Normal thing - Gracie Abrams

002 Powerhouse

Powerhouse
002

September 16, 2023

"That's why I'm telling you, Bill, we can't just throw money at random ideas," Antonio insisted, his voice laced with frustration. "We have to focus on what'll improve our revenue. The industry's changing, and we need to adapt."

Antonio Windsor-Fletcher paced back and forth in his study, his phone pressed to his ear. The walls were lined with framed photos of past successes—blockbuster films, award-winning TV shows—but all of it felt distant now.

Bill Lawrence's voice crackled through the speaker "Adapt to what, exactly? Have you seen anything that screams hit lately? Any script that blew your mind?" Bill paused for effect. "No, and I'll answer that for you—because there isn't one."

Antonio grunted in agreement. "People want all that adolescent type shit—like Euphoria or Skins. They're not interested in the kind of shows we made with depth, like Scrubs or Two and a Half Men."

"Skins isn't even that new," Bill sighed. "Maybe it's time we shift focus, take a risk. Ever thought about adapting a book into a movie? A good novel can tap into that younger audience without compromising quality."

Antonio scowled, rubbing his temples. "We've never done that, Bill. It's not how I built Windsor-Fletcher Entertainment."

"Doesn't mean it won't work," Bill countered, unfazed. "Just... consult with your wife. But no rush."

"I'll call you later," Antonio snapped, abruptly ending the call.

He tossed the phone onto his desk, feeling the weight of the conversation. A movie based on a book? It was foreign territory. The empire he and his wife had built wasn't one for taking risks like that, and yet... was Bill right? Antonio's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening downstairs, followed by the click of heels against the marble floor.

"Dad?" came a familiar voice from the hallway.

Antonio straightened, walking out of his study. Emily, his eldest daughter, had just returned from Canada. As she walked into the room, her long brown hair still damp from the rain outside, she flashed him a warm smile.

"Emily," Antonio said, his frustration melting away for a moment. "When did you get in?"

"Just landed a couple of hours ago," she said, shrugging off her coat and draping it over a chair. "You look like you've had a long day."

"You could say that," Antonio replied, running a hand through his hair. "Bill thinks we should start adapting books into movies. Can you believe that?"

Emily raised an eyebrow, leaning against the edge of his desk. "That doesn't sound like the worst idea. You know how huge The Hunger Games and Harry Potter were. Maybe it's time to evolve."

"Even you?" Antonio said, exasperated. "I thought you'd be the one person to back me up."

Emily chuckled softly. "I'm just saying, Dad. We can't stay in the past forever. Look at what's working in today's market. If you don't want to do books, why not adapt something from another country? Remake it your way—like they did with my 'Shameless'. The UK version even had James McAvoy before he blew up."

Antonio raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still hesitant. "Shameless worked because they had the right cast and timing. It's not always that easy."

"Or maybe it's a sign you've made enough money and should call it quits," Emily teased with a laugh, earning a sharp look from her father.