It was probably due to a lack of communication with others lately that Duke had been talking more than usual. Plus, since he was facing his own mother, some words slipped out without much thought. “I’m just having fun with them, that’s all.”

As soon as he said it, Duke immediately noticed a change in his mother’s expression and quickly added, “I’m full, I need to get back to work.”

Back upstairs, after reading through the finished script, Duke began wrapping things up. Including the outline and character settings, he had already spent a full six weeks, and the script for “Speed” was about to be completed.

The main plotline of the script hadn’t changed much, but many of the side details were newly added by him. In addition, he attached an estimated budget at the end of the script. Although he wasn’t a professional, he had spent plenty of time on sets and was no stranger to Hollywood these days. Even if his numbers weren’t perfectly accurate, they wouldn’t be too far off.

According to Duke’s plan, by cutting unnecessary scenes, renting most of the props, using scaled-down models for expensive shots, and shooting fewer takes himself, he should be able to keep the total production cost between $14 million and $15 million.

But that was still a terrifying budget figure.

“No film company would risk such a large sum on a rookie director.”

After the script was finished, Mrs. Leah naturally became the first reader. After flipping through it, her first comment was about the budget at the end. “Even though Hollywood production companies have multiple financing channels and much of the lost money is the investors’, still…”

She paused, as if considering something, but in the end just shook her head and sighed softly. “No rational person would make such a gamble.”

“Then…” Sitting across from his mother, Duke asked seriously, “Mom, do you think any film company would take this script?”

“Other than limiting the danger to enclosed spaces like elevators and buses, and the idea of racing against time and speed being a bit creative…” She shook her head directly. “To be honest, Duke, I’ve read quite a few movie and commercial scripts. At best, this is only average.”

Chapter Four: Smashing Your Head and Still Not Looking Back

Words and images are two completely different mediums—Duke was well aware of this, and wasn’t discouraged by his mother’s assessment. After a few days of rest to adjust his mindset, he, like every newcomer eager to make it in Hollywood, dove headfirst into this unfathomably deep industry.

He had his own advantages. As a native Angeleno, his family had some connections to Hollywood, and he himself was very familiar with film sets and the Hollywood system. He wouldn’t be running around like a headless chicken, unlike some greenhorns.

Before setting out, Duke did some prep work and set his targets.

In Hollywood, if a screenwriter thinks they’ve written a decent script, there are generally two paths to take.

One is to do as writer-directors do: pitch your idea to influential producers or agencies—like CAA. If you can win their favor, these well-connected producers or companies will recommend your project to a production company, and after strict review, help secure the necessary investment.

The second is to submit your script directly to the relevant department of a production company, then go through layer after layer of selection and evaluation. This is the simplest and most direct method, but also the one with the slimmest chance of success.

Duke knew a few producers, but except for George Lucas, who was acquainted with his mother, none of them knew him.

So Duke decided to try the second option first. Even if he failed, he had nothing to lose.

With several copies of his script in hand, Duke drove straight to Century City on the west side of Beverly Hills. It’s one of Los Angeles’ most famous large commercial districts, home to many film, television, and music companies. Duke’s target was the biggest of them all—20th Century Fox, which occupied the entire Fox Plaza building!

Carrying his briefcase, Duke walked through the main entrance of Fox Plaza, his eyes quickly scanning the spacious lobby as he made his way unhurriedly to the front desk.

“Is there anything I can help you with, sir?”

The receptionist at 20th Century Fox displayed excellent professionalism, greeting Duke with a warm smile.

“I’d like to see Mr. Tim Fisher from the script department.”

Anyone assigned to such an important, public-facing position at a big company clearly wasn’t a fool, so Duke didn’t beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly. “May I ask if he’s in?”

“Do you have an appointment?” The receptionist’s smile remained bright.

“No…” Duke shook his head slowly. “I’d love to make one, but I don’t know his secretary’s number.”

Even if he did, the other party probably wouldn’t give him an appointment.

“May I ask the purpose of your visit?”

Hearing the receptionist’s practiced question, Duke gestured to his briefcase. “I’m a screenwriter and director, and I have a script I’d like Mr. Tim Fisher to take a look at.”

Seeing the receptionist’s slightly surprised expression, Duke said, “Do I not look like one?”