Chapter 98

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In this industry, talent and genius are almost overused; no one would easily believe in so-called geniuses. To earn respect is very simple—show some convincing results.

Bill Rosi left to find the people from New Line Cinema, and Murphy successfully connected with Middot Johnson. From their conversation, he could clearly feel that the status of a so-called genius and a small director who could make the film company profitable was completely different in Middot Johnson's eyes.

The former was worthless, while the latter could get him to spare some time for a chat.

"You did well. Although I haven't seen that movie, the fact that it earned several times its cost is enough to say a lot." Standing under a palm tree, Middot Johnson spoke with an air of seniority, "Young man, work hard. It's not easy to direct a formal feature film at your age."

Murphy was very humble, "Thank you, your praise is an honor to me."

Middot Johnson nodded slightly. This young man had left a good impression on him so far—humble and polite, without the foolishness of some young directors who think they are something after making one film, or the arrogance of some directors who think the whole world revolves around them because they believe they are full of talent...

Yes, they needed those outstanding directors, but without the strong support of a distribution company, even the best director's work couldn't spread to the world.

Murphy had been observing Middot Johnson subtly. Chatting in such a setting required skill. You couldn't just blurt out your purpose right after meeting someone, even in the more direct North America, which would undoubtedly lower the already low success rate.

Would he say, "I am a genius, and I made a film with a market value of millions," and Middot Johnson would look at him differently? He would probably think he was a lunatic and a fantasist.

So, he patiently chatted with him.

Seeing the other's tone and attitude getting better, Murphy felt the timing was right and said, "It's not easy. To succeed in Hollywood, you need not only hard work but also the support of a big company like Lionsgate and experienced people like you."

Anyone in this world likes to hear flattery, and Middot Johnson was no exception. A smile was already on his lips.

Murphy continued, "Someone like me, who lacks experience, really needs guidance from someone as experienced as you."

"Guidance is too much to say." Middot Johnson's mood was clearly good, and he waved his hand, "If you have any questions, I can give you some advice and suggestions."

This was the most sensible young man he had met this year.

"Thank you!" Murphy said earnestly, "After finishing 'Hard Candy,' I shot another small production. I just completed the editing a few days ago, but I always feel something is off, yet I can't figure out what it is..."

Middot Johnson's smile gradually faded.

"If... I mean if..." Murphy could see the change in his expression, but the other didn't interrupt or walk away. The previous words had clearly had an effect, "If you have time, could you watch this film and point out my shortcomings? It would be very helpful to me..."

Hearing this, Middot Johnson looked at Murphy. To have reached his current position, he wasn't stupid and naturally understood the meaning of these words.

Under normal circumstances, if an unknown small director said these things, he would have refused outright.

But the other had left a good impression, and more importantly, 'Hard Candy' had earned three times its cost for Miramax, and this number would certainly increase over time. A profit in the millions of dollars was not a small amount even for Lionsgate.

Murphy looked at Middot Johnson sincerely. As always, everything he did was for his own purpose. He knew his strategy might fail, but there was also a chance of success, after all, 'Hard Candy' had performed well.

He wasn't just a director talking big; he had some credentials, even if they were insignificant, they could still be useful.

Without 'Hard Candy' as a foundation, he wouldn't have approached him for nothing.

Middot Johnson thought for a moment and finally asked, "What type of film?"

Choosing Lionsgate was intentional on Murphy's part, "A horror film."

"Oh?" Middot Johnson's interest increased slightly, "We'll see when I have time."

Having a good impression of Murphy was one thing, but business was another. He wouldn't easily make any promises.

This ambiguous attitude made it hard to say whether he had accepted the invitation. Murphy saw this; these people who had climbed to higher positions in Hollywood were not fools, they were all shrewd individuals, especially cautious when it came to business interests.

He probed, "Can I have your contact information? I..."

Before he could finish, Middot Johnson raised his hand to interrupt and nodded to his assistant, who immediately came over and gave Murphy a business card.

After exchanging some pleasantries, Middot Johnson left. Murphy looked at the number on the card and smiled. He had achieved his goal.

Since he left his contact information, there was a good chance he would accept the invitation to watch the film.

Afterward, Murphy wandered around the party, hoping to meet a few well-known figures and create a network of connections, but being unknown and without introductions from the right people, it was impossible to enter the higher social circles.

Around nine o'clock, Bill Rosi found him. The two left the Four Seasons Hotel without further delay.

Leaving the hotel, Bill Rosi immediately asked, "How did it go?"

Murphy nodded slightly, "I got his contact information. What about you?"

Bill Rosi shook his head, clearly the situation with New Line Cinema was not good.

They got into the car, and Bill Rosi drove Murphy back to Santa Monica. Murphy fastened his seatbelt and said, "It's already great to have one company interested."

" Distributors..." He sighed softly.

Bill Rosi started the car and turned onto the main road. Seeing that Murphy seemed to be deep in thought, he reminded him, "Don't forget your meeting with Jones-Butler tomorrow. Don't be late; that woman, like many Black people, is sensitive about her dignity."

Murphy nodded.

He placed more importance and hope on his cooperation with Miramax, but just like tonight, he wouldn't put all his eggs in one basket.

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