[Chapter 49: Operative Modes and Choosing the Female Lead]
Since Robert had agreed to join as the producer, he began dedicating himself to devising strategies for Linton.
"First, the script. The overall story is complete, and the logic checks out, but the portrayal of communities and street life lacks authenticity. Also, many dialogues are too artistic. After all, this is a commercial film -- every detail should feel real, so the audience doesn't get pulled out of the story."
"You're a true professional producer. I had noticed that and already hired two script doctors to revise and improve it."
"With the script issue addressed, how are you planning to run this film project?"
"Could you explain in detail?"
"Generally, there are four modes for film project operation.
The first mode is where a producer or director plans a project and pitches it to a big film studio. After thorough evaluation, if approved, the studio invests in your project and takes the lead. They might hire you as the producer or director, collaborating under traditional Hollywood rules. This is the most common mode for commercial, especially big-budget, films.
The second mode is to start your own film company, produce the film yourself, and finally find a distributor. This is usually the approach for medium or small investments and independent films.
The third mode is establishing a studio that partners with an established production company. This is typically how new investors enter the industry."
Linton thought for a moment; the second mode seemed more fitting for him. But setting up a film company involved many considerations, and time was tight.
"Any other modes?"
"Yes, a newer mode emerging in recent years but rarely used -- setting up a shell studio with just finance team, a producer, and minimal crew, sometimes only finance staff; hiring producers externally. After launching the project, you directly purchase bundled services from agencies like CAA or William Morris Agency.
This mode is the simplest and suits newcomers or investors unsure about the film industry wanting to test the waters. But since the crew is all hired externally, control over production weakens. There can even be hidden profiteering, and importantly, films produced this way struggle to secure major distribution. They often end up with limited release or go straight to video."
"Which mode do you think suits our project?"
"The first is impossible. Ideally, the third would be best. But if you want to direct and star yourself, you'd likely struggle to find a willing production company investor unless you gave up a significant portion of profits."
"So only the second and fourth modes are left?"
"Can you set up a film company in time? A youth dance film like Step Up targets mainly teenagers and depends heavily on timing. It must release in the summer to earn good box office returns, latest by August.
Otherwise, you'd have to wait until next year. Since it's already late January, the fourth mode is more suitable. If this film succeeds, you can upgrade your studio into a film company."
"Alright, then let's use the fourth mode. I have Linton Studio under my name, which already covers film investments."
"But the key issue is distribution."
"Leave that to me. I'm still one of Universal's hottest stars. Getting a relatively standard distribution deal from Universal Pictures shouldn't be a problem."
"Give it a try, but be careful. These film giants aren't easy to deal with," Robert warned.
"What next?"
"First, your studio needs an accountant who understands Hollywood accounting rules. Do you have one?"
"No. Our studio currently has little business, and our sparse financial needs are handled by my personal accountant."
"That won't do. I recommend hiring a professional accountant soon and injecting startup capital. Then you can hire location scouts. After confirming locations, someone must negotiate cooperation details."
"Okay, I'll immediately post an ad to hire a studio accountant. The hiring of location scouts will begin after the script is finalized; no need to wait for the accountant."
Linton called Goodman to have him post the accountant recruitment ad for Linton Studio as Robert suggested.
"Regarding locations, when I was in Baltimore promoting, I thought the scenery there fits our film well. Maryland Institute of Art matches our art school setting perfectly. Have someone prioritize scouting Baltimore."
"Got it. Next, we must finalize a choreographer quickly. This film has heavy dance elements. We need to arrange choreography soon and preferably confirm leads to start dance practice early."
"I have a preliminary candidate for choreographer -- Anne, who worked with me on some music videos. Their choreography blends various modern styles and is very marketable. You can check out the music videos.
As for the female lead, I have a preliminary candidate too: Naomi Watts. She featured in two of my music videos, Numb and You're Beautiful. Check them out -- her look and spirit fit perfectly."
"Oh my God, a music video actress as the female lead? Did you fall under her spell?" Robert said, holding his head.
"No, she also played second lead in Manhattan Girl."
"Manhattan Girl? That seems like a low-budget indie film that hasn't even premiered yet. Linton, you're dealing with a multimillion-dollar commercial production -- this isn't a game."
"I want this film to succeed even more than you do. The key is she truly fits the role. Later at dinner, I'll have her over for an in-person audition."
"Alright, but if she can't cut it, I'll have to vote no."
Hearing this, Linton respected Robert even more. This was genuine concern for the film's success; if Robert blindly agreed to everything, Linton would have been worried instead.
"Okay, why don't you come to my estate for dinner? I recently hired a chef who's amazing."
Linton called Amy, his housekeeper, and Naomi to notify them.
"Considering your situation, hire an assistant director soon to help storyboard from the script. Once storyboards are done, you can work out a detailed budget."
"I have a suitable assistant director in mind -- the one who has been directing my music videos, Zack Snyder."
"More music videos? Okay, I trust your judgment since he's your assistant," Robert said wryly.
"Once these are settled, you can formally assemble the crew, cast, rehearse, and plan shooting schedules. But the most critical is securing distribution first."
"Let's summarize: seven tasks now -- one, finalize the script; two, lock down distribution; three, hire an accountant and inject capital into the studio; four, confirm the female lead; five, confirm the choreographer; six, confirm the assistant director; seven, arrange professional location scouting after the script is finalized. Also, I want to sign the producer contract with you first. Anything else?"
"Let's quickly finalize these tasks."
"Alright, let's head back to Linton Estate. The two script doctors are revising the script there now; we can join their discussion. Also, arrange for your lawyer to come tomorrow morning to sign the producer contract with Goodman."
---
Back at the estate, Mira was there and handed Linton an invitation. On January 26th evening, Vanity Fair was hosting a charity gala at the Hilton Hotel.
Linton introduced Robert to Mira and the two script doctors. The five discussed the script; it would take up to two more days to finish.
Though Mira was just an observer, seeing Linton's determination to make a film and that a producer was already hired, she felt even more urgent to push for signing the contract renewal. She planned to pressure the company to approve the new terms she drafted.
In Mira's proposed contract, the company agreed to build a management team to serve Linton, but Mira requested a minimum industry commission rate of 6% -- which Linton also wanted, the company had not agreed yet.
At the board meeting, some executives thought although Linton was popular, he hadn't reached superstar status yet, so they wanted the commission at 7%.
Now that Linton was a singer and set to invest in directing a film, the bundled services deal was a huge opportunity for WMA. If this news spread, competition among agencies would intensify. The company needed to act quickly to approve the new contract.
---
That evening, Naomi arrived at the estate. Before dinner, Linton brought her and Robert to a private lounge. He had Naomi embody the female lead's character, showing several expressions and performing a short ballet. Robert cautiously approved but set conditions: "Your ballet isn't nearly good enough. You need to practice more. When the actors are officially cast, if your dancing doesn't meet standards, I'll insist on recasting."
"No problem. I've already hired a coach today and will fully dedicate myself to dance training starting tomorrow. I'll make sure you both are satisfied," Naomi promised.
---
After dinner, Robert and the script doctors left, with Naomi staying behind. After the passionate session, she laid on Linton's chest.
"Is Step Up about to launch?"
"Yes, Robert is the producer I specifically invited. After the script is finalized, everything will progress quickly. You need to buckle down on dance practice."
"Don't worry; I won't disappoint you. Starting tomorrow, I'll train wholeheartedly and won't come over at night anymore," Naomi said firmly, then kissed him.
"Darling, let's make the most of our time. Tonight, I'm going to wear you out."
And they started anew...
*****
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