Everything in London was already in place. Star Wars had an almost mythical fanbase for a country that supposedly liked nothing from any other franchise. A mistake. It happens when you realize that one of the most intricate aspects of the series is the enormous number of fans devoted to the original trilogy, along with the support of the original actors, who had already been confirmed for a seventh, eighth, and ninth installment. That is how it works; that is what happens when, from London, from the United Kingdom, where the cultural franchise had been forged in British studios, there was a place where everyone belonged, where people could gather, where the new standard of British quality showed why, perhaps outside America, its second home was in the United Kingdom.
The headquarters had been established. One of the largest promotional campaigns in the entire United Kingdom had been launched. Different kinds of clothing were given away. Star Wars flags were presented to the leaders of the fan clubs. Caps were sold, and bandanas were handed out. Thousands of items were distributed through various Lux Comics stores, and everyone fell silent at the sight of the wave of fans.
—I'm afraid I wasn't expecting a reception like this. —Billy replied, watching the parades. Even though it was Thursday, the city had come to a standstill. Photographs poured in, and Billy shook hands with countless people without feeling intimidated. What madness, what a beginning. What more could anyone ask for, when, on occasions like these, at moments like these, everyone wanted to be part of the series?
—I hope the saga does the same. —Johanna commented.
The creator of Harry Potter stood nearby. Billy's financial strength, his ability to acquire, his creative talent, and his skill in consolidating the vision at the right moment all surrounded the great franchise.
—It will. We have everything planned exactly as a project of this magnitude requires. —Billy commented. For some time now, he had become an avid reader and a trusted adviser to the woman who helped him build it all. From that distant view came an enduring sense of memory.
—I think so... it's complicated. —Rowling commented.
—None of it is. We'll do everything possible to keep things moving at a good pace. The most important thing is to do it quietly. I've realized that all you have to do is work. Nothing more than that: we simply work as we would at any other job, and when we put in the effort, when success approaches, we do the work in silence. Too much press is harmful to any project, so we prepare ourselves. Then we have nothing to fear. —Billy commented. Unlike New Line Cinema and Warner, he had committed to filming three movies in one sweep, to be released in 2001, 2002, and 2003, one after another, without extravagant premieres aimed at children. More than a worldwide public relations event, he intended for the magic to build through accumulation, because once he had secured extensive merchandising rights with J. K. Rowling, he knew he had found his golden ticket; everything else was merely an addition.
—Yes... well, it makes me nervous. —J. K. Rowling replied. Some time ago, she had finished the fourth volume, which would be published in 2000. Thanks to Billy's ideas, she already had outlines for the fifth installment and drafts for the sixth, seventh, and eighth, adding new milestones and creating a tremendous body of work.
—Don't worry. And thank you for helping the foundation with the recruitment and the assistance you provided last month. —Billy commented.
She raised her eyes and nodded; her blue eyes lingered on him. She liked that quality in Billy, the way he gave money, the way he gave it wholeheartedly, the way nothing about it ever seemed to bother him.
—I do...
—That's not it. It's just that I need to do more. I'm going to start a program for young writers, and perhaps for young painters, sculptors, and musicians as well. I want to support those promising young talents, and I want you to lead it. They say you have a gift for working with young people. —Billy commented, knowing perfectly well that the best approach was to keep her busy, to give her responsibilities, and to burden her with charitable commitments. That was when the follow-up contracts would arrive, and Billy's formula of casting only British actors for British characters, while using his judgment for foreign actors when appropriate, remained suspended in the air.
She smiled.
—I'd like that very much. —Johanna commented.
***
May 28.
The following day was marked by yet another premiere event, but this time Monica accompanied him. She was stunning in every sense; she looked absolutely beautiful. She was one of those women whose mere presence filled the air. She wore a fitted white dress that left her back exposed. Its neckline naturally drew attention.
She moved with the ease of a supermodel, displaying that striking beauty that made people sigh, that made them breathe with renewed intensity.
Natalie watched her, taking in the voluptuous beauty of the woman who set off every alarm, the way she made it impossible for anyone to remain indifferent. Nothing else seemed to move, nothing led anyone to ask the right questions. Natalie herself became hypnotized. She looked at herself as though she were a little girl, completely overwhelmed in front of that woman who seemed complete and impossible to define.
Fireworks burst across the sky.
—We're going to make history. I've said it before. I haven't been very active on the tour because of scheduling conflicts... but I have many actors doing excellent work, and I'll support them. Tomorrow we're leaving for Manchester, then Spain; it will be a tough week before we finish in Italy. —Billy commented.
Monica was discussing a sponsorship with Victoria's Secret. Not long ago, she had appeared in one of their lingerie advertisements, showing off that stunning figure, creating an intense public reaction without becoming overwhelming. She remained wrapped in that moment, surrounded by a romantic atmosphere in which the brunette projected the image of an international beauty and was constantly being interviewed.
—I think we can all do what we have to do. —Billy commented, bringing the interview to a close before moving on to The Sun for the tabloid press.
The film unfolded exactly as expected. Billy was not surprised. He watched about half of it before stepping outside to answer a few calls regarding the purchase of other properties.
Monica moved quietly. She watched the film, turned toward Natalie, seated two seats away, and noticed that she was blushing. She laughed, not particularly excited. Billy returned and watched the final sequence, the great battle.
—We have a meeting about acquiring the lingerie brand. —Billy commented, squeezing her leg. She let out a slight moan but nodded. It was obvious.