[Chapter 250: Daily Life on the Island]
"Link, Warner Bros. said that according to your schedule, you can shoot your current film project first, and then the sequel to Batman whenever you have time. As for the salary, feel free to make any requests," Sam Haskel said.
"Yes, Director Link, as long as you agree to collaborate, we can discuss any requirements you have. We are very sincere," Richard Fox added.
Link nodded, munching on a pineapple. "I appreciate the invitation from your company. I've been a fan of Batman, and directing this film would be an honor. However, as an independent filmmaker, I care deeply about creative autonomy.
If I were to direct the Batman sequel, the execution would have to align with my vision. This includes production decisions, script, casting, and editing -- all would be my responsibility, with Warner Bros. not interfering in the process.
Regarding compensation, the baseline pay of $10 million stands firm. If the North American box office falls below $100 million, I don't want a share. If it exceeds $100 million, I want a 5% share of global ticket sales; above $200 million, 10%; $300 million, 15%. For every additional $100 million in North American box office, my share increases by 5%."
Richard Fox furrowed his brow at Link's demands. Three of them were non-negotiable for him.
First, the production work must be handled by Warner Bros. since Batman was their project and they dictated the film's direction. Second, the editing rights often led to disputes between directors and studios. Directors typically had a personal vision that clashed with the studio's commercial interests. In Hollywood, top directors often had final cut privileges. While Link was a top director, his previous conflicts with Warner Bros. raised concerns about handing over a movie with a budget exceeding $100 million entirely to him.
Third, Link's insistence on no sharing for under $100 million showed his confidence in delivering a successful film, which pleased Fox. However, demanding 10% of global revenues for any box office gross above $200 million was excessive. If the film grossed $200 million domestically and $400 million globally, Link's cut would amount to $50 million, which was a steep price.
Richard Fox knew he couldn't decide alone and needed to consult with the company.
"Don't rush. Let's eat first," he said, aware that his hesitation matched what Link had anticipated.
Link had made those demands intentionally to encourage negotiation. If Fox agreed immediately without counter-offering, Link would wonder if he was undervaluing himself or if there were ulterior motives for Warner Bros. wanting him as a director.
...
After lunch, Link suggested they take a stroll on the beach, enjoying the scenery before a big dinner in the main house.
Upon returning to the villa, Sandra Bullock and the others had washed off the sand and changed into clean, comfortable dresses to relax. Some were watching TV, others flipping through magazines, while a few were preparing for a nap.
Even though the four of them teamed up during games, off the court, they were quite independent, each engaging in their own activities and occupying separate rooms -- far less close than they seemed.
Link understood the dynamics and didn't interfere much. He was more interested in their beautiful, glamorous sides rather than watching them enact a drama.
"Link, who were today's guests?" Sandra asked as he entered.
"Mr. Richard Fox, the Vice President of Warner Bros.," Link replied, settling back into a soft couch, wrapping his arm around Sandra's waist.
Not only was she gorgeous, standing at 5'7", she had participated in beauty pageants in her teens, possessing an alluring figure that had only matured into a more pronounced shape over the years.
"Richard Fox? I know him. What does he want?" Julianne Moore, applying a face mask while reclining on the couch, raised a leg and lowered it again to relax her muscles.
Though older than the rest, she also took great care of her body, looking stunning in her own right.
"He wants to discuss making a movie with me."
"Warner wants to partner with you for a movie? I thought you were competitors," Sandra remarked, adjusting her position closer to him.
"Only competitors, not enemies. If a collaboration benefits both sides, why not? We're still in talks, and whether we reach an agreement depends on Warner Bros.' sincerity."
Link gently massaged her most comfortable spots, enjoying the moment.
"Darling, you're amazing. You defeated the seven major studios in the summer box office alone, and now Warner Bros. has come to you for collaboration. It's like they're surrendering. In my eyes, you're the most talented man in the world."
Renee Zellweger approached with a fruit salad, holding a fork with a piece of strawberry poised near his mouth.
"Thanks, you're my sweetest girl."
After eating a couple of strawberries, Link began to feel a bit warm; the atmosphere was heating up. He lifted Sandra and stood up, saying, "I'll be hosting guests in the restaurant this afternoon. You're welcome to join."
"Alright, enjoy your rest," Renee responded, smiling as she watched him and Sandra leave, then turned to Julianne, offering a piece of apple. "When Sandra came, she brought two scripts for Link to consider investing in. What about you? Did you bring any scripts?"
"Not really, I'm here for vacation. This beach is breathtaking, and Link is exceptionally great. I'm enjoying everything here," Julianne said, lightly patting her fruit mask.
"Link is fantastic, but he's too easily swayed. I worry he might blindly invest in film projects that could lead to losses for the company."
"Don't worry, Link is smart, not foolish. While he's generous with women, he has his principles. If Sandra's script isn't good, he won't invest blindly," Julianne reassured her.
"That may be, but listen!" Renee pointed to the sounds coming from upstairs.
Julianne listened closely to the noise from above and smiled, recalling her own past experiences. "I was never like this either, but since meeting Link... he's amazing. He drives me wild."
"Yeah, I'm already hooked," Renee giggled, taking a piece of fruit for herself, then offering Julianne another.
After a while, the noise upstairs changed.
Renee raised an eyebrow. "Jennifer?"
"She was shy and reserved a couple of days ago, but now she's more infatuated with Link than anyone else -- totally obsessed," Julianne chuckled.
Renee listened for a moment, the hot air made her feel sweaty. She set down the fruit platter and stretched her smooth back, saying, "I'm going to take a nap. Are you coming?"
"You go ahead; I'm not sleepy yet," Julianne replied.
"Alright, I'll take my leave then."
Renee padded upstairs in her slippers, her alluring figure swaying beneath her dress.
Julianne watched her go, jokingly calling her a little slut, but the noise from upstairs left her uncomfortably aware of her own increasing heat and subconsciously put her knees together.
*****
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