Chapter 25: Chapter 24.

“I will ask the legal team to work on the contract soon enough and would do my best to get Home Alone in international theatres as soon as possible,” Jackson expressed in confirmation. 

“Yes, sure. It would be great if we can release it in a month. You know, with all the fanfare, I’m sure the media would do its best to promote it.”

Jackson was impressed with that statement and nodded approvingly. “Yes, I’ll try my best. By the way, do you have any idea how Resident Evil would do as a movie?” 

The sudden question took Ian by surprise. 

“I think it would be a good movie if it can be done well.” He took a second to compose himself and questioned, “Are you interested?” 

In this world Horror, thriller movies basically revolved around gothic horror, supernatural horror, monster movies, psychological horror, splatter films, slasher films, body horror, comedy horror, serial killer films, and postmodern horror. Survival
thriller is a rare genre and almost as new as a prenatal baby to the industry. 

With the question Jackson asked, Ian’s ideas on the industry and hopes for Resident Evil bloomed up. The genre Zombie wasn’t that much popular in movies due to how unrealistic the majority of the productions come out after completing the whole movie. Out of 42 attempts in Zombie movies, barely three-four movies got nominated for awards. 

That was how much Hollywood in Ian’s world lacked a good survival thriller zombie movie. A missed opportunity is always a lost opportunity. 

“Yes, actually. After reading the book, my interest grew to make it a movie. But I wanted to know what the author thinks of it or if he has any motive to make the movie himself,” Jackson was being honest with every word he say. 

“Oh, well. I understand, but for now, I don’t really have any thoughts on it. Future does hold hope for a movie on Resident Evil. Especially because I have already signed an agreement over Actus for the movie rights” Ian said while trying not to give too
much hope to the CEO in front of him.

Because when compromises happen with words, they won’t be nice to take back. And Ian wanted to continue to maintain a good relationship with Cube Pictures since it's a hotshot in the industry. Yet he also knew, that conversation can lead to deals or the opposite. 

That’s how much of an edge, words have during business meetings like these. 

“Hmm… It’s a shame because my wife who used to direct movies was actually trying to get back in the industry with something like Resident Evil. She was specifically talking about Resident Evil,”

Ian solely knew who his wife is. Angela Bird, a talented director who shook theatres with her horror movies was an amazing talent in the entire Hollywood. Everyone knew her and at a certain time period, people assumed she was having a mental illness. 

It was when she and the CEO of Cube Pictures decided to marry. They had a history for almost a year before getting married to another person in the same industry. Everyone knew how much Jackson loved her.

She thought of getting a break and focusing on her family, but mainly she took a break because she desperately wanted one. Trying to keep up with Hollywood, the media, and everything was tiresome for her.  For as long as she remembers, she has been trying to come up with something original and worth-the-watch. She personally thought marriage could be a good break for her.

People assumed different things including how she can be suffering from some disease because of how fearsome every movie is. They all assumed that the director ‘can’t’ be normal due to how wild her imaginations can run.

Around seven to eight movies were award-winning due to the extreme technology they had used and how realistic every one of them was. Among all of them, Voracious became a huge hit. 

Awards like Best Horror film, Best make-up, and Best music were won at times and still get nominated for awards while competing with new horror movies in the industry. 

Ian let out a low chuckle to come out as friendly, knowing he should not let chances slip out of his hand. If Jackson is offering such a huge chance, he shouldn’t let it go. Mainly because of how rumors say he loves his wife a lot and because of that he won’t be stingy with anything related to her. 

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“I don’t mind if your wife is willing to direct it, I mean… I have watched Mrs. Bird’s movies, she was really good at what she did. Thinking of which, how about this… Both the companies can jointly direct the movie but it will be distributed through Renners.”

“Hmm… Not bad, I actually like the idea. But I’ll have to think about it, although we should definitely arrange a meeting to discuss the scale and pitch of the movie if possible, yeah?”

Ian knew that releasing Resident Evil might lift the standards of horror in this world. He also knew how in the previous world Resident Evil earned $40 million domestic but $102 million worldwide on a $33 million budget, during a time with smaller marketing costs and a more vibrant post-theatrical marketplace.

With the right amount of time and effort, he could create wonders with what he was gifted. His plan was to make Resident Evil with a budget of $40 million. 

“Yeah, I heard about the new movie Cube Pictures will put out at the end of this season will be a rom-com.”

Jackson nodded while smiling, “Yeah, it is. The demand for Rom-coms is quite high these days, and this movie took almost a year to complete.”

“Here I thought directing them would be easier,” Ian tried to joke although he knew any good movie would take enough amount of time to complete successfully. And Cube Pictures won’t do any movie if it won’t end as a good one.

“Of course not. I’m sure you know the pain of how long it takes to get the perfect actors and actresses we want. Now that you’re in quite a good place in the industry, many high-level actors would be more than thrilled to take part in anything you direct,”

“Haha… I doubt. It took us quite a while to find someone to perfectly match the role of Kevin. It was even after searching for more than half of the kids from Hollywood. This means, regardless of the grade… Or the reputation, skills come within. And I’m sure there are many underrated talented actors out there. High graded actors do behave quite a good disciple in the good hand,”

“That kid is talented, I saw. Which reminds me, do you have plans for your literary future? I saw the article by Eddie Ortis, but I’m sure you’ve something in mind,”

It was obvious that Jackson was trying to know things from Ian regarding his future works ever since he got here. And again, that is what any businessman would do, try to know people in and out in the same field. Yet, Ian was willing to build up a good relationship without trying to give too much away. One word to explain how Ian reacted during this situation would be, brave.

“With writing, for now, I seriously don’t have any plans. But with time, I’m sure you can expect something unexpected in the field soon enough,” Ian hinted because he had so many projects in his mind, so he would take every possible opportunity to keep up his reputation. 

“You bewitched me with your final words, Ian. I sure will be expecting something…” Jackson’s eyes showed that he was proud for some unknown reason of Ian. 

In Jackson’s point of view, Ian was something special. Someone who knows stuff yet tries to walk on a road where you might get hit with a sudden challenge that can cost your life. That’s how Jackson thought about Ian. A young challenging man. 

“Hope so too.  Anyway, I have to head back.” Ian stood while extending his hand politely, “And once again, thank you for having me today.”

“You’re welcome. My assistant will get back to you again to hold another meeting to discuss the movie Resident Evil. And I hope that you would be able to bring Mason or the person you secured a deal with in Actus Books. I don't mind if it's both, in fact, it would be great,” Jackson was talking with hope unquestionably laced in his voice.  

Ian muttered a ‘sure’ and smiled while walking out of his office. He was sure that he accomplished more than what he wanted during his visit. 

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Hey there! How is everyone doing? I don't get much response from people who are reading in scribblehub, and it kind of demotivates me. But the heart that y'all leave... That's the only reason I'm uploading here! Tysm for leaving the heart! 

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