Chapter 113: New Movie Projects and Celebration Party
[Chapter 113: New Movie Projects and Celebration Party]
Heidi Klum and Cristiana never actually ended up fighting like the assistant had imagined.
To keep things discreet, Linton booked himself the presidential suite at the Hilton Hotel and hosted a dinner for the two women there that night.
In fact, Heidi Klum and Cristiana were not direct rivals, and thanks to Linton's careful efforts to ease tension and the smooth flow of fine wine, the two gradually let go of their hostility.
Eventually, the three of them -- Linton included -- opened up honestly in the hotel suite and ended up playing a spirited game of poker, just as the assistant had pictured the three of them in a mixed battle.
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The new office of Linton Films had completed its renovation and was officially put into use.
For the next week, Linton occasionally attended rehearsals on the music video set during the day to stay updated on preparations, but mostly he spent time at the film company discussing and refining the script for Speed with Robert, Kenneth, Blake, and the screenwriters.
Evenings were reserved for lively games with Heidi Klum and Cristiana at the hotel. The three had developed quite a taste for the competitive fun, engaging passionately every night, fully enjoying the poker battles, making for fulfilling and joyful days.
...
Since the Speed script was already solid, the team quickly finalized the final version.
Considering that the movie involved complex locations and a challenging shoot, the crew's workload was heavy. Coordination with the Los Angeles Police Department was essential during filming. Linton planned to keep Robert as the producer and Kenneth as the executive producer for the project.
He instructed them to start prepping the movie project, rapidly begin casting for the location shoots, and draft the project budget and schedule.
If possible, Linton hoped to bring in investment from Universal Pictures, recognizing that the studio's involvement along with the cooperation of the LAPD would greatly facilitate location negotiations and the film's marketing campaign. However, the key condition was that he retained project control.
Given the prospect of Universal's investment, Linton set a market-rate salary for himself in Speed: $1 million for the screenplay, $2 million for directing, and $5 million as the lead actor -- totalling $8 million, although no share was included.
...
After settling on the final Speed script, Linton tasked Blake and the three screenwriters with continuing to refine the The Shallows script, another upcoming film project for the company.
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At midnight on October 1st, Step Up ended its theatrical run after 8 weeks, with a North American box office of $127 million -- a very impressive achievement.
Among movies released in 1992, it ranked fifth in North America and was assured to be among the top 10 for the year.
Over 100 theaters had applied for extended runs, so there might be additional box office growth.
However, during extended runs, theaters took an 80% cut of revenue, with Universal Pictures only receiving 20%, which was even less than their 25% distribution fee. In other words, Linton Studios would earn very little from the extended runs.
Once the film had ended its run, Linton coordinated with Levitt and informed Henry, Mary, and Goodman to begin auditing Step Up's box office and revenue share with Universal.
Universal was hastily discussing television and home video rights for Step Up.
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Brown Company and PepsiCo transferred the advertising fees to Linton Films the day after the movie ended: $1.5 million from Brown and $1.8 million from PepsiCo as the final payment, plus the $200,000 initial sponsorship paid before filming, totaling $2 million.
Both companies had exceeded their expected advertising impact and proactively offered to sponsor Linton Films' new movies. Robert happily replied that the production team would contact them immediately once filming began.
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After a week of preparations, on October 3rd filming of the music videos started at Universal Studios.
The two music videos had simple storylines without complex large scenes, but the two beautiful female leads amazed the whole crew.
...
Filming went smoothly, and three days later, I Swear wrapped. Afterward, perhaps reluctant to leave Linton's presence or unwilling to let Heidi Klum have him all to herself, Cristiana did not immediately leave Los Angeles but stayed at the Hilton, continuing to play with Linton and Heidi Klum at night.
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On October 8th, Sold Out finished filming, and both Cristiana and Heidi had to leave the next day.
The last night's game was especially fierce, with all three fully engaged, releasing all their passion in an intense and long-lasting game that lasted well into the night.
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The next day, after bidding a reluctant farewell to Cristiana and Heidi, Linton returned to the film company to review the storyboards and shooting plans for Step Up 2 submitted by Zack Snyder and Anne Fletcher.
It must be said that both had reasons for success; although neither had officially directed a film before, their experience on Step Up had developed competent directing skills, and both submitted work that satisfied Linton.
Having heard that Linton was visiting the office today, Zack and Anne arrived early, awaiting his final decision. Without hesitation, Linton summoned both into his office and announced: "I reviewed your storyboards and shooting plans; both were excellent and met my standards. You have both passed the test. However, after careful consideration, Step Up 2 will be directed by Anne. Zack, don't be discouraged -- I've promised you the The Shallows film. Its script is finalized, and the project can commence immediately."
"Thank you, boss! I'll make a great film and won't disappoint you or the company," they both expressed joy and pledged to give their best.
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Linton then gathered Robert, Frank, Blake, Mary, Zack, and Anne in a small conference room, announcing the immediate launch of both Step Up 2 and The Shallows projects, setting up dedicated teams to begin preparations.
Step Up 2 had a budget of $12 million, with Frank as producer, Linton as co-producer, and Anne tentatively as director. Filming locations would continue to be Baltimore and the Maryland Art Institute.
The Shallows's budget was $6 million, with Blake as producer, Linton co-producing, and Zack tentatively directing. Considering winter filming, Linton suggested they scout locations in Australia.
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For both films, Linton's screenwriting fee was $500,000, and his co-producer fee was also $500,000.
Subsequently, Robert, Anne, Zack, and their agents began negotiating directing fees.
Unsurprisingly, Zack and Anne valued the opportunity to direct their first commercial film over the remuneration, so they didn't haggle much over pay.
Each accepted $200,000, matching Linton's directing fee for Step Up, and contracts were signed that afternoon.
Finally, Linton instructed Frank and Blake to submit project plans by Monday, planning to open distribution negotiations next week after settling Step Up's revenue with Universal.
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Saturday night, Robert booked the biggest banquet hall at the Hilton to host the Step Up celebration party.
Since the film's run had ended and promotion wrapped, no media or outsiders were invited -- just the crew gathered to eat, drink, and have fun.
Step Up's huge success had lifted everyone's fortunes, with substantial pay increases and increased demand. Even Matt Damon and Edward (who played the fat friend), previously minor players, began to shine in Hollywood.
The biggest winner was definitely Linton -- Step Up had elevated him to a top commercial director and first-tier Hollywood star.
Next was Naomi Watts, who skyrocketed from a moderately known music video actress to a firmly established second-tier star, with fame closing in on the top tier.
After wrapping promotion, Naomi was busier than ever -- juggling endless appearances, signing six endorsements, and recently receiving an audition invitation for the lead role in Sleepless in Seattle.
Then there were Halle Berry and Tyra Banks, two young and beautiful African American stars, now solidly holding their niche in Hollywood's black beauty segment.
Though opportunities remained scarce and competition fierce, producers now prioritized them whenever chances arose, and their schedules were also packed with appearances and endorsements.
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During the first half, everyone was polite, lining up to thank Linton and toast him.
By the second half, everyone let loose, dancing and celebrating wildly. Soon, countless men and women were entwined, and Linton didn't bother policing -- it was typical Hollywood behavior, as long as no drugs were involved.
But soon, he had no time to care. Learning from past experience, Halle and Tyra had planned to stay close, hanging on Linton's arms under the influence of alcohol, exchanging kisses, with Naomi eyeing them jealously beside them.
Deciding to leave the party to the others, Linton took Naomi, Halle, and Tyra back to the presidential suite to play a four-person game.
Luckily, before the party started, Linton had the assistant prepare the presidential suite, affording enough space for the four to enjoy themselves.
*****
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