Paramount Pictures invested $50 million in Titanic, just like Duke, accounting for one-fourth of the total investnt. When Tom Cruise ntioned that they were facing financial difficulties, Duke wasn’t surprised. Instead, he thought it was quite normal. After all, Paramount Pictures wasn’t just investing in this one film project, and Jas Caron’s repeated delays were pushing investors to the brink of collapse. Even 20th Century Fox was extrely dissatisfied with him.
If it weren’t for the fact that the project’s potential success was enormous, Duke would have thought that withdrawing funds or firing the tyrant director was the wisest choice.
The reason was simple. Last year, Jas Caron finally presented a release schedule for the film. According to the plan, Titanic was set to release during the sumr season this year. However, earlier this month, the tyrant director inford the investors, including Duke, that post-production was only halfway done. A sumr release was impossible, and the film would have to be postponed to the Thanksgiving or Christmas season!
One can only imagine the expressions on the faces of Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox executives, who had already been tornted by Jas Caron for three years.
To put it bluntly, they probably wanted to kill Jas Caron. If replacing the director were even remotely possible at this point, Duke was certain 20th Century Fox would have asked him to take over again.
The news inevitably leaked. All of North Arica’s dia had turned Caron, Fox, Paramount, and Duke’s studio into the biggest laughingstocks, even calling them the most foolish group in film history.
To gain investors’ support, Jas Caron not only brandished a blade at a press conference, saying he’d use it on himself if the film failed, but also offered to waive his $8 million director’s fee.
But compared to a $200 million investnt, $8 million was barely a drop in the ocean.
Jas Caron had exhausted the patience of both Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox. Furthermore, the delay in releasing the film ant that, for the past three years, not a single cent of their investnt had been recovered!
"Paramount Pictures has already signed a distribution agreent with my film studio," Tom Cruise said, adding, "They will only contribute a small portion of the funds. My current cash flow is insufficient. I’m seeking funding from banks and so foundations, but it’s proving challenging. I hear most of them are inclined to invest in overseas financial markets..."
Overseas financial markets?
Duke shook his head, abandoning impractical thoughts and turning his focus to Tom Cruise’s project. He probed, "Tom, may I ask what the total budget for your film is?"
Tom Cruise hesitated briefly. Feeling Nicole Kidman’s gentle nudge on his arm, he finally said, "The production cost is estimated to be around $80 million."
"How much funding have you secured so far?" Duke asked.
"Uh..." Cruise frowned slightly before answering, "Paramount Pictures plans to invest $10 million. I’ve raised $40 million myself, but there’s still a $30 million gap."
"I have a suggestion, Tom." Duke looked at Cruise and decided to be direct. When dealing with people like Cruise, beating around the bush only caused misunderstandings. "Duke Studio could invest in your project. Would you consider it?"
"You want to invest?" Cruise seed incredulous.
Duke nodded seriously. "If you and Paramount Pictures have no objections, we can begin negotiations right away."
"I..." Tom Cruise hesitated for a few seconds before saying, "Can I think it over, Duke?"
"Of course, Tom." Duke walked over and gently patted him on the arm. "I really want to continue our collaboration."
The Mission Impossible series was one of the most successful franchises. Now that he had a chance to invest, Duke wasn’t going to miss it. If Cruise refused, he wouldn’t lose anything.
If Cruise agreed, Duke would definitely fight for partial rights. This was essentially a long-term, stable source of inco.
Moving to a quiet corner, Duke ignored the ti zone difference between the US and UK, dialing Nancy Josephson to relay a few instructions.
Having considered so many things tonight, Duke felt a slight tightness in his head. Hanging up, he went to the lounge, ordered a cup of strong coffee, and sat at a table, hoping for a mont of peace.
Taking a sip of coffee, he looked up and saw a young woman sitting directly across from him, separated by just one table. True to her group’s performance style, she wasn’t wearing an elaborate, luxurious gown. Instead, her outfit exuded a unique charm.
She wore straight cropped pants and a low-necked khaki top. The fitted design accentuated her slim, slender figure, especially her upper body. Although her chest wasn’t large, it was strikingly attractive. From his experience, Duke could tell she wasn’t wearing a bra.
To an outsider, it seed Duke glanced at her chest. In reality, he noticed the freckles on her skin.
This was entirely normal. No one is perfect. The stunningly beautiful actresses on the silver screen owe much of their appearance to makeup and post-production techniques.
Taking another sip of coffee, Duke stood up and walked over.
"Hello, Miss Adams." He gestured to the seat across from her. "May I sit here?"
Victoria Adams looked up at Duke. Surprise flashed briefly in her eyes before she said, "Hello, Director Rosenberg. Please, have a seat."
"Just call Duke," he said, sitting down across from her.
Victoria quickly responded, "My friends call Vic."
Motioning to a server, Duke ordered two glasses of champagne. Raising his glass, he said, "To our eting tonight. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Victoria raised her glass as well.
After finishing their champagne, the two seed to grow more comfortable. After chatting for a bit, Victoria tentatively asked, "I think I’ve heard soone ntion that you’re a shareholder in Victoria’s Secret?"
"Just a minor shareholder," Duke replied modestly.
In reality, he had participated in Victoria’s Secret’s last two rounds of financing. Though he only held 6% of the shares, he was the largest individual shareholder outside the investnt funds and holding companies.
"I heard from so of the models backstage about Heidi Klum," Victoria said, clearly skeptical of Duke’s modesty. "They all say she owes her chance to be an Angel and her top model status to you."
"Rumors are never reliable," Duke said, steering the conversation away. Discussing another woman in front of Victoria wasn’t wise. Changing the subject, he added, "Your performance tonight was amazing, especially you, Vic. Let think of how to describe it..."
Status and position were natural auras. When Duke said this, Victoria’s eyes lit up, her face filled with anticipation.
"Cool!" Duke leaned forward slightly, looking serious. "You’re a very cool girl."
"Thank you!" she said, though fleeting disappointnt crossed her face. She added, with a hint of discontent, "Actually, you should be able to tell I don’t have a high standing in the group."
"No, no, Vic," Duke waved his finger. "You’re just getting started. Those in the lead now might not last. I believe you have great potential. With the right support, you’ll be the one who laughs last."
Victoria seed to misinterpret his words. "We’ll soon be holding a concert in Los Angeles. Will you co?"
"That depends on my schedule."
Seeing her misunderstanding, Duke didn’t bother to clarify. Instead, he said, "It’s a bit chaotic here. Why don’t we go sowhere quieter? I can also check my schedule."
Not exactly a naive girl, Victoria knew what this ant. She appeared hesitant, weighing the pros and cons.
Duke wasn’t in a rush, patiently waiting as he watched her.
Within seconds, Victoria’s hesitation vanished. Flashing a sweet smile, she linked her arm with Duke’s, leaving the banquet hall together.
For this trip to London, Duke had been staying at the Hilton Hotel, as usual. Taking Victoria to the private elevator, they went straight to the presidential suite floor. Passing the service desk, Duke ordered a bottle of red wine.
"Please, Vic," Duke said, opening the door and motioning her in.
After entering, he poured two glasses of red wine. They sat together, chatting and laughing as they sipped their drinks.
As midnight approached, they each took turns using separate bathrooms before entering the master bedroom.
Having co this far, Victoria knew what was going to happen. When Duke removed her towel, they naturally ca together, like young lovers experiencing their first taste of passion.
Rain-like kisses fell on Duke’s broad chest. His large hands road every inch of Victoria’s body. Though still slim and slender, her figure was not yet the unnaturally thin look she’d adopt later, making her all the more appealing to touch.
With a crisp sound, Duke flipped Victoria over, pressing her down onto the thick mattress. His hands moved gently along her back and hips, eventually covering her entirely. Their movents grew more intense, filling the room with rhythmic sounds.
.....
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