Chapter 55: New Management Contract
[Chapter 55: New Management Contract]
Leaving Universal Pictures with the distribution contract in hand, Robert was thrilled and said, "All the major hurdles for the movie are cleared now, but to make the August release, we'll have to speed up the project."
"Yes, we need to accelerate, but can't afford mistakes in the rush. This afternoon, we'll finalize the studio accountant, and I'll work with Zack as soon as possible to map out the storyboards. You need to pick the location for the outdoor shooting in the next few days, and then hurry up with the detailed budget."
"I'll need at most a week to settle the location scouting and detailed budget. I've already hired a scout who's been working; as per your request, he's first checked Baltimore. It fits the movie's style well, so most of the outdoor scenes will be shot there," said Robert, energized now that the Universal distribution deal was sealed.
"I'll try to finish the storyboards within a week too. Tomorrow I am signing the new management contract with WMA. I want WMA to provide most of the package services -- both crew and many cast members. If you have any good candidates for crew, hurry to recruit them," Linton replied.
"Sure, but for the production staff, we'd better hire some externally rather than rely entirely on WMA's package. Otherwise, there could be collusion and conflicts of interest," Robert cautioned.
The two discussed the movie's progress with enthusiasm. Linton considered the schedule and arranged for Zack to come to his estate that evening to discuss the storyboards.
---
During their discussion, Mira called excitedly, reporting that WMA's board this morning had approved Linton's new contract terms. She asked when Linton would be available to sign. WMA wanted to hold a signing ceremony and invite media.
Linton checked his schedule and said, "Let's do it tomorrow morning. I want to finalize the new contract quickly so the movie project can advance."
---
After lunch at Linton's estate, Robert and Linton went to Goodman's office to interview four accountant candidates. After evaluation, they chose Mary Watts, a 35-year-old white woman with 15 years of accounting experience, having previously worked for a small movie company that unfortunately went bankrupt last year.
After Linton and Robert tested her knowledge of Hollywood accounting standards, they immediately had Goodman complete her onboarding and sign a confidentiality agreement.
Once onboard, they introduced Mary to Bella at Linton Studio to assist with the office renovation and setup. They also brought in Henry Zhou to meet her and handle the studio's financial handover.
---
At night, Zack arrived at Linton's estate looking exhausted. Linton noticed his severe lack of sleep and asked, "Zack, what's going on? Are you having trouble sleeping lately?"
"Ah, nothing. It's just this movie. I want to get the storyboards done early, so I've been pulling late nights. Losing sleep caused this, but a good rest should fix it," Zack replied.
Linton realized he had underestimated how much filmmaking excited Zack, who had been working mainly on music videos. Even though Hollywood produced hundreds of films each year, it rarely gave newcomers chances. Being assistant director on Step Up was Zack's rare break into feature films, so he was fully committed.
"Don't forget to balance work and rest. I don't want you burnt out before shooting begins," Linton warned.
"Don't worry, I'm young and can handle it. Here are the storyboards I drew these days," Zack said, pulling out a thick stack and handing them over.
Linton was impressed -- about two-thirds of the storyboard was done in just a few days. It explained Zack's exhaustion; he really hadn't slept well. But the quality was surprisingly high and matched Linton's original style.
"Good work! Keep the same style. Here's some good news: we've signed the distribution deal with Universal Music. Once the storyboards are confirmed, we'll start forming the crew soon," Linton said.
"Great! The storyboards should be done within three days. Also, can my two assistants from the music video days, Tony and Minnie, join the crew?"
"Of course, they're both capable. Have them join as assistant directors," Linton agreed.
Zack thanked him happily and went back to working through the night.
---
The next day, Linton and Goodman, accompanied by Mira, visited WMA. This time, the reception was different: CEO Abe Lastfogel and Vice President Logan personally greeted them at the entrance, with many media reporters invited.
After pleasantries, they moved to the conference room where lawyers and related officials awaited. Both sides reviewed the new contract terms. Though negotiated earlier, final confirmation happened in the presence of lawyers.
There were three major changes:
First, the management commission rate was reduced from 10% to 6%.
Second, WMA promoted Linton to A-level client (WMA ranks artists in six tiers; A-level is the highest. Previously, Linton was at the lowest F-level.). As an A-level client, he received premium services with access to WMA's vast resources.
Third, WMA would establish a co-management team led by Mira to serve Linton. Mira would be the main agent responsible for film production and music business. Two other co-agents would handle media communications/lifestyle support and literary writing, respectively.
To show goodwill, WMA left it to Linton to select the other two agents from among interested agents.
...
In front of the media, Linton signed the new contract with WMA. During interviews, both praised the partnership as mutually beneficial. Linton revealed plans to invest in and direct a film.
Reporters erupted in excitement, expecting a routine interview but instead hearing major news just then.
"Linton, how much are you investing in this movie?"
"Is it a commercial film? What genre exactly?"
"As a singer, do you really have what it takes to direct a movie?"
"Are you switching to film because you feel unfairly treated as a pop star?"
Questions flew at Linton from all sides -- some normal, others skeptical, some even conspiratorial.
Linton shared that the movie, titled Step Up, would be a youthful musical dance film with a $10 million budget. The script was done and he would direct it. He didn't reveal much else to keep some suspense and media attention.
The news was enough to headline tomorrow's media, effectively giving his movie early promotion.
Reporters left satisfied to draft their stories. Linton stayed to meet other WMA executives and choose the two co-agents.
...
WMA was thrilled; not only had Linton just signed a new contract, but his movie project was starting.
Given Linton's status, he would use packaged services for the movie, and as his management company, WMA was the natural choice.
After consulting with Logan and Mira, Linton selected Ellie Lance for media communications and lifestyle support and Carnes Carter for literary writing.
Ellie Lance was a 30-year-old white woman with long blonde hair, tall with average looks, and an approachable aura. She had over a decade of media communications experience and was very capable.
Carnes Carter was a 28-year-old white man with an elite look and strong literary background. For some reason, he didn't become a screenwriter but chose to be an agent at WMA.
After selecting the agents, Linton held a brief meeting to clarify current tasks:
First, Ellie would continue monitoring the Grammys' PR efforts and report directly to Logan as needed.
Second, they'd finalize endorsement deals with Armani menswear and Timex watches. Mira had settled terms, and Linton had met with both companies' executives. The deals were for $3.8 million annually, signed for two years, with lump-sum payments after commercials filmed.
They would closely track cooperation with Mercedes-Benz, aiming for a deal, with Mira leading and Carnes assisting.
Third, most cast and crew for Step Up would be packaged by WMA. The crew formation was imminent, and Mira, Ellie, and Carnes would compile suitable candidate lists for Linton and Robert to review.
Candidates must meet three criteria: competence above average, no negative records, and no drug use.
"Actors aren't urgent now; we'll confirm once the crew is in place," Mira took responsibility for this.
"Mira, meeting the first two criteria is no problem, but adding the third? I doubt Hollywood can muster a crew entirely free of drug use," Ellie and Carnes shared a glance.
"Really? Is drug use that rampant in Hollywood?" Linton asked, unbelieving.
"Yes, from what I know, over 90% of industry workers have used drugs," Mira confirmed.
"Alright, change the third criterion to no current drug addiction, and include a contract clause banning drug use during production. Sound good?" Linton agreed readily.
"No problem," Mira responded.
*****
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