Lights... Camera... ACTION!!: A Hollywood Quest

Nature Abhors a Vacuum

Edward Neumeier was a man who could never stay still when it came to his passions. After graduating from the school of Motion Picture and Television at UCLA he went immediately to work on the TV Series Taxi, and after making sure said series was on the right track he moved right on to become a script reader for the Story Analyst's Union, working for both Paramount and Columbia before and after the latter went private and began its new Superhero movies, and the former's Star Trek films and new TV service gave them more options than before.

It was a time of change and Edward loved it! There was little he loved more than writing and reviewing new scripts, though at the same time he understood he could do more with it if he could get the opportunity to understand more than just the theory behind a safe desk. Which is why, whenever there was a chance, he would try and offer his services to any and all film crew that needed an extra set of hands, making sure to soak up all the knowledge about the production he could find, little by little becoming a more experienced member that in time would be known, as word of mouth spread about his skills.

Need someone in sets? Neumeier can do it.

Need another technician for lights? Neumeier can do in a pinch.

Need a ghost writer for a script? Ask Neumeier, he'll do it cheaper.

All small things which soon became greater as he built his reputation within the industry, forming connections that he made sure to leverage for better jobs and more opportunities down the line. At first glance one would think that what he was doing was the equivalent of a bee buzzing in place with no direction where to go, but he would liken himself to an Ant working for the Winter, for he was not doing the work out of some need to keep busy, or to pay the rent. Oh no, Neumeier had a goal in mind, an objective for everything he did, a hill to climb you might even call it.

He needed an in for Lucasfilm's, and it needed to be a spectacular one.

For ever since the premiere of Star Wars, the collapse of Warner and the birth of the New Studio system in Hollywood, he'd seen what many others had been trying to ignore or, as Universal foolishly did, try to oppose or suppress; This was a new age of films, one of creativity and vision, one where despite how much people might say, in the end the audience would no longer just accept whatever slop the studios would deign to give them. Just look at Star Trek and their recent rebirth, it had shown the hunger thar many still had for well-developed stories that respected the audience's intelligence, rather than just talk down to them.

There was a reason why he'd refused to work for Universal after all. They might have the money, and would make enough movies, but aside from Kubrick they still lacked the creativity to further expand. Thus, his current efforts to learn and expand his knowledge, trying to finally find just what he needed to finally find that creative outlook, that original idea that would help him break through and make it a reality.

His big break however came when he was least expecting it, when he was actually called in to work for Alan Ladd in his new company, highly recommended actually as a man who could fit in any role necessary, and one that could thus be put to work in their newest production of Philip K. Dick's book adaptation, creatively titled Blade Runner.

And the movie changed his life. Not in the way that it moved his goal or made him reconsider his path, but in just how exactly he would accomplish it. The entire premise of the movie, the look and the filming process, put in him the idea of a dystopian future, one which involved robots looking like humans that would police the street, where people would have no choice due to the chaos and near anarchy the world had turned into.

It finally put him in the right track as to how to establish said world...but it did even more, since thanks to his work, Alan was kind enough to give him glowing recommendations for future projects, involving both his company and Lucasfilm's whenever they needed someone with a particular set of talents.

And it was a connection he was certain he could use when the time came for him to present his final pitch. It had been two years of ghost writing and climbing the ladder in different movies and TV Shows that ranged from the inspired (Star Trek Phase II, Small Giant, Clash of the Titans) to the mediocre (Frankly, nearly everything Universal tried to put that wasn't Napoleon).

His final draft could still use some work, but nothing that could not be polished during production and principal photography. His mind already had the actors and directors firmly in place, the world had been fleshed out as much as possible with the resources at hand, and all that it required now, was a studio willing to take on the challenge.

What better than the studio that he'd been aiming at for all these years. For who better than Lucasfilm's to bring Robocop to the world.

A.N.: In OTL, George Neumeier, the writer for Robocop, was greatly impressed by Star Wars and Blade Runner, the latter he worked in since Warner was producing it in the back lot where he was working at with Universal. This time around, with Warner down for the count, an entire new age of filming thanks to Lucasfilm's becoming an actual studio, and new innovative ideas coming left and right, I figure the Neumeier would have leaped at the idea of expanding and making his ideas come true faster as well.

Turn 98 (July 1982)

100.

You looked at George as he looked at the wonderful people from Legal, and Mike himself. "What did we do this time?" You asked.

"Please do not talk Mister O'Brian." The lawyer said. "Because we want to make sure no one ever hears what is about to be said in this room?"

"Are we about to commit a conspiracy to commit a crime?" George asked.

"No." The Lawyer said. "But we have a case where you can sue one of your rivals for reckless endangerment, corporate espionage, and conspiracy to commit fraud. Among many other federal crimes."

That made you look to Mike. "Universal?"

"Fox. Particularly at the wonderful people under the employ of Rupert Murdoch' personal staff." Mike replied as he looked at the cigarette that he wanted to smoke, but you were in the room. "He tried to steal the film."

"Which one?" You asked.

"The Film."

Good god, Star Wars. Marcia was still editing it, and it was supposed to only have five copies. Two at Skywalker Ranch, and three at headquarters.

George looked at Mike and all the seemingly impossible happened. George got serious. "How?"

"Snuck in the janitorial staff, then disguised as a secretary." Mike said.

"How come security isn't here to debrief?" You asked.

"Because he got out with a copy of the film and no one noticed… until a cab driver saw the films name, Blue Harvest, knew about the name from one of our people, and then proceeded to get him lost until one of our people just happened to be parked next to him, a friend of his who always needed a ride," Mike said. "The film was safely returned after that."

"We have a name?"

"For the driver, our man, or the son of a bitch who nearly stole a copy of Star Wars?" Mike said.

"The son of a bitch." George said.

Mike looked ready to smile at that. "A young secretary at 20th Century, some no-name kid named Jack Wilson, don't even think it's his real name, but he spilled that he needed to get to an editor that worked for 20th Century under contract to the taxi driver, which tipped him off. That has given enough evidence to our lawyers to believe that there is a conspiracy. When he was arrested, he got a top lawyer representing him in the hour, also under the employ of one of Murdoch's American papers. Do you see where I'm going with this?"

You Murdoch hated you, but to try and hold Jedi Hostage like that…

You frowned. "George we need to take a measured-"

Wait what were you doing, trying to calm George down… he was supposed to be that calming voice for you!

Maybe it was strange to see the roles reversed in such a way, but George got angry. Not in the quiet anger that you saw before….

This was pure rage. "I want that son of a bitch buried in so much debt that he has to sell every fucking thing to stay out of prison!" He said. "Can we sue?"

"Everything points to criminal conspiracy, and an official police investigation has already begun." one of the lawyers said.

"What are our options on the civil side?" He asked.

That earned a smirk from Mike. "Go after the kid, make him sing, and everything comes apart."

You then spoke. "George, are you okay."

"Now I know how you feel Bruce, about all the anger and the vindication, and the bullshit. So for once, let me handle this."

Do you let George (And the lawyers) Handle this:
[]Yes: George, good luck. You have now had a blood feud to win.
[]No: George I think we should calm the fuck down, and be rational. God, it feels to be on the other side of this madness, but here you are.
----------------------------

Reminder, everything auto passes this turn.

Lucasfilms Actions:

[]E.T The Extra-Terrestrial: Steve wants to have a summer that no one will ever forget. So… let's see what he has done! DC: 30

[]What does George Think: George, what do you think about other people working on your baby? DC: 30

[]Do you wanna start a Blood Feud: Sid has come to your office, to break bread and to talk. Business. DC:???

[]George Lucas and the Crazy Camera People: So George what is the- OH MY GOODNESS What the hell are you doing to that camera!? DC: 40

[]The Aftermath: Sony is about to lose biggly… and you want to watch it all come down. DC:???

[]The New Blood: So... Who wants to work for Lucasfilms? DC:???
-[]Director
-[]Producer

[]The People who want you to star in a movie: With most of Hollywood open to you again after the informal ending of your banishment from nonlucasfilm and TV productions, there are a few films that have come to your attention. DC: ???

[]Investing in the Future: You want to Spend some of that money you made into the company and make the whole thing better DC: ??? (Linetail what you want to invest in, and how much money you want to invest in it)

[]Look for Investors: Not that you need the money now, but maybe you can get people on board with this idea you have. DC: ???

[]Distributing Deals: Since you have a Distribution Company, or rather, are one… You can meet the major movie theater companies and strike a Deal with them. Even when you had nothing to offer them. DC: ???

[]Importing Foreign Films: So… you may have a way to get some films showing in American Theaters. Maybe you can go to other foreign film industries and… well, ask to distribute their films. Sure many of those foreign film companies never expected an American company to distribute their films in the US… but maybe you can get money without producing them. (Linetail where you try to get films from, and if there are any specific films, line tail them below) DC: ???

[]The Ideas of Industry: This action is meant for a write-in to act as a sort of Idea machine for the company. You must detail what you want to do below this action. This action can be taken multiple times.

Personal Actions:

[]New Friends: Robin wants to make you and Chris more involved and friendly, besides the working relationship you two have… so… He's… good God Robin what the hell is this! DC:40

[]Having a Fun Time with Carrie: You and Carrie are going to go to the beach for a day at the beach... so that means that you and Carrie will have to explain why you are going without the kids. DC: ???

[]Best Friends: So Mary has lots of friends, and she wants them to come over. You need to prepare for that. Carrie, get the cookies.

[]The Family Time: You need a night out with the family dammit! No more drama, no more work, just you and Carrie and the Kids!

[]Hanging out with the Friends: It's been far to long since you, John, and Robin hung out, so you will go out for some drinks and have some fun. DC: 45

[]A Well-Known Fan: So some really famous person is a fan of yours. Maybe you'll learn who they actually are. DC???


[]Learn to play an instrument: You want to learn how to play something DC: 80 (You have no idea what the hell you are doing.)

[]Investments: You want to invest your hard-earned cash into something that you feel will be a good return on investment. And as well as diversify your assets DC: 0 (Linetail what you wish to invest in below this action, and the amount of money you want to invest in)

[]The O'Riely Foundation Lobbying: You want California to help the men who have given nearly everything and more to this country. DC: ??? (Linetail how much money you want to throw at it, and what you want from the State)

[]A Charitable Heart: You want to invest your newfound wealth. Maybe even save some lives while you are at it. (Linetail what you wish to invest in below this action, and the amount of money you want to donate in)

[]Networking: Well time to start finding out who might actually be interested in meeting you. (Write-in what you want to try and network with)

[]Pray: It had been a long time since you went to Mass. You wish for the Lord to give you strength. DC: ???

[]Action Directing: It seems the town has been talking about how much of a beast you are at just being a stunt person. In fact, they knew you were a student of Bruce Lee. And they think you know how to stage and block a fight? Maybe you can DC? ???

[] Do auditions(Movies and TV Shows): You are going to go to some of the casting calls that are in the place where you can find work in. DC: 20(Possibility of only getting a commercial or TV show job, or extra work in a low-budget film)

[]Modeling (High Fashion): So you got a call from a photographer in LA, some no name. But that no name works for Gucci. And he wants you on their next lineup of products. And he needs you to model for him. Which is great… one problem, you have no idea what the hell you are doing. DC: 60

[]Modeling (Advertisements): Thankfully another Call Came in, one from an ad firm. They need you to have some pictures taken so that they are used for saner things. Like selling cars, or ice cream. DC: 40

[]Workout: A Healthy Mind and a Healthy Body are Key to having a good life, and you have been slacking as of late. Time to hit the workout and discipline, and perhaps, see things differently. DC: 30 Reward: You work out and feel better.

[] Ask Clint if you can act in a movie of his: You know you want to see if you can act opposite him, for a good time. DC: 40 (Clint wants to work with you.)


[] Gophering, and other signs of stuff: You want to try and learn how work behind the camera works, and what better way than being a gopher. DC: 50 (You have no idea what the hell they were doing, and you have no idea either)

[] Take a walk: Dad always said that the best ways to get inspiration are by walking, talking, and being open-minded. So you'll try that. DC: 10 (You are just going for a walk, what could be really said?)

[] Register in a theater: There are quite a few theater troops that are looking for some seasonal help for some play's that the regulars could not get to. Perhaps you can work there for a while. DC: 40 (Everyone wants to be famous here in Hollywood.)

[] Go to a bar or something to make jokes: You wanted to try some comedy, perhaps you can try. even with your shit timing. DC: 40 (Your Lack of comedy chops is going to be something that will bite you.)

[] Practice writing: You want to write something, maybe even a script. At least to learn the craft. DC: 20 (You try your hand at screenwriting, and maybe get something that is worth a damn.)

[] Research stuff, see if anything piques your interest: You may have graduated High School as a kid, but you never stopped trying to learn. DC: 15 (Write-in what you want to learn about below)

AN: Plan format