[Chapter 50: Soundtrack and Charity Gala]
The next day, Naomi hurried off after breakfast. The tabloids naturally continued to report on their rumored relationship, but neither of them paid it much mind.
Since Linton Studio was more of a shell, they decided to use the estate as their office. Robert arrived with lawyers, and with Goodman's cooperation, the producer contract was signed in the morning.
The contract stipulated a $500,000 fee, paid in three installments: $200,000 upon signing, $150,000 after filming was completed, and $150,000 after the film's theatrical release and run ended. Linton also injected $2 million into the studio as startup capital for the movie, temporarily handled by Henry Zhou as the accountant.
After signing, Robert stayed at the estate to work with Linton and the two screenwriter doctors on refining the script.
During this time, Linton organized the film's sixteen soundtrack pieces:
1. 'Bout It
2. Get Up
3. Give It Up to Me
4. Show Me The Money
5. 80's Joint
6. Step Up
7. Say Goodbye
8. Dear Life
9. For The Love
10. Ain't Cha
11. I'mma Shine
12. Feel'in Myself
13. 'Til The Dawn
14. Lovely
15. U Must Be
16. Made
Out of these, he could solo seven songs. There was one song by the male group, four duets, and four female solos.
Linton suddenly recalled a widely beloved hit from the future called B What U Wanna B. Although the lyrics were somewhat straightforward, the song was extremely inspiring with great melody and arrangement.
♫ Doctor actor lawyer or a singer ♫♫ Why not president be a dreamer ♫♫ You can be just the one you wanna be ♫
Placing this song at the end would perfectly elevate the film's inspirational theme, and since he could sing it himself, it would bring the total to seventeen songs.
He could sing all the male parts in the duets. The remaining female solo and duet female parts were all rhythm and blues, which could be entrusted to a rhythm and blues female singer, plus a male group.
The soundtrack production and release -- including four female solo songs, four duet songs with Linton, and one male group song -- could be negotiated with Daniel. This could secure Daniel's support for the film and help get an international distribution deal with Universal Pictures.
Eight songs could boost a rising star above the second-tier level, which Daniel would no doubt be thrilled about.
---
After organizing the seventeen songs, Linton had Mira register the copyrights with BMI.
Mira visited the estate every evening, reporting advertising endorsement negotiations and tracking film project progress.
---
After two days of discussion and revisions, the script was finalized. The two screenwriters happily left with their handsome pay.
---
The formal preparation phase was next. Linton instructed Robert to promptly draft the project proposal as they would soon seek distribution.
Robert also took time to carefully watch all of Linton's music videos and expressed approval of Anne's choreography skills and Zack's directing talents.
With the script locked, Linton invited Anne and Zack to the estate, told them about the upcoming film, and after they reviewed the script, he expressed his desire to have Zack serve as assistant director and Anne as the film's choreographer.
Both were delighted, seeing it as a rare chance to break into film and expand their careers.
"This is Robert Lewis, the film's producer. Since you're interested, Robert will handle all contract details with you on behalf of the crew," Linton said.
He delegated negotiations to Robert and began storyboarding.
...
Because both sides were eager to collaborate, Robert finalized favorable $100,000 contracts for Anne and Zack within a day through their agents. For them, the opportunity mattered more than the money.
In the presence of lawyers, Robert signed contracts with Zack for assistant directing and Anne for choreography.
Linton then handed the remaining storyboards to Zack to finish swiftly in his style.
Anne started designing dance sequences, with Linton emphasizing the importance of modern dance elements -- cool, stylish moves that would appeal to young audiences.
---
Considering that it would not be appropriate for the crew to come to his estate every time to discuss work in the future, Linton brought Robert to Linton Studio to redesign the office to better suit production meetings in the future.
They arranged four offices and two meeting rooms (one large and one small). The offices were designated for management, fan club, production, and finance departments. Linton appointed himself as the manager and asked Bella to arrange renovations promptly.
---
On the 26th at 7 PM, the Vanity Fair charity gala was held at the Hilton Hotel. Given Vanity Fair's clout in Hollywood, it was a grand affair.
Outside, numerous reporters gathered; each arriving car was greeted with countless camera flashes.
Linton handed his invitation to the receptionist, collected his auction paddle, and was led inside.
At the banquet hall entrance, Vanity Fair's editor-in-chief Tina Brown warmly greeted guests. Upon seeing Linton, she embraced him.
"Welcome, Linton," she said, personally escorting him to his reserved seat where Mira awaited.
...
Before the event began, guests mingled, and Linton met many new entertainment industry contacts with Mira's company.
A commanding middle-aged white man approached, introducing himself.
"I'm Slock Witt from CAA's music division. Could we find a place to talk?" He handed Linton a business card.
"Of course," Linton said knowingly. It was clearly about his agent contract. Although he was very satisfied with Mira and had no plans to leave WMA, hearing offers from other agencies could put some pressure on WMA.
They found a quiet corner, with Mira anxiously close by.
"Linton, congrats on your album's success! Your musical talent surpassed everyone's expectations. Achieving this in under a year is incredible," Slock praised first.
"Thank you, Mr. Witt. What exactly can I help you with today?" Linton asked.
Apparently, CAA was unaware of the film project, possibly due to his team's good secrecy.
"Linton, as you know, CAA is Hollywood's strongest agency, offering the best services and support. We can build a professional team to manage all aspects of your career and help your music thrive. Half of Hollywood's stars are signed with CAA. You should consider it..."
The speech was all fluff with no meaningful promises, which irked Linton.
"Thanks, I'm happy with WMA's services right now."
"Wait, if you have any needs, tell me. I heard WMA takes a 10% commission, but at CAA, we can offer 7% -- a rate only top-tier stars get."
Upon hearing this, Linton grew annoyed, realizing he wasn't even considered a top-tier star. He responded, "Thank you, Mr. Witt. I understand your intentions and will thoughtfully consider them." Then he left, giving the card to Mira.
...
Next, ICM's agent, Colin Lee, approached with a friendlier attitude. He offered a lower industry-standard 6% commission and the formation of a management team for Linton. Linton said he would seriously consider it, which made Mira nervous.
...
The gala began with Tina Brown's heartfelt speech dedicating the event to helping starving children in Africa.
When the auction started, it was less lively than expected, with modestly priced lots. Linton had already previewed the items.
Before arriving, Henry Zhou informed Linton that charity tax deductions up to $3 million were allowable before April, reminding him to obtain donation receipts.
Linton first spent $80,000 on an emerald necklace and $70,000 on a pair of ruby earrings.
Surprisingly, a rare oil painting by Claude Monet, titled Water Lilies, appeared at the auction. It was estimated to be worth just $500,000. Linton, captivated by the tranquil colors and timeless allure, felt compelled to bid and won it for $700,000.
[T/N: A rare Emperor Qianlong jade seal, labeled "Treasure of the Peace of Nine Continents."]
He also spent $160,000 on an oil painting perfect for decorating his estate.
At this moment, Mira nudged him.
"With this kind of spending, you'll likely receive many such invitations."
Linton paused, realizing he'd drawn a lot of attention. Observing others, he saw most bought only one item, few bought two. His four-item purchase was unique.
Wondering quietly, he then refrained from further bids, having spent $1.01 million -- recognizing that a charity gala wasn't just a one-time event.
After the auction, Tina Brown personally thanked Linton for his generosity and invited him for an exclusive interview.
*****
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