Chapter 101: Linton Films, Song Promotion Plan
[Chapter 101: Linton Films, Song Promotion Plan]
"After forming the new company, do we have any goals or plans for film production? Or is it just to produce your own movies?" Robert quickly stepped into his role.
"I plan for the new film company to produce 3-4 movies each year. I myself plan to star in one movie a year, and invest in producing 2-3 more films."
"If you're going to seriously expand in the film industry, the new company needs to hire the proper production staff and post-production team to maintain control over the crew, ensure efficient operations, and, more importantly, prevent any under-the-table profiteering."
"You should prepare a company structure and job requirements for us to review. Oh, and the new company should have a dedicated screenwriting department."
"Got it. I'll have that ready for your review this week."
...
At that moment, assistant Meena handed the phone to Linton, saying it was Daniel from Universal Music calling.
"Hi Daniel, I'll be at the office tomorrow. Right now, I just arrived at Linton Studios and am about to start a meeting. Evening is good -- why don't you come over to my estate for dinner tonight?"
Daniel, hearing that Linton was back in Los Angeles, couldn't wait. He proactively scheduled a meeting with Linton to discuss the movie soundtrack promotion. They agreed to meet at the estate in the evening.
...
By the time they finished talking, the car had arrived at Linton Studios. Linton gathered Bella and Mary to join him in the conference room for a studio meeting. Assistant Meena took notes.
Linton first announced the North American and overseas box office results for Step Up and the movie's expected revenue to everyone.
He shared that the film had already achieved tremendous success, exciting everyone. Bella immediately suggested popping champagne, but unfortunately, there was none prepared in the office.
Seeing everyone so excited, Linton instructed Meena to inform the estate's housekeeper Amy to prepare for a celebration dinner later that evening.
"Regarding the overseas full rights transfer of Step Up, Robert will lead the negotiation team along with Mary, Henry, and Goodman.
First, collect data on overseas full right deals of North American movies that grossed over $100 million in the past three years. Plan your negotiation strategy. Once the North American theatrical run ends, we'll begin formal talks with Universal.
My bottom line is that the deal should be no less than 42% of the North American box office. Anything above that, the negotiation group can earn a 10% commission."
"Got it. I'll gather Henry and Goodman tomorrow and meet with Mary to kick off the preliminary negotiations to secure a good price," Robert said confidently. Mary also promised to give her all.
"Also, I've decided to upgrade Linton Studios into Linton Films. Robert will serve as general manager. The new company should be capable of producing 3-4 movies annually. You all work with him to quickly develop the company structure and job requirements.
With the new company established, our current office space may not be sufficient. Feel free to look for suitable locations nearby. This place can remain as the copyright division and fan club office. I will prepare to set up a separate copyright studio here."
Hearing all the good news from Linton, everyone was thrilled and cheered loudly.
"Boss, can I get involved in film production from now on?" Bella raised her hand.
"Yes, once the film company is set up, you can work in the production department while continuing your fan club duties," Linton said.
Seeing Bella's ambition, he naturally wanted to support her.
"Thanks, boss. I'll make sure the fan club work is top-notch."
...
After assigning the work, Linton privately stayed behind with Bella to commend her excellent fan club management and privately rewarded her with a $200,000 check.
Linton knew that the massive success of Step Up was largely due to strong fan support. The fan club's contribution to the movie's promotion was invaluable.
The fan club had become Linton's ace in boosting both box office and record sales, something even Daniel and Levitt were unaware of.
Another reason for the $200,000 reward was that during the recent overseas trip, assistant Meena had accompanied Izumi Sakai, Noriko Sakai, and Sophie Marceau shopping twice, earning a $200,000 shopping allowance. The saying "it's not poverty but inequality that's the real worry" truly applied.
---
That evening, Linton and the studio team celebrated at the estate, where Daniel and Mira were already waiting.
After dinner, Linton and Daniel moved to the study. Daniel told Linton: The movie soundtrack was selling very well -- nearing 3 million copies in North America, and over 2.2 million overseas -- with total sales poised to exceed 10 million.
However, Daniel stressed that Linton needed to invest in promotion soon. As the film's hype declined, if the song's promotion lagged, sales would drop rapidly.
Also, the track B What You Wanna B was of such high quality, but since it hadn't charted well, it hadn't yet topped Billboard's weekly charts.
Last week, it was only at number three. Daniel hurried over to discuss the upcoming promotional schedule for B What You Wanna B.
"I can start full cooperation tomorrow. What are your plans?"
"This promotion will be relatively relaxed. We plan to tour the top ten U.S. cities in terms of ratings.
In each city, we'll visit the 3-4 most-listened-to radio stations, interact with listeners and promote B What You Wanna B, which will help boost album sales. Each city for a day, totaling 10 days," Daniel handed Linton the detailed itinerary.
"I have no objections to the overall plan, but Universal will host a Step Up movie celebration party the night of September 5th, and I must be back for that. So, keep September 5th and 6th free. Schedule chart-promotion activities in Los Angeles for September 7th. The rest is up to you guys."
"Okay. Starting tomorrow, I'll send Duke and your assistant Molly from Universal to accompany you. You'll head to San Francisco."
"Fine. I'll meet them at 9 a.m. at the office. Five of us total -- me, my assistant Meena, my public relations agent Ellie, and two bodyguards. I'll have Meena send you the personnel info shortly."
"By the way, what about the single you promised earlier this year? When are you releasing it?" Daniel asked.
"Don't worry. I'm nearly finished writing two new songs. After this promotion and chart push ends, I'll begin recording. But you need to plan the promotion and release strategy carefully for the best effect."
"Good, good. That makes me feel better. To ensure the movie soundtrack's sales, singles should be released in November and December respectively. That should maximize impact. We'll carefully evaluate the promotional strategy," Daniel breathed easier.
"How are my Grow Up album sales doing?"
"Worldwide sales have passed 34 million copies, but sales have mostly plateaued. Future growth will rely on time accumulating numbers.
I plan to arrange accounting and settlement at the start of September, including August's movie soundtrack sales. Next week you should have your accountant come audit the accounts."
Daniel proactively offered to manage album settlements. It was clear that having a trusted insider as boss had its perks.
*****
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