The post-production of *Titanic* was going smoothly for three main reasons.
First, the division of labor between Cameron and Dunn Walker was clear: Cameron was responsible for the special effects and editing, while Dunn Walker handled dubbing, art design, music, and related tasks.
Second, the special effects company, Digital Domain, was owned by Cameron. For the past few years, its sole task had been *Titanic*, so everything was well-prepared. With Cameron personally overseeing it, everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.
Third, the media's skepticism about *Titanic* was growing louder. It seemed that everyone was convinced that the film would be a massive flop, and they harshly criticized director Dunn Walker.
Despite his youth, Dunn Walker had established strong authority and a good reputation during the three months of working with the crew. Almost everyone was willing to stand by him and give their all to ensure he got a fair shake.
He wasn't just a privileged rich kid; he was a genuinely talented director!
However, Dunn Walker Walker and *Titanic* were currently at the center of a storm of controversy across America. Despite numerous PR efforts by the crew and 20th Century Fox, the criticism remained overwhelmingly one-sided.
It wasn't until March, when Hollywood entered Oscar season, that the heat on *Titanic* began to subside.
*The English Patient*, directed by Anthony Minghella, became the biggest winner at the Oscars, sweeping seven awards and basking in widespread acclaim.
Cameron sighed with emotion as he put down the newspaper, which was full of praise for *The English Patient*.
Dunn Walker couldn't help but tease, "What, are you jealous?"
Cameron shot him a glare, "Hmph! Don't tell me you're planning to make more grand statements to the media?"
"Of course not… Hehe."
Dunn Walker scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. Cameron had hit the nail on the head—he did want to give another media interview and declare that *Titanic* would sweep the Oscars next year, making the film a sensation across America again.
However, this kind of hype was met with caution, from 20th Century Fox down to the crew members, who repeatedly had to manage PR and clarify things.
They were really afraid that Dunn Walker would ruin the movie's reputation.
After all, this was 1997, and the kind of shameless hype that would become common later on was still unacceptable to filmmakers.
Since everyone was against it, Dunn Walker decided not to push it. After all, in just over two months, the film would be released, and even if Fox had no money, they'd have to come up with a few million for promotional expenses, right?
"Are you almost done with your work?" Cameron asked.
"Almost, by tomorrow noon at the latest!" Dunn Walker replied confidently. "Celine Dion's song is sure to move all of America—no, the entire world! *My Heart Will Go On* will resonate in every corner of the globe!"
Cameron appreciated Dunn Walker's eternally optimistic attitude. "In that case, I'm confident that we can completely finish the post-production of *Titanic* this week!"
This time, Cameron kept his word.
Four days later, *Titanic* was officially completed.
But just as the movie was announced as finished, Fox executive Bill Mechanic suddenly seemed to "wake up" and was filled with anxiety.
His eyes were wide open, as if he had seen a ghost in broad daylight.
He couldn't believe that over the past few months, he had made such a colossal mistake—handing over a big-budget blockbuster like *Titanic* to an eighteen-year-old kid!
Bill Mechanic couldn't understand how he had made such an absurd decision. Why on earth had he done it? He was utterly baffled!
"Grant, tell me the truth—how is this movie?" Bill Mechanic was now extremely nervous, having lost sleep for two nights.
Grant praised, "It's unparalleled!"
"Unparalleled?" Bill Mechanic raised an eyebrow, clearly dissatisfied with the answer. He didn't believe that an eighteen-year-old could make a good movie.
Grant sensed Bill Mechanic's skepticism and grew worried. Could the old man be having second thoughts? At this point, what good would regrets do?
"Bill, no matter what, the movie is finished, and it's only a month and a half until its release! Right now, if we want the film to have a good box office, we must focus on promotion!"
Grant subtly hinted that Bill Mechanic's career was now tied to *Titanic*. If the film's box office performance faltered, his position as an executive would be in jeopardy!
Rather than dwelling on regrets now, it was better to go all in. If they won, it would be a clean sweep. If they lost… well, getting fired couldn't be much worse.
Bill Mechanic clearly understood Grant's point, and after a long pause, he looked deeply troubled. "That kid… Did he really say the box office would be at least $1.8 billion?"
Grant chuckled, "Yes, Dunn Walker has never lacked confidence."
Bill Mechanic snorted, "Forget $1.8 billion—even if the box office hits $800 million, I'd be satisfied!"
Grant nodded, "But right now, instead of tearing things down, we need to support each other. After all, we're all in the same boat, aren't we?"
"What does Jamie think of it?"
"Unparalleled!"
"Hmm?"
**Chapter 15: A Lifeline!** *(Continued)*
Bill Mechanic's clouded eyes finally showed a flicker of surprise.
He had known James Cameron for many years. That stubborn madman was often dismissive, even of universally acclaimed blockbusters. When had Cameron ever used such an awe-struck term?
Could this movie really be...
Bill Mechanic's thoughts were racing, struggling to keep up. "The internal screening is set for tomorrow morning. I'll invite some industry insiders."
Grant immediately smiled, realizing that Bill Mechanic had made his decision. He was going to back *Titanic* fully, using his actions to demonstrate his support.
That was all Grant needed to know. With the top executive of 20th Century Fox as a powerful ally, *Titanic* was sure to be treated like royalty in the days leading up to its release.
After Grant left, Bill Mechanic made a call, "Prepare fifty million dollars immediately to promote *Titanic*!"
"I don't want to hear any excuses! I don't care what challenges you're facing, I want the funds I need! Fifty million dollars, not a penny less!"
"From now on, 20th Century Fox has one unified stance: we will spare no effort in supporting *Titanic*! I don't want to hear a single dissenting voice!"
"Get Jamie to cut a two-minute highlight reel right away. I want it on Fox Network, NBC, ABC, CBS—every major television network! Enough! I've already told you, don't talk to me about budget issues. 20th Century Fox can sustain this!"
"Tell Fox Network to cancel all unnecessary commercial promotions during this period. My goal is singular: *Titanic*! I don't care what methods you use, the only outcome I want is for every child in America to know that an unparalleled movie called *Titanic* is coming out in May!"
...
Within 20th Century Fox, a tense silence fell.
Bill Mechanic, the co-chairman and CEO, had launched a series of seemingly crazed actions that shocked the entire company, leaving everyone too fearful to speak out.
The boss had lost it—no one dared to stick their neck out now.
Tom Rothman, of course, knew the reason behind Bill Mechanic's frenzy. The old man was undoubtedly trying to seize one last chance to turn things around, hoping to use *Titanic* to save his position and power at Fox.
But Rothman was calm, even a bit excited.
What could an eighteen-year-old kid possibly accomplish?
The higher they rise, the harder they fall.
Rothman could already see the day when Bill Mechanic, defeated and dejected, would slink away, leaving him to take full control of 20th Century Fox.
As for the internal screening tomorrow morning, Rothman hadn't initially planned to attend, but witnessing Mechanic's humiliation in person might be entertaining.
"Dunn Walker?"
Rothman's lips curled into a mocking smile. A loudmouth with an inflated ego—how long could someone like that last in Hollywood, even if they had a bit of talent?
Bill Mechanic... really was getting old.