Chapter 57

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"It seems you have a lot of experience," Kara-Phis laughed, "Have you done this before?"

"How could that be?" Murphy looked innocent, "Am I that kind of person?"

He put on a serious face but spoke in a joking tone, "Dear, unless it's you."

"Don't joke like that," Kara-Phis picked up her glass and took a sip, warning, "I'll take it seriously, and by then you'll regret it."

"Cough..." Murphy put his fist to his mouth and coughed, quickly steering the conversation back, "Let's talk about the movie. Hollywood has already formed a complete production system. Once a system is established, it's hard to break the rules, just like how bad money drives out good in the market."

Shrugging, he continued, "So in car chase scenes, the hero's car always escapes smoothly, while the pursuers either crash or break down; in arguments between men and women, they always end with a slap, followed by a brief silence, after which the man will tightly embrace her and kiss her, and all problems are solved."

Kara-Phis was unconvinced, "Isn't that how it always is in romance movies?"

"I swear, this trick doesn't work," Murphy shook his head and brought the conversation back, "Anyway, this system is Hollywood's money-making machine. I'm not saying it, it's a fact."

Lifting her glass, Kara-Phis took another sip and suddenly said without warning, "I'm going to New York."

"Huh?" Murphy looked up, puzzled, "Why?"

She was one of his few friends in Los Angeles.

Perhaps because they had taken different paths, Murphy could feel Ross actively distancing himself, and if Kara-Phis left, he would truly be alone in the City of Angels.

"The company suggested I go for further training," Kara-Phis put down her glass, propped her chin with one hand, and looked at Murphy, "My mentor at Columbia University has also secured a good opportunity for me."

Murphy raised his glass to her, "Congratulations."

Although he didn't understand American universities, he knew this was a good thing.

As a woman who pursued her career intensely, Kara-Phis resolutely boarded the plane to New York a few days later. After seeing her off, Murphy focused all his energy on the post-production of "Hard Candy." As he became more involved in the work, his skills improved, just as Bill Rosi had commented—Murphy might lack experience, but his learning ability was outstanding.

After a few busy weeks, Murphy could independently complete most of the editing work, finding the right cutting points from the tangled mess of shots and transforming the raw footage into the form he had envisioned.

To finish as soon as possible, he moved into the studio, spending almost all his time working, except for rest and meals. He even turned down several calls from Carey Mulligan inviting him out.

As Christmas approached, Murphy and Griffith completed the film's editing, and James Franco and Carey Mulligan had dubbed some of the scenes. The post-production was nearing its final stages.

Every movie needs a soundtrack, and "Hard Candy" was no exception. Murphy, lacking money and time to commission original music, selected a few appropriate songs, paid the copyright fees, and obtained the usage rights. These soundtracks were based on three main pieces: "Afternoon of Awakening Thoughts" when Haley appears, a disco tune when Jeff is about to photograph her, and a powerful metal song at the end.

The $300,000 was almost used up, and Murphy, lacking money to hire a professional sound editor, had to do it himself along with Jody Griffith. It took them over a week to finish.

On the other side, Bill Rosi kept his promise and secured Murphy a spot in the official screening program of the Sundance Film Festival, where "Hard Candy" would be shown alongside many other independent films CAA was involved in.

Bill Rosi also sent the film to the MPAA through CAA's channels. Due to Murphy's meticulous handling, the film received an R rating without any issues.

However, Murphy wasn't naive enough to believe that Bill Rosi truly valued him as much as he claimed. This opportunity was indeed rare for someone without connections or credentials, but for those with resources, it wasn't a big deal. After all, the Sundance Film Festival is one of the most famous independent film festivals in the United States, with over 300 independent films and hundreds of feature films participating in the official screenings each year. Few of these films end up in theaters, let alone on video.

For CAA's agents, setting up such an opportunity didn't require much effort.

Murphy was well aware that he was just one of many fish caught in the wide net cast by Bill Rosi and CAA. Whether he would make it to the top would depend on his future development.

In the entertainment and film industries, those who show value are their esteemed clients, while those who don't are eliminated.

Regardless, receiving an invitation to the Sundance Film Festival provided Murphy with a platform to showcase himself and created a rare opportunity.

The biggest benefit of participating in the Sundance Film Festival was that it saved Murphy the trouble of pitching his film to each distribution company individually. Every year, the festival attracts a large number of professional film scouts and buyers from various companies. If a film catches their eye, a deal can be made during the festival.

"Too infuriating!"

In the airport terminal, Carey Mulligan stood opposite Murphy, stomping her small leather boots, "They insist I go back to London now!"

She was talking about her parents, "I really want to go with you to the film festival."

"There will be other opportunities," Murphy gently patted her arm and looked at her luggage, "Don't forget to call me when you get to London."

"Um..." Carey Mulligan nodded vigorously, glared at Paul Wilson, who was peeking from behind Murphy, and said pitifully, "I won't be able to see my first film in the cinema."

"I'll record the screening and send it to you."

Saying this, Murphy couldn't help but sigh, "We might not even have an audience."

"It won't be, it definitely won't be," Carey Mulligan grabbed Murphy's arm and shook it, "You've always been the best! Always..."

The announcement for the London flight echoed in the terminal, and Murphy reminded her, "It's time, you should go in."

Carey Mulligan didn't move, staring at Murphy for a while, "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

Hearing Murphy's seemingly sincere words, Carey Mulligan stepped forward and hugged him tightly, her doll-like face pressed against his chest, "Wait for me, I'll be back soon."

Murphy gently patted her back, "Have a safe trip."

After seeing Carey Mulligan off, Murphy and his free assistant, Paul Wilson, pushed two large suitcases into another boarding gate and boarded the plane to Utah.