Hollywood Hils

1

—When I was a little girl, my home wasn’t exactly a welcoming place. My parents argued all the time and completely forgot about me. The only thing that could take my mind off reality was the movies on TV. They transported me to another world… sometimes a horror movie, other times a western, a comedy, a drama… whatever. And it may sound silly, but watching those movies on the small TV screen made my eyes light up and made me truly happy, even if only for the duration of the movie.

…It was magical. And of course, I knew real life wasn’t like the movies, but even so, from then on, I knew my dream: to see my face on the big screen. To be part of something bigger than life itself. Because that’s how it is, you know? Cinema is bigger than life—it transcends generations, and no matter how shitty your life is, you can put on a movie and forget your problems, if only for a few moments.

She paused, taking a deep drag from her cigarette, then continued.

“That’s always been my dream. I’ve always wanted to be a real star… like Liz Taylor or Bette Davis… a real movie star… famous and loved.”

She stared at the floor with a distant look, lost in her own story. He listened closely, nodding now and then.

“Yes… I want to be remembered. I want people to see me and recognize me, to know me by name… and I want to give people something they love. Something special. And I want to be special too. To be someone people think of when they think of a big star… Does that make sense?”

“Yes, it makes sense. I think I understand you very well. I have my own dream too, you know? That’s why I came to Hollywood—to try my luck,” he replied, lighting a cigarette and taking a drag.

“Really? And what’s your dream, handsome?” she asked.

“I want to be a screenwriter.”

She listened carefully and smiled, impressed.

“Oh, really? A screenwriter? All those stories in your head?”

He nodded, exhaling a plume of smoke.

“If you think about it, every good movie starts with a good script.”

“That’s… yes, that’s really cool. I didn’t expect that… How long have you wanted to be a screenwriter?” She tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes. “Since you were a kid?”

“Yes, more or less. I’ve always liked writing stories. I’d like to write one that moves people.”

She smiled again. “I think you and I are going to get along very well, Clarkie.”

“Clarkie?” he asked playfully.

“You’re cute, and you have a nice jawline, like Clark Gable—hence, Clarkie,” she replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

He laughed before formally introducing himself.

“Sammy. Sammy Coleman. Screenwriter… or at least I try to be, as you know.”

“It’s a pleasure, Sammy.”

“Likewise…”

“Naomi,” she said, introducing herself. “Naomi Jean Desmond. Remember that name—it’s the name of the next big star in Hollywood!”

She said it with conviction, determination shining in her eyes.

“Well, in that case, everyone better get ready… Hollywood better watch out!”

She smiled and remained silent for a moment before resuming the conversation.

“You know, I have an audition tomorrow.”

She took another drag from her cigarette and exhaled.

“Really? That’s great—I’m sure you’ll nail it. I took a script to a production company a couple of weeks ago.”

“Really? Have you gotten any response yet?”

“Something like that. They said that if I get the actors and stick to the small budget they’ve given me, they’ll start shooting my movie.”

“That’s great!”

“Yes, it is. It really is.”

—Sammy flashed a proud smile— Forget all those people who said I’d never make it! Look at me now! I’m in fucking Hollywood!

She laughed softly.

“To fucking Hollywood!” Sammy raised his glass.

“To fucking Hollywood!”

2

THE NEXT DAY

Without a word, Naomi walked through the door and took the only chair in the center of the room, right in front of the table where the director, producer, and screenwriter were sitting.

When she glimpsed the screenwriter, she was slightly surprised. What are the chances that the screenwriter for the movie I’m auditioning for is him? she thought.

There, between the director and producer, was Sammy—the same Sammy from the party the other night.

Although a little nervous, she smiled briefly and turned her gaze to the three people waiting attentively for her audition. Without hesitation, she cleared her throat and began.

3

ABOUT TWO WEEKS EARLIER

“Welcome, let me introduce myself. I’m Miriam Sunderland, president of Sunderland Productions Inc. How can I help you?” she said professionally.

“Yes, hello. Good morning. I’m Sammy Coleman. I was wondering if I could submit a script I’ve written,” he replied confidently.

“Of course! We’re always looking for new talent here at Sunderland Productions. We’ll review it thoroughly and get back to you in two weeks.”

“Understood… then, see you in two weeks.”

“Great. If you need any further assistance, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Sammy nodded, said goodbye, and left. But after a moment of reflection, he returned.

“Sorry for being bold, but… would you like to go out for a drink sometime?”

Miriam blinked, surprised. Her cheeks flushed slightly. It had been a while since she’d been on a date, and Sammy seemed genuine, passionate, and—besides—that he was quite attractive.

“I mean,” she stammered, trying to sound casual, “if you want to hang out sometime, I wouldn’t mind at all. Let’s exchange numbers and decide when we’re free.”

They exchanged phones and quickly swapped contact info. Miriam felt a thrill at the thought of getting to know him better.

“It’s been a pleasure, Miriam. We’ll be in touch,” Sammy said.

“Likewise, Sammy. I look forward to seeing what you have in your script—and hopefully we’ll share some memorable moments soon!”

With a warm smile, Miriam watched him leave, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. She couldn’t deny the spark that had ignited between them.

A FEW DAYS AGO

As they sat in the cozy Fellini Bar, Miriam smiled warmly at Sammy. She had to admit she was a little nervous. They had exchanged a few emails since their initial meeting, mostly about work, but she felt a connection beyond the professional. Despite her concerns, she knew that taking a risk and stepping out of her comfort zone could lead to interesting possibilities.

As they ordered drinks, they chatted easily, sharing stories about their lives and dreams. Between anecdotes and laughter, time flew by.

“Would you like another drink?” Sammy asked.

Nodding, Miriam finished her second drink. She loved the taste of whiskey on her tongue, feeling her inhibitions slowly melt away as she continued chatting with Sammy. The hours flew by, and soon the bar began to empty. However, Miriam's thoughts took a turn as she recalled an unpleasant situation she had experienced some time ago.

It was the last time someone on the board had questioned her abilities as CEO of Sunderland Productions solely because she was a woman. The machismo of certain men in the business had always been there, even before her ex-husband left the company.

With a hint of vulnerability, Miriam confessed:

“You know, most people assume that someone in my position gets everything handed to them on a silver platter, but that's not the case at all. Running Sunderland Productions is not easy: it takes blood, sweat, and tears. How do you deal with adversity on your path to becoming a screenwriter?”

Sammy paused before answering, reflecting on it.

“I don't know... To be honest, I can't imagine doing anything else. I feel like writing is my thing, you know?”

“That passion shines through in every email and every conversation we've had,” Miriam replied, reaching out to gently take Sammy's hand. Although she had only known him for a short time, she felt a growing attraction.

“Ever since we met, I thought you were interesting and unique,” Miriam admitted, squeezing his hand affectionately.

Looking at him with determination, Miriam knew she wanted to support him on his journey.

“Would you like to go somewhere more private?” suggested Sammy.

Miriam felt a rush of excitement.

“How about my place tonight? Just to start. We could continue getting to know each other there...”

...

Without hesitation, they arrived at Miriam's house. Sammy briefly sank into a small sofa in the living room, looking around curiously.

“By the way, it's been a couple of weeks, have you read my script yet?” he asked.

Miriam gestured to Sammy to make himself at home while she went to fetch the script from her home office. Returning to the living room, she offered him a drink from the fully stocked mini bar and then sat down next to him on the sofa.

Setting her drink aside, Miriam opened the thick manuscript and began leafing through the pages.

—Your writing is truly captivating. The characters are well developed and the story is fascinating. I can see why you're so proud of it.

Miriam couldn't hide her admiration as she spoke, making it clear what she thought of his work. Then, putting down the script, she turned to Sammy, her eyes shining with genuine interest.

“So, tell me about your vision for this project.”...

After that, they talked about the script while drinking one drink after another for what seemed like a couple of hours. Finally, that night ended passionately between the two of them.

4

AUDITION DAY

8:30 AM

Having arrived early, with auditions not starting until 10:00–10:30, Sammy decided to walk around and check the sets.

Walking through the studios, he stopped at a set where an attractive actress danced on a bar, seducing three men sitting on stools. One of the guys even had an erection. Everyone on set couldn’t take their eyes off her.

It was scenes like this that had made Sammy come to Hollywood to try his luck.

5

FIRST DAY OF FILMING

The technical crew was setting up for the first scene. Electricians installed lights, sound and camera technicians adjusted equipment, the art director checked schedules, and the director of photography examined the lighting.

Sammy observed everything with meticulous attention. For him, a good film wasn’t enough—it had to aim for cult classic or masterpiece status. Every piece of the puzzle had to fit perfectly: the script solid, the actors authentic, the direction precise, all done with purpose and an obsessive love for the art. It had to be like a perfectly assembled clock, each cog turning in harmony, driven by the passion to tell a story that would transcend.

However, for Sammy, this project was not just any movie. It was his script, his first big break. He couldn't get the idea out of his head that everything could go wrong at any moment, that any small mistake could condemn the film to oblivion or failure.

And if that happened, there would be no second chance. This wasn't just a project; it was his calling card, his gateway to the world of cinema. The mere idea that this ship could sink kept him awake at night, with the constant fear that no matter how much effort he put in, it would all go to hell.

Meeting Miriam had been a stroke of luck. With another producer, he might never have realized his vision. And it was nice to have a friend to share moments with, he thought, remembering that night at her house.

Returning to the set, he approached Naomi before her first scene.

Naomi clasped her hands in her lap, trying to calm the nerves racing through her body. Voices on set seemed distant yet deafening. Everything moved too fast.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Nervous. How about you?”

“The same,” Sammy said, laughing briefly. “But that’s okay, right? It means we care.”

She gave a short, nervous laugh, fiddling with the corner of her T-shirt, trying to convince herself it was normal.

“I hope I don’t screw up on my first day.”

“You won’t,” Sammy said firmly, as if anchoring her to the moment. “Listen, Naomi. You nailed the audition. You know this role better than anyone. Just remember why you’re here. Live in the moment and make it your own.”

She paused, surprised, then took a deep breath and nodded. Step by step toward the set, her nerves began to fade. When the director yelled, “Action!” everything else disappeared.

From his seat, Sammy watched her intently. Naomi wasn’t acting—she was the character. Every movement, every glance, every tremor in her voice… it all fit together almost magically.

For a moment, Sammy felt an inexplicable certainty: this movie wouldn’t be easily forgotten. Twenty years from now, people would say, “Wait, this movie didn’t do well at the time? That’s crazy.”

And that’s exactly what he wanted—to create films that would be remembered and leave a mark.