Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 211: The First Movie

The success of the first motion picture sent ripples through Amerathia. Newspapers hailed it as the dawn of a new entertainment age, while investors poured money into the newly established film industry.

But for Matthew Hesh, this was just the beginning.

With the first film proving that cinema was not only possible but commercially viable, he knew what needed to come next—a grand historical epic, a film that would cement cinema as more than just entertainment.

It had to be something meaningful, something that showcased the power of storytelling.

And what better story than Amerathia’s own fight for independence?

Two days after the premiere, Matthew gathered his top executives, film directors, and historians at Hesh Studios, which had rapidly become the center of Amerathian filmmaking. The meeting was held inside the studio’s main conference room, a simple yet modern space lined with blueprints, concept sketches, and maps of historical locations.

Matthew stood at the head of the table, hands resting on the polished wood.

"We’re making a new film," he announced. "Not just any film, but one that tells the story of Amerathia’s birth—our break from the British Empire and the establishment of our republic."

A murmur of excitement ran through the room.

David Calloway leaned forward, intrigued. "A historical war film?"

Matthew nodded. "More than that. I want this to be the definitive account of our revolution. It’s not just about battles—it’s about the people, the decisions, the sacrifices that built this nation."

Jacob Sinclair, the senior strategist, frowned slightly. "Sir, that’s ambitious. War is difficult to film. We’ll need large sets, costuming, and trained extras. Not to mention, how do we depict massive battles without an actual war?"

Matthew smirked. "We’ll innovate."

He turned to the head of special effects, Charles Hewitt. "Charles, we’re going to need practical effects—explosions, battlefield smoke, cannon fire. Can we achieve that?"

Hewitt rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It’ll be tricky, but yes. We can use controlled pyrotechnics, blank cartridges for musket fire, and staged explosions using sandbags and flash powder. We might even be able to create fake cannon shots with compressed air."

Matthew nodded. "Perfect."

He then turned to scriptwriter Daniel Whitmore, one of the leading writers at Hesh Studios. "Daniel, I need the screenplay to be authentic. Work with historians, dig through records, and create a story that’s as accurate as possible."

Whitmore grinned, already jotting notes. "I’ve always wanted to write something like this. Who are the main figures?"

Matthew glanced at the group before speaking. "We focus on General Thomas Caldwell, the leader of Amerathia’s revolutionary army, and Ambrose Fairchild, the first President of Amerathia."

Sinclair leaned forward. "Are you thinking of making it a war drama or a character-driven film?"

Matthew thought for a moment before answering. "Both. We show the war, but we also show the political struggle—the divided opinions, the risks of rebellion. This isn’t just about soldiers fighting—it’s about the choices that led us to become independent."

There were nods of agreement around the table.

Calloway finally broke the silence. "Then let’s get to work."

Within days, the largest film production in Amerathian history was underway.

First came the casting.

Since cinema was still a new industry, many of the actors were former stage performers. But Calloway, with his keen eye for talent, found newcomers who had the look and presence to bring the historical figures to life.

James Rowland was cast as General Thomas Caldwell—a rugged, authoritative presence who embodied the fierce leadership of Amerathia’s rebellion.

Frederick Dawson took on the role of Ambrose Fairchild, the intelligent yet cautious politician who guided Amerathia toward nationhood.

Isabelle Hathaway was cast as Eleanor Whitmore, a fictional composite character representing the women who played vital roles behind the scenes—spies, nurses, and revolutionaries.

Once the cast was secured, historical accuracy became the next challenge.

Matthew personally oversaw the recreation of 18th-century Amerathia, using historical maps to design authentic villages, battlefields, and political halls.

The costume department worked relentlessly to create accurate military uniforms, civilian clothing, and even the powdered wigs worn by the politicians of the time.

On the outskirts of Amsterdam, the studio purchased a large plot of land to serve as the battlefield set. There, trenches were dug, wooden forts were constructed, and mock British encampments were built.

Everything was as real as possible.

Filming began with a dramatic opening sequence—the Boston Harbor Massacre, where British troops fired upon Amerathian merchants protesting unfair taxation.

This required a large crowd of extras, stunt actors trained in falling and reacting to gunfire, and special effects teams creating realistic smoke and musket fire.

Filming wasn’t easy. Shots had to be coordinated perfectly, as practical effects were difficult to reset.

One scene, depicting General Caldwell’s army ambushing British troops in the forests, took three full days to perfect.

Calloway stood behind the camera as Matthew observed from the director’s tent.

"Action!"

The Amerathian soldiers—played by stunt actors and trained extras—crouched behind trees, muskets at the ready.

On cue, a line of British soldiers marched into view, their red coats standing out against the green backdrop.

Then—

"Fire!"

The Amerathians unleashed their first volley, their muskets blazing with controlled blank fire. Smoke filled the air as the British soldiers reacted realistically, falling back in chaotic disarray.

Calloway turned to Matthew, impressed. "It looks real."

Matthew smirked. "It has to be."

Filming continued for weeks, recreating battles, political debates, and even emotional moments between characters.

One particularly powerful scene featured Ambrose Fairchild delivering a speech to the Amerathian Congress, convincing them to sign the Declaration of Independence.

It was filmed in a massive replica of the original Congressional Hall, with actors portraying the divided representatives.

The speech, delivered with booming conviction by Frederick Dawson, left even the crew members silent.

When the final vote was cast and the declaration signed on-screen, Matthew knew they had captured something truly special.

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The Grand Premiere: A Nation Watches Its Story

Months later, the film was completed. Titled "Rebellion and Republic," it was a three-hour historical epic that depicted the struggle, sacrifices, and triumphs that led to Amerathia’s birth.

The premiere was held in Hesh Grand Cinema, the largest theater in Amerathia.

Government officials, historians, military veterans, and journalists filled the seats.

Matthew sat beside Amber, who squeezed his hand as the lights dimmed.

The film began.

For the next three hours, the audience watched history unfold.

The Boston Harbor Massacre shocked them.

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The battle sequences had them gripping their seats.

The political debates brought murmurs of recognition—a reminder of the fragile moments that had shaped their country.

And finally, as the film ended with the first Amerathian flag rising over the capital, the screen faded to black.

Silence.

Then—thunderous applause.

Amber turned to Matthew, smiling. "You did it."

Matthew shook his head, watching as the audience rose to their feet, applauding, some even wiping away tears.

"We did."

Cinema had not just entertained.

It had preserved history.

And with that, Amerathia had found a new way to tell its story for generations to come.