Chapter 62: Film Crew Preparation, Character Templates
[Chapter 62: Film Crew Preparation, Character Templates]
Back in his office, Linton told Henry Zhou and Mira, "Universal will transfer the money this afternoon. Once we receive it, let's first pay the outstanding $3.5 million for the UK rights of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Then, we'll inject $7.4 million into Linton Studio.
Also, Mira, arrange another charity event for me before the end of February. The budget for this charity is $1.5 million, which will use up all the tax deductions from last year."
"Got it," both replied in unison.
"Mira, you can go now. Keep an eye on the progress of the film crew," Linton said.
...
After Mira left, Linton said to Henry Zhou, "I carefully reviewed the charity fund information you gave me last night, and after careful consideration, I think it's necessary to establish a private charity foundation for myself.
Let's name it 'Linton Charity Foundation.' When registering, make it clear that I am the sole executive of the foundation, with full authority over all decisions including management transfer and inheritance.
If something were to happen to me, the executive must be selected from my direct descendants.
The foundation's donations will focus on medical aid, poverty-stricken areas, and education -- donating food and medicine to poor areas, helping improve transportation, building schools; providing scholarships for colleges and student exchange programs for underprivileged students."
"Boss, how much are you thinking of putting into the initial phase of the charity foundation?"
"Let's start with $75 million in cash. Also, can I donate stocks I bought earlier, or can it be only cash donations?"
"You can transfer the stock account directly to the Linton Charity Foundation without selling the stocks into cash. But I don't recommend doing that."
"Why not?"
"I see you plan to hold these computer stocks long-term, right?"
"Yes, definitely not selling within at least five years."
"Here's the thing: The money you used to buy these stocks was from last year's income, so even if we transfer them to the charity foundation now, last year's tax base can't be reduced.
According to tax law, long-term held stocks do not incur taxes on appreciation until sold.
If you hold these stocks for over five years, we don't need to consider taxes on this asset during this period.
However, if you transfer them to the charity foundation now, these stocks count as part of your charity net assets, increasing the charity base by 5% annually, which adds up to a significant expense over five years.
The best approach would be to sell the stocks first, then donate to the foundation in the same year. Of course, this advice is from a tax perspective."
"Good. Go ahead and start the registration process. We'll finalize the donations after the foundation is set up." Linton thought to himself, 'It definitely pays to have professionals overseeing this.'
"Will do. The paperwork should be done within a week," Henry replied.
---
That afternoon and evening, Linton took rare time in his estate to practice dancing and singing.
Thanks to entering the second stage, his body was fully enhanced. Although Anne's choreographed dance routines were stylish and intense, usually requiring long, grueling training for an average person to master, Linton picked them up quickly after an afternoon and night of practice.
He could already perform them well; with a bit more practice, he would become a street dance expert, ready for film shooting.
As for singing, after almost a year of training combined with his body control from the Starlight Spark, his vocal range and tone greatly improved. His overall skill was on par with top-tier singers.
In a few days, he would be ready to record the 12 songs in the studio for the film.
---
The next day, Linton summoned the film crew's main creative members for the second crew preparation meeting.
Attending were producer Robert, Universal's deputy producer Tim, assistant director Zack Snyder, art director Anne, casting director Jessica Stephens, cinematographer Carter, lighting technician Roblin, stylist Kate, costume designer Simon, and crew coordinator Francis.
Also present were Bella, Logan, Mira, and Carnes.
"Today's meeting is to finalize the character templates. Everyone's reviewed the script storyboard, right?"
Zack pulled out a whiteboard with character relationship charts.
"The male lead..."
His assistant posted a large photo of Linton under the male lead, Tyler's name.
"The female lead is a blonde white girl with excellent ballet and modern dance skills. The character is 21 years old; the actress shouldn't be older than 25. She needs chemistry with Linton's character. Linton has already picked Naomi Watts for this role."
His assistant stuck a full-body photo of Naomi Watts beneath the character Nora's name.
There was some surprise and quiet dissatisfaction among the attendees. Low whispers spread, "She's pretty and has a great figure, but she's a bit short. Linton, you're so tall; the female lead should be taller, preferably over 5'7"," Tim said.
"Let's not discuss the heroine anymore; Naomi Watts is 5'5", which is standard for ballet dancers," Linton said.
Tim and casting director Jessica exchanged a worried glance. ''Both leads are newcomers, and none were selected through auditions. I'm concerned the media will doubt us."
"Haven't you followed recent news? The media has been doubting me and this movie all along. What more can they say? Don't worry. We'll prove them wrong with box office numbers," Linton said with a fearless grin, making everyone laugh.
"For the male second lead, Marcus, we want a Black athlete, a great basketball player, roughly Linton's height or taller," Zack said.
His assistant attached a photo of a basketball player, listed at around 6'3".
For the female second lead, Zack used Halle Berry's photo.
"No way; she's too beautiful. She might overshadow the female lead," casting director Jessica objected.
"That's not a problem. They're different races -- a white girl and a Black girl. It won't be direct competition. Also, having two top beautiful actresses will boost box office since this is a youth musical," Zack explained.
For the male second lead's younger brother, Zack used the photo of the rising Black singer Tevin Campbell.
[T/N: Original name was Belaikanas (貝萊喀納斯). I did not find anyone with that name. I felt Tevin was the most appropriate replacement, looks thin and popular.]
"This kid is very popular now. Having him would attract African American audiences. I think we should invite him to audition," Robert agreed.
The gang member's girlfriend dancing with Linton at the film's start was modeled with Black supermodel Tyra Banks's photo.
"Does this role have to be beautiful?" Zack asked; everyone agreed it was necessary.
The gang member PJ's template was based on El Chapo's photo.
The female principal's photo was Meryl Streep, showing a corporate elite vibe.
The female second lead's boyfriend was a Black musician, cast from rapper Snoop Dogg's photo.
The female lead's antagonist boyfriend had no photo posted, only described as a young, handsome white guy.
These were the main roles requiring auditions.
...
"Jessica, organize these actor templates and send out casting calls immediately. Notify the two main actors' unions and most agencies. Five days from now, we'll have the first auditions," Robert said.
"Got it, I'll handle it right away," Jessica replied.
"For smaller roles and extras, let the William Morris Agency provide the bulk, but the producer team must review and confirm the list. For group dances, the crew can select dancers from major troupes."
"Let's run all these tasks in parallel. By the end of auditions, the main actors and dancers should be finalized," Linton added.
"No problem," Robert answered.
"Also, the script and storyboard are finalized, and both leads are set. The production team can start seeking advertisement sponsorships. We should look for brands willing to place ads.
I have a few suggestions: high-end fashion brands for the female lead's outerwear, two soda companies for drinks, and fast-food chains such as Burger King, KFC, and McDonald's."
"Since you're the biggest star, wouldn't your clothes attract more brand sponsorship?" Tim asked.
"I can't wear those brands in the film; my character is a poor kid from the bottom rung of society. No way I'd wear designer labels," Linton explained.
"Alright, the production will set up an advertising department but don't expect too much. The director and leads are all newcomers, so businesses may doubt box office success."
"That ends the first phase of today's meeting. Robert, Tim, Zack, Anne, Carter, Roblin, Kate, Simon, and Francis, stay behind for further discussions on the shooting schedule, cinematography, and art direction. The rest are dismissed."
*****
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