[Chapter 47: The Producer]
[T/N: As the story is preogressing, it feels like a rewrite of another novel 芝加哥1990 by 齐可休.
Premise of that story is the MC is reborn as an African-Chinese in Chicago slums. It is somewhat similar to my other translation, Rhythm and Ray - A DJ's Journey in the context of getting songs inspiration. It deals with East-West gang fights, though there is some racism, it is minimal. Though it gets frustrating some times with MC's simp behavior.
That novel is completed with 1524 chapters in 2021. Tags: Time travel, 90s, Chicago, American entertainment, composer, screenwriter, producer, media group.]
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At 4:30 in the afternoon, Linton arrived at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, heading to a small office building and soon reaching Professor Mike's office. Mike was a professor specializing in film production.
Linton's major was directing, with Professor Johnson as his main mentor. However, during college, he also took film production courses taught by Mike and had earned the professor's approval, forming a good relationship.
He knocked on the door and heard a familiar voice say, "Come in." Linton pushed open the door and greeted, "Good afternoon, Professor."
Mike took off his reading glasses and replied, "Oh, Linton, have a seat anywhere you like."
Linton sat down without hesitation and said with a smile, "Professor, I'm bothering you again."
Mike turned to face him, saying, "No worries. It's gratifying to see your singing career developing so well. But since you're so busy now, you wouldn't come by without a reason. What's on your mind?"
"Professor, though I've made some achievements in my singing career, you know my childhood dream was always to make films. I've done well academically and even had my short films recognized by the school. Now, I want to invest in making a film and direct it myself."
"What? You're going to finance and direct your own movie?" Mike asked in disbelief.
"Yes, I've already finished the script. It's a youthful musical drama."
"I admire your passion for the film arts, but as your professor, I must advise caution. Making a film is a risky endeavor."
"That's why I'm asking for your help and producer experience."
Mike laughed it off, saying, "I've been away from the front lines for over ten years, and I can't say I was ever that successful."
He opened a drawer and pulled out several notebooks. "Here are some work notes and insights from my days as a producer, including analysis of why projects succeed or fail, with examples of both."
Linton eagerly took the notebooks, knowing how valuable this experience was.
"I have one more favor," Linton said.
"Go ahead."
"Since this movie might be independently financed by me, could you introduce a reliable producer to oversee and coordinate the entire project?"
Anyone somewhat familiar with USC's School of Cinematic Arts knew that the professors combined theory with hands-on experience. Many had Hollywood industry backgrounds, and many graduates became key figures in Hollywood.
Mike asked, "You need a producer?"
"Yes, please introduce me to someone suitable."
After some thought, Mike said, "I can introduce you to Robert Lewis, ten years your senior, a graduate in film production and also one of my students. He's now an independent producer who successfully handled a modest art-house film, West Love Story. He's also performed well in commercial cinema, having served as executive producer on Pretty Woman and Rain Man. He should meet your requirements."
Mike pulled out a phone book and gave Linton Robert Lewis's number. Linton made note and thanked him, promising to contact him immediately.
...
Leaving USC's school, Linton called Robert and arranged to meet the next day at 3:00 PM at the Sunshine Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard.
Since he had decided to shoot Step Up, a film with many dance scenes and high ballet skill requirements for the leads, he knew he had to be the male lead himself. He also needed to quickly cast the female lead to start ballet rehearsals promptly.
Linton had already considered the female lead. For this youthful idol film, the lead needed to be beautiful with the refined demeanor of a wealthy girl from an upper-class family, have a height suitable for a ballet dancer (between 5'4" and 5'7"), and possess strong dance skills.
The original film's female lead was criticized for not being attractive enough and being only 5'2". Since Linton was in control now, he wanted to pick an ideal actress.
Strictly following the script, Linton's first choice was Catherine Zeta-Jones or Rachel Weisz. However, both were still in the UK, and he didn't know them personally. For a newcomer director like him, sending random audition invitations might not have been taken seriously. Plus, the film had to be released by August, so time was tight. He set aside that idea.
Instead, he decided to choose among three actresses he knew well: Cameron, Winona, and Naomi. All had proven themselves in their previous lives.
Among them, Naomi was the best fit for the role; her facial features were elegant and poised, she was 5'5", slim, and well-suited to ballet, with the polished presence of an affluent young woman. Cameron was too tall and voluptuous for ballet, and Winona had more of a girl-next-door vibe, better suited for roles with a melancholy or quirky character, not fitting the heroine's image. Besides, Winona had recently landed the leading role in the thriller Bram Stoker's Dracula and was busy, plus at her current fame level, she might not be interested in a newcomer director's film.
Linton decided to call Naomi and invite her to the estate for dinner.
...
At the same time, Mira messaged good news: two script doctors had contacted them and would visit the estate tomorrow morning.
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That evening at Linton's estate, after dinner with Naomi, they went to the office. Linton pulled out the Step Up script and said, "Here's the film I'm planning to invest in and direct. Take a look."
"Darling, are you making a movie?" Naomi asked warmly.
"Yes, I've been planning this for a long time."
"Darling, can I play the role of Nora?" Naomi hugged him and asked sweetly after reading the script.
"That's why I invited you here. I'm leaning toward having you as Nora, but the dance requirements are very high. Can you handle it?"
"No problem. I practiced ballet as a child. Although it's been a while, I still have the fundamentals. From tomorrow, I'll find a professional teacher to start ballet training. I promise that when filming starts, my ballet will meet your standards."
Such a wonderful opportunity was like pie in the sky. Naomi wouldn't let it slip away.
"Alright, I'll say this upfront: if your dancing isn't up to standard, I'll have to replace you."
Although Linton wanted to give her the chance, he had to ensure she felt the pressure. That was necessary for the film's success.
"When do you plan to start shooting?"
"The script is nearly polished, and I'll start the project soon. But this is my first time handling operations like hiring a producer, distribution partnerships, location scouting, building the crew, casting, rehearsals, etc. So filming probably won't begin until mid-to-late March."
"You have about two months to train, no -- actually only one month, because by late February, when we form the crew and start casting, the casting team will certainly test your dancing skills. If you can't pass, I can't force it."
"Don't worry, I won't let you down," Naomi said with determination tempered by the pressure.
"Get ready, and keep this all confidential."
"Darling, how about we try something new tonight?" After business was settled and thrilled by the good news, Naomi made the first move, slipping under the desk.
Passionate moments filled the room, thankfully, the office connected directly to the master bedroom...
They finally fell asleep, holding each other, around 3 AM.
*****
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