January 17, 1996.

  -Mr. Fincher, it's a pleasure that you are involved with the Alien movie. If you need any assistance, I'm willing to help, - Billy said, shaking the director's hand. Fincher suspected Billy's i was tied to Monica being there, but Billy had a bigger pn: to create an animated series of Alien, bringing Pixar into the world of horror. However, it would be easier to achieve this with 2D animation for a series.

  -Well, I hope the franchise develops just as I’ve envisioned, - David ented.

  Billy, eager to assist, offered a small suggestion.

  -I think your suspenseful lens could take the franchise to a new level... the first one was so anticipated for the fear it instilled, and your ability to twist things and pull people into that suspense is remarkable, - Billy remarked, boung ideas off David as they tiheir versation. The gathering was small by Hollywood standards, held at Winona’s house, but the pce acked with people.

  Billy reflected on the idea of an Alien miniseries, introdug a reverse angle, simir to what the ics had done, a horror series that could be released around 2007—seven years ter when teology and advas would allow for the best series possible.

  -A suspense series... that’s a good idea. I’ve been thinking of some things, but there’s a lot to sider. This franchise drives me to the edge, - David responded, clearly exhausted. The producers were strict, disseg every word he said in a way that frustrated him.

  -I reize your talent. You're a person with immense skill... I know this won't be the end. Plus, the reviews for Se7en are fantastic. I think we’ve got a cssi our hands,- Billy said, his support to David Fincher.

  Monica couldn’t stop fantasizing; Billy could see the sparkle in her eyes at the thought of being part of such a massive franchise... and, of course, earning her own money, from her pocket, only made her more at ease. With each step she took, her mariyle outfit highlighted her stunning figure. She was a vision of elegance, her beauty not lost on the crew members.

  -I’ve got to head over tency, three blocks down... I’ll see you when filming s, darling, - Billy said, kissing Monica. She, as always, sweetly returned his affe, resting her head against his chest. Billy couldn’t resist giving her a few more kisses—three quies and two slow ones filled with love.

  -There's an Italiaaurant... -

  -We’ll g Winona if you’d like, or we go alone. Get a reservation... or let Winona ha, darling, - he said.

  In the movie, Winona pys a cargo handler, and Monica is a rebellious pilot with a short, edgy haircut that showcases a stunning new look—bold and sharp, she is a true '90s aogether, they were like an iron curtain. Both gave stelr performances, improving with each se. Their effort and dedication began to shorogress, step by step.

  -Alright, let’s start the rehearsal, - David Fincher’s assistant announced. A project like this was designed specifically freen s work and intricate sets, which required months of hard work. David po shoot some ses in the first week to get a feel for the style, and then follow up with the sele of temptes, color palettes, and CGI requests.

  Two months ter, they would film in a fsh and wait as long as necessary to finalize all the CGI details. The movie was set for release on October 25, 1997, aligning with the festive season.

  ***

  It’s impressive horocess, driven by the director and his producers, lead to such a long-sting, inteoryline—full of special activities, with a filming schedule that Billy siders one of the best in the business. He was eyeing Regency, or the owners of that pany, for acquisition, with pns to boost their produ of films. To surpass the big studios, he wo or three smaller studios produg "indepe" or "low-budget" films to gee tent not only for his TV els.

  -Let’s do this! - they shouted before filming. It was a plete spectacle—everyone was cheering, some with strange, immature excitement. At the start of filming, everyone was calg every single moment with mathematical precision.

  Se 39, Take 3

  INT. HOLLYWOOD LIQUOR - DAY

  The st time we saw the shop owner was on Christmas Eve. He looks up from a er as Bud strides in, badge front aer, with Billy following. Billy’s face is torted with anger, his irritation clear for all to see, captivating those around him with his intense expression.

  BUD: I need an address for one of your ts. Her name was Lynn.

  OWhat’s all I have to go on?

  BUD: Yes. And I think you already know who I’m talking about, so just tell me.

  Bud’s tone is sharp, and mgressive than usual, a ge in demeanor not typically seen from him.

  OWNER: Lynn Bra. There’s a billing address and a delivery address.

  BUD: Give me both. Billing first.

  Cut! – Curtis shouted.

  As they quickly transitioo the se, Kevin Spacey prepared for his fast takes. His se was intense and fast-paced, set for ter iernoon. Billy took the st se at a rented mansion belonging to Anson Mi's friend.

  EXT. 1184 GRETNA GREEN, BRENTWOOD (PATCHETT'S) - DAY

  A rge pink Spanish mansion adorned with many tiles. The st time we saw it was outside Hollywood Liquor on Christmas Eve. Pierce Patchett is in the front yard, hitting golf balls into a koi pond. They nd in a tight cluster. As he lines up his shot:

  BUD (O.S.): You must kill it at the try club.

  Bud is halfway across the wn. Patchett notices the handcuffs on Bud's belt. Patchett remains calm.

  BUD: Are you Pierce Patchett?

  PATCHETT: I am. Are you solig for police charities? Last time, you called my office.

  BUD: I'm a homicide detective. Where were you st night?

  PATCHETT: I was here, hosting a party. Who was killed, and why do you think I help?

  BUD: Richard Stensnd.

  PATCHETT: I don’t know him. Mr...?

  BUD: Officer White. What about Susan Lefferts? Do you know her?

  PATCHETT (sighs, gives in): You know I do, or you wouldn’t be here. How’d you find me?

  The tensioween them builds, and standing nearby is the stunning blonde, Kim Basinger.

  BUD: We met at the door of Hollywood Liquor on Christmas Eve. This is where Lynn Bra’s alcohol bills are sent.

  PATCHETT: Of course...

  BUD: Sue Lefferts was killed at the Nite Owl. I’m iigating.

  Billy’s performance here was subtle but powerful, impressing the actor pying Patchett. For a fleeting moment, Patchett broke from his typically calm demeanor and raised an eyebrow—a brief but remarkable rea, noted by Curtis, the director, as a standout moment.

  Patchett studies Bud for a moment, weighing his options. Patchett’s hulking BODYGUARD steps out of the house.

  BODYGUARD: Everything okay, Mr. Patchett?

  PATCHETT (waves him off): It’s fine, Philip. Thanks.

  BUD: Where’s the uy? Buzz.

  PATCHETT: He doesn’t work for me anymore.

  (pauses)

  Find Susan’s killer, Mr. White. I’ll reward you generously. Whatever you want.

  If only Jack had beeo hear that.

  BUD: Thanks, but no thanks.

  PATCHETT: Against your code?

  BUD: I don’t have one. Lefferts looked beaten up on Christmas Eve, but she didn’t act like it. How’s that possible?

  PATCHETT: Are you ied in crimes peripheral to Susan’s murder?

  BUD: No.

  PATCHETT: So you wouldn’t feel obligated to report them?

  BUD: Correct.

  PATCHETT: Then listen carefully, because I’ll only say this once, and if it gets repeated, I’ll deny it. I run an escort service. Lynn Bra is one of my girls, and so was Susan Lefferts. I treat my girls very well. I have grown daughters myself, and I don’t like the idea of women suffering. I believe you share that se.

  BUD (ign the ent): Why were Lefferts’ eyes bed?

  PATCHETT: I believe she was hit in the face with a tennis racket. She was... is... a big fan of doubles.

  BUD: Want to go downtown and discuss this officially?

  PATCHETT: Wait. Is our deal still in pce?

  Bud nods, his patience wearing thin.

  PATCHETT: I needed a Rita Hayworth to plete my little colle.

  BUD: What colle?

  PATCHETT: There’s Gardner, Hepburn, Grable, Turner. Lynn Bra is my Veronica Lake. I use girls who resemble movie stars. Sometimes, I hire a pstic surgeon.

  BUD: That’s why her mother couldn’t identify her... God.

  PATCHETT: No, Mr. White. Pierce Morehouse Patchett. I feel like you’re on your best behavior, but that’s all I’m giving you. If you push it, you’ll talk to my wyer. Now, do you want Miss Bra’s address? I doubt she knows anything, but...

  BUD: I’ve got her address.

  PATCHETT: Of course... this is personal for you, isn’t it, Mr. White?

  Bud turns and heads dowh. Patchett hits his golf ball. It nds just beyond the koi pond, joining the others. Ice cold.

  Cut!

  ...

  It was fast and smooth—the se ed with time to spare. This time, things took an ued turn. Billy had a pleasant versation with the director, and through it, he saw another opportunity. Arnon Mi was the man Billy needed for his pany. He rofessional, no-nonsense, and not oo brown-nose, which didn’t always win him friends.

  -Help me bee a producer, - Billy said after a long versation.

  -What do you mean? - the calm, posed man asked.

  -I have a few films to shoot, but not many good producers handle everything. If your sary fits my indepe project’s budget, I want you on board. I’m w on a fast-paced project, and your experience would be invaluable, - Billy expined.

  -Oh, and what might this new project be that I may or may not be included in? - Anson asked.

  -I’m still shaping it, but the proposal will be ready by the end of the year or early ,- Billy replied.

  ...