[Chapter 187: Uniform Party]
"Can I ask you to be the co-producer of this project?"
"Why this idea?"
"There are two main reasons. One is that Quentin and I haven't had experience managing a successful commercial film, and you're the expert in that field. I need you to oversee the crew."
"There's also something else."
"The second reason is that your star power can be a major selling point and boost the box office when the film launches."
Actually, there was another reason Bob didn't mention. Since this was the first commercial film he was responsible for under the new company, it had to succeed -- failure was not an option.
Linton knew that Pulp Fiction was both a box office and critical success, so it wouldn't be a loss for him to be a co-producer. He agreed readily and even offered to invest extra capital.
...
Harvey, meanwhile, was especially keen behind the scenes. His reason for staying at Linton's company was originally directed by the White House's influence, aiming to help him build connections in Hollywood that could be useful for future Democratic campaigns. Plus, contract clauses forced his tenure.
Before this, he had gone from being a boss to an employee, then to deputy manager of a department, which was a huge psychological leap.
His power had significantly diminished, and he worried about not meeting the White House's expectations. Now that he saw Linton wanting to grow the distribution business, he knew he would become valuable and naturally gain more exposure to Hollywood networks.
...
After the meeting, Linton kept Bob and Quentin back, holding the script and asked, "What are your thoughts on the casting?"
They felt bitter. The film hadn't even started production, yet casting decisions were being taken away. But they had no choice and had to accept. "Boss, do you have specific candidates?"
"You guys can make other decisions yourselves; I won't interfere. But I will personally choose the two female leads, Mia and the supporting actress Phoebe."
"Thank you for your consideration, boss."
Considering the conditions, he probably wouldn't need to leverage casting for control. Enough of worrying about the boss's business -- let's just make this first film.
"Don't worry, my vision is better than yours, and I will definitely pick the best two fit for those roles."
Since Linton knew Pulp Fiction would be a huge success, winning awards from the Cannes Palme d'Or to American awards season and even the Oscars, the key creative staff had garnered much recognition.
Though Winona Ryder had become famous early with good film resources, she had never had a true box office hit, and her standing was still just below A-list level, unable to cross that threshold.
Seeing Naomi Watts outpace her, and Cameron Diaz, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Jennifer Connelly all closing in, she was understandably eager.
He wanted to help her -- and be fair -- so he planned to give her the role of Mia to help her break into the top tier.
As for the supporting role of Phoebe, though lighter in scenes, she was also impressive. That part would go to Heidi Klum -- her main battlefield still being modeling, and moderate movie exposure would be very beneficial. This role suited her perfectly.
...
By then, time was nearly up for work. Thinking of the group of enchanting ladies waiting at home who'd prepared a party, Linton couldn't sit still and decided to head home.
There were stewardess uniforms, school uniforms, nurse uniforms, police uniforms, white-collar uniforms...
Various colors -- black, red, flesh-toned, white...
It dazzled him, and his excitement grew.
What to do? He would have to give it his all and dive bravely into the fun...
Later, Cristiana Reali, Monica Bellucci, and Noriko Sakai quietly arrived after finishing their day's shoot.
Cristiana had attended yacht parties before and was no stranger to such scenes.
For Monica and Noriko Sakai, this was their first time witnessing such an event, and their faces flushed. Yet, having mentally prepared, they quickly adapted.
Beautiful songs played one after another, lingering in the air...
That night, amid the lively festivities, his Starlight Spark ability quietly advanced to level 8 of the Radiant Core stage.
After a simple breakfast, the three felt refreshed and energized as they left the estate for the set. Before leaving, they made plans to attend tonight's party again.
*****
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