At 4:30 PM, Linton arrived at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, entering an office building and quickly reaching Professor Mike's office.
Professor Mike was a professor specializing in film production, while Linton's major was directing, so his true mentor was Professor Johnson.
However, during his university years, he also took Professor Mike's production courses, and his academic performance was recognized by Professor Mike, thus forging a friendship.
He knocked on the door, and a familiar voice from inside said, “Come in.”
Linton pushed the door open, saw his familiar mentor, and said, “Good afternoon, teacher.”
“Oh, Linton,” Professor Mike said, taking off his reading glasses, “Have a seat.”
Linton didn't stand on ceremony, found a chair, sat down, and said with a smile, “Teacher, I've come to bother you again.”
Professor Mike turned to face him, “It's fine. Seeing your singing career develop so well, I'm also very pleased. But you're so busy now, you must have a reason for coming, so just say it.”
“Teacher, it's like this: Although I've achieved some Minor Achievement in singing, you know that my dream since childhood has been to make movies. And I did quite well in school; the short films I made were also recognized by the school. Now I want to invest in and direct my own film.”
“What? You're investing in and directing your own film?” Professor Mike asked in disbelief.
“Yes, I've already written the script. It's a youth musical.”
“While I admire your pursuit of film art, as your teacher, I still have to advise you to consider carefully. Making a film is a very risky endeavor.”
“So, I came to the Professor for help, to learn about production experience.”
“I've been out of the front lines for over ten years, and I wasn't particularly successful before,” Professor Mike said, taking it in stride.
He opened a drawer and took out several notebooks. “These are my work notes and insights from when I was a producer. They contain my analysis of the reasons for project success and failure, with both failed and successful cases.”
Linton quickly took them. This was valuable experience, precisely what he needed most at the moment.
He then added, “I have one more thing I'd like the Professor to help me with.”
“Go ahead.”
“This film might be independently financed by me. I'd like you to introduce me to a reliable producer to help oversee and coordinate the entire project's operation.”
Anyone with a slight understanding of the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts knows that the professors there never just teach theory to students; they focus more on practical application.
Most of the faculty members at the school have experience in Hollywood-related industries, and many graduates have become core members of Hollywood.
Professor Mike asked, “You need a producer?”
“Yes, please help me introduce a suitable one.”
Professor Mike pondered for a moment and said, “I'll introduce you to someone: Robert Lewis, a graduate of the film and television production program ten classes ahead of you, and also my student.
He is now an independent producer and once independently managed a low-budget art-house film called 'Western Love Story.' He also has a good track record in commercial films, having served as executive producer on 'Pretty Woman' and 'Rain Man.' He should meet your requirements.”
Professor Mike took out a phone book, found a phone number, and gave it to Linton, “You can contact him by phone.”
Linton wrote down Robert Lewis's phone number.
“Thank you, teacher. I'll contact him when I get back.”
Linton then left the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts. On his way back, Linton called Robert. After introducing himself, they arranged to meet the next day at 3 PM at the Sunshine Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard.
Since he had decided to film step up, there were many dancing scenes in the movie, and it required high-level dance skills from both the male and female leads. Linton would undoubtedly be the male lead, and the female lead needed to be cast quickly so they could start practicing ballet as soon as possible.
Linton had already thought about the choice for the female lead. This was a youth idol film, so the female lead first had to be beautiful, possess the temperament of a rich girl from an upper-class family, and her height had to meet the standards of a ballet dancer (1. 65 meters or taller). Most importantly, she needed good dance skills.
The female lead in the original film was often criticized by many viewers for not being beautiful enough and only being 158 cm tall.
Now that Linton was in control, he definitely had to choose an ideal female lead.
In fact, according to the script's requirements, Linton's ideal female lead candidates were Catherine Zeta-Jones or Rachel Weisz.
However, both of them were still in England, and he didn't know them. Furthermore, with his debut as a new director, if he were to send out audition invitations rashly, they might not necessarily believe him.
Adding to that, the film needed to be released in August, making time very tight, so Linton gave up on that idea.
He decided to choose from Cameron, Winona, and Naomi, whom he was familiar with, as they had already proven themselves in his previous life.
Among the three, Naomi was the most suitable in terms of character compatibility. She had refined and elegant features, was 165 cm tall, and had a slender figure, making her very suitable for a ballet dancer. She also perfectly matched the temperament of a rich girl from an upper-class family.
Cameron was too tall and had too explosive a figure, making her less suitable for a ballet dancer.
Winona, on the other hand, was like a girl next door, more suited to playing melancholy or Spirit Monster-like teenagers, which didn't quite fit the female lead's persona.
Moreover, she had just landed the female lead role in the film bram stoker's dracula recently, so she wouldn't have time. Besides, given her current status, she might not even be interested in a new director's work like his.
He decided to call Naomi and invite her to Linton Manor for dinner.
At this time, Mira also delivered good news: two script doctors had been contacted and would be brought to the Manor the next morning.
That evening, at Linton Manor, after dinner with Naomi, they went to the office. Linton took out the script for step up and handed it to Naomi, saying,
“This is the film I'm planning to invest in and shoot next. Take a look first.”
“Darling, you're making a movie?”
“Yes, I've been planning this for a long time.”
“Darling, can I play Nora in it?” Naomi asked in a sweet voice, hugging Linton after reading the script.
“That's why I asked you to come over today. My personal preference is for you to play Nora, but Nora's dance requirements are very high. Can you do it?”
“No problem. I practiced ballet when I was little. Although I haven't danced in a long time, my basic skills are still there.
Also, starting tomorrow, I'll find a professional teacher and specifically practice ballet. I guarantee that by the time your film starts shooting, my ballet will meet your requirements.”
This was such a good opportunity, practically a godsend, and Naomi had to seize it tightly.
“Alright, I'll say this upfront: if your dancing doesn't meet the requirements by then, I'll definitely have to replace you.”
Although Linton was willing to give her the opportunity, he had to put the necessary pressure on her. This was also the foundation for ensuring the film's success.
“When is the movie expected to start shooting?”
“The script has been polished almost completely, and I'll be starting things on my end immediately.
Of course, this is my first time managing such a project: finding a producer, distribution partners, location scouting, setting up the crew, casting, rehearsals, and so on. It's estimated that filming won't begin until mid-to-late March.
You have two months to practice dancing—no, you only have one month to practice dancing. By the end of February, when the crew is formed and casting begins, the casting team will definitely test your dance skills. If you don't pass then, I can't force it.”
“Okay, don't worry, I definitely won't disappoint you,” Naomi said with a sense of urgency but full of confidence.
“You go ahead and prepare well. Oh, and keep it a secret for now.”
“Darling, shall we try something new tonight?” After discussing business and receiving the incredibly joyful news, Naomi began her offensive, diving under the table.
The passionate battle began, filling the room with spring. Fortunately, the office area was connected to the master bedroom…
It wasn't until 3 AM that the two finally fell asleep in each other's arms.