-Would you be willing to take on this job? - Larry asked Billy, his voice echoing with a vibrant and unforgettable energy.
-Well, it would be amazing if we could do this together, - Billy replied. Charlize widened her eyes and nodded. Billy glanced at the golden dress she wore, its rich hues illuminating her blue eyes, which sparkled like two stars. The golden highlights in her ash-blonde hair made her look even more radiant.
-Then I think that settles it,- Larry Wachowski responded.
-That's right. You have my number and Jim Gianopulos' number. I'll talk to him when I get the chance, but having his number should be enough. - Billy jotted down the numbers on the side of the script for the sisters to use. They were far from the norm—even with their arrangements, people tended to feel a certain apprehension about approaching them and their work, which defied conventional rules.
-We'll work with a stable producer who will help us manage the entire production system. I've worked with him before, and he'll be a great coordinator for you, - Billy added.
-Minor details, then, - the man remarked with some wisdom. The Wachowski sisters were confident in their success—a renewed kind of excitement. Even so, they knew they couldn't demand a set percentage yet. The salary negotiations would come later. Knowing the goldmine they had, it was wiser to invest now and reap the rewards later. Matrix was an invaluable opportunity, one that couldn't be measured in trivial details. It was a luxury only Billy seemed to grasp. Still, he was aware that, given the sisters' approach, they would likely negotiate with other key players in the industry. If he offered too much, they might be tempted to seek out bigger studios.
-Well then, it's a pleasure to be working with you,- Billy said, shaking their hands. - I imagine it must be difficult for people. -
His face remained impassive, but inside, he was overjoyed, filled with life at the chance to be part of one of the most iconic sci-fi franchises, one that could even spawn additional spin-offs exploring the era when machines conquered humanity and the true explanations behind their purpose.
...
Charlize was somewhat taken aback by how quickly Billy had accepted the script. She crossed her legs and leaned in closer, sipping her wine with great interest as she tried to get some insight out of him.
-Why did you accept so quickly? - she finally asked. She leaned in, seeking not just an answer but the comfort of conversation. She wasn't sure if silence suited her, but as she looked around, she realized her companion was nowhere to be seen. She felt somewhat alone at the party and had no desire to have an aging producer lurking in her corner. So she moved closer to Billy, her body language subtly flirtatious.
-It aligns with the genre I'm looking for. After all, my company specializes in producing science fiction and fantasy series. That's a space where I can help them work from different angles. Sometimes, all it takes is for different minds to tackle projects in ways we never expect. It's a way to keep expanding my business—while they do the work, I take the opportunities. Even if the product isn't finished, I can complete it myself. That's why I never fail, - Billy answered with such confidence that Charlize blushed slightly. There was a power in his voice—something unusual, something that made her feel small in comparison. It touched on a deep-rooted insecurity she had carried for years, a lingering need to be treated with admiration, like a lady, full of love and purpose.
-That sounds incredible. Would you teach me to see what others don't? - Charlize asked, inching closer.
-I don't know, - Billy replied.
Hope flickered in her eyes. The idea of being seen as more than just a pretty face delighted her. She moved toward Billy with newfound enthusiasm, her emotions shifting unpredictably.
-With conditions. Of course, I'd teach you,- Billy added.
She lowered her gaze, resisting the urge to refuse. Wasn't she enough as she was? What kind of conditions was he talking about? Maybe he didn't realize it, but she knew—people were never truly kind without reason.
-Conditions? What kind of conditions? - Charlize asked. Maybe he wanted to sleep with her. Would she be willing? She studied his face. If he wanted something in exchange, perhaps she could sacrifice something to obtain the power he held. She needed to be more than just an actress. Maybe a director, a producer, something that paid more.
-First, you have to know the history. You can't judge something without understanding it. You'll watch countless films, read science fiction, fantasy, and comics. But if you want to focus on another genre, that's up to you. Developing depth will allow you to see details that others miss. And, of course, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the theory. This industry is tough. I believe luck plays a role in my success, but that doesn't discount the importance of knowledge and the people around me, - Billy explained.
-Oh, come on! Who says I haven't studied? - Charlize replied, slightly offended by the implication that she was uneducated. She had worked harder than most to stand out.
-Well, I think you're looking at it the wrong way. You need to study it from the perspective of an actress, a director, or a producer—someone who understands what captivates audiences. It has to be artistic, daring, and profound while still maintaining a commercial appeal that people enjoy. It needs to be something extraordinary. If you can convince yourself from that standpoint, you'll create films that resonate across all audiences—movies that everyone loves. That's what you should always aim for. Studying lightly isn't enough,- Billy said.
-You talk like you know everything, but I'm older than you,- Charlize countered.
-That has nothing to do with it, - Billy replied. He shifted slightly, bringing his face just two inches from hers. His presence sent a small, subtle tremor through her lips.
-Then don't do it. Put your own money on the line. Business is business, Charlize. When it's your capital at stake, that's when you'd seek an expert—someone who can see things from all the angles I just mentioned,- Billy stated.
-I was joking. You have no sense of humor,- she teased, her hand drifting dangerously close to Billy's leg.
-No, you weren't! We're making a movie together. During that time, you can study. Pick a genre, - Billy responded.
-Mmm… - She thought for a moment. - I want action. There's something about action films that feels so otherworldly. The idea of being powerful has always intrigued me,- Charlize admitted.
...