Next, Linton and everyone discussed the cinematography and art style, and they finally reached a consensus: the entire film should have a strong contrast between light and dark tones, with bright tones for ballet and cool, dark tones for hip-hop.
Regarding costumes, the female lead's dance attire must be high-end and sexy, designed to highlight her good figure as much as possible, while other dancers' clothes should be dark-colored to keep the audience's focus on the male and female leads.
A preliminary shooting schedule was set to begin on March 15th, with a planned completion time of 65 days. Linton instructed Zach, Robert, Carter, Annie, and others to finalize the detailed schedule and submit it to him for review as soon as possible.
After these tasks were completed, Annie suggested that since the male and female leads were confirmed and the shooting date was approaching, they should fully commit to dance training starting tomorrow. She requested Linton and Naomi to come to her dance studio tomorrow for a test and to create a training plan.
Linton agreed and immediately called Naomi. Naomi, receiving the call, nervously asked:
"I heard your crew discussed the cast today. There weren't any problems with my role, were there?"
"No, it was a bit of a bumpy ride, but everyone approved it. However, how is your ballet practice coming along? Annie will be conducting a live assessment tomorrow."
"Don't worry, no problem at all. After this period of intense practice, my teacher even praised me, saying I could perform ballet."
"Tonight, I'll come to the manor to find you. Shall we celebrate together?" Linton was about to hang up when Naomi unexpectedly invited him.
"Okay, I'll have David pick you up. It's better to keep a low profile at this time."
Universal's media public relations capabilities were truly remarkable. During dinner, the housekeeper, Amy, brought a stack of newspapers to congratulate Linton:
"Boss, congratulations! Your album sales have exceeded 28 million copies, surpassing Madonna and truly making you a superstar. Look, so many newspapers are praising you, saying you are a true Genius, a musical prodigy, and that your debut album has made history."
Linton took the newspapers, and indeed, they were all full of praise. He felt happy and told Amy,
"Everyone has worked hard during this time. I'm happy tonight, Boss, so notify everyone that all employees at the manor will have their bonuses doubled this month."
"Yay, that's great! You're the best, Boss!" Amy excitedly went to inform the other employees.
That evening, David picked Naomi up and brought her to the manor without attracting the paparazzi's attention. Seeing Linton, Naomi threw herself into his arms, giving him a fragrant kiss. "Thank you, Linton. I heard about today's meeting."
"Don't mention thanks. I believe you can play the role of Joelle well. Your appearance and temperament are very suitable. The key is acting and dancing. If your acting isn't good, I'll certainly hone it during filming. How's your dancing practice coming along?"
"My teacher says I've made great progress and acting in a movie won't be a problem. Why don't I dance a piece for you now?"
"Alright, let me see your progress. We can practice together then."
The two changed into their dance clothes, and Linton led her to the dance studio. Naomi first performed a solo ballet piece, and indeed, her progress was significant. She danced very well; at least, from Linton's unprofessional perspective, he felt she was comparable to professional ballet dancers on stage.
However, the specific situation still needed Annie's evaluation, but from a film director's perspective, he felt it should be fine for the movie. He couldn't help but inwardly praise her.
Subsequently, the two began to dance together, but the allure of the joint dance was too great for them. Soon, they were glued together and quickly began their 'battle' in the dance studio...
After the battle, the two tidied up briefly and returned to the master bedroom terrace on the third floor. They opened a bottle of red wine and, with the beautiful scenery and fine wine, shared their recent work achievements and their outlook on the film's production.
"Linton, the media has been collectively pessimistic about your film recently. How are you not bothered at all?"
"I have a big heart because I have confidence that this film will definitely succeed. When the time comes, we'll just use the box office results to slap them in the face.
Moreover, from another perspective, they are providing us with free publicity! 'step up' hasn't even started filming, and the media's hype has already made it known to everyone.
This is something many films dream of. As long as our film's quality meets standards, all this will turn into a boost for the box office."
"But you're a new director, and both you and I are new male and female leads. Are you really confident?"
"Don't worry, I wouldn't joke around with 10 million us dollars. Furthermore, besides the two of us, everyone else I've hired is a highly skilled professional: the producer, assistant director, dance instructor, as well as the cinematographer, lighting, costume, and stylist. Their expertise is top-notch.
And don't underestimate me; I majored in directing in school, and my graduation project received an A+."
"Don't worry, I won't drag us down either. Lately, I've been practicing dance during the day and working with an acting coach at night to analyze the script and guide my acting. I'm sure I can play Joelle well." Naomi looked at Linton's confident expression, feeling mesmerized.
"The most important aspects of Joelle's character are beauty, excellent dancing, and also portraying the arrogance of someone from an upper-class family, the temperament of a rich girl, and the hazy feeling of teenage love. You have no problem with beauty, and your dancing is in training. Now, perform a few segments for me to see, and I'll help you analyze."
Naomi picked a few segments from the script and performed them on the spot. Linton was generally satisfied after watching, but also pointed out some shortcomings and encouraged her to work harder to improve.
"Naomi, the crew decided on you as the female lead today without an audition. Tomorrow's media will definitely make a big deal out of it, saying all sorts of things. You need to be mentally prepared."
"Don't worry, I'm already prepared. I was a bit apprehensive before, but seeing your strong confidence, I'm not worried at all now," Naomi said firmly.
"However, I won't be coming over tomorrow. When I'm with you, I can't concentrate on dance practice and studying the script."
"Then what are you waiting for?"
"I need to seize the time, but tonight, I'll be on top." Naomi finished the wine in her glass, transformed into a female knight, and charged at Linton...
At the same time, in the Miramax president's office, Harvey Weinstein also received a report from his subordinates that Linton's film was to be independently produced, with no plans to partner with a film company.
"Is the information confirmed?"
"It has been confirmed. Linton Studio is investing 10 million us dollars. Apart from the main actors being selected through auditions, the crew and cast are largely provided by WMA's package service. Linton has been confirmed as the male lead, and he directly appointed Naomi Watts as the female lead."
"Naomi Watts, is that the woman who starred in two of Linton's music videos? Does she have any film credits?"
"Yes, that's her. Besides the music videos, she only played the second female lead in an art-house film called 'Manhattan Lady,' which hasn't even been released yet."
"This Linton is too ungrateful! I wasted my efforts speaking well of him in the media and extending an olive branch, hoping he would invest his 'dumb money' with me. Now he dares to produce independently? This is simply disrespecting Hollywood!
Notify the media we are friendly with to attack him fiercely, especially by focusing on the scandal of the female lead being directly appointed without an audition, a newcomer with no prior work."
At the same time, the same scene was unfolding in many Hollywood film companies, and many newly debuted young actresses also took action.
The next day at breakfast, the housekeeper, Amy, brought a stack of newspapers, glanced at Naomi, and hesitated to speak.
"What's wrong?" Linton asked.
"All the newspapers today are criticizing you, and Miss Watts. There are also many paparazzi outside."
"How novel! I'm already used to it. Bring them over, let me see."
Los Angeles Daily: "Rapidly Rising Singer, Film Destined for Failure."
Hollywood Reporter: "Linton's Waterloo, A Rookie Director and Two Rookie Leads. Will anyone watch the film they make?"
Hollywood Entertainment News: "Shocking! Linton's 10 million us dollars Investment Film Is Actually To Promote A Woman."
Hollywood Gossip: "What Kind of Woman Made Linton Spend 10 million us dollars?"
...
Even Entertainment New Force, which had always spoken highly of Linton, this time uncharacteristically sang a pessimistic tune: "Capricious Linton, Lost Himself Before a Woman."
Indeed, the media was in an uproar, filled with fierce criticism. Although the headlines all mentioned Linton, the focus of the criticism was more on Naomi, and all of Naomi's past experiences were dug up.
A newcomer from a foreign country, with no previous works, who only appeared in two of Linton's music videos, was directly chosen as the female lead for a 10 million us dollars commercial production. Isn't this a blatant scandal? She must have climbed to the top by selling her body.
With the push from interested parties behind the scenes, it was practically a full-blown online smear campaign.