Chapter 16: 15) The Premiere Night (II)
The applause continued to fill the theater, a thunderous celebration of the film's impact. As the cast and crew made their way onto the stage to take their bows, the room's energy seemed to double, with the focus squarely on Thane. He stood humbly, a slight smile on his lips, as the audience's cheers grew even louder. The boy wonder who had not only delivered a masterful performance but had also composed the hauntingly beautiful score and contributed to the script was truly a force to be reckoned with. The atmosphere was electric, and the admiration for Thane was palpable.
When the lights adjusted slightly for the post-screening interview, the critics were the first to speak, and their praise was unanimous. One critic, an industry veteran, marveled, "I have never seen a child actor carry such emotional weight in a role. Thane not only conveyed the subtlety and intensity required but also added layers to his character that made the entire story feel real, even hauntingly real."
Another critic added, "The music—Thane's score—was more than just background; it became the heartbeat of the film. It's not often that a child artist can weave their own creative vision into the fabric of a film, but Thane did just that. His compositional work is nothing short of extraordinary for someone his age."
Journalists, eager to get their words on the record, raised their microphones, all asking variations of the same question: "How did you manage to create such a deep, haunting atmosphere with your music?" Thane, calm and collected as ever, smiled modestly. "It's all about feeling the story, you know? The music had to carry the emotion of the characters, and it just came to me naturally as I watched the scenes unfold. I'm glad it resonated with everyone."
The host then invited a handful of fans, specially selected for their passion and enthusiasm, to ask their questions. The moment they were chosen, the excitement was palpable. One fan, a teenage girl with wide eyes, almost trembled with excitement as she asked, "Thane, can I… can I shake your hand?"
Thane chuckled and extended his hand toward her, and the moment her fingers brushed against his, she nearly swooned, overcome by the thrill of simply touching the star she had admired for so long. "Oh my god, thank you!" she whispered, her voice shaking. Several other fans, equally overwhelmed by the chance to interact with their idol, lined up next. Each one asked something unique, their voices full of admiration, before getting the chance to hug or shake his hand. One girl even cried, unable to contain her emotions, while another almost fainted after getting a hug. The entire room watched in awe as the energy and devotion from his fans was made tangible, each girl holding onto the memory of this moment with the kind of passion that only young, star-struck admirers could understand.
Thane, ever gracious, handled each interaction with kindness, his charm only amplifying the connection between him and his fans. It was clear that his star was rising higher than ever, and he was becoming more than just a child actor—he was a phenomenon, a symbol of talent, grace, and an unwavering work ethic.
"You're a star, kid!" someone called out from the crowd, earning a ripple of laughter and more cheers.
After the interview, the lobby was alive with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of glasses as the post-screening celebration kicked off. Industry giants, critics, and the lucky few fans who had been able to secure invitations mingled in the grand space, all buzzing with admiration for The Sixth Sense and, more specifically, for Thane Astris. His name seemed to hover in the air, as if he were the very heart of the evening's success.
"Have you ever seen anything like it?" Steven Spielberg asked, his voice full of awe as he gestured toward Thane, who was currently surrounded by admirers. He exchanged a look with George Lucas, his long-time friend and collaborator. "The emotional depth he brought to his role, and at his age! And that score—haunting, evocative. He's redefining what's possible for child stars."
Lucas, nodding, leaned back and let out a low whistle. "I agree. It's rare to see a young actor with that much presence. And to top it off, the kid's a composer too? That's next-level talent. I think we're witnessing the rise of a true legend."
In another corner of the room, Terry Semel, CEO of Warner Bros., was deep in conversation with a producer. "We have to work with him. I don't care what it costs—get his agent on the phone tomorrow." His voice was urgent, as though he had just seen the next big star in front of him, and he wasn't about to let that opportunity slip away.
Amidst all the praise, Thane moved through the crowd with a steady, composed grace, his hand often extended for handshakes, his smile lighting up the room. He was still just a boy, but the way he handled the whirlwind of attention made him seem much older. Amelia stayed close by, always with a reassuring hand on his shoulder, guiding him through the frenzy.
"Thane, your performance was mesmerizing!" one enthusiastic critic exclaimed, barely able to contain their excitement.
"Your score gave me chills—it's Oscar-worthy!" another voice called out, causing Thane to beam with pride.
One bold journalist, grinning, asked, "Any chance you'll be directing someday? You clearly have the talent!" The crowd around them laughed, but it wasn't a joke to Thane. He knew, deep down, that directing might one day be in his future.
Thane's confidence didn't waver as the attention kept pouring in. He made a point to acknowledge each person who approached him, his words sincere and gracious. Even when it felt like the crowd would never end, he handled it with the kind of poise that would make seasoned professionals envious.
His charm was infectious, and as the night wore on, it became clear: Thane was no longer just a child star. He was a force, a multi-talented prodigy on the verge of becoming one of Hollywood's greatest legends. The whispers of admiration were only growing louder, and the world was watching him, waiting to see what he would do next.
At one point, Amelia guided him toward a quieter corner, sensing he might need a moment to breathe. "How are you holding up, sweetheart?" she asked softly.
Thane gave her a small smile. "I'm fine, Mum. I can handle it."
Amelia knelt slightly to meet his eyes. "Remember, you don't have to do everything at once. One step at a time, okay?"
He nodded, leaning into her for a brief hug before straightening. "Okay, but can I at least enjoy the fact that they liked the film?"
Amelia laughed, brushing a strand of his hair back. "You can do that."
As the night wore on, more offers and opportunities poured in. Studio executives approached Amelia, their voices brimming with excitement as they pitched ideas for Thane's next project. They knew that once could be attributed to luck but creating the miracle twice can never just be because of luck.
"We're working on a new fantasy epic—he'd be perfect for it."
"What about a musical? With his acting and composing skills, he'd shine."
"We're planning a biopic. He has the emotional range to carry it."
By the end of the night, as Thane and Amelia stepped into their car to leave, the boy wonder's place in Hollywood was firmly cemented. But as he stared out of the window at the twinkling city lights, his mind wasn't just on the adulation he'd received or the projects being pitched.
The car drove off into the night, leaving behind the glitz and glamour of the premiere. Thane Astris, the prodigy, wasn't just a rising star—he was a force poised to reshape the industry.
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Word count - 1300+