Chapter 19: Unprecedented

---

*Park City, Merano Cinema.*

The movie Intruder had just finished, and the credits began to roll.

Hawk stood up, clapping his hands.

The other audience members gradually stood as well, applauding enthusiastically.

In just a few seconds, over a hundred audience members were on their feet, clapping in unison.

The applause was thunderous and unrelenting.

In the front two rows reserved for the media, Gina curiously asked her colleague, "How long has it been?"

The colleague glanced at their watch, "More than five minutes."

Brazilian director Beto Blount had taken multiple bows, but it only fueled the audience's excitement.

The applause grew even louder.

The Latin director bowed for an extended period, not standing back up for a while.

The audience responded with even more clapping.

There was a certain unspoken understanding between both sides.

After about ten minutes, the applause gradually started to fade.

The media reporters were all surprised.

Gina, in disbelief, said, "Is the movie really that good? Fifteen minutes of clapping? That’s over the top."

Another female reporter, still clapping, replied, "It’s pretty good. Judging by today’s reaction, Intruder might snag a small award."

A colleague reminded, "Time to head to the hotel. The film crew is hosting a reception with a special surprise."

The female colleague smiled, "I wonder what gift they’ve prepared."

Gina shrugged, "Once we accept their gift, we’ll have to write our stories based on their press release."

As the movie ended, the media reporters were the first to leave, led by the assistant director to the hotel for the reception.

Hawk exited through the side door of the theater and saw Beto Blount in the lounge.

In heavily accented English, Beto asked, "Are the press releases ready? Should we add anything else?"

Hawk pulled out a chair and sat in front of the typewriter. "Let’s add a bit more. I just got some inspiration."

Beto waited as Hawk quickly typed away. His creativity sparked during the applause, combined with his past experiences, quickly formed into words.

Of course, Hawk was mainly drafting headlines, and what he typed were the themes for the reports.

"Intruder Sets a New Record: Longest Standing Ovation in Sundance Film Festival History!"

"Unprecedented! After Intruder Ends, Audience Applauds for 15 Minutes!"

"Audience Says the Movie Was So Good, They Would Clap Until Their Hands Hurt and Still Not Stop!"

Beto Blount, a wealthy and visionary new director, had made Intruder as his first full-length film.

Money can solve many problems.

After reading the headlines, Beto nodded repeatedly, "Good! Good! I’ll have these put into the gift bags right away."

Hawk packed up his things, straightened his clothes, and accompanied Beto to the nearby hotel for the media reception.

He didn’t need to do much but was there just in case anything unexpected happened.

In the banquet hall, Hawk grabbed some food and found a quiet corner to enjoy his lunch.

Gina, who had received a gift from the film crew, also wanted to find a peaceful spot to eat. She scanned the room and spotted Hawk, quickly making her way over.

Hawk wasn’t surprised to see her. "Sit wherever you like," he said.

"Why are you everywhere?" Gina had been to the Great Salt Lake Cinema and also covered George Hansen’s news.

She sat across from Hawk, pondering for a moment before saying, "I heard Intruder received an extended standing ovation. And District Heights also got a very enthusiastic applause. You were involved with both productions. Is there any connection?"

Hawk, showing no sign of concern, replied, "I’m just a media professional, a blogger who covers entertainment and film, chasing the latest movies."

He held up a nearby gift bag. "You’re not the only one with a gift."

Gina asked, "Are you going to write your article based on the press release the production team provided?"

Hawk, ever professional, replied, "There’s no problem writing it that way. The crew isn’t asking us to fabricate anything, just report the facts."

Gina shrugged slightly. "It’s all just praising the production."

Hawk shook his head, countering, "But isn’t the audience’s applause real? Didn’t everyone stand up and clap together? The fact that Intruder set a Sundance record for longest applause is real too, right? We’re reporting the facts, no need to compromise our integrity."

Gina glanced at her gift bag. "You’re right. I’ll report it as it is."

Hawk gave her a thumbs up, "Integrity."

The reception went smoothly.

Afterward, Hawk privately said goodbye to Beto Blount, reminding him it was time to pay.

"Hold on," Beto made a quick call. "I’ve notified the bank. The transfer will be done in half an hour."

Hawk packed up his things, grabbed his briefcase, and left the banquet hall.

Shortly after, he received a text notification: $15,000 successfully deposited.

He still had to split the money.

Due to the lack of group meals, the solo costs for the Alpine Community Theater had risen to $15 per person.

Like with Brand, prices would continue to rise for future events.

During the Sundance Film Festival, Hawk had managed to close four deals in Park City, earning $42,600 after expenses and profit-sharing.

Brand also earned quite a bit.

As the festival drew to a close, Hawk prepared to leave Park City.

Brand watched as Hawk packed his luggage and asked, "The boss wanted me to ask if you’re coming back next year."

Hawk zipped up his backpack and smiled, "Tell Larson not to worry. I’m a man of my word. I won’t be back next year."

Brand breathed a sigh of relief but felt a bit melancholic. The past ten days had changed him, making him more mature than before. "I wonder when we’ll meet again."

Hawk walked over and playfully punched his shoulder. "Why are you being so shy? Where’s the carefree guy from before?"

"I learned a lot from you," Brand smiled. "Now that you’re leaving, I won’t have anyone to learn from."

Hawk glanced at the time, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and said, "There are some things you shouldn’t learn from me. It could get you in trouble. You wouldn’t want me visiting you in prison, right?"

"I’m not that daring on my own," Brand replied, knowing Hawk’s boldness and sometimes risky behavior. He asked, "Where are you heading next?"

"Looking for the next business opportunity," Hawk said as he grabbed his briefcase and started walking. "And learning how to cook a new dish."

Brand was surprised. "You’re becoming a chef?"

Hawk vaguely replied, "It’s not a dish just any chef can make."

Seeing Hawk’s reluctance to explain further, Brand didn’t push the subject. He grabbed his keys and followed. "I borrowed Larson’s car. I’ll drive you to Salt Lake City."

Hawk didn’t refuse. "Thanks."

Brand drove Hawk to Salt Lake City, where Hawk got off at the same station where they had first met.

As Brand drove away, Hawk shouldered his bag and set off on his new journey.

He had already chosen his next destination back in Park City.

Hawk made his way to Las Vegas, where he had lived in a previous life, and began a month-and-a-half training program at a club that offered fitness, shooting, rock climbing, and martial arts.

Given that he planned to go to Los Angeles as a media professional, he also signed up for photography and videography courses.

Soon, a new and improved Hawk Osmond would appear in Los Angeles.

---