Blockbusters: A Mike Holman Novel, Episode 7 | The American Spectator

Editor’s Note: This is the seventh of nine episodes of Scott McKay’s forthcoming novel Blockbusters, offered in serial form as an exclusive to The American Spectator readers in advance of its publication in October. Blockbusters is the third novel in the Mike Holman series; the first two, King of the Jungle and From Hellmarsh With Love, were also serialized at The American Spectator prior to book publication. 
Mike Holman, the protagonist in the series, is an independent journalist who’s been called The World’s Greatest Newsman. But in Blockbusters, he’s literally going Hollywood — choosing to head up a campaign chiefly funded by Pierce Polk, Mike’s long-time friend and one of the richest men in the world, to reform and save American and Western culture.
Starting with an attempt to fix the film and TV business. 
In Episode 6, PGFI, the equity fund that Mike and Pierce, and their allies have put together is now rolling on all fronts. That enables the players in the great game to revamp and revitalize the entertainment industry to innovate and think bigger. But there are still some significant hurdles yet ahead…

Liberty Point, Guyana – May 3, 2025
 
“Mr. Mike,” he said, “my name is Grant Paxton and I’m the executive director of a company called Surge Vision in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.”
“Hi, Grant,” I said. “I’m familiar with your company. In fact, the president is attempting to put us together as I understand it.”
“Well, sir, I sure would like the opportunity to make a pitch to you. I’m a longtime fan of your site and your podcast, and I’m very much in agreement with what you’re doing with your culture project.”
“Is that so?”
“It is, Mr. Mike.”
“Grant, please do me a favor and just call me Mike. I’m feeling old enough these days as it is.”
“OK, fair enough, Mike. Well, as I said, I’m the number two guy here, and we’re a little bit under siege. You see, Paul Renzler is the owner of our studio, and we’ve run into some difficulties of late, and those have gotten a…