[Chapter 38: Entertainment Industry Party]
Even though Orlando knew that in a parallel universe, this man standing before him would become a shining star of America decades later, it was still 1990. Right now, this guy... well, he seemed to be on the verge of going bankrupt again.
Why say "again"? Because this wealthy heir had already gone bankrupt twice before.
The first time was in the seventies. His dad had to shell out a few million dollars to bail him out.
The second time was just a few years ago -- again, his dad stepped in with tens of millions.
Now it looked like a third time, and from what Orlando recalled, it was probably the old man footing the bill once more.
So talent and ability sometimes weren't even the most important thing. The key was having a good dad with deep pockets.
They exchanged business cards, Orlando signed a few autographs for little Ivanna, who was still just a kid, took a sip of wine, and then they all went their separate ways. Truth be told, their connection wasn't strong -- just some interaction over real estate deals.
Plus, Orlando was on fire right now, and the blondie was always into hanging out with stars, which led to this meeting.
---
"That's Cameron -- James Cameron, Hollywood's up-and-coming director," Frank said.
Not long after parting with the blond and his daughter, Frank and Orlando were talking about the upcoming charity concert parties' performances.
Since it was called a charity concert, of course, there would be performances.
The host, Michael Jackson, would be performing on stage.
Many guests invited to the event would perform too.
Orlando was hot right now.
With half a year left before the end of the year, most media outlets already considered him the hottest new artist of the year. And if he didn't win Best New Artist at next year's Grammys, people would cry foul, thinking the Grammys were rigged.
So naturally, he would take the stage.
Plus, the event would be broadcast on TV.
You could really call it a showcase with great exposure and buzz.
Naturally, it demanded attention.
The two were discussing whether Orlando should stick with performing Old Town Road or premiere a brand new track from his upcoming EP to stir up hype.
As they debated, Frank noticed Orlando suddenly freeze, his eyes fixed on a middle-aged white man.
Frank instinctively whispered an introduction.
"Oh, that's James Cameron..."
"Yeah. But he's been having a rough time lately."
"Why? Didn't you say he is this promising new director?"
"The trouble started with his movie The Abyss that came out last year. The budget was originally $35 million but somehow ballooned to $70 million. And the box office didn't even crack $90 million, which was a huge loss for 20th Century Fox," Frank explained.
"Costs doubling? Sounds just like Cameron..." Orlando chuckled.
"You've been reading the papers too? Well, the budget overrun really was Cameron's fault. Hollywood's been blaming his perfectionism for dragging the shoot on for 10 months, resulting in high crew turnover. They even coined a term, 'The Abyss Syndrome'. Hollywood worships the numbers -- no, the whole entertainment industry does. If your box office or record sales are good, everyone adores you. But if you slip up once, even just once, your reputation gets questioned. That's exactly where Cameron is now."
Frank shook his head. "That's all I know."
Then, worried Orlando might get interested in movies and jump ship, Frank added: "Even though I said this before, I'll say it again. Orlando, I still firmly believe music is your foundation. All your fame, status, and wealth come from music. Don't ever give up your core base. Your image is great, your creativity is on a level I haven't seen in my life -- even compared to MJ. If you keep going down this path, one day you'll surpass Michael."
"Don't worry," Orlando smiled wryly. "I'm not jumping into movies anytime soon."
Just moments ago, seeing Cameron had triggered a vision.
The problem? The vision was for Titanic.
His mind now contained a complete storyboard and detailed script outline for Titanic...
This was his first time receiving a second kind of vision beyond songs.
Honestly, even Orlando himself hadn't expected visions could come in the form of movies.
He figured it was probably because he'd been slogging through the music world for so long.
Everyone and everything around him revolved around music, so that's why his visions had always been music-related.
Today was his first time officially attending such a big industry party hosted by a major company.
Finally, he encountered people from other entertainment circles beyond just music.
Like Cameron, which triggered the vision from a different realm.
But what good were a full storyboard and script for Titanic?
Orlando vaguely remembered that in the parallel universe, to support Cameron's Titanic, even Hollywood giant 20th Century Fox was nearly wiped out.
If Paramount hadn't come in halfway through, the whole thing might have collapsed.
And the budget...
Cameron spent over $200 million to make the film.
That was with backing from both 20th Century Fox and Paramount, plus Cameron's talent and a top-notch production team.
Orlando knew very well that he didn't have any of that.
And it'd be hard to get it all quickly.
Not to mention he couldn't foot the $200 million budget himself.
Even if Michael Jackson and Madonna teamed up, they probably couldn't raise that kind of cash.
Assets and income aren't the same as ready cash for investments.
On top of that, he knew Hollywood was even more cutthroat than the music biz.
Titanic's tremendous success wasn't just because it was a great movie.
It had the massive support of two Hollywood giants behind it.
Even so, those two studio heads ended up fighting over profit shares and ended up in lawsuits.
If it had been made by different companies, it probably wouldn't have hit the same heights as in the parallel universe.
Even if he had the vision, Orlando felt it was pretty much useless right now.
---
"Finally met you! Orlando, wow, you look even lighter than on TV! Gotta say, man, you really attract the ladies. No wonder Madonna's crazy about you and what's under those jeans of yours!"
After talking about Cameron and movies, Orlando intended to find Jennifer and a few others. Jennifer and some of Orlando's team, including his real assistant Diana and some Warner staff, were also at the party.
But before he could find them, a friendly, lighter-skinned black guy came over to chat.
Seeing Orlando looking puzzled, Frank hurriedly whispered, "This guy's stage name is The Fresh Prince. His rap group won last year's Grammy for Best Rap Performance. And he's known for 'clean rap' -- which means he keeps it pretty clean for the hip-hop scene. His image is solid."
"I don't know him."
"Because of Old Town Road, black folks like you a lot. Now that the music video's out, they like you even more, not to mention you have some black heritage too. MJ was like that, and this guy's the same. Bloodline rules -- you get it. Plus, in interviews with MTV and HBO, he's said a lot of good stuff about you."
"Got it."
Just then, The Fresh Prince walked right up.
He looked mixed-race and a bit tipsy, but definitely handsome among black guys.
He held a drink in one hand and embraced Orlando.
"Good evening, Fresh Prince. Thanks for the media support," Orlando laughed as he hugged back.
The guy looked resigned. "Don't call me Prince. I hate that name! Just call me Will, Will Smith."
*****
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