The filming of the movie wrapped up, and the time was now 1997.
In January, the crew held a press conference to announce that the filming of *Titanic* had been completed, and they officially announced to the world that the magnificent journey of the great ship would be released on May 8th!
In the past, the release of *Titanic* was repeatedly delayed due to James Cameron's involvement, pushing it to the Christmas season.
But Christmas is a time for family-friendly movies, and a disaster film like *Titanic* was not very appropriate for that time.
Fortunately, after persistent efforts by Dunn Walker, *Titanic* finally had the chance to be released during the summer season.
More importantly, Dunn Walker's involvement significantly reduced the film's expenses, preventing Paramount from needing to invest as they had in the previous timeline.
Once the film is released and becomes a box office hit, everyone at Fox Studios will surely be grateful to me, right?
Dunn Walker thought happily, but the media reporters below the stage made him uneasy, launching their questions directly!
"Director Walker, we heard that you once boldly claimed that the box office for this film would be at least 1.5 billion, with a target of 2 billion. Is that true?"
Grant Hill's face immediately darkened upon hearing this.
Why bring up something so embarrassing?
He had great faith in Dunn Walker's abilities, but his tendency to speak without thinking… was troubling.
"I'm sorry, I had just taken over the director's position at the time, and my estimate of the film's box office was likely inaccurate." Dunn Walker shook his head and sighed.
Grant's eyes lit up with some surprise. He hadn't expected that, after just a few months, Dunn Walker had matured significantly, showing humility. Though he may have spoken too soon, he was young after all, and allowed to make small mistakes.
But the reporters were disappointed. They had hoped to create a big headline. Someone immediately challenged him, "Director Walker, what do you mean by this? Are you going back on your word?"
Grant quickly stepped in, "I'm sorry, Dunn Walker had just taken over from James Cameron as the director at that time and was not fully aware of the situation with the film. It's only natural that he might have made some incorrect predictions about the film's future."
The reporters were somewhat frustrated, looking at Dunn Walker's calm expression, they asked, "Alright, Director Walker, we all know you've lowered the box office expectations. Can you tell us now what you believe the box office for *Titanic* will be?"
Grant couldn't help but feel nervous.
There's a trap in that question. Don't fall for it—never casually reveal a box office prediction.
Dunn Walker raised an eyebrow with a puzzled look, "My journalist friend, you've got it wrong. When did I say I lowered the box office expectations?"
"But didn't you just say you misestimated…" Before the words were fully spoken, another reporter quickly caught on, and a look of excitement appeared on their face, "Director Walker, what do you mean by this? You haven't lowered the box office expectations, so… you've actually raised them?"
Grant was almost in tears!
Dunn Walker Walker!
Didn't we agree to use vague responses, to always be vague in front of the media? You're not pushing *Titanic* into a fire pit, are you?
Dunn Walker ignored Grant's pleading looks and calmly said, "Of course! I've worked hard for over three months; I can't possibly deny my own efforts, right?"
The press conference immediately buzzed with excitement, as all the reporters scrambled to ask questions.
This was a massive scoop!
A young director who doesn't know his limits, making bold claims again!
Dunn Walker remained indifferent to the commotion, maintaining a calm demeanor, "This film encountered tremendous difficulties during production. Kate Winslet even fainted due to a high fever at one point. The crew put in a lot of effort and sweat to complete this work, giving me no reason not to applaud their hard work!"
"Especially Mr. James Cameron, as we all know, spent three whole years preparing for this project, even diving several times to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean to explore the wreck of the Titanic. The dedication of actors like Leonardo, Kate, and Kathy during the filming process gives me no reason to doubt the future box office!"
"I know everyone is eager to create a big story, and I know many are waiting to see me fail, but I don't care! Strength is the foundation, and quality is the guarantee! *Titanic* is my greatest reliance, and as for future box office expectations… I can tell you boldly, the base is… 1.8 billion!"
Dunn Walker's powerful voice echoed throughout the press conference hall.
Grant, Leonardo, and others present were moved by his confidence and perseverance, although… it would have been better if he hadn't mentioned the "1.8 billion" figure.
The reporters below were in an uproar!
A global box office of 1.8 billion dollars? This kid must be insane!
Who was the previous box office champion? Steven Spielberg's *Jurassic Park*, which grossed 950 million worldwide—a figure that shocked many.
But Dunn Walker Walker?
He called out a number that was double that!
Could *Titanic* make twice as much as *Jurassic Park*? Who would believe that?
Only a madman or a fool!
...
After the press conference ended, Grant Hill walked over to Dunn Walker with a pained expression, filled with disappointment, helplessness, bitterness, and resentment.
Dunn Walker, you went too far!
Dunn Walker smiled, understanding Grant's thoughts. "Grant, the film has now entered post-production. In a few months, it will be released worldwide. Do you understand?"
Grant fully understood Dunn Walker's reasoning. Such eye-catching statements would undoubtedly keep *Titanic* at the center of public attention, saving 20th Century Fox a lot of promotional costs.
Especially now, with Fox's financial difficulties making it hard to fund a large-scale promotion for *Titanic*, Dunn Walker's approach was undoubtedly in the film's best interest.
"But if things go wrong… your reputation will be ruined!" Grant lowered his voice, sounding a bit like he was scolding Dunn Walker out of concern. He greatly admired Dunn Walker's talent and resilient character, but in Hollywood, once your reputation is ruined, it's hard to make a comeback.
Dunn Walker was naturally confident and smiled, "Grant, I know my film well."
Grant frowned, "Dunn Walker, I know you're very confident, and geniuses are often very self-assured. But I've seen this happen many times before. You should be prepared. If… if the box office doesn't do well, you'll need to be ready for some serious PR work."
Dunn Walker patted him on the shoulder, "Thank you, Grant. I understand."
Although they hadn't known each other long, Dunn Walker liked his personality—serious about his work, responsible, and gentle and meticulous in his dealings.
Perhaps these are the essential traits of a top-tier producer?
"Director Dunn Walker Walker!"
At that moment, a well-dressed man in his forties, wearing a shiny badge on his chest, approached them.
Grant lowered his voice, "He's from CAA, probably wants to be your agent."
Although Dunn Walker was young and had a reputation for being outspoken, he was still a director who had helmed a big-budget commercial film at a young age, and CAA wouldn't let someone like that slip away easily, even if his internal rating was quite low.
"Hello, may I have your name?" Dunn Walker smiled as he extended his hand. He had big ambitions and a lot of work to prepare for, so it might be a good idea to let an agent handle all the networking.
"William, William Mihawk, senior agent at CAA," William said with a broad smile, slightly ingratiating.
Grant, a veteran of Hollywood, understood CAA's hierarchy well. The so-called "senior agent" was actually just above an intern—the lowest level agent. Above that were positions like economic advisor, senior economic advisor, manager, and director.
"CAA's offer isn't very impressive," Grant muttered with a cold expression.
Dunn Walker didn't mind. For agents, ability was part of it, but luck and connections were even more important. Since he had nothing to lose, he thought he might as well give this one a trial run.
"Director Walker, I have good relationships with many producers and even have a few major projects on hand. If I could become your agent, I would do everything I could to secure some great contracts for you and help you rise to the ranks of Hollywood's top directors!" William Mihawk said, half-jokingly.
William wasn't doing well at CAA, and while Dunn Walker's future development didn't look particularly promising, it was worth casting a wide net. What if he succeeded? Having a top director under his wing would certainly elevate his own status.
"Alright. Grant, could you help me review the contract?"
"Of course!"
...
California had passed many laws to regulate agents' work, aimed at preventing agents from exploiting their clients.
Agent contracts could last a maximum of three years, with the first contract limited to one year. During this time, the client could terminate the contract unconditionally, effectively making it a one-year trial period.
With legal protections in place and Grant's assistance, Dunn Walker quickly signed the contract.
He officially became a signed director under CAA.