Nickelodeon

In 1910 Chicago, attorney Leo Taylor Harrigan finds himself hiding in an alley after an enraged client pursues him. This marks the beginning of his chaotic journey through the world of motion pictures, highlighting the intense environment in which he operates.

While observing the motion picture industry, Leo notices H.H. Cobb, the owner of the Kinegraph Company, engaged in a discussion about the challenges faced by independent filmmakers. Leo sees a potential opportunity to pitch himself for a job but struggles to get a word in amidst the chaos.

After a serendipitous encounter, Leo impresses Cobb with his ideas about a movie script and is hired as a scenarist for $15 per scenario. This marks Leo's entry into the world of film, opening up new possibilities for him.

Leo experiences love at first sight when he sees actress Kathy Cooke trip on a streetcar. However, their time together is brief as Kathy is heading to New York for a tour, building a bittersweet connection between them.

Upon arriving in New York, Kathy meets Buck Greenway, and they instantly connect. Their brief encounter leads to a suitcase mix-up, setting off a chain of events that intertwine their fates.

After performing in a stage production of The Clansman, Buck is offered a job in a movie studio, revealing the hidden opportunities in the industry. However, he soon finds himself entangled with the Patents Company thugs.

With no news from his production unit in California, Cobb sends Leo to Cucamonga to steer the ship as the new scenarist. This transition signifies the challenges faced in the chaotic backdrop of early filmmaking.

Upon reaching Cucamonga, Leo discovers that the film unit is without a director after their last one vanished with the payroll. Leo takes on the responsibility of directing, despite his inexperience.

During a filming session involving a hot air balloon, chaos ensues when Dobie loses control, causing the balloon to ascend unexpectedly. Kathy is pulled into the basket by Buck, leading to an adventurous escapade that captivates everyone.

In a pivotal moment, Kathy and Buck get married at an ostrich farm while Leo directs the final scene of Romeo's Balloon. Their marriage complicates Leo's feelings, igniting jealousy and conflict within the group.

On Christmas Day 1913, the group attends a screening of Tuttle's Muddle, which features unauthorized clips of Buck and Kathy that infuriate them. This event encapsulates the challenges of navigating fame in the film industry.

After viewing the upsetting film, the group confronts Cobb, demanding better wages, but instead, they are cheerfully discharged. This dismissal deepens the resentment towards Cobb and highlights the cutthroat nature of the industry.

Frustrated with their situation at Atlantic Pictures, Leo, Buck, and Frank steal cameras to produce their own film, The Half-Breed Kid. This risky venture illustrates their determination to take control of their careers amidst challenges.

On February 8, 1915, the group attends the premiere of D.W. Griffith's epic film, The Clansman, which later becomes known as The Birth of a Nation. They confront Cobb again and grapple with their reservations about the film industry.

As they drive past a glass-walled stage, the group reflects on their journey and the tumultuous journey through Hollywood. This poignant moment captures their mixed emotions about fame, success, and the film industry.