Chapter 112: New MV Lead Actresses, Cristiana and Heidi Klum
[Chapter 112: New MV Lead Actresses, Cristiana and Heidi Klum]
Three days later, Linton arrived at the estate with his assistant Meena and headed to the studio to review the final script of Step Up 2. On the way, Meena quickly briefed him: "Lisa from Universal Records called, saying the arrangements for the three singles are completed, and the recording sessions are ready. She asked when you could come over to record."
"Let's start recording tomorrow. Tell them to prepare," Linton replied. "Anything important in the next three days?"
"No, many people called, but since they heard you were in seclusion writing, they didn't bother you much. I took notes," Meena said, handing him the notebook.
...
At the studio, Robert, Zack, Anne, Frank, and three screenwriters had already arrived. The plot of Step Up 2 wasn't complicated. After thorough discussion and revisions, everyone finalized the script.
Linton instructed Frank to start preparing the movie project, quickly begin casting for outdoor scenes, draft the budget, and have Anne and Zack submit the storyboard and shooting schedule as soon as possible.
Considering continuity, the outdoor scenes for Step Up 2 were still set in Baltimore, with the school remaining the Maryland School of the Arts.
"I have only one requirement," Linton said. "Besides keeping the tone of the first movie, the dance needs to be cooler, and the group dance sequences should be grander to attract viewers more."
...
After finalizing the Step Up 2 script, Linton asked the three screenwriters to also revise and improve the scripts for Speed and The Shallows. He promised that based on their contributions, their names would be included as secondary screenwriters in the credits of all three movies.
This was a huge opportunity; being credited as a second screenwriter not only boosted their reputation but also meant they had real movie credits. More importantly, they would receive long-term royalties from the Screenwriters Guild.
Motivated like never before, the three writers were full of energy.
---
The next day, Linton went to Universal to record I Swear, Sold Out, and Taste the Feeling. Thanks to his enhanced ability, he had full control over his muscles, extended vocal range, richer tone, and improved singing skills.
With Lisa's thorough preparations and excellent cooperation from the recording team, all three songs were recorded perfectly in just three days.
...
After the recording, Universal's MV shooting crew was assembled, with Producer Carson, Director Jack, and Choreographer Axe -- all well-known names in the MV industry.
However, the Taste the Feeling MV filming had to wait for Pepsi's scheduling and was planned for mid-October.
Linton wasn't familiar with Jack and Axe; their names didn't stand out in later years either. But despite that, their MV directing skills were outstanding.
Together with Linton, the four formed the core of the shooting crew. Jack's MV scripts matched the era's vibe, featuring handsome men and beautiful women dancing in various settings.
I Swear had a bit of storyline, while Sold Out was pure energetic dancing.
Due to the era's limitations, Linton didn't suggest any changes and gave his approval directly.
...
During the cast meeting, when MV casting was discussed, Linton made it clear he already had his choices for the female leads in the two MVs. Carson and the others could decide on the other roles themselves since he had no time to be involved.
Carson and his team exchanged glances, knowing who the real big star was, and reluctantly agreed.
Linton had long contacted Cristiana Reali for I Swear and Heidi Klum for Sold Out.
Both women aimed to develop their careers in the U.S. -- Heidi coming from modeling, Cristiana from acting -- both needing exposure and popularity to jumpstart their careers.
Given the heat from these two songs, Linton believed they would significantly help their American careers.
...
According to Carson's schedule, the MVs were set to start filming in a week, with I Swear filmed first, each shoot lasting three days.
Afterward, Linton informed Cristiana and Heidi of the shooting schedule so they could come early to sign contracts and rehearse dances.
...
Unexpectedly, upon receiving Linton's notice, Heidi flew in from New York that very night.
Linton didn't plan to have them stay at the estate and instead arranged two executive suites on the same floor at the Hilton Hotel for their accommodation. That evening he picked up Heidi at the hotel.
That night, Heidi wore a sleek black evening gown, highlighting her exceptionally fair and delicate skin, seeming to radiate light.
Her deep, sultry eyes showed a captivating charm, with her smooth blonde hair gently cascading, adding a touch of mystery.
Her fiery red lips and perfect curves -- hourglass waist and hips -- formed the ideal S-shaped figure. Her long, straight legs were alluring, exuding mesmerizing seduction.
Heidi showed Linton her full enthusiasm, freely releasing her charm. Linton also demonstrated his unmatched talent, and they shared a wonderful night together.
...
The next morning, Cristiana arrived from Paris.
She wore a white mid-length cardigan over a white lace camisole, subtly revealing her tiny waist and perfect curves. The slim waist was a feast for the eyes. She paired it with denim shorts that showed off her fair, long legs, making her look sexy and attractive.
When she met Linton in her hotel room, the passion flared, exchanging warmth and wild abandon. The hotel echoed with their joyful voices.
...
In the afternoon, Linton introduced Heidi and Cristiana to each other, ignoring the sharp glances and silent tension between them.
...
Considering Cristiana had no agent in the U.S. yet, Linton introduced her to Mira, who took her to the William Morris Agency to sign a management contract before joining the crew.
He had assistant Meena escort Heidi and her agent to the crew to sign contracts and begin dance training.
...
That evening, Linton hosted a banquet at the Hilton for Heidi and Cristiana.
On the way back to the hotel, Heidi and Cristiana eyed each other fiercely. Both held a murderous look; the atmosphere in the car was tense. Assistant Meena even worried that they might start fighting.
She cursed her boss for being a playboy and speculated, with a hint of malicious glee, that if they didn't fight now, they surely would later in the night -- perhaps even the three of them in a wild threesome. Surprisingly, this thought made her heartbeat faster.
*****
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