The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest

The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest

Year: 2002

Runtime: 105 min

Language: english

Director: Mick Jackson

Comedy

A high-strung marketing executive leaves his demanding career to embrace a more creative path, exchanging corporate suits for coding. He joins a forward-thinking company where his unconventional methods initially clash with the brilliant but critical team leader. Instead, he's partnered with a group of quirky and resourceful innovators. Together, they channel their unique perspectives and imaginative problem-solving to develop a groundbreaking solution with the potential to revolutionize the industry.

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Timeline – The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest (2002)

Trace every key event in The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest (2002) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Andy’s Disillusionment

Andy Kasper begins to feel increasingly disillusioned with his career in marketing. This dissatisfaction sets him on a quest for deeper meaning and purpose in his professional life.

2

Arrival at LaHonda Research Institute

Andy arrives at the LaHonda Research Institute to take charge of an ambitious new project. He is tasked with leading the development of a groundbreaking computer known as the PC99, which is aimed to be priced at only $99.

LaHonda Research Institute
3

Encounter with Alisa

During his time at the institute, Andy encounters Alisa, an alluring artist whose mysterious presence deeply captivates him. Alisa's influence begins to inspire Andy as he navigates his new venture.

4

Formation of the Team

Andy gathers a quirky team of colleagues to assist in the project. This group includes Salman, a skilled hacker, Tiny, who struggles with anthropophobia, and Darrell, an imposing germaphobe.

5

Initial Development Challenges

The team sets out to develop the PC99, initially aiming to strip the computer down to its core components to reduce costs. However, they quickly realize that their task is more complicated than anticipated.

6

Salman's Innovative Idea

Salman presents the innovative idea of delivering software via the internet. This proposal inspires the team and leads them to visualize a more streamlined version of the PC99, minimizing its hardware components.

7

Turning to Dreams for Solutions

Facing rising costs, Andy looks to his dreams for inspiration about the PC99. He imagines using a holographic projector instead of a traditional monitor, a concept that resonates with the entire team.

8

Introducing Virtual Reality Gloves

Darrell suggests swapping out traditional input devices for virtual reality gloves, pushing the team closer to their goal. Their concepts evolve as they start to approach the completion of the PC99.

9

Funding Halt and Resignation

Suddenly, LaHonda halts all funding for the project, leaving the team in disarray. In response, the team makes the drastic decision to resign en masse, with only Tiny continuing to work on the coding.

LaHonda Research Institute
10

Signing Patent Waivers

Despite their resignations, the team decides to sign non-exclusive patent waivers. This allows LaHonda to claim rights over any innovations developed during their tenure at the institute.

11

Marketing Journey Begins

The team embarks on a marketing journey with their prototype named emagi. They face a barrage of rejections as potential investors criticize its design and report numerous technical glitches.

12

Alisa Enhances the Design

As Andy’s relationship with Alisa deepens, she offers to use her artistic skills to improve the visual appeal of the emagi. Her contributions significantly boost the project’s market viability.

13

Successful Pitch to Executives

With Alisa’s design enhancements, the team successfully pitches the emagi to the executive team. They strike a groundbreaking deal wherein Alisa acquires a substantial stake in their venture.

14

Benoit’s Patent Acquisition

In a surprising turn, Alisa sells patent rights to Francis Benoit, who plans to launch the emagi at an inflated price. This decision triggers tension within the team as they face ethical dilemmas.

15

Revolutionary Meeting Disruption

As Benoit prepares to unveil his invention, the team interrupts his presentation with a revolutionary new device. Their compact silver tube exhibits unparalleled technology, reminding everyone of the foundations of their creativity.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 16:44

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