I’m in Hollywood

Chapter 276: Premonition

 After Frank Wells left, Eric welcomed William Bell into his office. 

“William, how have Fox Television's performances been lately?” Eric asked, sitting on the sofa in his office without asking William Bell's purpose right away, but instead started talking about the current situation of Fox Television. 

William Bell was slightly excited upon hearing the question.
Although Barry Diller was the head of Fox Television, due to the success of “Friends”, Fox Television had been steadily rising, so William Bell had been feeling content these past few weeks.
Before, he felt he couldn't even look up in front of the top executives of the three major television stations, but now he could stand tall even when facing the chairmen of the three major television stations.

Good job, Eric! The finale of Friends' first season had an average viewership of 28 million, and the average viewership of the first season was also 23 million, making it undoubtedly the champion of TV dramas this year.
Although Friends has ended, Fox's regular viewership has also reached 11 million.
Oh, and our animated series had a great result too, called The Simpsons, averaging 13 million viewers.
The company has already renewed it for a second season…

Eric listened patiently, nodding occasionally.
After William Bell finished speaking, Eric asked, “So, William, what did you come to see me for today?”

William Bell said, “It's about the two programs, X-Files and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Mr.
Diller wants to start production of the two programs as soon as possible.
Oh, Eric, I remember the original plan was to start production of the X-Files this month, why is nothing happening now?”

Eric had a look of helplessness on his face.
Although his plan was indeed like this, plans can never keep up with changes.
Due to the importance of Fox and Firefly to the X-Files, the two producers sent by the two companies often had differences in many aspects, and it often took Eric to make decisions here, which caused the delay in the preparation progress.

In addition, although the male protagonist of X-Files has been confirmed, the female protagonist still has no clue.
It's estimated that it will be good to start shooting in January next year.
But Eric was not in a hurry.
Just as Firefly's finances were getting tight at the end of the year, it was a good idea to start the production of X-Files after the division of Running Out of Time and Friends at the end of this month.

Regarding Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, the show is quite simple and Eric is not in a hurry at all.
The issue still remains money, although the show is quite simple, but it will still require an investment of several million dollars, half of which is to be provided by Firefly.
Due to Cisco's matter, Eric has transferred the 10 million dollars in the account of the investment company hosted by Chris Hanson, and now the joint activity funds of Firefly and New Line do not exceed 10 million US dollars.
The distribution of tapes for Steel Magnolias and Pretty Woman also require this money.
So everything has to wait until the total of 117 million for Running Out of Time and Friends arrives at the end of the month.

Eric did not avoid it, and told William Bell his difficulties.
He said, “William, you see, Firefly has no money now, so our part of the funds cannot be injected in time.
Besides, X-Files will be broadcasted in September next year, and now the time is very loose.
As for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, it will definitely be launched with the spring season of American dramas in March, and one month's preparation and publicity is enough for this show.
“

Eric had a point, and with the air of authority coming from the other person, William Bell had no idea how to respond.
He didn't even understand why Barry Diller had been so insistent and pressing for him to come. 

“Eric, to be honest, this was Mr.
Diller's request,” said William Bell honestly.
“I think that after the incident with Friends being picked up by all the major networks, Mr.
Diller was worried something might happen.”

Eric smiled and said, “This worry is completely unnecessary, William.
Firefly now has 10% of Fox's shares, how can I lack the standing to give the TV program to someone else? Besides, we have already signed the contract, what else are you worried about?” 

William Bell had the same thoughts, but all he could do was say, “Eric, why don't you call Mr.
Diller and explain it yourself, otherwise I won't be able to explain it when I go back.”

“Okay, okay, I'll call now.” Eric shrugged helplessly, feeling a bit of sympathy for this cautious president.
To be honest, although he was working for a giant in the film and television industry like Fox, having a powerful boss was really a very troublesome thing.
Eric guessed that the Disney president Frank Wells who had just left was in a similar situation to William Bell.
Michael Eisner and Barry Diller were both very strong people.

Barry Diller was surprised when he received Eric's call, and he realized he had made a mistake when he heard what Eric had to say.
However, since the situation had already happened, he had to agree with Eric's statement and urge him to quickly prepare for “X Files” before hanging up.

It was already 10am when William Bell left with relief.

Allen knocked on the office door and walked in.
Seeing Eric leaning on the big chair as if he was thinking about something, he said softly, “Eric, the audition at Fox Studio must have started.
Are you still going to attend?”

Eric shook his head, but then nodded again and said, “Let's go.
Oh, right, Alan, have you felt something strange?” 

“In what way?” Alan followed Eric out of the office, asking.

Eric rubbed his forehead and said, “Maybe I'm too tired lately, so my nerves are tight.
But I always feel something is wrong there.”

Alan paused and suggested, “Eric, why don't you go back and rest for a day?”

“No need,” Eric shook his head, “If we can directly select the female lead, we can even skip the third round of interviews, we have already been through so much trouble for days.”

Eric and Alan walked to the parking lot in silence.
The company's driver greeted Eric and kindly opened the car door for him.
Just as Eric was about to get in, he suddenly paused and raised his voice, “I got it!”

Alan and the driver looked at Eric in surprise.
Eric realized his awkwardness and said, “Let's get in the car.”

Once the car started, Eric told his assistant sitting in the co-pilot seat about the two CEOs' visit, then he asked Alan, “Have you noticed that they came together so urgently today?”

“Hurry up?” Alan pondered for a moment and smiled, “If it were me, I'd be in a hurry too, Eric.
I think you still need some rest.”

Eric shrugged and didn't say anything else, but the feeling in his heart remained, and he didn't know what was wrong.

——-

Eric arrived at Fox Studios for the audition that was already underway inside a small studio.
Eric walked straight into the audition room and took the seat at the center of the judging panel.
“Please continue, miss,” Eric said as he settled into the chair and an assistant handed him the auditionee's information. 

The woman paused and then continued with her somewhat awkward performance.

Although there were many auditionees, the audition didn't move very quickly, only seven or eight in an hour.

After another stern-looking woman had left the room, said from Fox producer David Greenwalt said “The actress, Sharon Stone, is great – not only is she experienced enough, but she also meets the requirements of the female lead, Dana Scully.”

David finished and looked inquiringly towards Eric on his right, only to find him distractedly writing and drawing on the paper.
Since Sharon had just entered the room, David had noticed that Eric had not been paying attention to her performance.

The man on Eric's right was Hans Whitel, who had participated in the production of the “Cocoon” series and was therefore recruited as the producer of the “X-Files” series.
Seeing Eric not speaking, Hans curiously glanced at the paper Eric was writing on.

“What does instinct mean?” Hans Whitel asked curiously.

Eric raised his head, seeing both of them staring at him, and explained: “Nothing, I just remembered a good script and got a little distracted.”

The two producers were a little surprised and admired that Eric could think of a script even in such a situation.
However, they did not forget what they were doing and made some jokes.
Hans asked, “Eric, what do you think of Sarah Aniston just now?”

Eric shook his head: “No.”

David Greenwalt grudgingly asked, “Eric, I think Sharon Stone fits your requirements exactly – she's got the talent, the age, and the look that you wanted.
Why isn't she an option? Should we put her in the third round of candidates?”