“Also, regarding the producer for the album, Lisa helped you produce the previous three songs. This time, the competition is fierce. The company's other two top producers, Fant and Jack, are both interested in producing your album. As for who to choose, you can consider it, and the company also needs to decide as soon as possible.”
Fant and Jack, Universal Records' two most elite music production maestros, only produce music for A-list singers or superstars. Previously, as a newcomer, they naturally wouldn't have looked at him or produced his singles.
But with the massive sales of his three singles and Linton's rapid rise to fame, his album potential has been rated by Universal as the highest A+ tier, with sales starting at tens of millions.
According to Universal's internal revenue sharing regulations, a song producer can receive a 3% production share of the song's sales (the industry standard sharing ratio). For an album with 13 songs, priced at 15 yuan and up, calculated at 10 million copies, the production share for each song can reach 346,000, and for 10 songs, it can reach 3.46 million.
Such substantial profits naturally attract many capable producers, which is a good thing for Linton. However, who to choose still requires careful consideration.
“Daniel, I have an idea regarding the MV production. As you know, I graduated from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, majoring in directing. My graduation short film even received an A+ grade from the school. Among the 10 MVs, I’d like to direct two myself. Do you think that’s possible?”
Daniel's heart skipped a beat. He thought, 'Oh, my ancestor, you can't just come up with ideas on a whim.'
“I don't object to you wanting to direct MVs yourself, but with such a tight schedule this time, can you manage it? I suggest you don't direct MVs yourself this time. If you really don't want to neglect your major, you can choose a few songs to co-direct. Next year, when we release singles, there should be more ample time, and then it's up to you; you can shoot whatever you want.”
Linton considered it. Completing the recording of 10 songs and MV shoots within three months was indeed too rushed. Besides, shooting an MV wouldn't significantly improve his skills.
He realized that the MV shooting techniques Zach used were no different from his own directing methods in his previous life. In fact, due to the simple stories and scenes, MV directing was much easier than film and TV drama directing and wouldn't boost his popularity. So, he decided against it and would leave it to Zach.
“Furthermore, you are now my top general, and I hope your career will be long and prosperous. My position will also become more stable, or even advance further.
Linton, you are too young, and you've become famous too quickly. There are some things I still need to remind you. The company's settlement with you at the end of July will involve a huge amount of money. You don't have a lawyer or an accountant yet, do you? I suggest you find a reliable lawyer and accountant.”
“You need to know that lawsuits are inevitable for popular stars in America. You might not provoke others, but there will always be people trying to entrap you, finding ways to extort money from you and create various legal disputes.”
“A lawyer is essential. Although lawyers from Universal and WMA can serve you, you must understand that their positions are often not entirely aligned with yours.”
“An accountant is even more important. He can help you verify if there are any irregularities in the settlement income from partners, help you plan the use of funds and reasonable investments, especially reasonable tax avoidance and tax filing.”
“You currently seem to be enjoying boundless glory and incredibly high income, earning in just a few months what ordinary people wouldn't earn in several lifetimes.”
“But I must tell you a cruel truth: among celebrities in the cultural and sports industries, few can retain their wealth after their fame fades or they retire. Some even go bankrupt and become homeless, and some even die early due to excessive drinking, womanizing, and drug abuse.”
“For example, after getting drunk at a party, signing a document handed over by a confidant might lead to a large sum of assets being transferred away, or even incurring substantial debts.”
“A seemingly ordinary flirtation could be a trap, leading to being sued in court afterward, facing high compensation and rape charges.”
“Attending inexplicable, chaotic parties, if not taking protective measures, could very likely lead to various sexually transmitted diseases, or even AIDS, spending the rest of one's life in a hospital, and eventually dying.”
“Greedy relatives and childhood hangers-on, petty swindlers from the Jianghu, financial fraudsters from Wall Street, agents, managers, lawyers, and even accountants might conspire with outsiders to scheme against you and your wealth.”
“Even your excessive wealth might attract the covetousness of other, more powerful criminal organizations. These are all risks you will face in the future.”
“Therefore, you must possess extraordinary energy, self-control, judgment, and vigilance, constantly strengthening yourself.”
“You need to know that America is essentially a dog-eat-dog society; it's just that everyone adds a layer of legal facade to their actions.”
“These are common cases around us and my insights and understanding. I hope they are helpful to you. I am very optimistic about your future.”
Hearing Daniel’s heartfelt words, Linton was startled and also very grateful for Daniel’s reminder.
This was practically his life mentor! He had never imagined that society could harbor so much malice and so many traps for celebrities. No one had ever mentioned it to him before. Although he was a cultivator, he couldn't ignore the power of the state apparatus and laws. He still had to act within the legal framework as much as possible, and it was best to avoid certain traps.
“Thank you for your guidance. I will certainly remember what you said today.”
“But don’t be too nervous. In fact, as long as we remain vigilant and take precautions against risks, such possibilities are not high, especially since you are white, this possibility is even smaller.”
“Of course, if you have a very thorough understanding of American politics and how interpersonal relationships work, as well as corresponding social skills and initiative, and are good at utilizing the resources at your disposal, you will also find that America is truly a paradise for the wealthy. The rich can wield unimaginable power and enjoy everything that ordinary people cannot even imagine.”
“Please elaborate.”
“Besides money, Americans need two more things: power and fame. Power is relatively complex and difficult to obtain, but the simplest method is to actively participate in politics and elections. You can invest in politicians, or even run for office yourself and become a politician. This is the simplest and most direct way to gain power.”
“Of course, besides politics, media also possesses immense hidden power. If you own a media conglomerate, your power can permeate all aspects of society and will be no less than that of politicians.”
“As for acquiring fame, it’s much easier. For example, if you have strong influence in a certain professional Domain, or like a celebrity. Of course, what truly translates into social influence still depends on points.”
“What are points?”
“Points are something generally favored in American society. If you have enough points, you can easily exchange them for power, friendship, and connections.”
“How do I get points?”
“There are various methods, such as helping the government solve thorny problems, helping politicians win elections, helping the poor overcome difficulties, helping businesses succeed, or even helping the country gain reputation internationally, and so on. But the simplest way is to do charity, which can quickly earn you points.”
“For example, some wealthy people are willing to spend a fortune on a charity gala, and then spend another large sum to fly back and forth to Asia or Africa, just to give locals ordinary goods worth a few thousand yuan, followed by extensive media coverage. Why don't they just buy more physical goods and mail them directly? It's all for points.”
“The number of points you have often brings you corresponding influence. The more points you have, the greater your social influence and higher your social prestige.”
“With enormous wealth and enough points, you will find that you can be successful everywhere in America and become a true winner.”
Linton was deeply enlightened. Yes, America is a capitalist society, and the state apparatus and laws serve capital and capitalists. As long as one has money and knows the correct way to utilize it, it is indeed a paradise for the wealthy.