Sylvia felt like she was being pushed into a difficult situation.
She reviewed more information about Princess Sharon. “I have these materials too, and mine are more comprehensive.”
She had many authentic records of Princess Sharon’s deeds, all preserved in the study of the Franklin villa.
No one knew more about Princess Sharon than she did now.
However, it wasn’t impossible to start a project on Princess Sharon.
She could write the script and recreate the history of that time.
Investing in period dramas generally cost more than modern ones. Just the costumes and props alone required a significant amount of money, not to mention the need for an authentic film and television base, or even building a new set.
All these factors had to be considered.
After thinking for a moment, Sylvia said, “Period films rarely have high box office returns, except for martial arts films from the 90s. In recent years, almost no period films have been popular. However, in the television industry, period dramas are always well-received, including fantasy genres.”
Brock originally thought Sylvia would continue making movies. He didn’t expect her to understand the current trends so well. “So you mean we should make a TV series? TV scripts are longer and more detailed, which would increase the difficulty of your creation. They would also depict Princess Sharon’s life more comprehensively.”
“No, I want to make a movie about Princess Sharon saving Prince Javon while pregnant,” Sylvia said with a playful glint in her eyes. “If the box office is good, we can continue with a TV project. Let’s test the waters with a movie first.”
“A movie?” Brock looked at her in surprise. “Are you confident?”
Sylvia closed the materials and handed them back to Brock with a smile. “Let’s give it a try. I didn’t initially want to take on this project or write the script because I’ve been busy lately. But seeing how many people are optimistic about it, I think bringing Princess Sharon’s story to life for everyone to learn from isn’t a bad thing. A woman like her shouldn’t be buried in history; she should be discovered and remembered forever.”
Seeing Sylvia’s attitude soften a bit, Brock hesitated for a moment before speaking up about another task he had.
“Everyone not only believes in the project but also believes in you playing Princess Sharon. It would be perfect casting, Miss Andrews.”
Sylvia gave him a helpless look. “Brock, what’s going on? Did these people give you $900 million? I could do that too. You’re really playing the role of a persuasive envoy well. I’m not a professional actress; how could I perform well?”
Brock had already prepared his argument. “But… you look like Princess Sharon. Not only do you resemble her physically, but your demeanor and talents are also similar.”
“Let’s not talk about this anymore. I won’t act in it,” Sylvia shook her head firmly. “We can make the movie and write the script, but me acting in it is out of the question. These people are being ridiculous!”
She stood up. “That’s it for today. Once I finish the script, we’ll build the sets according to it. The costumes and props also need to be arranged, and you’ll need to handle these matters with the assistant director. For now, let’s hold off on casting actors; we don’t need the biggest stars, just those who fit the roles well.”
The current film market was chaotic, especially with the prevalence of traffic-driven projects that prioritized fan money over quality.
This trend had gradually corrupted the industry’s atmosphere.
Watching Sylvia’s slender figure disappear from the cafe, Brock stood up and started messaging the investors’ group.
“One good news and one bad news. Which do you want to hear first?”
Darius: “Good news first.”
Mollie: “Bad news first.”
Isabelle: “I support my husband; let’s hear the good news.”
Logan: “Good news.”
Eden: “Good news.”
Mollie: “Haha-I’m Sylvia’s aunt. Do you have as close a relationship with her as I do? Do you still want me to persuade her?”
Since there was bad news, it meant Sylvia hadn’t been fully convinced by Brock.
Brock had no choice but to say both at once. “Miss Andrews agreed to write the script and make the movie but refused to play Princess Sharon. She said you’re being ridiculous.”
Everyone: “…”
Isabelle: “As expected, Mollie was right. You need to persuade her. This task is yours.”
Brayden: “Looks like Jenna didn’t try hard enough! Jenna, you need to persuade her too.”
Logan: “You live with Sylvia; you have the best chance. Go quickly.”
Sylvia had no idea how much these people wanted to see her in period costume as Princess Sharon. Their expectations were indescribably high.
They formed a small group, racking their brains to persuade her.
So, as soon as she stepped into the Hipps Family home from outside, Mollie and Jenna came out of their rooms in unison, both dressed in period costumes.
Both were beauties; Jenna dressed more youthfully while Mollie looked stunningly mature-one in red and one in green, one youthful and one mature, with Mollie even sporting a pregnant belly.
The two walked gracefully towards Sylvia in their period costumes and bowed slightly in an ancient gesture.
“Sylvia, don’t you think these period costumes look beautiful?” Mollie said, holding a fan partially covering her face and looking at Sylvia with sparkling eyes.
Before Sylvia could speak, Jenna bounced over, lifted her skirt, and twirled in front of her. “Sister, aren’t these period costumes beautiful? Look how pretty I am! Aunt Mollie and I planned to take period costume photos tomorrow. Do you want to join us for a keepsake?”
Sylvia snapped out of her shock and looked them up and down, admitting they looked stunning in period costumes.
But she wasn’t interested.
“They look great, but I’m busy writing the script and don’t have time to join you two. You go ahead.” Sylvia was smart enough to know their intentions just by looking at them.
Especially since both the Gibson family and Wright family were involved in investing in the project; it was obvious they were trying to get her to comply by dressing up like this.
Ha!
Impossible.
She wasn’t an actress and couldn’t act.
What were they thinking?
She went straight upstairs with some books she had brought back from Franklin’s place that she wanted to read that night.
Seeing her indifferent reaction left Mollie and Jenna dumbfounded.
“Sylvia doesn’t seem interested. Should we still take our photos?”
“Let’s do it… I think I look pretty good in period costume,” Jenna mumbled back.
Mollie texted in the group chat directly, “Failed. She isn’t moved.”
“Think of another way…” Emiliano replied. “She’s often trending online and very popular. If news of her participation gets out, regardless of her performance, it’ll attract huge traffic. This business is all gain and no loss!”
As a businessman, he understood the project’s money-making potential; otherwise, he wouldn’t have invested so eagerly.
Brock seriously replied, “Miss Andrews doesn’t want to make traffic-driven trash movies; she wants quality films that succeed both critically and commercially. So… Mr. Gibson, you need to adjust your thinking.”
They continued their heated discussion about the Princess Sharon project.
Meanwhile, at the Women and Children’s Protection Association in Middle Evroya,
Sierra sternly faced the twin sisters before her.
“I know you’re pampered at home as young ladies of high status. But here, you must follow my instructions without any conditions or excuses. Just obey and do your tasks well.”
“Since you’ve decided to follow Miss Andrews, put aside your privileged attitudes and do your assigned work diligently.”
“If your performance is unsatisfactory, I’ll have Miss Andrews send you back.”
Fatima bit her lip and whispered, “Understood.”
Adeline hadn’t expected such harsh treatment from Sierra just because they were ten minutes late this morning.
“Now go back and work properly. You’re responsible for teaching the children and treating all illnesses here. No more slacking off,” Sierra said before turning away.
A fellow association member approached quietly. “Aren’t you being too harsh?”
Sierra replied calmly, “If I’m not strict today and let them develop lazy habits, it’ll lead to bigger mistakes in the future.”
“Mommy!” Alex ran over with a bouquet of flowers. “Look at these flowers I picked for you.”
“Alex, such a good boy!” Sierra knelt down and gently patted his head. “Where did you pick them?”
“In the backyard!” Alex smiled brightly with rosy cheeks. “When Aunt Sylvia comes, I’ll pick flowers for her too.”
Sierra smiled but remained silent as another member said, “Miss Andrews probably won’t come anytime soon. She’s too busy lately, especially with Prime Minister Isabelle’s efforts improving women’s status here in Middle Evroya. Unless there’s something important, she likely won’t come.”
Alex looked disappointedly at Sierra upon hearing this. “Mommy, is what this lady said true?”
Sierra didn’t want to disappoint her son and kissed his forehead. “No, Aunt Sylvia promised she’d come; she will definitely come.”
In truth, she knew what her colleague said was likely true.
Sylvia was incredibly busy; how could she possibly come? It was just something said to comfort a child.