Hollywood Immortal Chapter 55 56: Reactions, Media Doubts

[Chapter 56: Reactions, dia Doubts]

Hollywood had no secrets after all. Linton had just finished lunch at the estate when he received a call from Winona Ryder. She had recently landed the lead role in the movie Bram Stoker's Dracula, and was already in training in Los Angeles. She heard that Linton was planning to invest in directing a new movie and called to ask if she could star as the lead herself.

"Winona, didn't you just take the lead in Bram Stoker's Dracula? My movie is planned to start filming in February and finish by May. Will you have ti?"

"Ah, your new movie just started production? I probably won't finish filming until June."

"My film is a low-budget youth musical with a simple production schedule. Training starts in February, filming from March to May. Besides, it's such a small project -- do you even want to be part of it?"

"No matter how small your investnt is, I want to act in it. But I really can't at that ti. Just promise you'll tell first when you have a new project."

"Fine, I promise I'll let you know. But Bram Stoker's Dracula is a big budget hit; just give it your best and the box office will definitely explode."

"I hope you're right. I'll co over to your apartnt tonight after training."

"Won't that interfere with your shoot?"

"It's just one night. Okay, see you at 8 pm. Bye."

...

Then Caron Diaz called. She had recently taken the lead in the art film August Love and was filming in New York.

"Hey darling, I heard you're investing in directing a new film. Is there a role for ?" Caron was modest, not directly asking for the lead.

"Michelle, my film is a youth musical featuring ballet. You're too tall, not suited for the lead. Also, filming starts fast in February -- you're too late."

"Why didn't you say earlier? I wouldn't have taken this current role."

"Don't say that. In Hollywood, before becoming a big star, you can't be picky. You have to seize every opportunity. This project just started recently and production is moving fast because it's going smoothly."

"Sweetheart, next ti you have a project, tell first, okay?"

"Okay, no problem."

"Love you, bye."

After hanging up, Linton felt amazed by how much movie roles attracted Hollywood actresses.

...

In the afternoon, Linton went to Burbank's 15th Street to a three-floor office building where Anne's dance studio was located. The studio was quite large, about 3,000 square feet, with 5 studios -- 2 large and 3 small. Except for one small studio, all were occupied.

Entering Anne's office, she was choreographing, constantly moving through dance steps, then stopping to jot notes and sketches.

Seeing Linton, Anne first sent him coffee, then shared her understanding of dance for the film's script.

She believed the success of the movie depended on cool, eye-catching dance moves that could inspire teens to follow, and the key was the dance skills of the male and female leads and two large dance sequences.

According to the script, the male lead was primarily a street dancer. Anne showed many street dance moves designed for Linton to start practicing imdiately.

She led him to a small studio and started dancing, demonstrating the choreography.

Watching her, Linton realized she was an expert. In just a few days, the street dance routines already had a solid form, fused with modern elents -- very cool and not much different from the original film.

Changing into dance attire, Linton practiced under Anne's guidance. Thanks to his exceptional physical abilities, moves that took others significant practice ca effortlessly to him, surprising Anne.

She happily said, "You have great talent and physique. I can increase the difficulty to make the dances even cooler. Practice today's moves, I'll keep refining the choreography."

"What about the female lead's dance? Have you planned that?" Linton asked.

"The female lead mainly dances ballet, and I've started designing those moves. For now, have Naomi start basic ballet training to perfect her posture. That's crucial for attracting the audience."

Anne already knew Linton intended Naomi Watts to be the female lead.

"You need to speed up here. The film crew will formally assemble within a week to start casting. Training finishes by February. I plan to start shooting in March."

"Don't worry, we're all set."

Everyone seed hardworking and dedicated. Linton felt pleased and went back with Anne's dance tasks.

He asked his housekeeper Amy to section off part of the gym as a dance studio. The gym was large with plenty of space.

...

At dinner, Amy brought several evening newspapers.

"Sir, the papers are talking about your movie investnt."

"Oh? What do they say?"

Amy hesitated. "They're not optimistic. They say you are getting too big for your job. You're a good singer but now you're trying to direct movies. No one believes you'll succeed." She handed Linton the papers.

"And there are paparazzi outside the estate waiting to interview you."

"Ignore them. I saw them when I ca back this afternoon," Linton said, taking the papers.

Los Angeles Evening News: "Pop star turned director -- who gave you confidence?"

Hollywood Evening News: "Fantasy gone wild -- can a singer succeed directing films?"

Hollywood Entertainnt: "Inflated Linton switches to directing, what's funnier than that?"

Hollywood Gossip: "Hit pop star spends millions on film -- is it to promote his girlfriend?"

All front-page headlines mocked and criticized Linton for being out of his league, dreaming foolishly of directing films, dood to fail and waste money.

But at least they ntioned the film title Step Up -- a youth musical.

Linton didn't mind. Normally, a newcor directing a film was not believable. Let them laugh; at least this helps raise awareness, essentially free publicity. He planned to prove them wrong with results.

...

While reading, Daniel called, saying he had selected a new female singer and gave an address for an audition the next morning.

As expected, Daniel was acting in his own interest, intending to sign the new singer not with Universal Music but with his secretly controlled production company.

...

At 8 pm, Linton had Danny drive around the city to ditch the paparazzi, then went to Winona's apartnt as promised.

The mont he entered, a soft body embraced him. After over two months apart, both felt passionate and quickly entered "battle mode."

The living room, sofa, kitchen, balcony, and bed all bore witness to the battle...

After a while, resting, Winona lay atop Linton and said, "It's all your fault, you're so impatient. I already opened a bottle of red wine but couldn't even take a sip."

"No worries, it's not too late now. Plus, you haven't seen the gift I brought." He went to the living room and took out the LV bag he had bought in Paris.

"Darling, this is for you from my last trip abroad." She joyfully returned his kiss.

He then brought wine and glasses to the bedroom. Over wine, they shared their past two months' work and life. Linton also briefly introduced the Step Up project.

Hearing how fast the movie progressed in just half a month, Winona was amazed at Linton's drive. She had never heard of such efficient filmmaking and curiously asked: "How could your project advance so fast? I heard film projects usually take at least three months from planning to approval."

"This case is different. Typically, the hardest part is securing investors who want risk assessnts and market surveys before investing. But I'm fully financing the film myself, so I skipped all those steps. Naturally, it moved quickly."

"I see. But you're reckless to invest millions just to fulfill your dream. Did you do any market research? If you fail, it's not just money lost -- you'll be mocked by all of Hollywood, making future films even harder."

"It's okay. I've evaluated this as a youth musical idol film aid at teenagers. As long as the leads are good-looking, songs catchy, and dances captivating, teens will go to theaters. I'm conservatively predicting $40 million at the box office. It won't fail."

"With your looks, the film will surely attract lots of girls. Plus your fans. $40 million is doable."

Linton thought, 'She really is a fan.'

"Of course. But promise next ti you make a movie, tell first so I can see if I get the lead."

"Alright, no problem," Linton agreed reluctantly.

When talking about his Beverly Hills estate, she complained, "There've been rumors about your new place. I've never been there."

"You've always been busy. Whenever you have ti, it's open."

"Promise that after this film, I'll visit. Maybe I can vacation there a few days."

"Darling, I'll be waiting anyti."

"You're such a sweet talker. Let taste how sweet you really are." She kissed him after sipping wine.

The passion resud until dawn.

...

Linton rembered that Winona Ryder once suffered mild depression and shoplifting problems exposed by dia, which hurt her image and career.

Since they were now together, he wanted to help her, subtly using his Soul Induction ability,

he ntally encouraged her to be happy, and when she felt down, to think about their ti together.

He reminded her stealing was illegal and disgraceful, and she must avoid it.

With his current Radiant Core level, the Soul Induction wouldn't cure it all instantly but would last about six months.

He could repeat it later or, once stronger, help her fully recover.

*****

spatreon/Sayonara816.