[Chapter 175: Charlize Theron's Move]
The music video shoot went smoothly, taking only five days to complete the two songs Monica collaborated on: Makes No Difference and Just In Case.
On the night the music video wrapped, Monica quietly visited the estate as usual. Before the action began, Linton took Monica to the study and pulled out the script for Happy Death Day.
"Baby, this is a film our company is preparing to shoot. Filming is scheduled to start in mid-July, and you'll play the second female lead. Make sure you get ready."
"Darling, you treat me so well -- I have to reward you properly." Unexpectedly, Monica was so excited she slipped under the office desk.
...
Next were the music videos for High Hopes and You Are Not Alone, starring Charlize Theron as the lead actress. At this time, Charlize was just a classic blonde sweet girl -- truly youthful and beautiful, with rosy cheeks and two distinct dimples.
Perhaps still untouched by the Hollywood scene, she had an air of innocence mixed with allure, easily winning men's favor and even stirring their protective instincts.
Previously, Linton hadn't allowed her to come to the estate. Although she signed her contract on the second day, it was common in Hollywood for roles to be snatched away before filming started, which had greatly worried Charlize. Now, with the music video shooting underway, she finally relaxed.
She clearly knew how to use her advantages. Since the shoot began, she clung to Linton with a bright, innocent demeanor, even insisting on calling him "boss."
"Boss, I brought you coffee." Just after lunch, Charlize approached with two cups, handing one to Linton.
"Didn't your manager teach you? Never drink someone else's water or drinks on set," Linton said sternly without taking the cup.
"I know, but since we have a special relationship -- I even call you boss -- isn't it normal for me to get coffee for you?" Her voice grew softer under Linton's gaze.
"How about I take a sip first?" Charlize opened one cup, drank it herself, and then offered the other to Linton with a pitiful, almost tearful look. "Now you're assured, right?"
Linton couldn't help but admire the craftiness. Indeed, no one who made it in Hollywood was simple. The full load of scheming, playing cute, endless persistence, and quick mood changes was impressive.
However, her acting was still quite immature -- nowhere near future Oscar winner level.
...
Thanks to Charlize's relentless efforts, they gradually grew closer. The shoot went well, and it was already the sixth day -- the final day for the two songs Charlize starred in.
Yet Charlize was clearly not satisfied with just growing close or simply cooperating on two music videos. Her goal was to become like Naomi and Cameron -- after shooting music videos, she hoped to star in movies produced by Linton's company, ideally with his powerful backing as the lead actress, boosting her star career.
From the fifth day onward, she barely left Linton's side, sticking with him for everything. On the final day, even lunch break was spent in his trailer.
But Linton, having spent every day playing with Catherine and Monica, had built up strong resistance to other women. Although Charlize was youthful and pretty, that was about it. Without any popularity boost that could aid his ability, plus being under eighteen, Linton didn't want to risk trouble -- especially since it was a critical time to promote Speed, and his rumored relationship with Catherine was key.
He gently warned her, "Charlize, being alone with a man can be dangerous. You need to protect yourself. Go rest in the makeup room."
"But I really like you. How can being with someone you like be dangerous? Even if you wanted something from me, I'd be willing."
"But you're not yet eighteen, which means you're a minor."
"But today is our last shoot day, and I'm afraid you might forget me. Am I not pretty? Don't you like me?" Then, without hesitation, she hugged Linton and kissed him.
A delicate feminine scent wafted lightly -- the kind he had only smelled on Winnie. Could Charlize also be a virgin? If so, he'd hit the jackpot.
"Charlize, I have a question. Please answer honestly."
"What is it?"
"Have you had sex before?"
"No. I'm South African, and my family is conservative about premarital sex. I didn't meet any outstanding guys at school or even date anyone. Since coming to America earlier this year, I hadn't found anyone until meeting you. Do you dislike me?"
"Dislike you? Why would I?"
"In America, don't women say if you're sixteen and haven't had sex, you're nobody, even laughed at?"
"Don't listen to that nonsense. To me, you're perfect." Linton was thrilled. Thanks to South Africa's conservativism and their recent meeting, he felt lucky.
"Really? So you like me?"
"You're gorgeous, of course I do."
"So can we..."
"Not now. Our law says under eighteen is a minor. Maybe after August."
"Muah... just let me have two kisses first. Kissing isn't illegal, right?" Charlize eagerly sought a kiss.
"Charlize," Linton started.
"Darling, you can call me Sally -- my family calls me that."
"Sally, your acting is still immature. You never formally studied drama, right?"
"No. I trained as a ballet dancer since childhood. I wanted to be a ballerina, but I injured my knee last year, which ended that dream. I tried modeling, but never acting professionally."
"Okay. After these music videos, don't rush to find other jobs. First, enroll in a good acting school -- learn properly to improve."
"Darling, I'll listen to you."
"By year-end, our company will launch a film. I'll arrange a role for you then."
"Darling, you're too kind! Muah..." Charlize kissed him excitedly.
"Remember, my birthday is August 7."
---
After auditing by both parties' accountants, Universal Pictures settled the earnings from The Shallows with Linton Films.
First, box office revenue: The domestic gross for The Shallows was $85.23 million, with Linton Films earning $25.569 million according to their agreement.
Second, TV rights: Universal sold a 7-year TV license for $8.5 million, with $6.8 million going to Linton Films.
Third, video rental and sales rights: Universal sold these rights for a $9 million upfront fee plus 30% of rental income, with $7.2 million credited to Linton Films as the initial fee share.
Fourth, merchandise: Shark figurine sales reached $20 million, generating an $8 million profit, and Linton Films received $4 million.
Fifth, overseas rights: Universal purchased full overseas rights to The Shallows for $34.1 million.
In total, Linton Films earned $77.669 million, plus quarterly 24% rental income from videos. Including pre-shoot advertising income of $1.7 million, The Shallows was a massive hit, greatly improving Linton Films' cash flow.
...
With an investment under $7 million, these astonishing returns thrilled everyone at the company -- especially employees who had transferred from Miramax and had never seen such profits.
As year-end bonuses were distributed, with promises of generous profit-sharing for all employees, loyalty to Linton Films strengthened. Miramax was already forgotten.
This success also made Universal executives envious and more convinced of the necessity of collaborating with Linton. They grew even more excited about Speed and Step Up 2.
Of course, their earnings weren't less than Linton Films', since distribution remains at the top of the film industry's food chain.
*****
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