**Chapter 15: A Choice? Jessica's Assertiveness!**
Although he had sold all the rights, except for the online streaming rights, to Warner Bros., this was still his first work in this world, so he couldn't help but care a little.
Moreover, as the lead actor, he would need to cooperate with Warner's promotional work, which required him to adjust his schedule accordingly.
"You must be reading the entertainment news, right?" Sarah smiled slightly before explaining, "Warner's promotional campaign has already started. But it's not on the entertainment section, it's in the education section."
"The education section?" Wayne was stunned for a moment, then a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.
He had a hunch about Warner's promotional strategy.
"Yes, exactly. They've been placing articles and real-life case studies in the education sections, highlighting the massive gap between high school students who can't get into college and the elite college graduates, creating anxiety."
Wayne wasn't surprised and couldn't help but show a bit of schadenfreude in his eyes.
The reality of the American education system isn't as glamorous as it seems. Sure, the children of the wealthy can bypass grades by making donations or getting a recommendation letter and be admitted to any Ivy League school.
But that's rare.
Children from lower-class families who want to change their social standing, along with those from middle-class families who understand the importance of education and want to maintain their social standing, have to start preparing for the SAT from middle school. They also need to actively participate in social activities to prepare for college.
And how many fail along the way?
A lot!
After all, it's only the year 2000, and the college admission rate is much lower compared to twenty years later in a parallel world.
If Warner can create enough anxiety, they could push these students and their parents to the cinema, boosting the box office revenue far beyond what it was in his previous life.
"What about the promotional costs?" Wayne asked curiously.
"The promotional costs are actually not that high. From what I understand, Warner only invested $3 million to 'buy' space in the top ten mainstream newspapers in the U.S., where they'll publish a related article every one or two issues over the next month."
"That cheap?"
"Well, it's not for front-page headlines, just regular spots in the education section. Some cost as little as $5,000, while the more expensive ones are around $10,000."
After a brief pause, Sarah continued, "Once they've generated enough anxiety, Warner will invest another two to three million dollars, publicly criticizing the American education system and directing people's attention to the film. So the total promotional cost, including public relations, will be around $6 to $7 million."
Wayne quickly did the math. "So, adding the cost of acquiring the film and the cost of printing copies for the cinemas still using film, they need to make at least $47 million at the global box office just to break even?"
Sarah nodded. "More or less. Don't forget about the DVD market. I also heard that Warner expects $40 million at the U.S. box office, $65 million globally, and $15 million in DVD sales."
"Plus the TV rights."
"If they meet their expectations, their profit will exceed $25 million. Though it might take six months to a year for the money to come in, big companies like Warner can afford to wait."
Wayne shrugged, not feeling like he was losing out.
"So, we don't really need to promote this film as the main actors, right?"
"Exactly. Besides Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving, none of the other leads, including yourself, are well-known. You'll just need to attend a few screenings and the premiere. However, if the film becomes a hit, you, Jessica, and Portman might need to promote it to maintain the momentum. But that's at least a month away."
"Alright, that works. We can focus on our own work for now."
"But I think, Wayne, what you should focus on most is enjoying this party, don't you think? Those girls are all waiting for you." Sarah laughed, pointing to a group of young, beautiful women gathered nearby.
Some of them were 'friends' of Jessica and Mia, while others were clients of Mike, along with their 'friends.'
Upon finding out that Wayne was the owner of the estate and the head of a production company, these women's eyes lit up, all gazing at him with undisguised desire.
"I think you're right!" Wayne decided to go with the flow.
But in reality, he just chatted briefly with these women and didn't take it further.
Having only recently arrived in this world, he still felt a bit out of place.
Especially with Sarah still there.
Technically, Mia was his official girlfriend.
More importantly, none of the women present could compare to Mia and Jessica. With them around, Wayne wasn't particularly interested in anyone else.
After making the rounds and briefly chatting with a few women, Wayne grabbed a drink and headed toward Jessica and her agent, who were sitting in a corner seemingly discussing work.
Before he could get close, he overheard the agent's shocked voice.
"Are you crazy?!"
"No, I'm not. I'm very clear-headed."
Jessica's calm expression sharply contrasted with her agent's astonishment.
"But it's James Cameron! The man who made Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet famous! I worked so hard to get you this audition!"
The agent tried to keep her voice down, but her excitement made her wave her arms involuntarily.
Across from her, Jessica's eyes lit up briefly at the mention of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, but only with a flicker of admiration.
"It's just an audition, isn't it? And it comes with a price, doesn't it?" Jessica replied coolly.
This made her agent frown.
"Damn it, Jess! Don't tell me you've actually fallen for Wayne Anderson?!"
"Yes, I have!"
Jessica's unwavering reply stunned her agent again, taking several seconds for her to recover.
"I know Wayne Anderson is talented, but he can't offer you nearly as much as being the lead in James Cameron's new TV show!"
Before Jessica could respond, the agent continued, "Even if you love him, what's the harm in auditioning? Don't forget, this is Hollywood!
"And after our agency's internal review, you're a great fit for the role James Cameron is looking for. The odds of you being selected are high, and we just need to push a little more influence from the producer's side. It won't take much.
"If you land the part, you could star in James Cameron's new show and become the next Kate Winslet.
"Even if you don't get the role, you can always go back to Wayne, right?
"Whether it's a 'deal' or an audition, we'll keep it quiet, and Wayne won't find out."
The agent stared intently at Jessica, her gaze filled with sincerity, as if saying, "I'm doing this for your own good."
Meanwhile, Wayne had already stopped, curious about Jessica's decision.
If he was right, the TV show her agent mentioned was likely "Dark Angel," directed by James Cameron, which was canceled after two seasons.
Though the show was a rare flop for Cameron, it did bring Jessica some fame, making audiences take notice of the sweet, beautiful girl.
So starring in "Dark Angel" was a turning point in Jessica's acting career.
To Wayne's surprise, Jessica firmly rejected her agent's suggestion after only a few seconds of silence.
"I'm already set to star in Wayne's new movie. If I get the part in 'Dark Angel,' what about Wayne's project?"
"Also, I have no interest in sleeping with those fat old men. In fact, just being near them disgusts me!"
"Right now, my body and soul belong to Wayne, until he tires of me."
Her agent was wide-eyed with shock. Was this really the Jessica Alba she knew?!
"You're crazy! Completely crazy! You've only been with him for a few days! Besides, he already has a girlfriend, doesn't he? He's just playing with you—" The agent couldn't help but protest.
But Jessica cut her off coldly, "Vinnie! Watch your words! And remember, you're my agent, not my manager. Your job is to provide me with opportunities, not dictate my career path! Otherwise, I have no problem finding a new agent!"
At that moment, Jessica, usually sweet and charming, looked incredibly strong-willed.
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