Chapter 62: Quentin's Conditions

[Chapter 62: Quentin's Conditions]

"Link, you mentioned on the phone yesterday that you had something work-related for me. What's this about?"

"It's about the movie's release."

Link briefly explained how they recorded the audience's reactions during the test screening and planned to use that footage for promotional trailers on TV to attract fans' attention.

"That sounds promising. Why did you want me? To film the audience reactions?"

"Not at all. That's too simple for someone of your caliber as a professional director. I need you for something else. It's just as important."

Link took out a videotape, turned on the living room TV, and slid the tape into the player.

"What's this?" Quentin asked, intrigued.

"As I mentioned, it's the recording of the audience's reactions from yesterday's screening."

"Wait a second, Link. Don't tell me you had a camera secretly filming our reactions at the test screening?"

Quentin shot up, filled with excitement.

"Yes, I wanted to analyze how the test screening went. Observing your expressions through the footage is undoubtedly more convincing than just words."

"Shit! So you recorded all of my reactions from yesterday?"

Before Link could answer, the TV started showing footage of the audience's reactions.

"Ha! Look, Steven jumped too! He's quick to cover his eyes. Whoa, is that Scott Rudin? I didn't know he flinches at horror movies too! Haha, there's Sasha MacArthur from Disney. I never expected her to scream. This is priceless!"

Quentin cackled, slapping his thigh as he watched.

Just a few laughs in, the screen began to fill with clips of his own reactions.

There he was, screaming, covering his eyes, flinching away, and clutching Steven Soderbergh, looking more dramatic than Sasha.

Then the real highlight came. When the male lead character was suddenly hurled at the camera, Quentin shrieked and jumped onto Lawrence Bender's lap, burying his face in Lawrence's shoulder like a frightened child.

Quentin stared at the TV, his face turning bright red, his hands trembling in fists.

For a man, screaming and jumping around while watching a horror movie was embarrassing enough, but leaping into his friend's arms was a whole new level of shame. If this got out, he'd be the punchline.

What made it worse was that the whole mortifying scene had been recorded, forcing him to relive that embarrassing moment all over again.

It felt like torture.

...

"Link, what do you think you're doing?!"

Quentin demanded, his face a deep shade of crimson.

"Your performance was hilarious! I plan to air it on TV before the movie releases as a promotional trailer. What do you say?"

"Absolutely not! There's no way I'm letting that happen!"

Quentin shouted in frustration.

Just watching himself scared on that tape was already too embarrassing.

Now Link wanted to broadcast it for all of America -- and the world -- to see? No way!

This was like public execution.

What was even more infuriating was Link asking him if he agreed!

Did he even need to consider this? Surely, anyone in their right mind would say no.

He would never agree.

"Quentin, think about it. This might have some downsides, but there are benefits as well."

"Seriously? What benefits come from this embarrassing debacle?"

"Don't rush. Let me explain. We're in the age of entertainment overload. Anything that can be used as entertainment content holds value. And you? You're an up-and-coming director. You've gained some recognition but not enough. To succeed, you need to stand out, and you can't only rely on making films."

"If we air this footage on TV, since you were so entertaining in your reactions, it won't take long for more people to notice you."

"You think being humiliated in front of a large audience is a good thing?"

"It's not humiliation! It shows you're an interesting man, a unique director, and an entertaining actor -- just like the flamboyant sissy Mr. Pink you played in Reservoir Dogs."

"I'm the chatty Mr. Brown; Steve Buscemi was the flamboyant Mr. Pink."

"Close enough! You could frame this footage like a comedy bit. Once it airs on TV, people will notice. Some might laugh at you for being scared, but don't worry. After the film releases, I'll set the record straight in the media, claiming you were just hamming it up to promote the film.

Although it will still have a little impact on your reputation afterwards, I will find a way to make it up to you -- maybe take you out for a drink."

"Are you kidding me? You think a drink can compensate for this degree of embarrassment?"

"I'll take you out twice if necessary, but not more than that. I'll have others help me too. I will be asking Lawrence, Steven, and others as well. We might showcase thousands getting scared while watching Paranormal Activity. As these clips circulate, no one will think twice about your scary reactions. They will just believe that Paranormal Activity is genuinely terrifying. How does that sound?"

"No way! This is too humiliating!"

Quentin shook his head fervently.

"Alright. I get that this is a tough ask. If you don't want to do it, I can understand. Just act like I never mentioned it."

Link chuckled.

"Quentin! The toilet's clogged. Get someone to fix it!"

A woman's voice called from the bathroom.

"Where are my stockings? Gosh, Quentin! Your bite on my foot last night really hurt!"

Another woman shouted from the bedroom.

"Ha! You seem pretty busy. I won't keep you. And by the way, I'll have someone cut out your footage later."

Link got up with the tape in hand.

"Wait!"

Quentin raked a hand through his messy hair and muttered, "Fine, I'll agree, but on two conditions."

"Really? You'll help?"

Link was surprised. He had come just to gauge Quentin's interest, but was prepared to walk away after his initial refusal.

Now, as he was about to leave, the tables had turned.

"I said there were two conditions. First, it can't just be my reactions. You need to persuade Steven and Lawrence to show their reactions too."

"I can guarantee that. If they refuse, then the whole tape gets scrapped."

"Second, when I make my next movie, you must do me a favor. I don't have anything specific yet, but I want to reserve one."

"Absolutely! As long as it's legal, I'm on board."

"Deal! Let's raise a glass!"

Quentin tossed Link a can of beer.

Link sat down to share a drink with Quentin. After some movie talk, he left to find Steven Soderbergh and Lawrence Bender to discuss the same plan.

Having heard that Quentin was on board, both were more than willing to help.

The goal of involving all three was to attract attention from the industry.

With their reputations in Hollywood, audiences would undoubtedly be curious to see how they reacted in fear, prompting curiosity that would draw them to theaters.

It would generate the first wave of viewers for the film.

Even if they declined, it was fine. The original promotional strategy would still create buzz for the release, albeit at a slower pace.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.