Magic Happens

By Gordon Carr

Books about, or written by, film stars, sporting heroes, politicians or famous criminals fly off the shelves because the public knows the subjects from the media. Meanwhile, authors in Australia and around the world write and publish books which can be of outstanding quality, but because the writers aren't well known, their efforts go unrewarded as far as sales are concerned.

Grant Irwin is a typical case, being the little-known and unacknowledged author of several books, most of which are relegated to his bookcase after publication. Then comes a twist of fate. Almost unbelievably, his latest effort is discovered by a prominent Hollywood producer and is eventually turned into a big-screen film production. Overnight, Grant's life changes. He moves to Hollywood and becomes part of the local film production community, with success moving into high gear. It proves magic can really happen!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Oct 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9780228840367

Gordon Carr

Author of 15 books published in Australia. World War II veteran, served in the Air Force from age 18 to 21. Went mining in the Northern Territory after the war. Became a freelance writer of stories about the miners then a journalist and later a television producer/director. Still working part time as a mature office boy in a law firm, doing all the chores an office boy does. Spent time in Hollywood where he met many well known people, including Cher and Alfred Hitchcock.

Book preview

The Offer

Not-very-successful author Grant Irwin was sitting at his desk wondering what subject he would write about next when the postman delivered a letter. A letter – this was unusual; correspondence most of the time was by email. The letter had come from America of all places and had the return address of MGM Studios. Grant felt a sudden excitement; could this be the turning point in his long career as a writer in which he had merely scratched out a living so far? The letter said staff writers had discovered his book, Stolen Hours, and the production company was interested in the possibility of producing a film using the book as a basis for the script. Would the writer be agreeable to receiving an option?

Grant breathed a deep sigh; it had happened at last. A film with his name on the credits, as author of the original book on which the film was based, would put him on the world list of successful authors whose books had been good enough to attract the attention of a major film producer. Although he wasn’t sure what was meant by an option. He felt like opening a bottle of champagne to celebrate but first he phoned his girlfriend, Tracey, to tell her the good news. Tracey was extremely happy for Grant but advised him to first take the offer to a lawyer who dealt in the world of publishing and payments and get some advice as to what he should do. It was good advice and he soon found a lawyer who was able to help.

‘I can advise you of the legal side of doing business with another country, but I think you should get in touch with an agent who handles film matters, get his advice about appointing an agent in the United States, the costs involved, and then onwards to the MGM production company,’ said the lawyer.

It was good advice, thought Grant; he would get right onto it. His life was about to change!

The Agent

In the cyber world of today where distance is no problem, Grant was soon able to appoint an agent in Hollywood, right in the centre of the action, not far from MGM headquarters which had shown an interest in turning his book into a feature film. He also emailed a copy of the book to the agent and went about booking a passage to the States. He invited Tracey to accompany him, which she would have enjoyed. It was a wonderful thing that had happened to the man she loved but as she was partway through a university medical course and she didn’t want to interrupt it, she had to reluctantly decline.

Before long, Grant was walking through the arrival gates at Los Angeles International Airport. He could hardly believe it was happening; his life was about to change from being a struggling author to having his name on the big screen for the entire world to see. His agent (H. Boxall) had even sent a car to pick him up and take him to a hotel. The same car called for him up in the morning for his first appointment at the agent’s office. To his surprise the agent was a young woman, called Hillary, who told Grant she loved his book and was sure it would transcribe into a successful feature. Grant had always seen Hollywood agents as very tough, no-nonsense negotiators and hoped he hadn’t made a mistake. It didn’t take long before Hillary proved she was just as tough as the men when it came to arguing with film studios about options to buy, payment, who should produce, direct, star, and very importantly, who should turn the book into a film script. Grant said, to everyone’s surprise, that he would like to take a shot at writing the script.

‘Have you had any previous experience at script-writing?’ asked Hillary.

‘No, not as such. It can’t be too hard. I have a feeling for the complete story right in my guts and think I could do it.’

‘The studio might see it differently and want to use one of their staff writers who knows what a director wants and doesn’t want in a script.’

‘If you could get me a copy of a complete script from a past successful film helmed by the director who might be directing my story, I’ll have a good look at it and have a go.’

‘You probably realise with all published books turned into films, the director often leaves bits and pieces out of the original story to make it smooth running and understandable on the screen.’

‘Yes, I have seen that, noticeably so when Alfred Hitchcock made The Thirty-nine Steps.’

‘You’re more observant than I thought. That film was made a long time ago. Did you see it recently?’

‘Yeah, on a disc when I was looking at films that had their genesis from a book.’

‘I can get you the script for Little Women a well-known story where the father goes off to war and leaves his wife and four daughters at home and the adventures they go through. Have a look at that, you’ve probably seen the finished product. It will give you a good idea how to turn your book into a useable script, but you’ll have to hurry because the studio has the story on its list of options for upcoming productions. While you’re writing, I’ll be negotiating what they’re going to pay you as author of the original book.’

‘Does that mean I’d get another payment if they accept my shooting script?’

‘Yes, but don’t be too sure they will. It’s much cheaper for them to use a staff writer on a fixed salary.’

‘OK, I see the point. I’ll just have to make my effort much better than what could be achieved by a local.’

‘Good luck. I’ll get the Little Women script to you this afternoon.’

Grant then had to phone Tracey and let her know what had been done so far and what he hoped to achieve. He omitted to include information that the agent had turned out to be an attractive woman.

‘That’s wonderful, Grant, I’m so excited for you and wish fervently I was in Hollywood to share your happiness. Let me know what prevails after all the negotiations with MGM have been completed.’

‘I will, and how about you? How’s the study going?’

‘Same as usual, tough going, but I’m getting there.’

‘Good on you, you’re one tough but attractive cookie.’

‘Thanks, Grant; you always know the right thing to say.’

‘Goodbye for now, darling.’

‘Goodbye, Grant, thanks for phoning. I look forward to your next news.’

One good thing about being on the film options list was that the author got paid a weekly sum of $500 while waiting for a final decision, after which he was paid an initial amount of $200,000 if the option was taken up. Further on there was a possibility of being included in a cut from distribution and screening profits. It could add up to a very tidy sum. That had already been explained by the agent. It meant that Grant had a small weekly income to cover some costs while he waited for a final production decision.

‘While we’re waiting, have a look around Hollywood and get to know it,’ said the agent. ‘If you’d care for an end-of-the-day drink, come back to the office and I’ll take you to a bar I inhabit after a hot day – which happens to be most days,’ added Hillary with a grin.

She says it like a man, thought Grant, as he wandered down the various avenues that made up the shopping precinct, but she certainly doesn’t look like a man. The bar she goes to must be safe, not inhabited by lascivious males on the lookout for a pretty woman.

Later in the day, Grant returned to the agent’s office where Hillary handed him a copy of the Little Women script. After a quick look through, Grant decided it wouldn’t be too difficult to turn his book into a shootable film script.

‘OK. Finished here for the day,’ said Hillary. ‘Time for a drink. Let’s go.’

Comfortably seated in a cool, beautifully decorated bar, Grant thought he already liked the Hollywood life. It seemed to be relaxed somehow, although it probably wasn’t on film sets.

‘The producers are about to discuss the options about your book anytime soon, so really study the script I gave you from start to finish. That will put you in good stead to do the same with your book. I have to warn you, though, the talk will be tough. Production people in a studio as big and powerful as MGM are used to having their own way, come what may,’ said Hillary as she sipped her drink.

‘I’ll get right onto it. I reckon with my writing experience I could turn the book into just as good a film script as the staff writers. I feel I’d have more heart for it and could bring out underlying themes that they mightn’t notice. How about another drink?’

‘OK. Thanks, just one more and that’s my total for the day – this part of the day anyway,’ replied Hillary.

‘Could I walk you home, do you live close?’ asked Grant, feeling gallant.

‘No thanks, I live out in the hills. I have my car parked under the office building. You can walk me there if you like and I can drop you off at your hotel.’

Duly delivered to his hotel and warned to keep studying the script, Grant had already started to feel part of the Hollywood crowd. He would probably feel more like it after negotiations at the famous film studio, provided there was a satisfactory outcome.

The outcome was being debated in the inner MGM production offices, helped along by numerous cups of coffee delivered by well-endowed young women who hoped to become film stars in the not-too-distant future. They, too, believed magic happens. To get there they had taken jobs as secretaries, or rather, assistants to the senior secretaries, which meant coffee-makers and deliverers as well as other duties such as running hand-written messages between buildings that the writers didn’t want to put on email.

‘My take on the project, the book outlines the whole romance-adventure area very well. I reckon we should take it up and start on it this year to be released the following year,’ said the chairman or senior producer. ‘Let’s vote on it – or have any of you doubts?’

Silence reigned as no one had doubts; it wouldn’t pay to argue with the chairman, even if they did have doubts.

‘Yeah, I think it’s a goer. It has all the hallmarks of a successful outcome: adventure to bring in the male seat-warmers plus romance which men like as do women,’ said the senior director who hoped to be assigned the Stolen Hours’ director.

‘Right, get onto the author’s agent and have her and the author come in so we can talk about a contract. Do that as soon as possible.’

The chairman’s secretary said, ‘I’m right onto it, consider it done and dusted.’

The meeting broke up and everyone went about their business, which was a lot of ordinary work, not nearly as glamorous as everyone in the outside world thought.

When Hillary received the request to attend a meeting, she phoned Grant straight away and told him, ‘It’s on. We have to meet with the top brass at the studio tomorrow, so I’ll pick you up at nine in the morning.’

‘Whew, that’s great. They wasted no time and it’s eventuated much faster than I imagined. I never dreamed it would come to this. I’ll be ready and waiting at the door for you,’ said Grant.

Next thing was to work out what would be an appropriate time in Sydney and phone Tracey to tell her the wonderful news. It was all happening just like magic. He would tell her all about it after the meeting if it wasn’t midnight in Sydney.

At the studio it was not as Grant had imagined, a large table with grim-faced executives sitting around like the boardrooms he had seen depicted in many films. This was very different: a ring of easy chairs around a large coffee table, almost homey, thought Grant. He was greeted with friendly faces and a question, would he like a coffee? Both he and Hillary said yes, and were quickly served by the attractive, trim, well-rounded (Grant noticed) coffee girls.

‘Nice to see you again, Hillary,’ said the chairman, Mr Mannering. ‘Also welcome to Hollywood, Mr Irwin, I hope we can come to an agreement about the long road, turning your book into a marketable film.’

‘Ah, yes, I hope so too,’ answered Grant. He was going to say, ‘Just call me Grant,’ but decided to leave that until later.

‘We have a standard contract for book-authors which no doubt Hillary has informed you about. In this case your initial payment would be $200,000 US dollars and then five percent of the net profit after marketing and distribution costs, which hopefully would mean a big payment later for you. Some authors have made millions with this contract. Does that meet with your approval?’

Hillary nodded at Grant to agree, which he did. Hillary then spoke up as she had something to add.

‘My client, who is a very talented writer, would like to write the shooting script. I know that’s unusual, but it has happened in the past.’

‘Not often, or recently,’ grated the chairman. ‘That might give us a lot of trouble with the staff writers’ union, who are very militant and protective of their jobs, you understand?’

‘Only too well,’ said Hillary. ‘I’ve seen it all before. But before deciding anything or saying anything to the staff writers, would you just have a look at what my client is doing regarding a portion of the shooting script and give him an opinion as to its professionalism?’

‘OK, we can do that. I think it’s time for more coffee.’

Grant looked forward to seeing the well-upholstered parade of coffee bearers once again. The morning hadn’t been as difficult or as argumentative as it might have been.

‘Get your part of the script finished and back here quick smart, before the staff writers can start complaining they’re being left out,’ whispered Hillary.

‘I’ve just about finished the section I’m writing. I can do that when I get back to the hotel and will give it to you to present at the next meeting,’ replied Grant, with an effort taking his eyes off the seductive coffee girls, intent on doing their job.

A New Dawn

The sun shone brightly as it always seemed to do at dawn in Hollywood, thought Grant, as he wakened to another day of his magic movie adventure. He had finished work on the script and would take it to Hillary first thing, then wait for a decision regarding who was going to write the finished version. He had thought if she was going take the script personally to the studio, he would go with her. He felt he needed a coffee delivered by the wonderful hands of the almost startlingly beautiful young ladies. The visit, if it happened right away, would be worth it.

‘How did you find converting a section of your book into something, different, a film script?’ asked Hillary.

‘It wasn’t easy because the story of Little Women is very different to my book. The writer who made the change originally did a really good job. I’ve read the book and seen the story both as a feature film and recently as a four-part TV series. Anyway, I did the best I could. From my point of view it fits right in with the continuing story, so here it is.’

After a quick scan, Hillary said, ‘It looks professional. You’ve got the various moves and the audio right. The story of Little Women was written by Louisa May Alcott, published in 1968, and adapted into a film eight times, the latest quite recently, in 2019. This version, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, was released by Columbia. That’s what can happen if a film made from a book is successful. We’ll see whether the crew at the studio will go with you or use one of their writers.’

‘Wow, if it was as successful as Little Women I’d be set for life! Let’s hope,’ said Grant. ‘I’d really like to be the scriptwriter.’

Just as he said this, a message came that the studio was ready to meet with the agent and her client again as decisions had to be made. The two took off, one hoping he would be retained to write the finished script, the other not really caring one way or another, she’d still get her cut, whatever happened.

Grant and Hillary walked into the conference chamber set up as before with non-threatening furniture, although the studio management people looked a bit tense. Grant hoped there was nothing wrong.

‘OK, let’s get on with it,’ said the chairman. ‘We reached an agreement last time you were here about honouring the contract as producers but that left one thing in the air, which was writer of the final shooting script. I can understand you wanting to do it, Mr Irwin, but after due consideration we have decided to go with one of our staff writers as he has worked very closely with our senior director and knows what he wants or doesn’t want in a script.’

‘Ah, my client has worked hard in writing one of the peak chapters in the book and he would be very happy if you would at least take a look at it,’ put in Hillary.

‘OK, I’ll have a look through and if you like, pass it on to the staff writer who can include it in the finished script if he thinks it appropriate.’

‘I’d appreciate that at least,’ said Grant. ‘Would I be able to see the completed script before production starts?’

‘If you wish, although we’re not bound to make any changes, you understand.’

‘I do, but if I see anything that’s not fitting, I’ll mention it anyway. Would I be allowed to come on set once filming starts?’

‘Yes, but only as an observer and that should be in about six weeks once we’ve completed pre-production.’

‘It’ll give my client time to have a good look around Hollywood and really get to know the place,’ said Hillary.

As it appeared formal discussion was over the attractive coffee girls entered again, much to Grant’s appreciation. He would certainly miss them when away on his six weeks’ waiting time. The girls were hoping to get roles in the forthcoming feature, at least in crowd scenes. Something they could add to their résumé of movie experience.

Grant decided he’d have to buy a car if he was to stay in Hollywood for the next six or twelve months, or however long it took to complete a feature film. After that, what? Perhaps bring forward one of his earlier books to see if that could follow his initial success and get another movie made. He should also get going on a new book, not waste time, keep writing as he always did previously. What about Tracey back in Australia, would she keep on waiting for him to return or would she be snapped up by someone because she was a very attractive young lady? There were always problems when life changes so radically as it had done for him. In the meantime, he would just get on with exploring the surrounding streets and shops so he could become more au fait with his immediate environment. One other thing, he decided he should rent an apartment rather than keep living at a hotel. A lot to do in the next six weeks.

Ready to Roll

The six-week waiting time went by remarkably fast with Grant moving into a furnished apartment as close as he could get to the studio. He was still looking at cars but hadn’t decided on a model; there were so many to choose from.

At last Hillary informed him the cast and crew were ready to start, the cameras would roll the following day. ‘Not that they roll like they used to do for decades – now it’s all digital, very different to the former days,’ said Hillary.

‘What about the credits?’ asked Grant. ‘I suppose I’ll get on the roll because I’m the original author of the book, which is the genesis of the movie, but will I get my name included in the script-writing credit if my contribution is included in the finished shooting script?’

‘I’m not sure about that but I could make inquiries and say you should get a mention.’

‘I’d be very happy if they agree and I get a double credit.’

‘If the company writer and producer go with our request it could mean even more money for you.’

‘That’s why I like this business. It’s pure magic. Money seems be no problem, it seems to drop from the clouds.’

‘I wish it did, then I wouldn’t have to work so hard,’ said Hillary meditatively.

‘One more thing I’ve been thinking about during the long waiting time, what about the music? There are a lot of musical interludes in a romantic film, setting the mood, background et cetera, who chooses that?’

‘The producer, taking the director’s view. Sometimes the music is already recorded and popular, at others it’s recorded live with a musical group, sometimes including a conductor. In any case, the musicians and the owners of the music copyright have to be paid.’

‘I’ve got a tune and song I’d very much like included.’

‘What’s that?’

‘It’s called Till the End of Time.’

‘Oh yes, I remember that, it was very popular and there was also a TV series of the same name.’

‘Oddly enough, I did some research to find its genesis. The music was written by Chopin, the lyrics added by Buddy Kaye and it made a star of singer Perry Como. It was the star part that made me interested and do the digging as to its history. Do you think we’d be able to use it?’

‘I very much doubt it. I think by now it has been used so much the public link it to many other forms of entertainment. In our case you’ll find they will come up with something new and different but equally romantic.’

‘I guess I’ll have no say about the music?’

‘Very little, if any.’

‘A pity, although I see your point. It would probably be too popular and well known to use.’

‘Is there anything else you want to discuss?’

‘Can’t think of anything off the cuff. What time do we leave tomorrow?’

‘Early, at least 8 a.m. We have to wait to be allowed through the main gates. Then we go straight to the main office to get our individual passes to be allowed on the set. There’s a ton of security and you’re not allowed to put a foot wrong. No outbursts of anger or anything like that, otherwise off you go, thrown out.’

‘Luckily, I’m not prone to bursts of anger, I’m usually very calm, no matter how I feel otherwise.’

‘Good, you’ll need to be like that. I’ll pick you up at eight so be ready and waiting out front of your building.’

Armed with their studio passes the two entered the set which was a hive of activity, electricians, set dressers, lights and microphones being put in position, senior camera operator measuring distances, with the director overseeing everything.

‘I’ve always wondered what those strange names were on movie credits like Best Boy, Key Grip, Dolly Grip, Gaffer and many others. Here they are flat out doing their individual jobs so I’m learning a lot about the industry just being here and watching.’

‘Yes, there are a lot of individual positions with assistants to shore up all the top brass, and even a focus puller to help the cameraman and the assistant cameraman.’

Eventually, the director called for quiet as the stand-ins for the main players assumed their positions so lighting, sound, focus and everything else would be ready for the main players when they entered. Grant noticed that the female stand-ins were two of the coffee girls he had met earlier.

‘They eventually hope to be promoted from coffee servers and stand-ins to stars,’ advised Hillary.

‘They certainly have the looks and everything else to take them to the top ranks,’ replied Grant admiringly.

The main actors entered and shooting started.

‘Hang on,’ whispered Grant, ‘this is not the start of the story, it’s halfway through, what’s going on?’

‘This is how they do it. The movie is not shot chapter by chapter from start to finish. They can shoot any scene at any time, even the end at the start then put it all together in the editing. With the weather and the outdoor and indoor scenes in the book and scripted at different times, it is easier to shoot the varying background scenes at the same time.’

‘I see, that makes sense and saves money too.’

‘I said quiet on the set,’ shouted the director, frowning.

Grant, saying no more, watched with keen interest as scenes were shot not only once but several times until the director was satisfied and eventually called a break for lunch. It was hard to imagine so much time had passed from the first call for action. Everybody, including Grant and Hillary, left for the cafeteria. Grant intended to stay on and watch for the rest of the day, but Hillary was leaving after lunch to return to her office and the backlog of work she had to catch up on. She told Grant she would send a car to pick him up at the end of the shooting day. Grant was grateful for the service but reasoned it was all paid for and included in Hillary’s generous percentage. If the delightful stand-in girls were still on the set watching, he would sit next to them and hopefully get to know them better. What a life this had turned out to be.

Grant didn’t have to make the first move. The stand-in coffee girls recognised him from their earlier meeting and approached him, sitting on chairs on either side. Wow, I wish the guys at my local footy club could see me now, thought Grant, surrounded as I am by amazing female talent. As time went on they probably would get to know him better. He could then ask one of them out on a date, Grant told himself as he left for his apartment.

He suddenly realised that another benefit of his book being made into a film would be that book sales could skyrocket if the movie was a success and even more if it got an entry into an Oscar award. Life couldn’t be sweeter than it was at the moment, reflected Grant.

He didn’t have any booked appointments with Hillary for the time being so would attend the rest of the week’s shooting on his own. Scheduled were several of the outdoor scenes because the weather was perfect with no rain forecast. It saved money to take advantage of the sunlit background and bright skies. Scenes were handled quite differently to those shot in the studio, Grant noticed. He must remember to phone Tracey later and let her know how the movie was progressing. He wouldn’t mention the stand-in girls.

Tracey sounded a bit off, when he phoned her, not the usual warm, welcoming, ready-to-hug-you voice. It left Grant a bit shaken; did she have something going on herself or was she just getting annoyed at being left behind while he enjoyed a Hollywood life? Did she, like most women, instinctively know when there’s another woman on the scene, or in Grant’s case, several women?

‘Um, what’s happening? How are you spending your days?’

‘On the set. Filming’s started and I’m there each day. I didn’t get to write the script, as I think I told you earlier but a chapter I scripted has been incorporated into the final shooting version. I’m waiting to see how that pans out when it’s finally on film.’

‘What chapter did you turn into film lines?’

‘The one titled Jet Ski Capers.’

‘That must be interesting. What about the girls?

‘Er, what girls?’

‘The Hollywood girls in bikinis. You must be surrounded by talent, some already in films and many others hoping to be. That’s what I hear mostly about Hollywood, the many attractive girls hoping to break into that glamorous life.’

‘Well, I, er, agree there are lots of people trying to do that, both men and women, but as for me, you are the only woman I love and care for, always on my mind.’

‘Is that so? I have to go, I’m already late, goodbye.’

Already late for what? Grant wondered. Perhaps she’s met someone else and is hinting she’s breaking off with me. I always understood that distance makes the heart grow fonder, but perhaps it doesn’t in all cases.

It was soon back to the here-and-now world of film. Hillary phoned to say that the scene Grant had transcribed to script was being shot the next day, the one with scantily clad girls on jet skis. He wouldn’t want to miss it and she would attend as well.

‘It’s amazing they’re doing my story as it’s not only about seeking a lost love, it’s also about how films are made and all the personal dramas that go on. They’re covering two plots, love and the practicality of movie-making,’ said Grant.

‘Luckily, you covered the movie part very well, which has been easy for them to adapt,’ replied Hillary.

The crew made the short move to the beach where the jet skis, actors, stand-ins and onlookers were assembled, including the coffee girls from the studio, clad in figure-outlining bikinis. Grant did his best not to get caught staring admiringly. One posed as a stand-in for the early shots, the other stood in front of the onlookers. The main players then took their places on the jet-ski and