Since he agreed to join as a producer, Robert began to wholeheartedly offer Linton advice.
“First, the script. The overall story is complete, and the logic is sound, but the descriptions of communities and streets lack a sense of real life. Also, many dialogues in the play are too artistic. This is, after all, a commercial film, so all details should ideally be close to life, so as not to make the audience feel detached.”
“As expected of a professional producer, I had actually already noticed this, and have already hired two script doctors who are currently revising and perfecting it.”
“Now that the good script issue is resolved, how do you plan to operate this film project?”
“Could you explain in more detail?”
“Generally speaking, there are four modes of operation for film projects.
The first mode is where a producer or director plans a project and seeks investment from a major film company. After the film company evaluates and approves it through various levels, it will invest in your project. The initiative of the project will also belong to the film company, and they may hire you as a producer or director, collaborating with you according to normal Hollywood rules. This is the most common mode for commercial films, especially large-scale commercial productions.”
“The second mode is to open your own film company, produce it yourself, and then find a distribution company for release. This is generally the approach for small to medium-budget commercial films or independent films.”
“The third mode is to set up a studio and cooperate with an established production company. This is generally the approach for new investors in the industry.”
Linton thought for a moment; it seemed only the second mode was more suitable for him, but establishing a film company involved many more considerations, and there wasn't enough time.
“Are there any other modes?”
“Yes, a new mode that has emerged in recent years, but few people use it, is to set up a shell studio, which only manages finance, the producer, and a small number of crew members. Some even only have finance, outsourcing the producer. After initiating a project, they directly purchase packaged services from CAA or WMA.
This mode is the simplest, suitable for newcomers or investors who lack confidence in the film industry and only plan to test the waters first. However, because all crew members are outsourced, the control of the crew will inevitably be weakened.
There may even be many private acts of corruption. More importantly, films developed with this mode are difficult to find major distribution companies for, often resulting in small-scale releases or even direct video release.”
“Which mode do you think is suitable for our project?”
“The first is impossible. In fact, the most ideal is the third mode, but if you want to direct and star yourself, you probably won't find a production company willing to invest, unless you concede a large amount of profit.”
“So, only the second and fourth modes are left?”
“Can you open a film company in time now? For a teen musical like step up, the audience is basically teenagers, and it's very sensitive to release dates. It must be released in the summer to achieve good box office results, at the latest by August.
Otherwise, you'll have to wait until next year for release. It's already late January now. The fourth mode is more suitable. Of course, if this film succeeds, you can then upgrade the studio to a film company.”
“Okay, then let's use the fourth mode. I happen to have a Linton Studio under my name, and its business scope includes investing in films.”
“But the most crucial thing is, what about distribution?”
“Leave that to me. I am, after all, a popular singer at Universal. I should be able to get a relatively ordinary distribution contract from Universal Pictures, right?”
“Give it a try,” Robert reminded him, “but don't be careless. These film giants won't be that easy to deal with.”
“What do we do next?”
“First, your studio needs an accountant who understands Hollywood accounting rules. Do you have one?”
“No, my studio currently has almost no business. The very few transactions are handled by my personal accountant concurrently.”
“That won't do. I suggest you find a knowledgeable accountant as soon as possible, then inject initial start-up capital. After that, you can hire professional location scouts to select locations. Once locations are determined, you also need to arrange for people to negotiate cooperation details.”
“Okay, I'll immediately arrange for someone to post recruitment ads for a studio accountant. As for hiring professional location scouts, you can arrange that after the script is finalized; you don't need to wait for the accountant to be in place.”
After speaking, he picked up the phone and called Goodman, asking him to post the Linton Studio accountant recruitment ad as Robert suggested.
“Regarding locations, when I went to Baltimore for promotion before, I felt that the scenes there were very suitable for this film, and the Maryland Institute College of Art there is very suitable for the art school in the film. Have people prioritize scouting locations in Baltimore.”
“Okay, I've noted that. The next step is to quickly determine the dance director. This film has a heavy dance component, so we need to arrange choreography as soon as possible. It's best to confirm the male and female leads early and get them into dance practice quickly.”
“I already have a preliminary candidate for the dance director. Annie's dance troupe, who collaborated with me on my MV before, is excellent. Her choreography incorporates modern dance with various elements and is very popular in the market. You can watch the MV I shot previously.”
“As for the female lead, I also have a preliminary candidate, Naomi Watts. She previously filmed two MVs for me, 'Numb' and 'You're Beautiful.' You can watch them; her image and temperament are very suitable for the female lead of this film.”
“My God, the MV female lead directly playing the film's female lead? Did she put a spell on you?” Robert said, rubbing his forehead.
“No, she also played the second female lead in 'Manhattan Lady.'”
“'Manhattan Lady,' that sounds like a low-budget art film, and it hasn't been released yet, has it? Linton, this is a commercial production with an investment of tens of millions; you can't be so careless, can you?”
“No, I want this film to succeed more than you do. The key is that she is really suitable. How about this: when we have dinner later, I'll have her come over, and you can audition her in person.”
“Okay, if the audition doesn't work out, I'm going to cast a dissenting vote.”
Hearing this, Linton actually thought more highly of Robert. He was genuinely thinking for the film. If everything were to be done according to Linton's wishes, Linton would actually be worried.
“Alright, why don't we have dinner at my Manor? I recently hired a chef, and his cooking is superb.”
Linton picked up the phone and notified his housekeeper Amy and Naomi separately.
“Next, considering your actual situation, you can quickly hire an assistant director to help you create storyboards based on the script. Once the storyboards are done, a detailed budget can be made.”
“I also have a suitable candidate for the assistant director, the director who has been helping me shoot MVs, Zack Snyder.”
“Another MV,” Robert said, a little speechless. “Well, I trust your judgment; he is your assistant after all.”
“After these are settled, the crew can be officially assembled: casting, rehearsals, developing a shooting plan, and so on. Of course, the most crucial thing is that you have to secure distribution first.”
“Okay, let's summarize. There are seven things to do currently: first, script perfection; second, securing distribution; third, the studio hiring an accountant and injecting funds; fourth, determining the female lead; fifth, determining the dance director; sixth, determining the assistant director; and seventh, after the script is finalized, you arrange for professional location scouts to select locations. Of course, before all that, I need to sign the producer's contract with you. Is there anything else to add?”
“Let's implement these tasks as soon as possible.”
“Alright then, let's head back to Linton Manor. The two script doctors are there revising and perfecting the script. We can go over now and participate in the discussion. Also, schedule a meeting with your lawyer, and let's all go to Linton Manor tomorrow morning. I'll ask Goodman to come over too, and we'll sign the producer's contract.”
Back at the Manor, Mira was also there and handed Linton an invitation. On the evening of January 26th, a charity gala hosted by Vanity Fair magazine would be held at the Hilton Hotel.
Linton introduced Robert to Mira and the two script doctors. The five of them discussed the script for a while, estimating that it would take at most two more days for the script to be finalized.
Of course, Mira was just observing, but she saw Linton's determination to make a film, having even hired a producer. In her heart, she became more eager to renew the contract. She had to go back and pressure the company to approve the terms of Linton's new contract she had drafted as soon as possible.
In the new contract proposed by Mira, the company agreed to establish an agency team to serve Linton, but Mira proposed a commission of 6%, the industry's lowest standard (which was also Linton's request).
However, the company had not yet agreed. At the company's decision-making meeting, some senior executives believed that although Linton was very popular, he had not yet reached superstar status, and the commission could only be reduced to 7%.
Now Linton was not only a singer but also preparing to invest in and direct his own film. The packaged services involved here were also a huge piece of cake for WMA.
When this information spread, competition from other agencies would become even more fierce. This situation needed to be reported back quickly to get the company to approve the new contract terms.
In the evening, Naomi arrived at the Manor. Before dinner, Linton took her and Robert to a private reception room, where he asked Naomi to portray the female lead's character with several expressions and perform a short ballet dance. She barely received Robert's approval, but he also made a demand:
“Your ballet is still far from meeting the requirements. You need to intensify your practice during this period. When the actors are officially confirmed, if your dancing doesn't meet the requirements, I will insist on replacing you.”
“No problem,” Naomi quickly assured him. “I've already hired a coach today, and I'll fully commit to dance practice starting tomorrow. I'll definitely meet the film's requirements and make sure both of you are satisfied.”
After dinner, Robert and the two screenwriters agreed to return the next day and then left. Naomi naturally stayed behind. After their passionate encounter, she lay on Linton's chest,
“Is step up about to start?”
“Yes, Robert is the film producer I specifically invited. Once the script is perfected, all work will progress quickly. You need to keep up with your dance practice.”
“Don't worry, I definitely won't disappoint you. Starting tomorrow, I'll fully commit to training, and I won't come over in the evenings either.” Naomi said firmly, then gave him a fragrant kiss.
“Darling, let's make the most of our time. Tonight, I'm going to thoroughly exploit you.”
The battle began anew.