The first week of June 1983 found Alex Hayes back in the swing of Los Angeles life. Filming for 'Sixteen Candles' in Chicago had wrapped over a month ago, and anticipation was building for the late July release of 'Risky Business'. Amidst meetings about promotion schedules and early discussions for 'Footloose', Alex took time to review his growing investment portfolio with his Goldman Sachs banker, George Slater.
George, 28 and keenly aware he was handling the finances of Hollywood's hottest young star – his first and biggest client for two years now – laid out the updates. Alex, despite his youth, rarely just rubber-stamped George's suggestions. While his stock picks often showed uncanny intuition, his real divergence came in 1982 when he directed George to move aggressively into private ventures. It wasn't typical diversification; Alex had committed a staggering $4.7 million – virtually everything he had earned from films, commercials, and stock profits up to that point – across five specific, fledgling companies. George worried about the concentration of risk, knowing Alex currently had only about $500,000 readily accessible in his bank accounts. If these ventures failed, Alex could lose almost everything. But Alex had been adamant, driven by something George couldn't quite quantify.
"Alright, Alex," George began, opening the file for their review session, "an update on the private portfolio from last year. These were significant bets."
He started with the brightest spot. "Compaq Computer Corporation. Founded Feb '82, started shipping the Portable in March. George, the market reaction is even stronger than we discussed last time. Initial sales reports are fantastic. They've really proven the IBM-compatible concept works."
Alex nodded, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. It wasn't just market analysis he was recalling; it was the hazy certainty from a dream snippet. "Good. Shipping is key," Alex said. "Sounds like they caught the wave at the right time."
George continued, "Adobe Systems. Founded Dec '82 by the Xerox PARC guys. Their PostScript language... word is they're getting very close on some crucial licensing deals. If they land a big one, like with Apple..."
"PostScript... yeah, that one feels important," Alex interjected quietly, remembering a dream fragment filled with sharp, clean printed text unlike anything he'd seen before. "Keep me posted on any licensing talks."
George nodded. "Will do. Then there's Cypress Semiconductor, also founded Dec '82. Still deep in R&D on those high-speed CMOS chips. It's a long road for them, highly technical."
"High-speed chips are tough," Alex acknowledged.
"Access Software, the game company from Salt Lake, Nov '82," George went on. "They're developing their first titles for the Commodore and Atari. The game market's exploding," Alex mused, more to himself than George. "Just need one hit."
George paused before the last one. "And Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck. Still just the one restaurant near Ohio State, founded '82. Popular locally, but scaling it..."
Alex chuckled softly. "Wings, beer, and sports... never underestimate college towns, George." The dream about that one had been vivid – loud, cheerful, full of people having a good time. It felt right in a way spreadsheets couldn't capture.
George closed the folder, looking at his client. "It's still an incredibly aggressive portfolio, Alex. Heavily tech-focused, all very early stage except perhaps Compaq now. The risk profile..." He hesitated. He knew Alex understood the numbers, understood that $4.7 million sunk into these startups meant if they tanked, his fortune would essentially evaporate.
Alex met George's concerned gaze, his expression calm. He knew the risks. He knew his current liquid assets were dwarfed by these investments. But fear wasn't part of the equation. He believed in those strange, fleeting glimpses that came to him in dreams, whispers of future potential he couldn't logically explain but felt compelled to follow. "I know the risks, George," Alex said evenly. "But I also believe in where these are headed." The conviction in his voice left no room for argument.
He knew the risks involved in the early-stage ventures, the high probability that some, if not most, might fail. But the potential upside, fueled by the conviction from his dreams, felt worth the gamble. He shifted gears, thinking about incoming funds.
"Okay, George," Alex said, his tone becoming more conventional, "that covers the ventures for now. Regarding that million upfront from 'Footloose' when it comes through... let's balance out the risk from these startups. Put that million into solid, long-term holds. I'm thinking blue-chips: Walmart, Coca-Cola, maybe add Procter & Gamble and IBM to the mix... companies that aren't going anywhere. Spread it among those."
George visibly relaxed, a smile touching his lips. This was familiar territory. "Excellent, Alex. Very sound choices for stability. Consider it done the moment the funds clear." He made a note in his folder, then hesitated for a second before looking up, shifting gears himself.
"And, uh, speaking of upcoming events..." George began, a slightly sheepish expression on his face. "Completely off-topic, and unprofessional, I know, but my girlfriend, Sarah... she's a massive fan. I don't suppose... would there be any possibility of getting a couple of tickets for the 'Risky Business' premiere next month? It would absolutely make her year."
Alex chuckled, waving off the apology. "George, absolutely. Not a problem at all. Happy to do it. Just let Nancy know how many you need, coordinate with her office, and consider it handled."
"Thank you, Alex! Really, thank you. She'll be thrilled," George said, relief and excitement evident in his voice. The meeting concluded on that friendly note, business handled, and a small personal favor granted.
******
With 'Risky Business' release still weeks away, June 1983 became a period of intense preparation for Alex Hayes and the core young cast of 'Footloose'. Paramount and director Herbert Ross were keen to keep the momentum going, scheduling the start of principal photography for June 21st, with an ambitious target to complete filming by the end of July or the first week of August.
This tight schedule required rigorous rehearsals, particularly for the film's demanding dance sequences.
Choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett put the actors through their paces. Alex Hayes (Ren McCormack), Diane Lane (Ariel Moore), Robert Downey Jr. (Willard Hewitt), and Sarah Jessica Parker (cast as Ariel's friend Rusty) spent hours in dance studios, learning intricate steps and routines that blended rock and roll energy with athletic movement. Alex, with his natural physical grace and martial arts discipline, took to the choreography quickly, but the sessions were demanding for everyone, forging a camaraderie among the young leads.
Alongside the dance training, Alex dedicated time to vocal coaching. His deal stipulated he had the first option to sing Ren McCormack's songs, and he intended to deliver. He worked with coaches to maximize his range and technique. While he possessed a great voice – resonant and expressive – Alex himself, acknowledged he was a better dancer than a singer. His singing was good, certainly capable for the pop-rock demands of the soundtrack, but it didn't possess the same effortless virtuosity as his movement. Still, he committed fully, determined to give credible vocal performances that matched the character's energy.
As the June 21st start date loomed, the pieces were falling into place. The cast was bonding, the routines were being learned, and Alex was preparing to step – and sing, and dance – into the shoes of Ren McCormack.