Chapter 18 Don't Eat Soft Rice

In a rustic-style bar, country music was playing softly.

"What are you drinking? Whiskey?" Eric stretched out his hand, flashing a dazzling gold Rolex as he poured a drink for Hawk and said, "‘District Highlands’ won’t make it to theaters."

Hawk was slightly surprised. "Didn’t Castle Rock Studios already buy the rights?"

"They’re going straight to the DVD and VHS market," Eric replied. "If they’re quick, it could be in video stores right after the Oscars."

Hawk said, "At least it will reach thousands of viewers."

"Compared to most directors, I’m still lucky." Eric clinked glasses with Hawk. "Catherine invested in me, and I met you at Park City. Without you, this film wouldn’t have sold. Catherine would’ve dropped me, and I’d probably never get another chance..."

Hawk muttered, "Catherine’s been good to you."

Eric shook his head. "A director without a hit can’t elevate a rich woman’s status. What’s the point of keeping him around?"

He pointed at Hawk. "And you, my friend, secured my chance to keep making films."

Hawk poured them both more whiskey. "Here’s to your next film coming out soon."

Eric clearly had plans in mind. "When that time comes, I want you to manage the film’s distribution. You’re the best I’ve seen in that field."

"Thanks," Hawk said, feeling a bit proud.

Then Eric followed up with a jab. "Of course, I haven’t met many film distributors."

Hawk quickly adjusted. "It’s not film distribution; I specialize in media management."

Eric, now tipsy from several drinks, fell into the typical male bravado—besides wealth, power, and women, there’s always one more thing: boasting. He banged the table. "When I start my own film company, I’ll make you the head of media management!"

Hawk, now a bit looser with his words, replied, "Will Catherine be okay with that?"

"If I have enough money to start a company, why would I still need Catherine?" Eric blurted out, revealing his true thoughts. "If I can get normal financing for films, who’d want to keep relying on that woman?"

Hawk poured another round. "Do me a favor."

"As long as it doesn’t involve me going back to her, anything else is fine," Eric said, clearly scarred from the relationship.

Hawk laughed inwardly. This guy was probably traumatized for life. He asked, "Could you help spread some good word of mouth? You don’t need to do much. If anyone calls asking about my work, can you tell them the truth?"

Eric was surprised. "Haven’t you had a lot of success?"

"The crews I’ve worked with all think it’s their artistic triumph. My contribution is insignificant," Hawk said, revisiting an old topic.

"Bullshit!" Eric raised his glass and clinked it with Hawk's. "If anyone doubts you, just have them call me."

Getting started is always the hardest part. Hawk was gaining traction at the festival and was eager to keep it going to make more money.

Before they finished the bottle, Eric received a call from Catherine, and he had to leave early to return to the hotel and be with his girlfriend.

"Take someone’s money, follow their orders." He downed the last of his drink and reminded Hawk, "Don’t live off a woman!"

Hawk laughed. "Relax. If it comes to that, I’ll do it with pride."

Eric didn’t get the joke and waved goodbye. "I’m heading to L.A. soon. When you’re in town, be sure to hit me up."

Hawk had one last drink with him. "I’ll reach out when I need you."

Eric staggered out of the bar.

Hawk looked at the remaining whiskey and decided to drink by himself. The country music had transitioned into jazz on stage. He hummed a few bars when suddenly the chair beside him was pulled out, and someone sat down.

It was Jenna, a reporter. She gestured for a fresh glass from the waiter and asked Hawk, "Drinking alone?"

When the glass arrived, Hawk poured her a drink. "Not anymore."

Jenna wasn’t here just for drinks. "Any big stories?"

Hawk deflected. "This morning’s news did well, didn’t it?"

"Explosive." Jenna was in a great mood, sipping her drink. "It’s the first time the Sundance Film Festival has captured national entertainment headlines. Even crazier, George Hansen had a ruptured intestine..."

Hawk was surprised. "That serious?"

Jenna, who had been following the story closely, nodded. "What they pulled out was nearly seven inches long. Absolutely insane."

She leaned in closer. "Hansen has opened Pandora’s box. Now, two competing film crews might start cutting each other’s power. Imagine film crews sabotaging each other—what a mess."

Hawk raised his glass to hers. "Isn’t that the kind of corporate warfare you reporters love? It makes for great news."

Jenna stayed on topic. "If you come across more stories like that, let me know. Money’s not an issue."

Hawk shook his head. "If stories like that were common, I’d be rich already, not sitting here drinking alone. I’d be in a hotel with a couple of Hollywood actresses, having way more fun."

Jenna looked Hawk up and down, clearly doubting he had that kind of money. She handed him her card. "If you get any big news, call me. If it’s valuable, I’ll pay you for the tip."

Thinking about the $1,000 he made earlier that day, Hawk asked, "The bigger the story, the more it’s worth?"

"Generally, yes, but some industries are special," Jenna explained. "For instance, I mainly cover entertainment. The same event happening to a celebrity is worth way more than if it happened to a regular person."

She gave an example. "Take the Salt Lake City theater incident. If Spielberg had been involved, the video would be worth hundreds of thousands."

Hawk nodded slightly.

Jenna continued, "In Hollywood, there’s always buzz. Rumor has it Tom Cruise is secretly gay. ‘People’ and ‘National Enquirer’ have offered millions for proof—photos, videos. If someone had that, they’d be a millionaire overnight."

Hawk chuckled. "Or Scientology would send them into space to meet their supreme leader."

Jenna agreed, "That’s why, in this business, you have to know when to quit and avoid messing with the wrong people."

Hawk learned a lot from the seasoned reporter. He ordered another bottle.

Though Hawk was a fake media guy, he managed to glean a lot from Jenna.

Jenna drank too much and suggested they go back to her place to "study the camera." Hawk didn’t take advantage—especially not when it could get messy. He wasn’t up for dealing with a hangover and lingering awkwardness.

He drove Jenna home in her car and walked back.

From Jenna, Hawk got a useful tip: a Brazilian film crew working on a movie called "The Intruder" was planning a media screening, hoping to gain attention in the North American film industry.

The next day, Hawk started gathering information on this crew. With some help from his contacts, it was much easier to land the second job than the first.

Hawk met with the director and producer of the film, Bedo Blount. After calling Eric and Castle Rock, Blount didn’t hesitate long before signing a deal with Hawk.