for it.

Though Carlin Hunt rejected him firmly, Eric still pushed back: "Mr. Hunt, could we at least watch my movie? I just so happen to have a copy right here; it will only take you a little over an hour to watch, and I swear it's a fantastic film."

Carlin Hunt shook his head again. Many small companies pitched their films to him with the same rhetoric, especially recently, with the busy season approaching. Many film companies without their own distribution channels scrambled to promote their projects to him. He had graciously watched a few of them out of obligation, but most had poor commercial potential, so he certainly wouldn't waste time on a low-budget comedy from an eighteen-year-old: "Eric, you know I'm busy right now. I have to arrange the distribution for 17 Again and then go to a meeting at headquarters this afternoon, so I must apologize again."

Eric wasn't one to give up easily. He stubbornly pressed for a few more moments before Carlin Hunt finally grew impatient and found an excuse to leave.

...

"So, Eric, how did it go?" Penny Marshall asked him upon his return to the group of familiar faces.

Eric smiled wryly and shook his head. Penny Marshall comforted him with a pat on the shoulder: "Don't be disheartened, Eric. Distributing films comes with its own costs, and the promotional expenses can sometimes exceed production costs. If the box office doesn't perform well, the person in charge has to bear the responsibility. So, you should understand Carlin Hunt's position. You must have spent quite a bit of money making your film. Once this busy period passes, I can introduce you to a video distribution company. After 17 Again is released, with your name, the video release should at least recover some funds. And I think you should focus more on screenwriting and acting. You've got talent, Eric. If you stay grounded, you will get your breakthrough eventually."

"Thanks, Penny," Eric replied, but inside he felt a pang of bitterness; it seemed like everyone considered Home Alone as nothing more than a trial film for a rookie. He wanted to force the people there to sit down and watch Home Alone in its entirety. Unfortunately, he would need divine intervention for such a maneuver.

...

Feeling somewhat down, Eric returned home. Since there was no chance left with 20th Century Fox, he resolved to try other film companies.

Jennifer Aniston was curled up like a kitten on the living room sofa, watching a BBC soap opera with boredom. When she saw Eric walk in, she poked her head up and asked, "Eric, how did it go?"

Eric approached and held Jennifer in his arms, stroking her back as he replied, "20th Century Fox passed, but it's alright. I'll try other film companies."

Jennifer sensed Eric's hint of disappointment and hugged him tighter, raising her pretty face to comfort him: "It's okay, Eric. With how great Home Alone is, their passing is definitely their loss. I'm sure they will regret their decision once it releases."

"Oh baby, your words are so heartwarming," Eric squeezed Jennifer's cheek affectionately.

The two leaned in for a kiss, but just then, the phone rang. After several rings, Eric reluctantly let go of the girl after a little pushing from Jennifer.

"Hello, this is the Williams residence."

"Jeffrey, hey, what's happening?"

"..."

Eric listened to what was said over the phone and suddenly raised his eyebrows in surprise. Jennifer knew this was a sign Eric was excited and curiously leaned in, but she couldn't catch what Jeffrey Hansen was saying on the other end.

Eric nodded a few times in agreement before hanging up and pulling Jennifer into a spin. "Ha ha, Eric, I'm feeling a bit dizzy. Put me down! What's the good news?"

Eric placed Jennifer back on the couch and said, "Jeffrey ran into a friend from Columbia Pictures this morning. They talked about Home Alone, and his friend seems to be very interested in the film. Jeffrey said if I hadn't signed an agreement with 20th Century Fox, I could pitch it to them."

"Columbia Pictures? The one that..." Jennifer posed as the Statue of Liberty.

"Exactly that one," Eric nodded.

...

"Amy is a close friend of my wife. She's extraordinarily capable and has already reached a high level at Columbia before hitting thirty. My wife's made two films with her help in securing investment and distribution. I ran into her yesterday and mentioned you. She seemed to know you, and I told her about Home Alone," Jeffrey Hansen recounted in a coffee shop. Sitting opposite, Eric asked curiously, "Amy? You mean it's a woman?"

"Of course!"

Eric thought, could this be a coincidence? Connecting the dots with Columbia Pictures, he couldn't help but ask, "What's Amy's full name?"

"Amy Pascal."

It was her. Perhaps in the 1990s, Sherry Lansing would get more exposure as the first female head of Paramount bringing it back from the brink, but Amy Pascal's achievements weren't far behind. This powerhouse ruled Columbia for longer than Sherry Lansing.

Eric chatted a bit more with Jeffrey and set a time for their meeting. Just two minutes to spare, Amy Pascal arrived hurriedly. At about five foot six, dressed in a black suit, her long brown hair framed her exquisitely delicate features, radiating charisma.

After exchanging pleasantries, the three of them sat down together.

*****

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