"When you're under someone else's roof," the old saying goes, "you have to lower your head."
It's a sad truth. When you have no money, you have no power.
"Mr. Nolan," the plump woman said kindly, "the college has been very nice letting you stay for 7 months. But that's the limit."
Nolan's voice was hoarse. "I understand. I'll pack my things and leave now."
"Don't worry," she said softly. "You still have 5 hours."
Nolan watched her leave, feeling embarrassed. He was about to be homeless.
At that moment, Zane and his bodyguard Ray walked up to the door. Zane sighed. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed that the future superstar director, Christopher Nolan, was once this poor and desperate.
"What?" Nolan gasped, spotting Zane. "Mr. Blackwood?!"
He was excited, but also ashamed. No one wants a rich, famous person to see them when they are broken.
Zane smiled warmly. "Mr. Nolan! Aren't you going to invite me in?"
"Uh... of course!" Nolan hurried to welcome them. He quickly wiped off two chairs with a cloth.
"Nolan," Zane said, pretending to be angry, "I heard you finished your movie, Following. You're not being a very good friend! You should have come to Los Angeles. I would have helped you!"
Nolan was surprised, but he understood immediately. Zane was pretending to be mad just to save Nolan from feeling embarrassed about being poor.
Nolan's heart was touched. "Mr. Blackwood... thank you."
"Thank me for what?" Zane laughed. "You make a movie, I buy it. That's just business! Now, stop talking. Pack your bags. You're coming to Hollywood with me to be a director."
Nolan stood up and thanked him again.
He was a proud man. He had tried to make it on his own. He spent $6,000 making his movie and traveled all over Europe trying to sell it.
But everyone had been mean to him.
"Do you think I'm a fool?" a man in South Africa had yelled. "A $6,000 movie? Get out!"
A French buyer was even worse. "Your movie is trash! It's not even worth $100! You have no talent!"
Nolan had been beaten down by the world. Being a director was hard.
Zane listened to Nolan's story and sighed. He remembered his own past life. It took him years just to get a job as an assistant director (which really just meant getting coffee).
"Getting ahead is so darn hard!" Zane thought.
"Okay!" Zane said, clapping his hands. "That's all in the past. Nolan, you are coming to Los Angeles, and I won't take no for an answer. Ray! Don't just stand there! Help him pack!"
Zane started throwing clothes into a suitcase. Ray joined in. Nolan didn't know what to say, so he just started packing, too.
The Next Day.
In the morning, Zane, Ray, and Nolan went to the ITV building. They were there to check on the preparations for Britain's Got Talent.
Cindy, Zane's friend, was the chief producer. He showed them the theater.
Zane smiled when he saw the big "X" buttons on the judges' table. It brought back so many memories!
ITV had spent a lot of money. The stage, lights, and sound cost at least $8 million.
They watched some audition tapes. Farmers, truck drivers, little kids... everyone was trying out!
"Huh?" Zane said, pointing at the screen. "I know her!"
It was Victoria, the future wife of David Beckham (Posh Spice)!
And then he saw another girl, less than 10 years old.
"Adele?!"
It was really her! The future superstar singer who would win 15 Grammys and an Oscar. Zane couldn't believe she was trying out for a talent show as a kid.
The day passed quickly. Zane learned a lot. He planned to send his own team from UPN to come study how ITV did things.
But just as they were leaving, Zane saw a poster for another show.
"Wait," Zane said, his eyes wide. "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"
Cindy looked surprised. "Zane, you want to buy the rights for that show, too?"
Zane nodded vigorously.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
It was the king of quiz shows! In his old life, it was a giant hit all over the world. The ratings were incredible.
"How could I let this slip away?" Zane thought excitedly. "I have to buy it!"
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