[Chapter 184: Revisiting the Collaboration]
After discussing the second phase of the promotional plan, Levitt invited Linton to Lou Wasserman's office. Upon arriving, Linton noticed that Roman, the head of the production departnt, was also there. It seed they were about to discuss the investnt in The Rock. Linton had a hunch about this.
Sure enough, after the secretary served coffee to everyone, Lou Wasserman took the initiative to speak.
"Linton, about the The Rock project you ntioned last ti, I think it's ti for us to have a formal discussion about cooperation."
"Weren't you waiting to see the reaction after Speed premiered? It's only been two weeks, and you're already making a decision?" Linton joked with them, also subtly expressing so dissatisfaction.
"Of course, those two weeks were enough to show the results. Plus, Hoff from the LAPD and I have been in touch -- I believe you have spoken on the phone as well. Their image among the public has greatly improved due to the movie. This proves the promotional effect is indeed effective, and unexpectedly good," Lou Wasserman explained.
"So?"
"With this precedent, I'm confident that if we approach the Pentagon for sponsorship, we will succeed."
"And?"
"I must admit, our previous stance was too conservative. But Universal Pictures is a publicly listed company. Film investnts must go through project review committees and the board of directors for approval. Before now, the project couldn't pass auditing. Please understand."
"But now it can pass?"
"With Speed as a precedent, they have no reason to reject it. If you can bring over the Speed-related materials, we'll imdiately start the process -- call the project review committee and the board. Once the project is approved, we'll expedite cooperation and get it launched."
"Actually, the project has already been initiated, and a lot of early preparation is underway. However, your participation in investnt is still welco in principle, but the previous terms remain unchanged."
"Please specify the terms again."
"First, the maximum investnt share for you is 40%. The project will be controlled and produced by Linton Studios, with other production cooperation terms the sa as Speed."
"That's no problem. Anything else?"
"Second, we want to participate in the North Arican distribution of The Rock, with no more than 30% share. Distribution costs can follow Speed's terms."
"What about overseas distribution?"
"We won't participate in overseas distribution -- it can be entirely handled by you."
The three of them exchanged glances. "In principle, we agree, but your team must share North Arican distribution costs proportionally."
"Of course, but your billing must be audited by our financial officers."
"Rest assured, we're long-term partners -- it's our own people. We won't cheat you and will offer preferential rates."
Though those were nice words, Linton knew better. Capitalists often promised sweet things but had other plans. Still, it was necessary to maintain appearances.
"Alright, I'll have Robert send over the The Rock-related materials later. I hope by the ti I return from overseas promotion, your internal audit process will be completed."
After settling that matter, Linton discussed with Lou Wasserman the donation for the LAPD community appreciation event. Linton had already kept a tally.
During the filming of Speed, direct and indirect support from the LAPD had saved the production over three million dollars, which was still in the studio's accounts.
They decided to donate two million dollars to the LAPD at the appreciation event in the na of the Speed studio.
That amount was quite sincere, ranking in the top three among LAPD's annual donations, excluding disaster relief or insider transactions.
---
Catherine's plan didn't go as she wished. When they returned to the estate, except for Cristiana who was busy on set with Happy Death Day, Madonna, Sophie Marceau, Winona Ryder, Shania Twain, Caron, Jennifer Connelly, Heidi Klum, and even Naomi, who had just returned from the promotional tour, were all waiting at the estate.
...
Speaking of Naomi, Sony Columbia Pictures' managent was chaotic. TriStar Films, a subsidiary of Columbia, had produced a North Arican box office hit, Sleepless in Seattle.
By July 23, Sleepless in Seattle had grossed 98.31 million dollars in its three-week North Arican run, with industry forecasts expecting over 120 million dollars in total North Arican box office.
Logically, overseas distribution would be assigned to the parent company, Columbia Pictures, for full-scale release abroad to maximize global box office returns.
However, bizarrely, TriStar Films wanted to distribute Sleepless in Seattle overseas independently.
But establishing overseas distribution channels was not easy. The parent company had ready channels, yet they insisted on building a separate system, an absurd and unreasonable choice.
This caused the overseas release of Sleepless in Seattle to be indefinitely delayed, inevitably affecting its foreign box office and frustrating the principal creators greatly.
However, for Tom Hanks and Naomi, the impact was minimal. In Hollywood, an actor's status and salary depend mainly on the box office performance of their last three films in the North Arican market. Overseas markets were only a reference.
But an actor's value isn't just about salary; comrcial value reflected in advertising endorsents and business promotions mattered more. Brands often valued global box office (global influence or sales power).
With two consecutive films grossing over 100 million dollars in North Arica, Naomi naturally rose to first-tier star status.
While still on the promotional tour, she received nurous invitations and endorsent offers.
Moreover, the endorsent brands were much higher in tier. Her agent was screening offers, with a basic requirent: no second-tier brands accepted regardless of the fee. First-tier stars demanded first-tier clientele.
...
Of course, all this was nothing to Linton; everyone believed that with him, they would eventually beco first-tier.
Except Madonna, who was already a top-level superstar with unprecedented comrcial value. Few, except perhaps Linton, could compare to her.
She was herself a master of top-tier resources and was gradually transforming into capital.
For her, the key was to maintain youthful looks and vitality, which no one but Linton could provide.
So, when Linton and Catherine returned, Madonna imdiately started organizing a party. With Linton leaving soon for overseas promotion, ti was tight, and they couldn't afford to waste it.
Soon, the main house echoed with sotis sweet, sotis joyful, sotis impassioned, sotis high-pitched singing, lasting all night long...
At this mont, Linton was deeply grateful the estate's forr owners had designed the master bedroom and large bed so luxuriously spacious, allowing him and his entourage to enjoy themselves freely.
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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