The next day, Naomi left in a hurry after breakfast. Naturally, the newspapers continued to report on their scandal, but neither of them paid it any mind.
Since Linton Studio was a mere facade, it was decided to use Linton Manor as the office. Robert, accompanied by a lawyer, and with Goodman's cooperation, signed the producer's contract that morning.
The contract stipulated a remuneration of $500,000, to be paid in three installments: $200,000 upon signing the contract, $150,000 upon completion of the film, and the final $150,000 after the film's theatrical run.
Linton also invested $2,000,000 into the studio as initial funding for the film, with Zhou Haisheng temporarily serving as the accountant.
After signing the contract, Robert stayed at the Manor, working with Linton and the two scriptwriters to revise and refine the screenplay.
Linton also used this time to organize the sixteen songs for the film's soundtrack:
The first song, “BoutIt”
The second song, “GetUp”
The third song, “GiveItUpToMe”
The fourth song, “ShowMeTheMone”
The fifth song, “80'sJoint”
The sixth song, “StepUp”
The seventh song, “SayGoodbye”
The eighth song, “DearLife”
The ninth song, “ForTheLove”
The tenth song, “Ain'tCha”
The eleventh song, “I'mmaShine”
The twelfth song, “Feelin' Myself”
The thirteenth song, “'TilTheDawn”
The fourteenth song, “Lovely”
The fifteenth song, “YouMustBe”
The sixteenth song, “Made”
Among these, he could sing seven songs solo.
One song was for a male group.
Four songs were duets.
Four songs were female solos.
He suddenly remembered a very popular hit song from later generations called “Be What You Wanna Be.” Although the lyrics were a bit straightforward, they were very inspiring, and the melody and arrangement were excellent.
“Doctor, actor, lawyer, or singer, why not president?… You can be anyone you want to be…”
Putting this song at the end of the film would better elevate the film's inspiring theme, and he could also sing it himself. Adding it would make it 17 songs.
He could sing all the male parts in the duets, and the remaining female solos and female parts in the duets were all R&B, which could be entirely given to an R&B female singer, along with a male group.
The production and release of the soundtrack, along with 4 female solo songs, 4 songs he would duet on, and 1 male group song, could be leveraged in a deal with Daniel to secure his support for the film, helping him obtain a distribution contract with Universal Pictures.
8 songs could easily help him promote a singer to at least a second-tier artist; Daniel would probably go crazy with joy.
After organizing the 17 songs, he handed them over to Mira to register copyrights with BMI.
Now, Mira came to Linton Manor every evening, first to report on the progress of endorsement negotiations, and second to track the progress of the film project.
After two days of repeated discussions and revisions, the script was finally finalized, and the two screenwriters left happily with their generous compensation.
Next, formal preparations could begin. Linton asked Robert to quickly prepare the project proposal; the next step was to find a distributor.
Over these two days, Robert also took the time to carefully watch all of Linton's music videos, acknowledging Annie's choreography skills and Zach's directorial talent.
Since the script was finalized, Linton invited Annie and Zach to the Manor and told them about his plan to make a film. After they read the script, he expressed his desire to invite Zach to be his assistant director and Annie to be the film's dance choreographer.
Both were immediately overjoyed, eagerly expressing their willingness. This was a rare opportunity to enter the film industry, which could greatly expand their careers.
“This is the film's producer, Robert Lewis. Since you two are interested, Robert will represent the crew in negotiating the specific terms of cooperation with you.”
Linton entrusted the negotiation to Robert, allowing him to fulfill his duties as a producer. He himself began drawing storyboards.
As both parties had a strong desire for cooperation, Robert finalized the terms of cooperation with Annie's and Zach's agents in just one day. The remuneration was very favorable, both set at $100,000.
For Annie and Zach, they valued this opportunity to enter filmmaking more.
Witnessed by both parties' lawyers, Robert, representing the crew, signed the assistant director's contract with Zach and the dance director's contract with Annie.
Subsequently, Linton handed the remaining storyboards to Zach, asking him to complete them as quickly as possible in his own style.
Annie then began designing the choreography. Linton specifically emphasized to Annie that the dances should incorporate elements of modern dance, be cool and stylish, and appeal to young people.
While busy with these matters, considering that it would be inconvenient for the crew to always discuss work at his Manor in the future, Linton took time during the process to bring Robert to Linton Studio. He had Robert re-plan the office space according to the crew's operational requirements.
It was reorganized into four offices and two meeting rooms, one large and one small. The four offices were for the manager, fan club, production department, and finance department. Linton himself currently served as the manager. He asked Bella to arrange for a renovation company to quickly complete the transformation.
The date had already reached the 26th. At 7 PM, the Vanity Fair magazine's charity gala was held at the Hilton Hotel. Given Vanity Fair's influence in Hollywood, it was naturally a grand event.
Many reporters surrounded the hotel outside, and countless flashes would light up every time a car stopped.
After walking the red carpet, Linton handed his invitation to the reception staff, received his auction paddle, and was led by the staff towards the venue.
At the entrance of the banquet hall, Tina Cassy, the editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, greeted guests with a constant smile. Seeing Linton, she warmly embraced him, “Welcome, Linton.”
She personally led Linton into the main hall to his assigned seat, where Mira was already waiting for him.
The event hadn't started yet, and guests were socializing. Linton, accompanied by Mira, also met many new friends in the entertainment industry.
A middle-aged white man with a strong Aura walked over and introduced himself:
“I'm Sloak Witt from CAA, head of CAA's music department. Can we find a place to chat?” He then handed over a business card.
“Of course.” Linton took the business card, understanding in his heart that this was definitely about his management contract. Although he was very satisfied with Mira and had no intention of leaving WMA, listening to the terms of other agencies was also good, and it would put some pressure on WMA.
He and Sloak found a quiet corner and sat down. Mira nervously stayed right by his side.
“Linton, congratulations on your album's huge success. Your musical talent has surprised everyone. Achieving such success in less than a year is truly amazing,” Sloak began with a string of praises.
“Thank you for the compliments, Mr. Witt. What specifically did you want to discuss with me today? Please feel free to speak directly.”
It seemed CAA's information wasn't very up-to-date; they still didn't know about his film project. Of course, it was also possible that the few people currently involved were doing a good job of keeping it confidential.
“Linton, you should know that CAA is currently the strongest agency in Hollywood, able to provide you with the best services and assistance, build a professional management team for you, help manage everything in your work and life, and help your singing career develop even better. Half of Hollywood's stars are signed with CAA; you might want to consider it…”
After talking for a long time, it was all just empty rhetoric, without a single substantive promise, which made Linton a little displeased.
“Thank you, I'm doing very well at WMA right now, and their service makes me very satisfied.”
“Wait a moment, you can tell me any specific requirements you have. I heard that WMA's commission from you is still 10 percent. If you come to CAA, we can offer you 7 percent. This is the treatment only top-tier stars receive.”
Hearing this, Linton was even more displeased. So, in CAA's eyes, he still wasn't considered a top-tier star. He said:
“Thank you, Mr. Witt, I understand your intention, and I will consider it carefully.” After speaking, he left and handed the business card to Mira.
Next, Cisco Lin Lee, an agent from ICM, also came over. However, his attitude was much better than Sloak's, and the terms he offered were the industry's lowest commission rate, 6 percent, also promising to build a management team for Linton. Linton agreed to seriously consider it, making Mira very nervous.
The event officially began, and Tina Cassy took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech. The theme of this charity event was to aid starving children in Africa.
When the auction began, the atmosphere was not as enthusiastic as imagined, and the items were not expensive. Linton had already generally looked through them before this.
Before coming, Zhou Haisheng had told him that before April, the maximum charitable expenditure for tax avoidance could reach $3,000,000. He also reminded him not to forget to ask for charity tax exemption receipts.
Linton first spent $80,000 to buy an emerald necklace and $70,000 to buy a pair of ruby earrings.
What greatly surprised him was that a precious Qianlong Imperial Seal, “Treasure of Peace and Tranquility in the Nine Provinces,” appeared at the auction.
Its estimated value was only $500,000. Linton didn't know what to say; without hesitation, he had to bid, and finally secured it for $700,000.
Later, he spent another $160,000 on an oil painting, which would be perfect for decorating his Manor. At this moment, Mira nudged him, reminding him,
“If you spend like this, you'll receive many more such invitations in the future.”
Linton was momentarily stunned. This was a reminder that he was spending too much. He hadn't noticed before, but after realizing it, he observed the other guests and found that most of them only bid on one item, a very few on two, and he was almost unique in buying four.
He secretly wondered, but he didn't bid again afterward. He had already spent $1,010,000, and after all, this wasn't the only charity gala he would attend. Moreover, his spending today had already attracted everyone's attention.
After the auction, Tina Cassy even specifically came to thank Linton for his generosity and extended an invitation for an exclusive interview.