Jayson was shocked and paused for a moment.

"I've never considered that option.

I've submitted the script to numerous entertainment companies, but most of them wanted to buy the script's copyright and use their own directors, not collaborate with me. That's why I chose to do it independently. You know how that turned out. I couldn't raise the funds on my own."

He chuckled self-deprecatingly.

"Maybe I really don't have what it takes, so | failed.

I've been in the industry for many years without any significant achievements."

Ariana brushed aside his despondency and continued, “I wasn't suggesting negotiating with entertainment companies for investment. There's a film festival at the end of this month. Many investors and film critics will be in attendance. We can use this opportunity to showcase the script."

“I'm aware of that film festival, but it's for short films." Jayson hadn't maintained much hope at this point. He lacked the influence and connections to succeed in the entertainment industry.

"I know it's for short films. I've looked into instances where outstanding short films were discovered and subsequently invested in to become full-length movies,"

Ariana explained.

Jayson was unclear about Ariana's intentions.

"What are you suggesting?"

"We can reverse the process. First, we turn a portion of the script into a short film to take part in the film festival," she proposed.

Jayson's initial reaction was skepticism.

"Would that work? There's very little time.

The festival is in just about two weeks, and where can we find actors at such short notice?”

"I have an actor in mind.” Ariana cut him off, speaking concisely.

"My original purpose to contact you was to recommend an actor I know. Although he's a newcomer, he's highly talented. I think this script would be perfect for him."

Jayson replied hesitantly, "But the time constraints could result in an even worse outcome than what we've anticipated."

“It's a separate issue. We need to at least give it a try," Ariana sighed.