Barton meets with his agent Garland at the bar. He says Capitol pictures wants to hire Barton as a screenwriter. Barton seems conflicted by the offer and criticizes the idea of living and working in Hollywood. Garland argues the move would be a long-term financial benefit for Barton's career.

After placing Charlie's box on his desk, Barton finally starts to write. He ignores an incoming phone call by placing small pieces of cotton in his ears to block out the sound. Barton works passionately while excerpts of his writing are heard in his voice (voice over) as he writes.

Lipnick has rehired Lou Breeze. Lipnick decides Barton's script "stinks" (Lou read it) and emphatically expresses his disappointment with the work. Lipnick considers the script unusable and has pushed back the Wallace Berry picture. Ben Geisler has been fired but Barton will not be fired because "that would be too easy" and instead he will stay under contract and Lipnick wants him to stay in town and tells him that anything he writes is the property of Capitol Pictures and that Barton needs to grow up.