Lord of Entertainment

Chapter 123: About to film the Part 2

(Arthur POV)

My next project is, without a doubt, the film many in this world are itching to see - "The Demonfather Part 2".

Mob boss Anubis Flameworth, in particular, has been pestering me about it. The guy even followed me to Horn Kingdom - he's becoming an eyesore, honestly.

It's like I owe him a huge debt - which, to be fair, I kind of do. He helped start the "Hellfire Agency" and smoothed the transfer of assets to Horn Kingdom. Apparently, Anubis has connections with politicians here. No wonder things went so smoothly.

Making this film without the VFX Studio will be challenging, but I can manage. Horn Kingdom's modern city already has backdrops that'll work fine for the film, like Repulse Bay for Michael Corleone's birthday celebration scenes. Getting filming permits won't be an issue either.

Knock Knock

"Enter," I said.

Klein walked in, looking excited. "Boss, our VFX Studio is officially complete! That dwarf-based company SCULPTURE finished quickly, and I think it's even better than our former studio!"

I nodded, feeling a thrill of excitement myself. Films like "Star Wars", "The Wizard of Oz", and "Harry Potter" suddenly seemed within reach.

"That's great. But we won't be using it much. We'll be filming our next project without the VFX Studio," I said.

Klein frowned, looking disappointed. "Why? We can make our next film project there!"

I understand how he feels, but it has to be done. To get that {Creator's Realms}, I need to sacrifice the VFX Studio use.

"Well..." I thought for a moment, then said, "Our next film doesn't require much VFX, so it'll save us on the budget."

I added, "I also want to prove to the world that making great films without fancy and expensive VFX is possible."

Klein looked conflicted but seemed to be trying to understand.

After a brief chat, he left with slumped shoulders. I felt a twinge of guilt, but reminded myself of the bigger picture. Sometimes, you have to take a step back to leap forward. And with {Creator's Realms} as the prize, it'll be worth it in the end.

Klein probably won't be the only one asking why I won't use the VFX studio, but I'll just give them the same reason I gave Klein. Honestly, what I told him makes a lot of sense.

It's true that indie filmmakers in this world are struggling to survive in an industry where only VFX studio productions seem acceptable. Especially when VFX studios are only affordable for big studios.

Well, I'm partly to blame because my films raised this world's standards. But that doesn't mean great films always need VFX.

Sure, there's "Lord of the Mage" by Mouse Entertainment that beat my "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" at the box office. And Lava Pictures' recent film "The Legendary Spell" is decent, though not matching "Lord of the Rings". But filmmakers shouldn't have to rely on VFX studios all the time.

After all, it's risky. If a VFX-heavy film flops, like Titan Pictures' attempt, they lose a huge amount of money. VFX is a money burner.

Proving to the world that VFX isn't everything might inspire more indie filmmakers.

Thinking about it, I wonder if the system is trying to teach me something. Like not relying solely on VFX, and being more efficient with film projects.

If there's a real-world backdrop available, why use VFX that requires a huge budget?

***

(3rd Person POV)

A few days later, Arthur met with Anubis Flameworth in an expensive restaurant. Anubis's reaction when Arthur informed him about "The Demonfather Part 2" was priceless.

"Re-really? You're finally making the Demonfather sequel?!" Anubis's eyes widened in shock.

"Shh!" Arthur looked around nervously. "Why are you acting so dramatically? Someone might have heard you!"

Anubis quickly covered his mouth and nodded. He glanced around, realizing he'd attracted some attention. "I apologize for that."

Arthur sighed, both amused and exasperated by Anubis's enthusiasm. He'd known the mob boss would be excited, but this reaction was beyond his expectations.

Anubis regained his composure and said, "I lost my cool there for a moment."

"I understand," Arthur sighed. "You want to be part of the film, right? I think I have a role for you..."

"Before that, Mr. Morningstar," Anubis interjected, "Actually, I also wanted to recommend some people for the cast of the next Demonfather. It's okay if you don't agree with this request."

"Oh?" Arthur's curiosity was piqued.

"I have a group of friends also interested in being part of the film." Anubis took out his wallet and produced a few pictures. "This is what they look like. I wonder what roles you could give them?"

Arthur examined the pictures. His eyes lingered on an old demon - a scale demon with antennae reminiscent of Piccolo from Dragon Ball.

"Who is this demon?" he asked Anubis.

"That's Don Leviathan - he's a boss of the Leviathan family from Apple City," Anubis explained.

Anubis continued, pointing to another demon about his age, "This is Anus Leviathan Hades, Don Leviathan's nephew. Also a soldier in the Leviathan family."

"Anus?" Arthur raised an eyebrow. "What an interesting name..."

Anubis smiled as he pointed out more pictures. "These are my friends interested in being in a movie."

Arthur stroked his chin thoughtfully. Don Leviathan could fit the role of "Hyman" perfectly. He definitely looked like a lizard - ideal for a villain role.

As for Anus Hades? What a bizarre name. Anus, combined with "Hades," the king of the underworld in his previous life? That name could be interpreted in many ways.

These unconventional characters could add an interesting dynamic to the film. Plus, casting Anubis's friends might secure his continued support. But he had to be careful not to compromise his vision for the sake of appeasing a mob boss.

"These are... interesting candidates," Arthur said diplomatically. "I'll certainly consider them as we move forward with casting. But remember, the right fit for the role is crucial for the film's success."

Anubis nodded eagerly, clearly pleased that Arthur was at least considering his suggestions.

After the meeting with Arthur, Anubis's excitement was palpable, even to his men. He turned to his right-hand man, declaring, "Cancel all my schedule around August 8—"

He abruptly stopped, seeming to realize something, before amending, "Nah, just cancel all of my schedule for the whole of August."

Miguel, his right-hand man - a name Anubis had chosen due to his obsession with 'The Demonfather' - looked confused. "Why, boss? You have a meeting with an important person from the Devil Triad!"

Hearing this, Anubis's expression grew complicated. "Don't worry about it. I'll just send that person a letter. And as a token of apology, give him my..." He gritted his teeth before continuing, "My precious Katana as an apology for not attending..."

Miguel's jaw dropped in shock. "You... You will give your precious Katana to-to him?" He knew how important that 'katana' was to his boss. It was a gift from that beautiful fox demon in Japon.

"I- I can only do this," Anubis looked fearful. "We can't offend the Devil Triad just like that."

Miguel gulped and nodded. Then he asked, "Why can't you just attend the meeting, boss?"

Anubis's mood seemed to lift as he smiled, "It's because I will be focused on the production of Demonfather Part 2!"

"Demonfather Part 2!?" Miguel exclaimed, surprised.

Anubis realized he'd just revealed the secret Arthur had asked him to keep. He sighed and said, "You better keep your mouth shut about this, or I'll cut your head off!"

Miguel nodded fearfully, "Of course, of course!"

Anubis continued, "I am fortunate enough to not only be part of Demonfather Part 2, but also to oversee its production to see if it's any good or not."

Miguel looked at his boss with admiration.

Anubis kept on talking, saying that he would take on the role of the young Vito Corleone.

As Anubis rambled on, Miguel couldn't help but wonder how much of what his boss was saying was true and how much was exaggeration.