[Chapter 65: Mercedes Signing and Audition Chaos]
On February 17th, Linton didn't attend the first round of auditions with the crew, instead entrusting Robert and his team to handle it. He also planned not to participate in the second round, only to join the final third round for the ultimate decision.
Accompanied by Mira, Ellie, Carnes, Danny, and Goodman, he traveled to the Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, to attend a press release for a signing event called by Mercedes-Benz.
The signing with Mercedes went smoothly. After investigation, Mercedes-Benz signed Linton as the spokesperson for their G-Class SUV series with a three-year contract.
Being a global corporation, Mercedes didn't settle for a flat rate for the whole term but set a tiered base endorsement fee of $3.5 million, $4.5 million, and $5.5 million per year, paid quarterly.
Moreover, Mercedes promised to actively sponsor films starring Linton. However, the movie Step Up wasn't suitable because the lead male character, Tyler, wouldn't realistically afford a Mercedes.
Obligations stated in the contract required Linton to always drive a Mercedes G-Class when behind the wheel. For special occasions, he must communicate with Mercedes in advance. During negotiations in Los Angeles, Mercedes had already provided him with two G-Class SUVs -- one black and one white.
Before July this year, Linton had to cooperate in shooting a commercial promotional film for Mercedes. During the contract, he had to participate in at least one commercial shoot and attend at least one business promotion event annually for the G-Series.
After signing the contract and attending a business event with Mercedes, Linton, still concerned about the film production, didn't stay in Germany long. On February 19th, he and his party hurried back to Los Angeles.
---
The next morning, Linton visited the studio and convened a meeting with the main production members to review the auditions and discuss detailed filming plans.
"The eight main roles we set for auditions each had over 30 applicants after announcing the casting call. After preliminary screening, we eliminated a bunch who didn't meet the requirements.
From the 17th, we rented an audition venue at Universal Studios. After three days of the first round, plus invitees and actors with connections, each role still had about 10 candidates moving on to the second round, scheduled to start tomorrow."
Robert briefly summarized the audition status and handed Linton a thick stack of materials listing those who passed the first round and a few who went straight to the third round.
Among those advancing directly to the third round were Halle Berry, Tyra Banks, and Snoop Dogg. These names matched the character templates discussed earlier, and since they agreed to the audition invitation, they were guaranteed final-round participation.
"Did Tevin Campbell not respond?" Linton asked, not finding his name on the list.
"Maybe he didn't like the role's character design," Robert said.
"If he doesn't come, that's fine. Hollywood doesn't lack actors anyway."
Flipping through the list of those who passed the first round, Linton noticed Matt Damon was included. No other familiar names appeared, but since Matt was just a newcomer, Linton didn't comment much.
"Alright, let's start the second round of auditions as soon as possible. Let's aim to finish within two days. Make sure the second round is strict. No more than five candidates per role should advance to the third round."
"You're not joining the second round?"
"I'm busy. You handle it. I'll be there for the final round."
Robert and the team exchanged glances, feeling Linton gave them too much freedom. They wondered if he was unaware of Hollywood's audition antics. As the final decision-maker, if he cared to, the actresses auditioning would probably be eager to win his favor.
But since he was not attending, they felt freer to indulge in less ethical behaviors.
Linton wasn't interested in these backstage games. Only actresses who could help his craft interested him. Besides, he had to record the movie's songs before filming, so time was tight.
...
They reviewed the detailed filming schedule: the movie would shoot over 65 days, starting March 15th.
The first 40 days in Los Angeles, mostly on Universal Studios sets, with some local exteriors. Then, 25 days shooting on location in Baltimore.
"Since the schedule is confirmed, please have the production team finalize the locations for exterior shooting, set building in the Universal sound stages, and handle costume, props, and equipment rental."
Finally, Linton asked Robert about progress in securing sponsorships for the film. The reply was no interested businesses yet.
"Keep looking," Linton encouraged.
---
During the day, Linton went to Universal Records to record songs and practiced dancing at the mansion in the evenings. Thanks to his recent breakthrough, his vocal skills improved significantly, and recording progressed quickly.
At this pace, within ten days, he would complete his solo parts for seven tracks and vocal parts for four duets (men and women recorded separately).
---
On the 23rd, Universal Records brought good news: Linton's debut album had officially surpassed 30 million copies in global sales. Universal arranged several media interviews for Linton during the day, where he also promoted Step Up.
That evening, Universal hosted a grand celebration dinner. Afterward, Shania naturally came to the mansion to present a special celebration ritual.
The two worked well together, with numerous joyful performances. Their lively singing echoed, filling the room with a warm, intimate atmosphere...
---
Amid the busy schedule, time flew. On February 25th, Linton hosted the final round of auditions, swiftly finalizing the eight main roles. Halle Berry, Tyra Banks, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg were all selected.
They cast Matt Damon as the villainous boyfriend to the female lead. Given Damon's potential to become a top star, his acting was reliable, and the role required someone not too handsome, making him perfect.
Linton didn't remember the other three actors but confirmed their looks and skills fit the requirements.
"Since the final auditions are done, Robert, please have the production team start salary negotiations with their agents ASAP. Sign contracts quickly so they can familiarize themselves with the script and partake in rehearsals."
"Sure, three days at most to finalize all contracts."
"Move quickly, but keep salaries under budget."
"I guarantee we won't exceed the budget," Robert confidently assured.
Linton didn't get involved with minor roles or extras; the production team had already selected them based on a package from the William Morris Agency. Extras and dancers were chosen from major dance troupes. Due to Anne's influence, her troupe made up the majority, and all qualified members were included.
...
During this time, Linton heard and saw a lot. Producers, casting directors, cinematographers, Zack, even his two assistants - all benefited. Even low-key crew members had used auditions to sleep with several people...
Hollywood was chaotic, but he hadn't realized it was this wild. In this film project, nearly everyone used the opportunity to engage in perks and favors - men with women, men with men, women with men, women with women - all sorts of mess. Gossip spread everywhere within the crew.
His assistant Bella diligently collected and organized this information, reporting to Linton, serving as his eyes and ears on set.
This gave Linton deeper insight into Hollywood's mess, especially compared to the purity of the music industry.
Still, Linton didn't intervene - too much cleanliness kills the vibe. Besides, this was just part of Hollywood's rules.
He merely checked that salaries stayed within budget and approved everything.
*****
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