Going forward

September, 1981

The production of E.T. continued at a steady pace, and James was beginning to settle into the routine of life on a major film set. Every day brought a new lesson, a deeper understanding of the craft, and an opportunity to impress the right people.

He had quickly learned that a film set was like a well-oiled machine, with each department working in harmony to bring Spielberg's vision to life. The camera crew, the production assistants, the sound engineers — everyone played a crucial role. James made a point of watching them all, studying how they operated, memorizing details that most actors ignored.

While most child actors focused solely on their performances, James had other ambitions. He wasn't just here to act — he was here to learn.

It hadn't taken long for people to notice.

One afternoon, during a break between scenes, Kathleen Kennedy, one of the producers, approached him. She had been watching him for weeks now, intrigued by his focus.

'You handle yourself differently than most kids your age,' she observed, arms crossed. 'You don't get distracted, and you ask all the right questions.'

James smiled. 'I just want to understand everything about how movies are made. Acting is great, but I know the real power is behind the camera.'

Kennedy chuckled, clearly amused. 'Spoken like a future mogul. You remind me of someone… actually, you remind me of Steven when he was starting out. He used to sneak onto sets just to learn.'

James stored the compliment away. The fact that Kennedy had compared him to Spielberg wasn't just flattery — it was validation. He wasn't just making a good impression; he was building his reputation as someone worth watching.

Spielberg himself had taken a liking to James, often indulging his questions between takes. He seemed to enjoy mentoring him, perhaps seeing a bit of his younger self in the boy's relentless curiosity.

But James wasn't satisfied with just admiration — he needed influence.

Over the next few weeks, he started forming relationships beyond the creative team. He learned the names of the studio executives who visited the set, subtly inserting himself into conversations. He listened more than he spoke, absorbing everything about financing, distribution, and deal-making. He wasn't just an actor — he was a student of the business.

At home, his mother noticed his growing intensity. One evening, as he sat at the dining table flipping through a book on film production, she finally spoke up.

'James, you're pushing yourself pretty hard,' she said gently. 'I just want to make sure you're still enjoying this.'

James met her gaze, his expression calm but determined. 'I am. But I'm not just here to act. I want to be ready when the real opportunities come.'

She studied him for a moment before sighing. 'Alright. Just promise me one thing — don't lose sight of the fact that you're still a kid.'

James chuckled. 'I'll try.'

Despite her concern, she understood. Her son had never been like other children. Even when he had been younger, he had carried himself with a maturity that sometimes unsettled those around him.

By the end of the month, James had made his mark.

The studio executives saw him as more than just a talented child actor — they saw a young mind that understood the business. Spielberg and his team spoke highly of him, and even the veteran crew members had taken notice of his relentless curiosity.

But Hollywood wasn't his only focus.

James had another goal in mind — securing intellectual property that would one day become a global phenomenon.

At night, after long days on set, he began writing.

He outlined the story of a young boy who discovers he is a wizard, refining the concept with the knowledge of what had worked in his past life and what could be improved. He was methodical, making adjustments that would ensure the story's success when the time came to publish it.

This wasn't just about writing a book — it was about establishing a franchise.

Something that would dominate literature, film, and merchandise for decades.

He knew what the world would one day call Harry Potter, but he would make sure his version was even better.

The late nights were exhausting, but James didn't let himself stop. He wrote with discipline, knowing that the moment he finished, Stargate Entertainment would own the rights to what would become one of the most valuable intellectual properties in history.

He wasn't just acting. He wasn't just learning.

He was building an empire