The next morning, Zane arrived at Wald Pictures in a great mood. He was buzzing with his new, exciting plan to grow his company. As he was walking through the lobby, he ran into a familiar face.
"Hey, Charlize!" he said with a genuine, happy smile. "I haven't seen you in a couple of weeks. You look fantastic."
"Zane, you're still as handsome as ever," she replied. Her own smile was bright and confident. She was wearing a pretty sky-blue shirt and looked like she was doing really well.
"What brings you to the studio today?" Zane asked.
She playfully pretended to be sad. "You forgot? Zane, I'm hurt! I thought we were friends. I'm the official spokesperson for 'SpongeBob's Secret Chest,' remember? I'm here to shoot the new ads."
"Ah, that's right! My apologies," he said with a laugh. "I'll tell you what, I'll make it up to you. I'll let you buy me lunch later."
"I see some things never change, boss," she said, shaking her head and laughing. It was clear that her new success was good for her. Her acting in Static had gotten her noticed, and she had just been signed by CAA, the most powerful group of agents in Hollywood.
"Congratulations on signing with CAA, by the way," Zane said, his voice full of real warmth. "They're lucky to have you."
He was genuinely happy for her. He loved seeing his friends succeed, and he knew she deserved it.
After a few more minutes of friendly chatting, a photographer came to get Charlize for her photoshoot. "Talk later," Zane said with a wave.
He walked into Victor's office, his mind switching back to business. "What's the status of the new scripts?"
"The writers are working hard," Victor reported. "They're adding all the details to your outlines now. We should have the first versions in about a week. Once we find directors, they can add their own ideas, too."
Zane liked this. Even though Wald Pictures was his company, he wanted to work with his team, not just tell them what to do.
"Good. Did Martha's team file the copyrights for the names?" Zane asked.
"Filed this morning," Victor said. "Now, about the directors..."
"I've already made a list of people I think would be great," Zane said, cutting him off with a friendly, mysterious smile. He pulled a few pieces of paper from his briefcase. Victor had learned that when his young boss had a "gut feeling" about someone, it was a very good idea to listen.
The list was short and clear:
Movie: Wrong Turn -> Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Movie: Hard Candy -> Director: Zack Snyder
Movie: Juno -> Director: Richard Linklater
Zane was planning to shoot all three movies at the same time. It was a bold move, but he was excited to get his studio's name out there.
...
At the home of M. Night Shyamalan...
"Wald Pictures?" the young, serious filmmaker asked. He looked both confused and interested. "You're looking for me to direct a film?"
"Yes, Mr. Shyamalan. We are very sure you're the right man for the job," Martha Hopkins, from Zane's legal team, said in a kind, professional voice.
Shyamalan was stunned. He was only 26 and was a total unknown. He had just graduated from film school. This amazing opportunity seemed too good to be true. "May I ask, why me?"
Zane, who had been quiet, finally spoke. He smiled, a friendly, encouraging smile.
"I've been looking for new, talented people," Zane said honestly. "And I've heard about your student films. I just have a really good feeling about you. I think you have a special, unique way of building suspense, and that's exactly what this project needs."
Martha jumped in, adding to the good feeling. "Our boss, Mr. Blackwood, has an amazing eye for talent. He's only 19, and his first movie, Static, has already made over fourteen million dollars. When he says you have potential, it really means something."
Shyamalan looked at the impossibly young studio boss sitting on his sofa. Zane just gave him a small, confident, and friendly nod.
In the end, M. Night Shyamalan happily agreed to direct Wrong Turn for $150,000. Zane had just found the perfect director for the job and was thrilled to have him on the team.
...
At a music video shoot in downtown L.A...
Zack Snyder was busy ordering his crew around, making a cool-looking music video. During a break, Victor and Zane walked up to him.
In his world, every music video director dreamed of getting the chance to make a real movie.
When Zane offered him the chance to direct a sharp, smart, scary movie, Snyder's eyes lit up.
"I'm in," he said, shaking Zane's hand with real excitement. "When do we start?"
With a salary of $150,000, Zack Snyder, the future director of 300 and Man of Steel, was officially on board to direct Hard Candy.
...
He had found two amazing, talented directors. Zane felt a rush of excitement. His plan was coming together perfectly. He was building a new kind of studio, full of fresh, brilliant people.
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