Chapter 54: Estate Security Upgrade and Distribution Contract
[Chapter 54: Estate Security Upgrade and Distribution Contract]
Daniel and Linton returned to Universal Music. After repeatedly reminding Linton to keep the new talent search for the movie soundtrack a secret, Daniel rushed off, seemingly to arrange the auditions for the new female singer.
...
Seeing it was nearly noon, Linton decided to head back to the estate. On the way, he briefly discussed the progress of the distribution deal with Robert over the phone and arranged for Robert to come to the estate for a detailed discussion in the afternoon.
---
Back at the Linton Estate, Linton chatted briefly with Danny and four security personnel -- Hayden Coleman, David Reid, Sandy Glick, and Gully Gott -- to get updated on the estate's security arrangements.
These elite guards were well worth their high salaries. In just a few days, the estate's defenses were transformed -- while not entirely impenetrable, ordinary thieves would have no chance of entering or leaving unnoticed.
Linton was greatly satisfied. He then asked what else they needed.
"Boss, all the equipment is in place now, but with Los Angeles getting more dangerous, we lack heavy weaponry with real deterrent power," David said after exchanging looks with the others.
"You know we all have firearms licenses and expertise in various weapons, but right now, we only have handguns. That's fine for normal situations, but in extreme cases, it might not be enough," he explained.
The others agreed, "We should get some heavy weapons for emergencies."
"What do you suggest? But keep in mind this is an urban area -- nothing too deadly," Linton responded.
"No need for overly lethal battlefield weapons. Two M16 machine guns and two FN15 assault rifles will suffice." They had clearly planned this out.
"Alright, I approve. Danny, proceed with the purchases ASAP." These weapons were indeed suitable for estate security.
Linton suddenly recalled the Los Angeles riots that shocked the world in late April 1992. It reminded him that proper security measures were necessary.
With these heavy weapons and the professionalism of his elite guards, his estate would remain safe no matter how chaotic Los Angeles became.
---
In the afternoon, Robert arrived at the estate. Linton updated him on the preliminary cooperation terms reached with Universal and asked, "This is the best Universal can offer. Do you think other companies could give us better distribution deals?"
"Linton, you really are Universal's golden boy, practically their own flesh and blood. I never imagined they'd offer such great terms," Robert said excitedly. "No need to ask others. From what I know of Hollywood, no other company could match this. Let's sign the contract soon before anything changes."
"Seems that executive, Levitt, is quite sincere," Linton responded, surprised by Robert's confidence.
"Of course. It's all because of your star power," Robert flattered, feeling even more optimistic about the film's success.
"Alright, we'll sign the distribution contract tomorrow," Linton said, then called to schedule the signing with Levitt and informed Goodman.
...
Goodman also told Linton over the phone that the studio accountant position had received four applicants meeting the basic criteria.
Linton and Robert decided to have Goodman notify the candidates for interviews the next afternoon to quickly finalize the accountant position and push the project forward fast.
---
After settling distribution matters, Linton was in a great mood. He and Robert went to check the progress of the studio's office renovation.
Bella was responsible and the remodeling was moving rapidly. It was expected to be completed in three days. She had already ordered office furniture, which would be delivered within five days to meet the crew's work needs.
---
After parting ways with Robert, Linton suddenly thought of Naomi. He wondered how her dance practice was going. He had heard over the phone she was training daily in the dance studio, so he decided to drop by to check on her.
Near Universal City Square, on the second floor of an office building, was the Cahill Dance Studio -- a private ballet rehearsal space. Coach Cahill had retired from the New York Ballet a few years ago and opened this studio in Los Angeles.
Linton arrived at the studio door to see Naomi practicing intensely, drenched in sweat, while a middle-aged female teacher observed and occasionally corrected her.
It was clear Naomi was training very hard and had made significant progress recently.
Linton did not disturb her much. During Naomi's break, he greeted her briefly, explaining he just happened to pass by and remembered she practiced here, so he came to see her before leaving.
Before leaving, Naomi whispered in his ear that she'd be coming to the estate at 10 PM.
---
Back at the estate after dinner, Mira called to report the latest progress regarding his new contract with WMA.
Since Mira reported to Vice President Logan about the high-level executives from CAA and ICM throwing offers and conditions at Linton during the charity auction on the 27th, WMA's top management attitude had changed.
Logan and CEO Abe Lastfogel personally coordinated with senior partners and reached a basic consensus. The board meeting slated for the next day was expected to approve Linton's request for a 6% commission rate.
Linton was slightly annoyed with WMA. Last year, WMA didn't invest any money in him at all, and he helped them make so much money. Now, with contract renewal dragging on, the decision-making efficiency was frustrating. No wonder they couldn't match CAA's prowess.
Still, he appreciated Mira's efforts and informed her over the phone that distribution cooperation with Universal was nearly finalized.
---
That evening, Naomi arrived at Linton's estate as promised. They first had an intense and passionate encounter. Then Naomi shared her progress in dance training.
Since Linton promised to cast her as the lead in Step Up, Naomi and her agent had turned down all other work. She hired Cahill as her ballet instructor and fully committed herself to dance training, practicing 12 hours daily. The results were impressive and rapid.
Linton noticed she had blisters on her feet but no complaints. He admired her determination -- no wonder she'd succeeded, rising from waiting tables to top star all on her own, fueled by talent and relentless drive.
He updated her on the film project: the script was finalized, choreographer Anne was working on the dance sequences, distribution deals were in place, and the project would soon be fully underway.
The good news excited Naomi -- her movie dream was finally taking flight.
Feeling fired up, she embraced the role of a female knight, initiating passion anew and unlocking new moves, embodying the "fail and try again" spirit.
They had sex until 3 AM before finally resting.
...
After Naomi fell asleep, Linton tenderly used his spiritual energy to help disperse bruises under her feet and heal the fatigue from her rigorous practice.
In fact, Linton didn't realize his own life force energy could have handled these issues effortlessly.
...
The next morning, Naomi woke up feeling more energized than ever. Fatigue from days of intense training was gone, and her foot injuries had disappeared.
Surprised, she asked, "Darling, what kind of magic did you work on me to make me feel this good?"
Linton laughed it off, saying it was the balance from their passion. "Since you feel good, keep training hard. It'll make filming smoother and the results better."
"If having sex with you has such effects, I'll definitely come to you for recovery after every practice," Naomi joked as she left, full of energy.
---
Linton then met with Robert and Goodman at Levitt's office to sign the distribution contract. Levitt had assembled lawyers and relevant staff.
They reviewed the agreed framework clause by clause. After two hours of discussion and compromise, the contract was finalized.
Universal would distribute Linton Studio's Step Up film.
Distribution fees were set at 25% of North American box office revenue, 30% for overseas box office, 20% from videodiscs and all TV rights income, and 50% of total merchandise revenue.
The initial theatrical release was planned for August, with exact dates to be negotiated when the film was completed.
After the final cut, Universal would organize experts to review the film and host test screenings with randomly invited audiences to rate it.
If experts approved and audience scores averaged B or higher, Universal committed to spend no less than $2 million on marketing and open in no fewer than 1,500 theaters; otherwise, marketing and theater count would be halved.
Linton was confident in the movie, and he had the finished film as reference in his mind, so he did not fuss over contract details but agreed promptly.
Notably, Universal did not include movie rights or sequel first distribution rights in the contract, possibly showing lack of confidence in the film. Linton didn't mind and saw it as a bonus.
Additionally, Universal would assign a producer to serve as assistant producer and provide studio space and post-production facilities for the team.
Of course, Linton Studio would pay market rates for labor and rental fees.
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