**Filming Wraps Up – The Year is 1997**
In January, the production team held a press conference to announce the completion of *Titanic* and officially revealed to the world that this incredible voyage would hit theaters on May 8!
Back in the day, *Titanic* was repeatedly delayed due to James Cameron, eventually being pushed to a Christmas release.
However, Christmas is a time for family-friendly films, and a disaster movie like *Titanic* didn't quite fit the holiday spirit.
Thanks to Dunn's relentless efforts, the film finally secured a spot in the summer blockbuster season.
Even more importantly, Dunn's involvement significantly reduced production costs, meaning the film didn't require financing from Paramount as it did in the past.
Once *Titanic* hits theaters and becomes a massive box office success, Fox executives will surely be grateful to him, right?
Dunn smiled at the thought, but the reporters in the audience weren't about to let him enjoy his moment in peace. They went straight for the tough questions!
**"Director Walker, we heard you once made a bold claim that this film's box office revenue would be at least $1.5 billion, with a goal of $2 billion. Is that true?"**
Grant Hill's face immediately darkened.
**Way to bring up the most controversial topic!**
He had full confidence in Dunn's ability, but his tendency to say whatever came to mind… was frustrating.
"I apologize. At the time, I had just taken over as director, so my box office estimate may not have been entirely accurate." Dunn shook his head and sighed.
Grant's eyes lit up with surprise.
He didn't expect Dunn to mature so much in just a few months—he was actually showing humility! While it meant going back on his previous words, he was still young. Mistakes were forgivable.
But the journalists weren't satisfied. They wanted a headline!
Someone immediately pressed, **"Director Walker, what do you mean by that? Are you going back on your word?"**
Grant quickly stepped in, **"I apologize, but when Dunn first replaced James Cameron as director, he wasn't fully familiar with the project. His initial box office prediction was based on incomplete information, which is understandable."**
The reporters were visibly disappointed but didn't give up.
**"Alright, Director Walker, we understand you've adjusted your expectations. So, what do you think *Titanic's* box office will be now?"**
Grant was getting nervous.
This was a trap! He knew Dunn had to be careful—box office projections should never be casually thrown out.
Dunn, however, simply raised an eyebrow and looked puzzled.
**"Excuse me, but I think you've misunderstood. When did I say I lowered my expectations?"**
**"Didn't you just admit you miscalculated—"** Before the reporter could finish, another quickly caught on and lit up with excitement.
**"Director Walker, are you saying you haven't lowered your expectations? Wait… are you actually raising them?!"**
Grant nearly cried out in frustration.
**Dunn Walker!**
**Didn't we agree to play it safe with the media? Why are you throwing *Titanic* into the fire like this?!**
But Dunn ignored Grant's desperate signals and calmly replied, **"Of course! I spent over three months shooting this film—why would I undermine my own work?"**
The press conference hall erupted in chaos.
Every journalist scrambled to ask more questions—this was an explosive story!
A young director, completely fearless, making yet another bold declaration!
But Dunn remained composed. **"This film faced immense challenges during production. Kate Winslet even collapsed from a high fever at one point. The crew poured their hearts and souls into this project—how could I not celebrate their hard work?"**
**"Especially James Cameron—everyone knows he spent three years preparing for this project, even personally diving into the Atlantic to explore the *Titanic* wreck. Leonardo, Kate, Kathy… all of them dedicated themselves to this film. Their efforts alone give me no reason to doubt our box office success!"**
**"I know many of you are hoping for a scandalous story. I know some of you are waiting to see me fail. But I don't care! Talent is the foundation, and quality is the guarantee! *Titanic* is my greatest asset. As for box office projections… I'll tell you straight up—our minimum expectation is… $1.8 billion!"**
Dunn's firm and powerful voice echoed through the hall.
Grant, Leonardo, and the others were moved by his confidence and loyalty.
But if only he hadn't said "$1.8 billion."
The reporters went into a frenzy!
**$1.8 billion at the global box office?!**
**This guy is insane!**
For comparison, the highest-grossing film at the time was *Jurassic Park*, directed by Steven Spielberg, which had earned a staggering $950 million worldwide. That number was already mind-blowing.
And now, Dunn Walker was claiming that *Titanic* would double that?
**Who would believe that?!**
**Either he's crazy, or he's a fool!**
### **After the Press Conference**
As soon as it ended, Grant Hill walked up to Dunn with a pained expression—disappointed, exasperated, frustrated, and resentful all at once.
**Dunn, you went too far!**
But Dunn simply smiled. He understood Grant's concerns. **"Grant, the film is already in post-production. In a few months, it'll be released worldwide—do you see what I'm getting at?"**
Grant, of course, knew exactly what Dunn meant.
With such a bold statement, *Titanic* would become the center of media attention, saving 20th Century Fox a massive amount of marketing expenses.
And considering Fox was struggling financially at the time, Dunn's approach was actually in the studio's best interest.
**"But what if… your reputation gets destroyed?"** Grant lowered his voice, sounding genuinely worried. He admired Dunn's talent and resilience, but in Hollywood, a ruined reputation was often a career death sentence.
Dunn, however, was full of confidence. **"Grant, this is my film—I know exactly what it's capable of."**
Grant frowned. **"Dunn, I know you're confident, and I get that geniuses are often arrogant. But I've seen too many cases like this… you need to be prepared. If the box office underperforms, you'll have to do some serious damage control."**
Dunn patted him on the shoulder. **"Thanks, Grant. I understand."**
Though they hadn't known each other for long, Dunn genuinely liked Grant's responsible and thoughtful nature.
Perhaps that's what made him such a great producer.
### **A New Agent**
At that moment, a well-dressed man in his 40s approached, wearing a gleaming badge.
Grant lowered his voice, **"It's someone from AA. They're probably looking to sign you as a client."**
Even though Dunn was young, brash, and controversial, he had still directed a massive blockbuster. Agencies like AA wouldn't pass up the chance to sign him, even if his internal ranking wasn't particularly high.
Dunn extended a hand with a smile. **"Hello, and you are?"**
**"William Mihawk, senior agent at AA."** William grinned, trying to sound flattering.
Grant, being a Hollywood veteran, immediately saw through the title—"senior agent" was actually the lowest rank above an intern at AA. There were still multiple levels above, including consultant, senior consultant, manager, and director.
**"Not exactly their best offer."** Grant scoffed.
Dunn didn't mind. For an agent, connections and luck mattered more than just skill. He wasn't in a hurry—he could test the waters first.
William continued, **"Director Walker, I have strong relationships with many producers and several major projects in hand. If I become your agent, I'll work tirelessly to secure you the best deals and push you into Hollywood's top-tier director ranks!"**
He wasn't entirely lying, but he wasn't telling the whole truth either.
William wasn't doing well at AA, and while Dunn's future seemed uncertain, it was worth a gamble. If he got lucky and Dunn succeeded, representing a top-tier director would elevate William's career as well.
**"Alright. Grant, could you review the contract for me?"**
**"Of course!"**
**Signing with AA**
California had passed laws to regulate talent agents, preventing exploitation.
Under state law, agency contracts could last no longer than three years, and first-time agreements were limited to one year, with clients having the right to terminate at any time. Essentially, it was a one-year probation period.
With legal protections and Grant's help, Dunn quickly signed the contract.
He was now officially a signed director under AA.