[Chapter 248: Zack and Anne's Different Choices]
With the successful release of Happy Death Day, the production team finally relaxed.
Producer Kenneth watched the movie's soaring box office numbers. Apart from occasionally helping out with publicity and promotion, he was happily hanging out in the office. He was calculating how much bonus he might get and planning to take a long vacation somewhere filled with beautiful women after the movie's release.
Just when he was feeling very happy, an unexpected call came from his boss's assistant, informing him to report to the boss's office.
After hanging up and grabbing his notebook, he rushed to Linton's office. On the way, he wondered if it was because Happy Death Day was a box office hit that the boss wanted to give him a bonus first.
When Kenneth walked into Linton's office and saw his boss holding two scripts, his heart skipped a beat. Were they starting a new project already? The production team had just been exhausted and needed rest. What about his vacation plans?
Though he felt conflicted inside, he forced himself to sound excited, "Boss, is there a new project?"
"Kenneth, congratulations on Happy Death Day's success. Have you figured out how much bonus you're getting?" The company had a strict assessment and reward system -- those who performed well got better bonuses, all by the book.
"Thank you, boss. It's all thanks to you. We only played a small part under your wise guidance."
"Stop being modest. I've seen your contributions. Tell me, don't you want a bonus?" Linton joked warmly with his capable subordinate.
"Of course I want it. I roughly calculated that besides my fixed producer salary, based on the company's incentive system and the movie's current box office, I should get a bonus over $800,000."
"Are you satisfied?"
"Absolutely. Before joining this company, I never made over $150,000 a year. Now with this movie, my total income will surpass $1 million. You don't know how many people envy me."
"Glad to hear that. The company plans to launch two new projects. Would you like to choose one?" He then handed Kenneth the scripts for Get Out and The Fault in Our Stars.
"Two scripts for me to choose from?" Kenneth asked in surprise. When had he ever had this much power with the boss?
"Yes, the company can only start one more new project right now because we already have three films in production. With your idle project team, we can launch one more. I wrote both scripts myself and am optimistic about their market potential. Contact Zack and Anne to see if either is available soon."
"So, Get Out is for Zack, and The Fault in Our Stars is for Anne? Whoever is free, we should start that project first?"
"Exactly. But either way, the other won't be delayed long. After The Rock wraps up in December, Frank, the executive producer, will be free to lead a new project team."
"As far as I know, Zack took on a Warner Bros. movie called The Misty Forest last month, and should be preparing now."
"Did he ever come to us before taking that Warner Bros. project?"
"No. That guy is so ungrateful. Boss, you personally trained him and gave him a chance to lead independently. Now that he's achieved some success and fame, he doesn't even bother to keep us in the loop. He took the Warner Bros. project without so much as saying hello."
"Forget it. We cooperate with him, but he's not exclusive to us. He can pick whatever projects he wants."
Under the US Entertainment Act, directors and actors sign with agencies and collaborate with studios per project. When a project ends, the collaboration ends. Some may sign multi-film deals, but that's rare in Hollywood.
Both Zack and Anne's debut films were box office hits. Like Linton, they belonged to a new generation of star directors, making them hot targets for many studios, so it was normal for them to work elsewhere.
"I'm just a bit upset inside. After all, you nurtured him, and our company gave him his start," Kenneth said indignantly.
"Don't say that. The movie The Shallows he directed also brought us huge profits. Honestly, we succeeded together; no one owes anyone anything."
In fact, Linton had never heard of The Misty Forest in his previous life and didn't expect it to be a hit. When it flopped, Zack would probably rethink his value.
"Boss, you're so generous."
"Since Zack has other projects, give Get Out to Ryan. His directing style suits it well. Frank should be finishing his rest soon."
Directors in Hollywood are unlike other roles. Directing each film requires immense effort. After completion, they typically take long breaks to clear their heads and disconnect from the last project before starting a new one. Linton was an exception.
"Anne should be free. She came by last week asking if there were any suitable new projects. Should I ask her to come now?"
"Yes, get her here."
...
Anne had been enjoying good times. Her first directorial film, Step Up 2, grossed over $130 million in North America and was expected to top $300 million worldwide. During this period, her agent got daily offers from various directors.
But Anne stayed sharp. She knew her success owed much to Linton -- from early prep, casting, music, to solving unexpected problems during filming, Linton helped every step of the way.
He turned challenges into opportunities, boosting the movie's popularity. Without Linton, she felt the success would have been impossible.
During filming, she secretly dated Leo, a top young actor, and Linton never interfered.
Though work was exhausting, she was happy being with Leo every night.
Deep down, she secretly wished Linton would notice her someday. However, she knew many stunning women surrounded Linton -- women of high caliber -- so she probably wasn't on his radar.
Though she was beautiful and turned heads on the street, she understood there was a gap between her and top beauties like Jennifer, Catherine, Cristiana, and Monica.
Still, a girl's gotta dream, right? What if one day Linton favored her? Or what if she found a chance to make a move on him? That thought excited her.
So despite her agent's advice, she declined all outside offers and waited to continue working with Linton Films.
When Kenneth called, she rushed to Linton's office in less than half an hour, excited.
...
"Linton, you finally called me," Anne greeted warmly, hugging him.
"Anne, have you had a good rest?" Linton asked as his secretary served coffee.
"Yes, I've been waiting for your call."
"I'm planning to start a new project, The Fault in Our Stars. The script is ready. Take a look."
Anne saw Linton's name as the screenwriter on the cover. Overjoyed, she eagerly read through.
Her eyes welled with tears. "This is so well written. I'll do my best to direct it."
"Since you like it, it's yours. Kenneth will produce. You should get your team ready and start prep work soon."
"Thank you, boss."
*****
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