A New Age(Christopher Long) The creatives within the film industry of Cherry Blossom Falls went on strike following in the footsteps of Hollywood. the location may have been different but the demands were the same, better pay, bigger writers rooms, and an assurance that their jobs will not be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI). the demonstration started small however as days turned to weeks it grew steadily until it became a movement.


I stand sipping my whiskey looking out of my office window. the people on the pavement below remind me of an ant colony, some walk back and forth, carrying placards and chanting while others stand behind foldable tables offering food and drink. music plays and passing traffic honk their horns in solidarity,

Even though my window is shut and the sounds are muffled they still reach my ears. I find the whole thing intently annoying, it is meant to be a walkout, it sounds like a party. This is only the twenty seventh day but already my patience is wearing thin, why don't the they just come back to work and end this foolishness. a smile spreads across my face. let them march, it won’t make any difference. after the launch this evening my studio shall possess the metaphorical hammer it needs to crush their resistance and break their spirits. I finish my drink, walk across my large walnut coloured office, sit down behind my desk and go over my speech for the final time.

The owners of the rival Studios will be in attendance as well as my investors and the board of directors, which includes my father. We were not close when I was growing up. he thought making money was more important than spending time raising me, which is why it came as such a shock to me that when I graduated from Mountain Peak university with a degree in business studies he made me CEO of Keylight, the largest and most successful film studio in Cherry Blossom Falls. I was eager to maintain its reputation and make him proud but I felt ill equipped to take on such a weighty responsibility by myself so I hired two of my best friends from college as business partners and advisors, Tom Longborne and Jessica Rosehill, they proved invaluable. Jessica is an expert at problem solving and Tom is an electronics geek. Together we have managed to successfully navigate the often turbulent waters of the film industry.

I have just put my speech in my jacket pocket when I hear a knock at the door, it opens and my secretary enters.
Ms Clark is a slim, elderly, blue eyed woman wearing a dark green cashmere top and a grey skirt. her white hair is tied back into a bun and delicate wire frame spectacles perch on the end of her nose. she should have retired long ago but there are two reasons why she was indispensable, firstly I have interviewed many candidates but none of them matched the level of secretarial skill that Ms Clark possesses, secondly, after my mother had passed away from cancer when I was young, Ms Clark helped to raise me. Originally she was my father's personal assistant. I had immediately warmed to her friendly outgoing caring nature. I treasured our time together walking in the local park, sunny days spent at the beach playing games, splashing at the shore line and eating ice creams. When I was older, being driven to school in her open topped classic car. I was even allowed to call her by her first name, Viola. It was while in her company that I discovered my love of cinema, sitting in the dark eating popcorn, engrossed in an action adventure film. Those were my fondest childhood memories. they seem so far away now. running a multi million pound business has hardened me to the world.

Viola clears her throat and says, everybody is waiting for you in the executive meeting room.
thank you Ms Clark.
I am halfway to the lift when Viola catches up with me and places her hand on my arm. “You don't have to do this Eric” she says.
“I am part of a cut throat industry, if I don't make profit for this studio how can we maintain our dominance”, I reply irritated.
“You sound more and more like your father everyday. You used to be so passionate about movies and care about people, what happened”?
“I grew up”, I snap.
“Well good luck then”, she replies.

Walking back to her desk she looks at me over her shoulder with such disappointment in her eyes. For a moment I almost reconsider, but then continue walking, I cannot let myself get distracted, especially not this evening, people are counting on me.

I exit the lift, walk to the door of the meeting room and go inside.

It is a medium size conference room, packed with men and women who start applauding me wildly as I enter. There is a projector on a table near the door, speakers stand in all the corners. A lectern is located at the far end of the room, above is a projection screen. As I walk toward the lectern a woman calls out telling me that I am "the shepherd of the new era". Others join in shouting out compliments such as trailblazer and pioneer. as I reach my destination my ego grows. Tom and Jessica wait for me and offer their own congratulations, “we've done it, we've actually done it,” whispers Tom patting me on the back. “This is your moment, enjoy it Eric you've earned it” says Jessica. they sit down directly behind me and wait to be introduced. I take the speech from my pocket, smooth out the paper, put the head microphone on and begin.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for coming. when my father, Maurice Shaw, made me the CEO of this studio nine years ago, I admit I was worried that by now the business would be on life support, fighting for its existence”. I pause and I am rewarded with laughter. “Fortunately, with the support of my business partners, Jessica Rosehill and Tom Longborne (they smile and wave to the audience), it has become more profitable than even my father could have imagined. When the public watches one of our films or series, they know exactly what to expect: character driven narratives and breath-taking plot twists. Which has kept our audience on the edge of their seats for years. However, in this fast moving technological world we must adapt or risk becoming obsolete.” I pause and look at Tom who presses play on his phone, rousing music comes through the speakers. I continue: “Tonight, Keylight Studios evolves. We embrace a new era, a brighter future, one which makes us more profitable at a fraction of the cost in half the time. Tonight we welcome AI with open arms.” I look at my audience. They are captivated. I catch my father’s eyes who nods his approval. I motion Jessica forward. She brings with her a grey device which resembles a desktop computer tower. Tom hands me a wireless keyboard. I nod my thanks and continue: “In this box there are thousands of lines of dialogue plots and digitally rendered actors, waiting to be selected and used repeatedly without having to pay anybody. If you don't like our pre-installed options, our AI system can go online and then…” I spread my hands wide, “the possibilities are infinite.”

They applaud loudly. I raise my voice and smile: “ Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Cine AI!” The applause continues and my father beams with delight. I wait for the ovation to die down and say: “ Now, who’s ready for a demonstration?” My answer is more applause. I press the spacebar, nothing happens. I try again, still nothing. I look at Tom who is confused. “I am just building suspense,” I reassure my audience. they laugh politely. thankfully a few minutes later it powers up. Lights flash. Red. Amber. Green.

Suddenly disaster. The machine explodes. I am thrown to the ground by the force of the explosion. People scream in panic and rush to the emergency exit. Light bulbs explode above me. Then the room is engulfed by a white light, as if a bomb has gone off outside.

When I regain my senses, I am in darkness, lying on the floor. I think I’m dead, everything hurts. I can no longer hear screams, I can’t hear anything at all. I mutter: “Hello, is anybody there?” No one replies. Whatever that light was, it must have caused a power surge. Placing my hands on the ground I push myself up. there is an audible crunch of glass and a stabbing pain as it slices into my left palm. I curse, stand and make my way carefully across the room.
There are so many questions that need answering. What was that light? Why did Cine AI malfunction? Where is everybody? And most importantly of all, how are we supposed to keep this incident under wraps? Sooner or later the story would get out and what then? The reputation of Keylight would be irreparably damaged and my father would never trust me with anything ever again.

Reaching the door and stepping outside, I am confronted by an inexplicable sight. The air in front of me is shimmering. beyond it I see an unfamiliar corridor. my curiosity gets the better of me. I step into it. it’s a dark narrow blue black carpeted corridor, the walls are covered with cinema posters, some are faded with age while others appear to be brand new. red floor lights lead to a pair of double doors. perplexed, I walk towards them and push them open. a stinging pain reminds me that i should have used the other hand.

The aroma of warm buttery popcorn fills my nostrils. I stand in a large cinema auditorium. rows of seats stretch back as far as I can see. Most of them are unoccupied apart from two figures at the front, who are staring at a blank screen. In the gloom it is hard to recognise who they are but by their shape and size they resemble Jessica and Tom. I can not believe my eyes. After an explosion of that magnitude I didn't think anyone else would be alive, it is a miracle that I am in one piece. The moment I see them all my concerns fall silent and are replaced by an overwhelming feeling of relief. I rush down the steps to them, I am a short distance away when I realise my foolish mistake: these beings are not human.

They turn simultaneously towards me. Their faces are expressionless, their eyes milky white and sightless, a faint light glows behind them and their limbs are long. When they finally speak their lips don't move but I can hear their voices in my head. Their speech is slow and deliberate: “Welcome Eric Shaw''. I am so scared I want to run but instead I hide behind the bravado I employ successfully in business meetings to achieve the outcome I desire. “Where am I?” I demand.
“This structure is known as The Celestial Cinema which exists in another dimension.”
" Who are you ?”
“We have many different names in different cultures, in your language we are known as ‘The Guardians'. our species monitors technological advances ensuring the transition between these technologies are seamless and that their functionality helps not hinders the progress of humanity. We have only intervened a few times in human affairs, tonight was one of those occasions''.
“You sabotaged my presentation and killed my colleagues and friends” I accuse angrily.
“Please calm yourself, Eric Shaw, they are alive and you will see them again”.

The idea that I am in another dimension talking to aliens is ridiculous. I begin to laugh. suddenly, the light behind the Guardians eyes intensifies. My laughter dies in my throat as my windpipe constricts. I begin choking and rise several feet into the air where I am suspended helplessly held by an unknown force. Slowly the invisible grip on my throat tightens, my vision goes blurry and I see stars. I think I am going to die. Mercifully, whatever is holding me releases and I fall to the ground gasping for air. “what did you do that for? Are you trying to kill me!'' I shout.
“You were never in any danger, Eric Shaw, you were having doubts whether this is real. We helped you see that it is'. “Well, whatever you want from me you can forget it, I’m not staying here a minute longer”.

I turn and walk back toward the exit, I just want to go home, have a drink and forget about this disastrous day.
However, each time I reach the double doors they move backwards and reposition themselves just beyond my reach. After many attempts nothing works and finally I give up. Returning to the Guardians I ask, “why can’t I leave?”. “We have already told you you are in another dimension. The rules are different here".
“I see, who exactly makes those rules?”
“We do,” they say.
“So you're telling me I'm trapped”!
“It’s true that you cannot return without our help, but we are not guilty of what you accuse us of, Eric Shaw. We promise no harm will come to you and we will send you home soon”.
I shake my head, “not good enough. Let me go back now or you will hear from my lawyers'. I will sue the Guardians." “You can’t do that Eric Shaw'' they respond.
“I can sure as hell try!, you can’t keep me here. I am an important man, a CEO!”.
“We are well aware of your status within the film industry Eric Shaw. That is the reason we selected you, because of your power and influence. we simply want to have a conversation”.

Unable to think of any more ways of tricking The Guardians into returning me to my dimension, I come to the conclusion it would be easier to just comply with their request. I sat next to them, “okay you want to talk. Let’s talk. Tell me what am I doing here?”.
“It's so we can help you remember something you have forgotten.”
“oh yeah, and what exactly is that?”
“The importance of humans in filmmaking”.
I almost laugh again but stop myself.
“Well this has all been a waste of everybody's time. I am afraid, Guardians, that you have been misinformed. I have not forgotten about anybody, every person who creates a film or television series for Keylight Studios is a member of my film family. I care about and only want the best for them. As lovely as it was to meet you, I have a studio to run and a PR disaster to manage. We have nothing further to discuss".

Turning my back on them indignantly hoping that the longer I can stay silent and not engage with them the more likely it will be that The Guardians will abandon their entire strategy , realise I cannot be intimidated and just leave.

After a while The Guardians comment, “your compassion for your workforce is touching Eric Shaw, in fact you worry about them so much that while they form picket lines and demonstrate for the continued existence of their jobs you purchase a machine that will, without proper safeguards, make those same jobs obsolete rather than listen to their reasonable demands”.

My pride gets the better of me, I cannot let that slanderous statement go unanswered. turning slowly to face them, I say, “Listen, I am being reasonable, but my film family is forcing me to take drastic steps”.
“It's interesting that you refer to your freelancers as family. tell us, If your real family needs something, would you not do everything in your power to help them? If your daughter was sick, wouldn't you bring her medicine? If your son was hungry wouldn't you buy him food? if your wife speaks, would you not listen?”
“Yes”, I admit.
“Then why is this situation any different? If you really care about them as much as you claim, then the solution to end the strike is simple. Give the creatives what they are asking for. Why choose artificial Intelligence over humans?”.

I was tired, my hand hurt and I was fed up debating with these beings who seem incapable or unwilling to see things from my point of view. I sigh and reply, “AI is just better”
The Guardians look at me, “please explain Eric Shaw''.
"The people you are advocating for so vehemently, have formed picket lines holding up productions, all due to their own selfishness. The deals I have offered them have been fair and yet whatever Keylight offers is never good enough. If I had implemented AI sooner, all this could have been avoided. AI will not ask for better pay, more writing staff, or ask for residuals, contract negotiations, renegotiations, get sick or go on maternity leave. It will simply do the work, so production can proceed on time and on schedule. the majority of viewers don't care if it is made by humans or robots as long as they are watching the latest blockbuster, or new TV show everyone is talking about, and the minority that do, will soon come to terms with it. My message to the strikers is, rather than wasting time protesting the future, maybe it's time to seek alternative employment”.

Throughout my explanation the Guardians are quiet, they don't even use their powers to try and discourage my monologue, and when I finish they respond, “Well we can see that you have really thought about this, and nothing we can say or do will make you change your mind. So we will send you back just before the presentation and will not interfere this time. You win, but just before you go we would like to show you something. Please look at the screen, the film is about to start”.

Dramatic music comes out of the wall mounted speakers. A countdown appears on screen, after which selected scenes appear depicting the evolution of cinema. A man sneezing into a handkerchief on a loop, a fixed camera shot of a train pulling into a station, a baby in a pram bouncing down steps while the infant's mother watches helplessly, a woman screaming while getting stabbed repeatedly in the shower, and numerous others. When one has finished, it does not disappear, it just moves to the side to make way for the next. The Guardians said, “Did you know that all the cinematic language used today was discovered accidentally and not as the result of a pre-programmed computer algorithm?”.
I shrug, and answer, “if AI was around back then, there would have been no need to waste time with experimentation . Why wait for tomorrow when you can have it all today”.
“If you truly believe that, Eric Shaw, we can't help you”. The lights behind their eyes flare and each image starts to fade and disappear.

When the last image has gone, the whole room begins to shake and the floor and walls break apart. Beyond them, all I see is empty space.
“What is happening? I demand.
“The cinema is disintegrating”, they reply calmly.
“Why?” I scream and move my feet just before a section of floor disappears.
“Everything is linked, Eric Shaw, without the early film pioneers discovering the language and committing moving pictures to film, Studios would not have been built, jobs like yours would not be needed and cinemas would not exist”.

Within minutes the entire structure has disintegrated, all that remains are the chairs floating in black empty space. I gulp, grip the armrests and try not to look down. I am terrified. A few minutes later I feel a prickling sensation in my legs. I glance down in panic and witness them fading away. The feeling moves upwards, the little bluster I have left abandons me. “What! Surely we can negotiate and come to some sort of agreement”. I scream,
“Why would you want to make a deal with us Eric Shaw? Is it because your job and life is in danger?”.
“Yes."
"Stop this please” I plead, seconds after my admission.
The cinema slowly begins to rebuild itself around me, the effect is like watching a video being rewound.
When the process finishes the Guardians look at me. “finally you begin to understand Eric Shaw, your workforce is striking not because they want to but because their livelihood and occupations are under threat from artificial intelligence. they are tired of studio executives who do not listen. You can change that, Eric Shaw."
”I see”, I respond.

"We will leave you now. what happens next is entirely your decision, but comprehending as you now do we will be interested to see what path you choose, compassion towards the strikers or corporate greed. farewell Eric Shaw, we shall be watching. if you act with integrity you will receive a sign of our approval, if not then we promise we will not interfere." the light behind their eyes gets brighter and when it dims I am back on the executive level at Keylight studios facing the door to the meeting room. I might have been able to dismiss my time with The Guardians as a crazy dream except for one thing, my hand no longer throbs in pain. I look at it, the deep cut has gone. astonished at the power they possess to erase humanities mistakes and give them the opportunity to start again, maybe I should take what they are offering me. I turn the handle, head straight to the lectern, look at the expectant faces and deliver a very different speech from the one they are expecting.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming, eager to see the launch of Cine AI, a new system that will generate films faster. You were going to witness this studio enter a new era of film and Television, however I fear I must disappoint you." There is angry murmuring from around the room but they continue to listen. Indicating the windows I say, "the people on the picket line outside have written TV shows and films that explore topics close to their heart, they are passion projects and labours of love that have generated substantial income for this studio whether through ticket sales, physical DVD, Blu-ray or streaming services. These films and TV shows have kept audiences coming back time and time again, and how do we reward their loyalty, by trampling on them to embrace the next craze, removing the soul and passion from filmmaking in favour of maximising profits. what if films solely created by AI do not capture audiences imagination the way we all hope? Then? Bankruptcy. I will not let that happen. It is my sincere belief that human creatives are still essential to the successes of this studio, which is why first thing tomorrow I am going to give them everything they asked for so they can get back to work making the films and TV shows they love. AI should aid the natural creativity in people, not stifle it, and where Keylight leads others may follow".

With these parting words I head for the door. nobody cheers me this time. I glance at Tom and Jessica who look confused and rush to my side. “Have you lost your mind”? Tom says, "this course will be costly and your father won’t like it", warns Jessica. "He will come around", I reply. The other people in the room call me an "arrogant rich boy". some inform me that I am headed for failure if I do not rethink this madness and I should never have been made CEO. My father can't even look at me as I pass, he is so disappointed. only Ms Clark, who stands against the back wall in silence, gives me a brief congratulatory thumbs up as I exit. Jessica and Tom remain in the room, trying their best to calm the enraged investors, the other studio heads and members of the board.

Outside I close the door softly, the angry shouting is replaced by silence. I stand still for a minute enjoying the peace, feeling like the hero in one of the films I enjoyed as a child, who overcomes overwhelming adversity to emerge victorious.

“Well Guardians, what do you think? Have I chosen wisely”? I ask the empty air. the aroma of freshly made buttery popcorn fills the empty corridor, and I walk to the lift smiling. Moments later, Viola joins me. "I am going to the cinema tonight, Viola, would you like to accompany me"?
"I would be delighted," she replies .



Author note: This story is dedicated to all the people who were and still are on the picket lines In Hollywood. let’s hope they can go back to work soon.

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