She spent the afternoon confirming that none of the story outlines in her possession had been registered with the Writers Guild.
She then went to the largest bookstore in West Hollywood. After a thorough search, she found no evidence that the target works had been published. This was favorable, as it indicated she could avoid substantial copyright expenditures.
However, she had no clear understanding of film investment costs. She would need to consult Francis for guidance.
That evening, after dining with her family, she returned to her room to review her alternatives. Before she could organize her thoughts, she received a call from a close friend.
"Hi, honey! It’s me!" Britney’s breathing was hurried, and a piano could be heard faintly in the background.
"I’ve been calling you all afternoon. Your aunt said you were out. Why didn’t you take your phone? How was graduation yesterday? I’m sorry I couldn’t attend. You aren’t upset with me, are you? Did you receive the gift? Did you enjoy the day? Tell me everything."
"Slow down, Brit. Yesterday went well, and I received the gift. It’s a piano pendant that plays music. It’s beautiful, and I appreciate it. It would have been better if you had been there."
"I know," Britney said, her voice tinged with guilt. "I’m sorry. I thought I could obtain time off. You know how it is."
Before she could finish, the line cut out. Two seconds later, another voice could be heard prompting her: "Thirty seconds left, Britney."
"Hello, Brit? Are you still there?"
"I’m here. Every day consists of vocal training, dancing, or repeated rehearsals. My legs are exhausted," Britney complained, though her tone contained a note of satisfaction.
Irene realized something. "Is the company preparing to release a song for you, given your current schedule?"
"How did you know?" Britney’s voice brightened. "Irene, you’re perceptive. The label said that if everything proceeds as planned, I may have my own album by next spring."
Irene paused. She had been so focused on film that she had forgotten: Britney’s debut album would be released the following January and would launch her career. For now, she would act as though unaware.
"That’s excellent, Brit. You will become a star." She could picture Britney’s excitement.
Britney lowered her voice, adopting the confidential tone they had used as children. "Listen, once I’m established and receive my first significant payment, we will carry out that plan, remember?"
"Which one?" Irene asked, smiling. "The surfing trip to Hawaii?"
"Please. Of course not. Driving to Las Vegas and hiring male performers. To have them dance for us. You know, the kind we discussed." Britney’s voice conveyed anticipation.
"Honey, while I do not want to dampen your enthusiasm, you will need to wait several years before you can legally arrange such entertainment," she replied, teasing.
"Do not discourage me. Seriously, Irene, I need you," Britney said, a note of vulnerability entering her tone. "This industry is intimidating, but it is also exciting. We did not graduate together, but we can succeed together. What do you think?"
Irene felt a surge of affection. After learning of Britney’s difficulties in her previous life, she had sought her out early in this one. She had avoided interfering with her career until now, when her debut was confirmed.
"I will always be here, Brit," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "You will be successful. I am certain. I will purchase ten copies of your album. No, one hundred."
Britney’s laughter began but ended abruptly. "Oh no, I have to go. Love you. Remember our Las Vegas plan."
The line disconnected.
Irene set down the receiver. She considered an alternative to directing a film immediately, one that would introduce her to the public sooner: directing the music video for Britney’s debut single.
She recalled that in her previous life, "Baby One More Time" had become a cultural phenomenon upon release. The image of the blonde student in a modified school uniform became widely imitated. If she revised the choreography to remove elements that had generated controversy, she might improve Britney’s chances of receiving the Best New Artist award that she had not won previously.
However, she had no contacts at Jive Records. Persuading them to hire an inexperienced director would be difficult.
Her gaze fell on the business card.
"Hi, this is Shelly Ovitz. I am unable to take your call at the moment. If the matter is urgent, please leave a message after the tone, and I will return your call as soon as possible."
"Hello, Mr. Ovitz. This is Irene Coppola. I apologize for calling late. My father said I could contact you when I had a need, and I believe I have identified one. If you receive this message, I would appreciate a reply at your convenience. Thank you."
Outside of Britney, she had few connections in the music industry. Even with the concept for a music video, she lacked an introduction. Jive Records would be unlikely to consider an unestablished member of the Coppola family.
She wondered why she had not considered this approach earlier. Many prominent Hollywood directors began with music videos. Michael Bay and Zack Snyder both started in commercials and music videos before transitioning to feature films.
Michael Bay had already established a reputation. Armageddon, scheduled for the following year, would further demonstrate the potential of directors from that background. She could follow a similar trajectory.
By the next day, she had not received a return call from Ovitz. Deciding not to rely on a single option, she left the estate with Francis, who was meeting associates, and traveled to Century City in Beverly Hills.
She knew Britney was training at a nearby studio and hoped to obtain information about Jive Records from her.
At that moment, she regretted the absence of a resource like Baidu from her previous life. Although computers existed, the available equipment was slow and unfamiliar to her. With Google not yet established, conducting preliminary research was inefficient.