Chapter 125 Finding a Hitman

The banquet hall was crowded, but after finally finding a quiet corner, Amanda Sevfeld sat down and quickly lifted her feet. These half-heeled shoes did make her taller, and the pointed design made her feet look very attractive, but after walking for a while...

Whoever wears them knows.

Adjusting to a comfortable position, Amanda said to Ronan, "There's a very important question, and I don't know who to ask." Her delicate expression seemed a bit hesitant, and after a long pause, she said, "Ronan, you're a very capable producer. Can you help me?"

Ronan didn't immediately agree. "Can't your mother handle it?"

"Well, she can't," Amanda Sevfeld seemed determined. "None of my friends understand, and besides you, I'm not familiar with anyone else in Hollywood. This problem was brought to me by my parents..."

Hearing this, Ronan remained silent. He didn't want to meddle in someone else's family matters.

Amanda, only 14 years old and lacking in worldly experience, continued speaking regardless of whether Ronan agreed or not. "I overheard my parents discussing once, they want me to drop out of school at sixteen, focus on acting, and have more time to take on more roles. They said it would be more beneficial for my future in Hollywood."

Ronan understood Amanda's implication. Such matters were all too common in Hollywood; many child stars were walking down this path. For young Hollywood actors who gained fame early, there were few who had the patience for studying. This was not only a matter for the actors themselves but also for their families.

The turnover rate in Hollywood was incredibly high. If you didn't make the most of your initial fame, you could be forgotten in no time.

Amanda Sevfeld had only recently transitioned from the modeling and advertising industry to Hollywood. With just one film, "The Purge," under her belt, it was indeed difficult for her to seek advice on dropping out of school.

Seeing Ronan's prolonged silence, Amanda quickly asked, "Ronan, do you think it's a good idea for me to drop out?"

"Amanda, everyone's path is different. I can't give you a direct answer," Ronan replied indirectly. "I'm part of the dropout brigade myself."

"Really?" Amanda's face lit up with surprise. "You dropped out too? Can dropping out lead to success?"

Ronan was speechless. Did dropping out of school necessarily lead to success in America?

"After dropping out, I experienced a painful failure and realized my own severe inadequacies," Ronan explained. "Since then, to keep up with the company's development, I've been going back to my old school every two weeks to seek help from professors. In my spare time, I'm basically studying, analyzing various cases, things that should have been done during my student years."

The look of surprise faded from Amanda's face, replaced by thoughtful blinking. It was clear she was contemplating Ronan's words.

Ronan continued indirectly, "Dropping out might present you with a great opportunity to become a big star. Continuing your education can broaden your horizons and enrich yourself. Even if you don't pursue acting in the future, you'll have other options."

"Oh, I see..." Amanda Sevfeld's limited experience and age made her somewhat confused.

After a moment of thought, Amanda realized she already had a clear inclination. Perhaps she hadn't fully realized it yet.

"I know what I want to do now. Thank you," Amanda said with a hint of relief.

"Follow your heart," Ronan advised.

The party ended at ten o'clock, and the company's employees headed to a nearby nightclub for real revelry. Ronan and the management didn't join them; the presence of senior management would affect the atmosphere, and maintaining a distance from ordinary employees was necessary.

Back at home, Ronan received a call from Amanda Sevfeld, who once again earnestly thanked him.

The choice in such situations inevitably involved pros and cons.

As they say on the other side of the Pacific, there are many grassroots stars in Hollywood, but there are also many academically inclined celebrities.

When discussing high education and academically inclined actors, those familiar with Hollywood immediately think of Natalie Portman. In fact, many Hollywood stars have graduated from prestigious universities, but most rarely boast about their academic achievements.

Entering his study, Ronan saw a photo left behind by Carmen Case and put it away with some important documents. He wouldn't let these thoughts trouble him for long; he had already moved on from his recent melancholy.

Ronan found the latest information collected by Robert and George Clint about Indian cinema and related investments, carefully examining it, noting key points, and cross-referencing it with some legal and regulatory documents provided by Diana, the lawyer, to minimize risks and loopholes in the plan.

Having finished reviewing these materials, he took out a syllabus he had received from Professor Johnson a week ago. It was a syllabus developed by the USC School of Cinematic Arts analyzing "The Island of Throat Slitting."

As one of the most disastrous films in Hollywood history, "The Island of Throat Slitting" warranted thorough analysis and reflection by any producer or production company.

From financing to budget control to internal issues within the crew, the syllabus provided in-depth analysis.

Although there was suspicion of hindsight bias, it was definitely useful for Ronan, as it could effectively prevent some mistakes.

Relative Entertainment also needed to avoid going down the road of Carlock Films.

Carlock Films, once a leading independent production company in Hollywood, had produced "Terminator 2" and "Basic Instinct."

However, one major failure led to the irreversible downfall of Carlock Films.

In a way, "The Island of Throat Slitting" was also a victim of bad timing.

Since "The Island of Throat Slitting," there had only been one successful pirate film series.

Ronan looked at the three names: "Fifty Shades of Grey," "Twilight," and "The Hunger Games."

All three main characters were female, typical of female-oriented novels.

It seemed he needed to find a female writer.

This aspect of the business wasn't included in the company's scope, so the next day, Ronan had Mary send out a job posting nationwide to recruit suitable female writers, preferably younger ones.

This would make it easier to understand the mindset of young girls.

He vaguely remembered that the authors of these novels were also relatively young when they wrote them.

Ronan also took the time to write out background settings, main plot outlines, and major characters.

Finding the right hitman would require patience. Ronan's focus shifted back to film distribution.