Chapter 227: A Message
[Chapter 227: A Message]
"What?"
"They say the major studios are gearing up to go after you. The higher-ups at CAA sent word through my agent that it's best not to work with you. It looks like they want to blacklist you."
"I got the same message," stated Keanu Reeves, who was also with CAA.
The others weren't clients of CAA and hadn't received any notice.
"Looks like Link is in trouble," Quentin chuckled.
Link shook his head and replied with a smile, "To be targeted by the major studios is quite an honor."
"Guess Pictures has had an amazing couple of years at the box office and that's ruffled some feathers over at the major studios," Johnny Depp said.
"Last year, Guess Pictures was the sixth highest-grossing studio. No independent company has ever achieved that before, and the majors feel the pressure," Matt Damon remarked.
"Link, aren't you nervous being targeted by the major studios and CAA?" Ben Affleck asked, curious about Link's calm demeanor as he played cards.
"Not really. The fact that Guess Pictures can provoke such animosity from the majors means we're strong enough. We'll see how things unfold; we might just come out on top," Link said confidently.
...
After hearing about the majors trying to go after Guess Pictures, Danny DeVito approached them with three film projects to test the waters.
Columbia Pictures quickly signed a deal for the sequel to Ace Ventura and Hachiko.
Sony's chairman, Norio Ohga, personally called Link, stating that they wouldn't be joining forces with Michael Ovitz and others, hoping to strengthen ties with Guess Pictures.
Originally, Guess Pictures had a contract for two movies with Columbia Pictures. The success of Paranormal Activity and Ace Ventura made Columbia more eager to collaborate, especially given the current struggles they were facing. Last year, Columbia grossed $1.16 billion globally, ranking third in the industry, but they had over $800 million in production costs across 22 films, only managing to turn a profit on 8 of them. Columbia remained in the red, making collaboration with a profitable partner like Guess Pictures crucial.
Ohga offered Link $500 million for Guess Pictures to produce 8 to 10 films over three years, with a revenue-sharing agreement if the films grossed over $800 million or even $1 billion. Sony also promised support if Guess Pictures faced pressure.
Link didn't respond immediately; the number of films was substantial, and it would affect many of the company's plans. This deal was significant and warranted careful consideration before committing.
...
Additionally, the script for In & Out was signed in davance by MGM, and the studio's president, Frank Mancuso, called Link to discuss strengthening their collaboration.
Meanwhile, the management at Walt Disney continued to squabble, not accepting Guess Pictures' collaboration proposal but also not showing hostility, which meant there wasn't immediate cause for concern.
The real threats remained from Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal, 20th Century Fox, CAA, and the media groups behind them.
...
"Link, I really don't get it. We're directors, isn't it enough to focus on making movies without battling the major studios?" Quentin queried.
"All the tall trees attract the wind; I can only blame my own prominence," Link answered while glancing at his hand -- holding a King of Spades and a 10 of Clubs, knowing he could form a pair if fortune smiled. He placed a $50 bet and drew another card.
"Link, I'm rooting for you! Defeat the major studios and take over Hollywood!" Ben Affleck shouted exaggeratedly.
"It's not like we're living in a fairy tale. Who really wants a crown? No one's going to follow if I show it, and if nobody does, I'll just reveal my hand," Link said, tapping the table.
"Such enthusiasm -- looks like you've got a good hand!" Nicolas Cage grinned sideways.
"It's decent; I might just win this round."
"I fold!"
"Me too!"
Nicolas Cage and Ben Affleck discarded their cards.
"I finally had a straight, and you guys are bailing!" Link lamented, shaking his head as he collected the chips.
Ben Affleck glanced at his hand, discovering no better than a pair of Kings, and cursed under his breath. Although Link won a hand, he ultimately lost $3,800 after over an hour of play at the poker table.
After he got up, Nicolas Cage and the others continued their card game, playing from noon until nearly midnight. If it weren't for their female companions urging them, they would have been ready to play all night.
...
Sofia, Milla Jovovich, and Renee Zellweger decided to crash at the villa, choosing separate bedrooms for the night.
Link didn't object; they had their own apartments in Los Angeles but with their busy schedules, they hardly had time to stay. They just liked to crash here a few nights whenever they wanted to play.
Monica was also very generous in this matter. That night, she pulled Sofia to gang up on him. Being stronger, he outmatched them until they called for help from the others.
With just one of him in the mix and much pulling and tussling, Link found himself nearly worn out by the end of the night.
...
After a few days of socializing at the villa, Link finally made his way to Guess Pictures, ready to dive into editing The Butterfly Effect. His recent enjoyment had left him relaxed, which boosted his focus and efficiency at work.
It took him two weeks to complete the edit, after which he handed it over to the rest of the team for post-production.
...
"You look like you've lost weight," noted Lily as she pressed her hands on his shoulders in the office.
"Lost weight? Really?" Link picked up a spoon to examine his face. "No way; still looks super handsome to me."
"Such a show-off!" she laughed, playfully swatting him on the shoulder while keeping her hands there.
Link continued to enjoy the sweet and savory aroma of the corn and chicken soup that she had brought him.
"How's everything going with PR?" he asked.
"Pretty smoothly, actually. We've been facing a lot of negative press lately, with accusations of us making junk films and plagiarizing other ideas. They even claimed some crew members were crossing lines. After investigation, it turned out all those were just baseless rumors. Our PR department worked closely with legal to combat these lies and have seen some success," Lily explained calmly.
Link smiled, thinking how she had become increasingly professional.
"Nice job. You're becoming quite adept at this."
"Stop it and finish your soup; it'll get cold," Lily said, her cheeks reddening as she swatted his reaching hand away.
"When are you moving into the villa? I've got rooms ready for you and Cici. I specifically decorated two bedrooms to your and Cici's tastes, so go check them out; I bet you'll love them."
Link sipped his soup, and after a moment of silence, Lily finally replied, "I'm a few years older than you. Who knows, maybe when I'm older, you might not want me around."
"Don't be foolish. You and Cici are my closest friends. Without you two, I'd be all alone. There's no way I'd ever turn you away," Link reassured her.
He didn't say much more, opting instead to wipe his hands with a napkin. Wanting to take advantage of the warmth, he wrapped his arms around Sofia, pulling her across the desk.
In that moment, he felt no need for words. He simply wished to convey through actions that even if she were to age into her fifties or sixties, his interest in her would never wane.
*****
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