Chapter 134: 134
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July 10, 2012 –Tuesday 4 pm – Jericho, Long Island
*ding**dong**deng* Tayaw's doorbell rings disturbing him from packing his luggage.
*Beep Beep* *Shut* Tayaw let the person waiting in.
"Tayaw! How the f*ck did you talk to Don Sylvio and Gonzalo? Are you crazy?!" Peter storms to Tayaw's living room.
"Yeah. What? Are you in trouble?" Tayaw asks calmly as he notices that Peter does not look angry or afraid.
"No. Nothing like that. Lucas just talked to me about you." Peter says.
"So? What's the problem?" Tayaw asks.
"Huh.. well. Huh." Peter has no answer.
"Panic?" Tayaw chuckles.
"No. I guess I wasn't thinking straight. Hahaha." Peter says as he plunks down on Tayaw's sofa.
"How about you? Trouble with the mafia? Why are you packing?" Peter asks when he notices Tayaw's clothes and stuff scattered throughout the living room.
"No trouble. I'm just packing just in case. After I'm done with my stuff here in New York, I'm going to travel for inspiration; maybe Italy is my first go." Tayaw says.
"Huh. Inspiration. Good for you… Man, I wish I could go to vacation there some time." Peter says.
*thud* the two hears Tayaw's door towards the courtyard open.
"Dad! What are you doing here?" Lee who was taking a swim in Tayaw's pool comes inside.
"So, this is what you're doing when I'm at work?" Peter is dumbfounded at the sight of the drenched Lee.
"Your dad and I were talking about something. Please wipe the floor, Lee." Tayaw shakes his head.
Lee also quickly followed Tayaw's order.
"I wish my daughters have that level of respect to me." Peter says as he watches Lee clean up the wet mess.
"It's funny but children somehow tend to follow orders from a.d.u.l.ts who are not their parents. Anyway. I'm not a father, but I think you probably spoiled them. Had you treated them like how you're raising Lee, you won't have that problem." Tayaw casually says as he continues his packing.
Peter however, as if receiving an epiphany gets lost in his thoughts at Tayaw's response.
*Crunch**Crunch**chomp*
Peter is shortly distracted from his thoughts however, by the approaching Lee who is carrying a plate of something while munching whatever is in the plate. Peter, seeing this, almost flushes in embarrassment at Lee's casual behavior.
"Jesus Christ, son. You've really made yourself at home here." Peter says.
"Dad, Tayaw offered. You said that it's rude to refuse." Lee says.
"That-"Peter does not know how to explain that sometimes, one has to act as if they're hesitant to not appear rude.
"Ah. Don't worry about it Peter. I offered the kid before he started swimming. It's good too. Celery, lettuce and carrots is good for him. Why don't you try some as well? The whip is good." Tayaw offers.
"Alright… Mmm. This is good!" Peter nods in agreement after having a taste.
"Yeah. Not everyone likes to eat straight up celery but with that whip, it's killer." Tayaw said.
===
Wednesday 9 am – Black Deer Pictures, Clambu City
"I see. Thank you very much." Kyer ends his phone call with a smile.
"What happened?" Yarag asks.
"An addition of 10 theaters in New York just asked for the screening license. That's all." Kyer says.
"Oh? Well, that's a surprise. How'd that happen?" Yarag asks in confusion.
While Yarag does not care about just 10 additional theaters, Yarag did not do promotions for 'September Ninth' in America, let alone in America's East coast, but he still found it unusual that 10 theaters at once purchased screening license.
"Some guy said that it was handled by Tayaw himself. I don't know how though." Kyer says.
"Well, well. Looks like Tayaw can hustle too, huh." Yarag chuckles.
"I don't get it. Yes, 10 theaters are a big deal, but Tayaw is already rich." Kyer says.
Since 'September Ninth's release last month in Teungeb, it sold around 16.5 million tickets and earned 216,000,000 BGC. Black Deer Pictures got 36.8 million BGC from their 17.5% share and Tayaw getting 119 million BGC from his share.
"If I was him, I'd just sit around and wait for the money to pour in." Kyer follows.
"He probably likes feeling busy. Anyway, I didn't expect it to earn this much." Yarag says.
"You've seen the film. It's great for repeat watching. It's also an experience. I've seen the film myself three times now at home." Kyer says.
"Ah. Is it? Huh…" Yarag almost mumbles.
"You haven't seen it, have you?" Kyer asks almost incredulously.
"No. Bahahaha! I don't like romance movies, that's all." Yarag admits shamelessly.
"Pfft. Sir, yes, Tayaw wanted to label it as a romance to attract viewers, but the romance is just garnish." Kyer shakes his head.
"Anyway, adding those 10 theaters, there are now a total of 573 screens in the US that will show Tayaw's film." Kyer reports.
"Hmm. Even though it's not some blockbuster, it's still much more than we expected huh?" Yarag nods in satisfaction.
"Yes boss. That's 2% of all the American screens. If the movie's reputation increases, there may be more theaters that would call us." Kyer says.
"Hmm. That's good. That's good. By the way. Kianga said they managed to get the film in China. How was it?" Yarag asked.
"Well, I'm not sure. There are only 300 plus screens that bought screening licenses there. Teungebian films are not that popular in China after all. Still, I hope it does well." Kyer shrugs his shoulders.
"Hmm. That reminds me…" Yarag said as he pulls out his phone.
===
"Anyway. Lucas said that you can tag along with him if you want research for your film." Peter tells Tayaw.
"Huh. It won't help that much as I already tailed him for some days. What I need however is to talk to old school guys. The way mafia people talk in the 1950s or 60s during Don Gonzalo's prime and time is different to how mobsters talk now." Tayaw replies.
"Huh. You're going that far in detail?" Peter is dumbfounded.
In their world today, the films set in the olden days talk as if they are in modern times. Peter found that practice normal however, and Tayaw's explanation of his plan on making the film about Gonzalo's prime time, is both ridiculous and incomprehensible to him.
"Yeah. Even the accents too. Have you seen 'Rebound'? Why does a basketball player who is supposed to be from California speaking like he's from Texas? That's so stupid. It's also set in the 50s, so why is the words used in the dialogue were not widely used until the 70's?" Tayaw says.
"Hmm. I get the gist... Still, huh." Peter shakes his head at the detail.
"How else would I have convinced Don Gonzalo and Don Sylvio if I didn't tell them my plans? I didn't win awards for nothing." Tayaw says.
"Still. Would writing your script take a lot of time if you're including those?" Peter asks.
Before Tayaw can answer, *Ring* *Ring* his phone suddenly rang. "Excuse me."
"Hello, Mr. Darbut!" Tayaw answers in Teungebian as he walks upstairs to his study for privacy.
/Hello to you, Mr. Dagem! Great job adding 10 theaters./ Yarag says.
"Ah. That's nothing. I made some new friends, that's all." Tayaw says.
/I see. Who wouldn't want to be friends with you, after all? Anyway. I want to talk to you about something. I would have gone to you personally had you been in Teungeb, but it's better if we begin talking now. / Yarag says.
"Oh? Something wrong?" Tayaw asks.
/Well, no. But. You see. Your film is the first internationally acclaimed film in years, and won a Sorrento award in decades. Why don't we go further?/ Yarag opens.
"How do you mean?" Tayaw asks, confused.
/Let's go win an Academy Award./ Yarag proposes.
"Pfft. Hahaha!" Tayaw laughs as if he heard a good joke.
He thought about 'September Ninth' winning the prized trophies of the American Academy, but after reading on how it is done, he gave up out of annoyance at the complicated process.
/What's so funny?/ Yarag asks, confusion in his voice apparent even over the phone.
"I'm sorry about that. You do know the process of even getting nominated, right?" Tayaw asks.
/Yeah. We campaign./ Yarag says.
Unlike Sorrento Film Festivals which a film maker would simply submit their film through official channels, the Academy of Motion Pictures works differently. Aside from the official submission of the film for consideration, the Academy would also require the producer or the distributor of a film to appease all if not a considerable number of the 4000 plus members of the Academy.
A film submission should hold as many exclusive screenings for the Academy members and a question-and-answer session after each screening. This part of the campaign is already too tedious for Tayaw but the other aspects of the campaigned disgusted him.
The 'Academy Season' as film enthusiasts call it, is also filled with parties hosted by the campaigning film to influence the Academy members. There will be no bribery of course, but such practices, parties, bootlicking, to Tayaw, has already strayed away from the meaning of the awards and has smeared the dignity of the art of movies.
Tayaw also heard that some distributors have already started spreading rumors regarding other films to smear those films' reputations.
"Exactly. I find campaign practices disgusting. If they're like how Sorrento is, then I would covet those shiny statues. But if we have to spend money and our valuable time to kiss their f*cking asses, then no thank you." Tayaw says.
/Look, as much as I like your integrity Tayaw, we can't miss this. Even a nomination would give you a huge boost in reputation. Hell, it will make you recognizable in your next film!/ Yarag argues however.
"What reputation? I already won an international award. Barely any Academy winner would win a Fioro D'oro." Tayaw rolls his eyes.
/True. That's true. But USA is a large market, man. You have to admit; they produce much better films and in greater number than any other country's film industry. Gaining recognition from them is a big deal./ Yarag insists on persuading Tayaw.
'Recognition' from Yarag's words triggered an idea in Tayaw's mind.
"Alright. Fine. Whatever you say, I still don't think I need THEIR recognition. However, Jouny and Uranto need more recognition." Tayaw says.
/Alright! Now we're talking!/ Yarag says excitedly.
"BUT! Just do the screenings to occupy at least a thousand members. That will be enough and it won't cost us much. No parties too, just a few souvenirs for the attending members." Tayaw adds his conditions.
/Just a thousand? That's just ten separate screenings. We can afford more than that. Also, the parties are the next most important thing!/ Yarag protests.
"Fine. Make it two thousand members." Tayaw amends. "Still, no parties. F*ck them."
/But why? If we have no parties, we won't make a good impression on them./ Yarag argues again.
"Look. My movie is obviously a cut above the others this year. If our film would not get any nominations, I'll go ballistic on them on social media. If the Academy awards are really as prestigious as they claim they are, then free screenings are enough for them to do their job." Tayaw is not giving in.
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July 10, 2012 –Tuesday 4 pm – Jericho, Long Island
*ding**dong**deng* Tayaw's doorbell rings disturbing him from packing his luggage.
*Beep Beep* *Shut* Tayaw let the person waiting in.
"Tayaw! How the f*ck did you talk to Don Sylvio and Gonzalo? Are you crazy?!" Peter storms to Tayaw's living room.
"Yeah. What? Are you in trouble?" Tayaw asks calmly as he notices that Peter does not look angry or afraid.
"No. Nothing like that. Lucas just talked to me about you." Peter says.
"So? What's the problem?" Tayaw asks.
"Huh.. well. Huh." Peter has no answer.
"Panic?" Tayaw chuckles.
"No. I guess I wasn't thinking straight. Hahaha." Peter says as he plunks down on Tayaw's sofa.
"How about you? Trouble with the mafia? Why are you packing?" Peter asks when he notices Tayaw's clothes and stuff scattered throughout the living room.
"No trouble. I'm just packing just in case. After I'm done with my stuff here in New York, I'm going to travel for inspiration; maybe Italy is my first go." Tayaw says.
"Huh. Inspiration. Good for you… Man, I wish I could go to vacation there some time." Peter says.
*thud* the two hears Tayaw's door towards the courtyard open.
"Dad! What are you doing here?" Lee who was taking a swim in Tayaw's pool comes inside.
"So, this is what you're doing when I'm at work?" Peter is dumbfounded at the sight of the drenched Lee.
"Your dad and I were talking about something. Please wipe the floor, Lee." Tayaw shakes his head.
Lee also quickly followed Tayaw's order.
"I wish my daughters have that level of respect to me." Peter says as he watches Lee clean up the wet mess.
"It's funny but children somehow tend to follow orders from a.d.u.l.ts who are not their parents. Anyway. I'm not a father, but I think you probably spoiled them. Had you treated them like how you're raising Lee, you won't have that problem." Tayaw casually says as he continues his packing.
Peter however, as if receiving an epiphany gets lost in his thoughts at Tayaw's response.
*Crunch**Crunch**chomp*
Peter is shortly distracted from his thoughts however, by the approaching Lee who is carrying a plate of something while munching whatever is in the plate. Peter, seeing this, almost flushes in embarrassment at Lee's casual behavior.
"Jesus Christ, son. You've really made yourself at home here." Peter says.
"Dad, Tayaw offered. You said that it's rude to refuse." Lee says.
"That-"Peter does not know how to explain that sometimes, one has to act as if they're hesitant to not appear rude.
"Ah. Don't worry about it Peter. I offered the kid before he started swimming. It's good too. Celery, lettuce and carrots is good for him. Why don't you try some as well? The whip is good." Tayaw offers.
"Alright… Mmm. This is good!" Peter nods in agreement after having a taste.
"Yeah. Not everyone likes to eat straight up celery but with that whip, it's killer." Tayaw said.
===
Wednesday 9 am – Black Deer Pictures, Clambu City
"I see. Thank you very much." Kyer ends his phone call with a smile.
"What happened?" Yarag asks.
"An addition of 10 theaters in New York just asked for the screening license. That's all." Kyer says.
"Oh? Well, that's a surprise. How'd that happen?" Yarag asks in confusion.
While Yarag does not care about just 10 additional theaters, Yarag did not do promotions for 'September Ninth' in America, let alone in America's East coast, but he still found it unusual that 10 theaters at once purchased screening license.
"Some guy said that it was handled by Tayaw himself. I don't know how though." Kyer says.
"Well, well. Looks like Tayaw can hustle too, huh." Yarag chuckles.
"I don't get it. Yes, 10 theaters are a big deal, but Tayaw is already rich." Kyer says.
Since 'September Ninth's release last month in Teungeb, it sold around 16.5 million tickets and earned 216,000,000 BGC. Black Deer Pictures got 36.8 million BGC from their 17.5% share and Tayaw getting 119 million BGC from his share.
"If I was him, I'd just sit around and wait for the money to pour in." Kyer follows.
"He probably likes feeling busy. Anyway, I didn't expect it to earn this much." Yarag says.
"You've seen the film. It's great for repeat watching. It's also an experience. I've seen the film myself three times now at home." Kyer says.
"Ah. Is it? Huh…" Yarag almost mumbles.
"You haven't seen it, have you?" Kyer asks almost incredulously.
"No. Bahahaha! I don't like romance movies, that's all." Yarag admits shamelessly.
"Pfft. Sir, yes, Tayaw wanted to label it as a romance to attract viewers, but the romance is just garnish." Kyer shakes his head.
"Anyway, adding those 10 theaters, there are now a total of 573 screens in the US that will show Tayaw's film." Kyer reports.
"Hmm. Even though it's not some blockbuster, it's still much more than we expected huh?" Yarag nods in satisfaction.
"Yes boss. That's 2% of all the American screens. If the movie's reputation increases, there may be more theaters that would call us." Kyer says.
"Hmm. That's good. That's good. By the way. Kianga said they managed to get the film in China. How was it?" Yarag asked.
"Well, I'm not sure. There are only 300 plus screens that bought screening licenses there. Teungebian films are not that popular in China after all. Still, I hope it does well." Kyer shrugs his shoulders.
"Hmm. That reminds me…" Yarag said as he pulls out his phone.
===
"Anyway. Lucas said that you can tag along with him if you want research for your film." Peter tells Tayaw.
"Huh. It won't help that much as I already tailed him for some days. What I need however is to talk to old school guys. The way mafia people talk in the 1950s or 60s during Don Gonzalo's prime and time is different to how mobsters talk now." Tayaw replies.
"Huh. You're going that far in detail?" Peter is dumbfounded.
In their world today, the films set in the olden days talk as if they are in modern times. Peter found that practice normal however, and Tayaw's explanation of his plan on making the film about Gonzalo's prime time, is both ridiculous and incomprehensible to him.
"Yeah. Even the accents too. Have you seen 'Rebound'? Why does a basketball player who is supposed to be from California speaking like he's from Texas? That's so stupid. It's also set in the 50s, so why is the words used in the dialogue were not widely used until the 70's?" Tayaw says.
"Hmm. I get the gist... Still, huh." Peter shakes his head at the detail.
"How else would I have convinced Don Gonzalo and Don Sylvio if I didn't tell them my plans? I didn't win awards for nothing." Tayaw says.
"Still. Would writing your script take a lot of time if you're including those?" Peter asks.
Before Tayaw can answer, *Ring* *Ring* his phone suddenly rang. "Excuse me."
"Hello, Mr. Darbut!" Tayaw answers in Teungebian as he walks upstairs to his study for privacy.
/Hello to you, Mr. Dagem! Great job adding 10 theaters./ Yarag says.
"Ah. That's nothing. I made some new friends, that's all." Tayaw says.
/I see. Who wouldn't want to be friends with you, after all? Anyway. I want to talk to you about something. I would have gone to you personally had you been in Teungeb, but it's better if we begin talking now. / Yarag says.
"Oh? Something wrong?" Tayaw asks.
/Well, no. But. You see. Your film is the first internationally acclaimed film in years, and won a Sorrento award in decades. Why don't we go further?/ Yarag opens.
"How do you mean?" Tayaw asks, confused.
/Let's go win an Academy Award./ Yarag proposes.
"Pfft. Hahaha!" Tayaw laughs as if he heard a good joke.
He thought about 'September Ninth' winning the prized trophies of the American Academy, but after reading on how it is done, he gave up out of annoyance at the complicated process.
/What's so funny?/ Yarag asks, confusion in his voice apparent even over the phone.
"I'm sorry about that. You do know the process of even getting nominated, right?" Tayaw asks.
/Yeah. We campaign./ Yarag says.
Unlike Sorrento Film Festivals which a film maker would simply submit their film through official channels, the Academy of Motion Pictures works differently. Aside from the official submission of the film for consideration, the Academy would also require the producer or the distributor of a film to appease all if not a considerable number of the 4000 plus members of the Academy.
A film submission should hold as many exclusive screenings for the Academy members and a question-and-answer session after each screening. This part of the campaign is already too tedious for Tayaw but the other aspects of the campaigned disgusted him.
The 'Academy Season' as film enthusiasts call it, is also filled with parties hosted by the campaigning film to influence the Academy members. There will be no bribery of course, but such practices, parties, bootlicking, to Tayaw, has already strayed away from the meaning of the awards and has smeared the dignity of the art of movies.
Tayaw also heard that some distributors have already started spreading rumors regarding other films to smear those films' reputations.
"Exactly. I find campaign practices disgusting. If they're like how Sorrento is, then I would covet those shiny statues. But if we have to spend money and our valuable time to kiss their f*cking asses, then no thank you." Tayaw says.
/Look, as much as I like your integrity Tayaw, we can't miss this. Even a nomination would give you a huge boost in reputation. Hell, it will make you recognizable in your next film!/ Yarag argues however.
"What reputation? I already won an international award. Barely any Academy winner would win a Fioro D'oro." Tayaw rolls his eyes.
/True. That's true. But USA is a large market, man. You have to admit; they produce much better films and in greater number than any other country's film industry. Gaining recognition from them is a big deal./ Yarag insists on persuading Tayaw.
'Recognition' from Yarag's words triggered an idea in Tayaw's mind.
"Alright. Fine. Whatever you say, I still don't think I need THEIR recognition. However, Jouny and Uranto need more recognition." Tayaw says.
/Alright! Now we're talking!/ Yarag says excitedly.
"BUT! Just do the screenings to occupy at least a thousand members. That will be enough and it won't cost us much. No parties too, just a few souvenirs for the attending members." Tayaw adds his conditions.
/Just a thousand? That's just ten separate screenings. We can afford more than that. Also, the parties are the next most important thing!/ Yarag protests.
"Fine. Make it two thousand members." Tayaw amends. "Still, no parties. F*ck them."
/But why? If we have no parties, we won't make a good impression on them./ Yarag argues again.
"Look. My movie is obviously a cut above the others this year. If our film would not get any nominations, I'll go ballistic on them on social media. If the Academy awards are really as prestigious as they claim they are, then free screenings are enough for them to do their job." Tayaw is not giving in.
July 10, 2012 Tuesday 4 pm Jericho, Long Island *ding**dong**deng* Tayaw's doorbell rings disturbing him from packing his luggage. *Beep Beep* *Shut* Tayaw let the person waiting in. "Tayaw! How the f*ck did you talk to Don Sylvio and Gonzalo? Are you crazy?!" Peter storms to Tayaw's living room. "Yeah. What? Are you in trouble?" Tayaw asks calmly as he notices that Peter does not look angry or afraid. "No. Nothing like that. Lucas just talked to me about you." Peter says. "So? What's the problem?" Tayaw asks. "Huh.. well. Huh." Peter has no answer. "Panic?" Tayaw chuckles. "No. I guess I wasn't thinking straight. Hahaha." Peter says as he plunks down on Tayaw's sofa. "How about you? Trouble with the mafia? Why are you packing?" Peter asks when he notices Tayaw's clothes and stuff scattered throughout the living room. "No trouble. I'm just packing just in case. After I'm done with my stuff here in New York, I'm going to travel for inspiration; maybe Italy is my first go." Tayaw says. "Huh. Inspiration. Good for you Man, I wish I could go to vacation there some time." Peter says. *thud* the two hears Tayaw's door towards the courtyard open. "Dad! What are you doing here?" Lee who was taking a swim in Tayaw's pool comes inside. "So, this is what you're doing when I'm at work?" Peter is dumbfounded at the sight of the drenched Lee. "Your dad and I were talking about something. Please wipe the floor, Lee." Tayaw shakes his head. Lee also quickly followed Tayaw's order. "I wish my daughters have that level of respect to me." Peter says as he watches Lee clean up the wet mess. "It's funny but children somehow tend to follow orders from a.d.u.l.ts who are not their parents. Anyway. I'm not a father, but I think you probably spoiled them. Had you treated them like how you're raising Lee, you won't have that problem." Tayaw casually says as he continues his packing. Peter however, as if receiving an epiphany gets lost in his thoughts at Tayaw's response. *Crunch**Crunch**chomp* Peter is shortly distracted from his thoughts however, by the approaching Lee who is carrying a plate of something while munching whatever is in the plate. Peter, seeing this, almost flushes in embarrassment at Lee's casual behavior. "Jesus Christ, son. You've really made yourself at home here." Peter says. "Dad, Tayaw offered. You said that it's rude to refuse." Lee says. "That-"Peter does not know how to explain that sometimes, one has to act as if they're hesitant to not appear rude. "Ah. Don't worry about it Peter. I offered the kid before he started swimming. It's good too. Celery, lettuce and carrots is good for him. Why don't you try some as well? The whip is good." Tayaw offers. "Alright Mmm. This is good!" Peter nods in agreement after having a taste. "Yeah. Not everyone likes to eat straight up celery but with that whip, it's killer." Tayaw said. === Wednesday 9 am Black Deer Pictures, Clambu City "I see. Thank you very much." Kyer ends his phone call with a smile. "What happened?" Yarag asks. "An addition of 10 theaters in New York just asked for the screening license. That's all." Kyer says. "Oh? Well, that's a surprise. How'd that happen?" Yarag asks in confusion. While Yarag does not care about just 10 additional theaters, Yarag did not do promotions for 'September Ninth' in America, let alone in America's East coast, but he still found it unusual that 10 theaters at once purchased screening license. "Some guy said that it was handled by Tayaw himself. I don't know how though." Kyer says. "Well, well. Looks like Tayaw can hustle too, huh." Yarag chuckles. "I don't get it. Yes, 10 theaters are a big deal, but Tayaw is already rich." Kyer says. Since 'September Ninth's release last month in Teungeb, it sold around 16.5 million tickets and earned 216,000,000 BGC. Black Deer Pictures got 36.8 million BGC from their 17.5% share and Tayaw getting 119 million BGC from his share. "If I was him, I'd just sit around and wait for the money to pour in." Kyer follows. "He probably likes feeling busy. Anyway, I didn't expect it to earn this much." Yarag says. "You've seen the film. It's great for repeat watching. It's also an experience. I've seen the film myself three times now at home." Kyer says. "Ah. Is it? Huh" Yarag almost mumbles. "You haven't seen it, have you?" Kyer asks almost incredulously. "No. Bahahaha! I don't like romance movies, that's all." Yarag admits shamelessly. "Pfft. Sir, yes, Tayaw wanted to label it as a romance to attract viewers, but the romance is just garnish." Kyer shakes his head. "Anyway, adding those 10 theaters, there are now a total of 573 screens in the US that will show Tayaw's film." Kyer reports. "Hmm. Even though it's not some blockbuster, it's still much more than we expected huh?" Yarag nods in satisfaction. "Yes boss. That's 2% of all the American screens. If the movie's reputation increases, there may be more theaters that would call us." Kyer says. "Hmm. That's good. That's good. By the way. Kianga said they managed to get the film in China. How was it?" Yarag asked. "Well, I'm not sure. There are only 300 plus screens that bought screening licenses there. Teungebian films are not that popular in China after all. Still, I hope it does well." Kyer shrugs his shoulders. "Hmm. That reminds me" Yarag said as he pulls out his phone. === "Anyway. Lucas said that you can tag along with him if you want research for your film." Peter tells Tayaw. "Huh. It won't help that much as I already tailed him for some days. What I need however is to talk to old school guys. The way mafia people talk in the 1950s or 60s during Don Gonzalo's prime and time is different to how mobsters talk now." Tayaw replies. "Huh. You're going that far in detail?" Peter is dumbfounded. In their world today, the films set in the olden days talk as if they are in modern times. Peter found that practice normal however, and Tayaw's explanation of his plan on making the film about Gonzalo's prime time, is both ridiculous and incomprehensible to him. "Yeah. Even the accents too. Have you seen 'Rebound'? Why does a basketball player who is supposed to be from California speaking like he's from Texas? That's so stupid. It's also set in the 50s, so why is the words used in the dialogue were not widely used until the 70's?" Tayaw says. "Hmm. I get the gist... Still, huh." Peter shakes his head at the detail. "How else would I have convinced Don Gonzalo and Don Sylvio if I didn't tell them my plans? I didn't win awards for nothing." Tayaw says. "Still. Would writing your script take a lot of time if you're including those?" Peter asks. Before Tayaw can answer, *Ring* *Ring* his phone suddenly rang. "Excuse me." "Hello, Mr. Darbut!" Tayaw answers in Teungebian as he walks upstairs to his study for privacy. /Hello to you, Mr. Dagem! Great job adding 10 theaters./ Yarag says. "Ah. That's nothing. I made some new friends, that's all." Tayaw says. /I see. Who wouldn't want to be friends with you, after all? Anyway. I want to talk to you about something. I would have gone to you personally had you been in Teungeb, but it's better if we begin talking now. / Yarag says. "Oh? Something wrong?" Tayaw asks. /Well, no. But. You see. Your film is the first internationally acclaimed film in years, and won a Sorrento award in decades. Why don't we go further?/ Yarag opens. "How do you mean?" Tayaw asks, confused. /Let's go win an Academy Award./ Yarag proposes. "Pfft. Hahaha!" Tayaw laughs as if he heard a good joke. He thought about 'September Ninth' winning the prized trophies of the American Academy, but after reading on how it is done, he gave up out of annoyance at the complicated process. /What's so funny?/ Yarag asks, confusion in his voice apparent even over the phone. "I'm sorry about that. You do know the process of even getting nominated, right?" Tayaw asks. /Yeah. We campaign./ Yarag says. Unlike Sorrento Film Festivals which a film maker would simply submit their film through official channels, the Academy of Motion Pictures works differently. Aside from the official submission of the film for consideration, the Academy would also require the producer or the distributor of a film to appease all if not a considerable number of the 4000 plus members of the Academy. A film submission should hold as many exclusive screenings for the Academy members and a question-and-answer session after each screening. This part of the campaign is already too tedious for Tayaw but the other aspects of the campaigned disgusted him. The 'Academy Season' as film enthusiasts call it, is also filled with parties hosted by the campaigning film to influence the Academy members. There will be no bribery of course, but such practices, parties, bootlicking, to Tayaw, has already strayed away from the meaning of the awards and has smeared the dignity of the art of movies. Tayaw also heard that some distributors have already started spreading rumors regarding other films to smear those films' reputations. "Exactly. I find campaign practices disgusting. If they're like how Sorrento is, then I would covet those shiny statues. But if we have to spend money and our valuable time to kiss their f*cking asses, then no thank you." Tayaw says. /Look, as much as I like your integrity Tayaw, we can't miss this. Even a nomination would give you a huge boost in reputation. Hell, it will make you recognizable in your next film!/ Yarag argues however. "What reputation? I already won an international award. Barely any Academy winner would win a Fioro D'oro." Tayaw rolls his eyes. /True. That's true. But USA is a large market, man. You have to admit; they produce much better films and in greater number than any other country's film industry. Gaining recognition from them is a big deal./ Yarag insists on persuading Tayaw. 'Recognition' from Yarag's words triggered an idea in Tayaw's mind. "Alright. Fine. Whatever you say, I still don't think I need THEIR recognition. However, Jouny and Uranto need more recognition." Tayaw says. /Alright! Now we're talking!/ Yarag says excitedly. "BUT! Just do the screenings to occupy at least a thousand members. That will be enough and it won't cost us much. No parties too, just a few souvenirs for the attending members." Tayaw adds his conditions. /Just a thousand? That's just ten separate screenings. We can afford more than that. Also, the parties are the next most important thing!/ Yarag protests. "Fine. Make it two thousand members." Tayaw amends. "Still, no parties. F*ck them." /But why? If we have no parties, we won't make a good impression on them./ Yarag argues again. "Look. My movie is obviously a cut above the others this year. If our film would not get any nominations, I'll go ballistic on them on social media. If the Academy awards are really as prestigious as they claim they are, then free screenings are enough for them to do their job." Tayaw is not giving in.
