[Chapter 460: Harry Potter Novel Completed]
Unlike the sluggish progress of Titanic, within less than two months, the preliminary preparations for Run Lola Run, A Time to Kill, and Ransom were basically completed.
Moreover, through the film company established by Heidi Klum's family in Germany, they managed to secure film tax rebates there. Although the investments for these three movies weren't massive, the combined tax rebates amounted to as much as $10.5 million.
Heidi Klum's family's Diamond Films officially streamlined all the steps to obtain German tax rebates and officially joined this thriving film rebate business.
The films had reached the casting stage. Several producers and directors came one after another to report to Linton, seeking his approval on casting requirements.
Initially, Linton wanted to cast Charlize Theron as the lead for Run Lola Run, but after reconsideration, he found her too tall and stunningly glamorous for the playful and quirky character the script required.
Plus, Charlize's acting skills weren't quite up to par for this role. Ultimately, the role of Lola was given to Winona Ryder, who fit the character's image much better.
The lead actress for A Time to Kill, Ellen Roark, was a female college student pursuing her law master's degree. The character in the movie was beautiful and fierce, closely matching Charlize's personal image. If she performed well, it would significantly boost her status. So, that role was assigned to Charlize.
Ransom was a predominantly male-driven story. The female roles were minor and mostly middle-aged women. There was no one suitable among his women, so he didn't bother with those roles.
As for other roles in the three films, Linton left the decisions entirely to the producers and directors to handle through auditions.
---
On January 10th, Sophie Marceau finally finished her promotional tour and returned to Los Angeles.
Seeing her come back safely, Linton used his mind to scan the fetus inside her and found everything to be normal. He finally relaxed and happily spun her around in his arms.
Unexpectedly, when he put her down, Sophie clung to him tightly and planted a kiss on him, disregarding Madonna and Lina standing nearby. "Darling, let's go upstairs. I just can't wait anymore."
"As you wish..."
...
Braveheart had been playing for a month, and its North American box office was just average, grossing a total of $65.37 million, with an expected total of around $76 million.
However, its overseas performance far surpassed the North American market. Though it faced boycotts in the UK, that didn't affect its huge success in other countries and regions.
After three weeks overseas, it had already collected $85 million. The overseas total was expected to exceed $140 million.
From this perspective, the film could recoup most of its investment from box office revenue alone. With various rights management, it would guarantee a considerable profit.
Linton also made a special trip to the theater to watch Braveheart. To be honest, the film was pretty good. Wallace's last cry of "Freedom!" before execution was truly moving.
Unfortunately, the North American market was very insular and uninterested in Scottish history. Moreover, although the movie revolved around freedom, the historical Wallace was actually a traitor and informant, which didn't sit well with North American audiences.
Nevertheless, film critics loved it, giving high ratings. Oscar voters also favored such films, especially appreciating Wallace's final shout for freedom. The movie was very likely to win important awards in the upcoming awards season.
Overall, Sophie Marceau's participation solidified her status as a top Hollywood actress without falling into the "Oscar winner means box office poison" stereotype.
...
In the next three days, Sophie spent all her time alongside Madonna, continually challenging Linton...
---
Although Linton provided a complete outline, the Harry Potter novel was obviously different from other books. It required wild imagination, plus caring for a two-year-old child.
J.K. Rowling simply couldn't speed up her writing. After a full year of work, she finally completed the entire first Harry Potter novel.
Linton didn't pressure her but meticulously reviewed each monthly manuscript, comparing it carefully with the story in his mind.
Fortunately, with the original detailed outline and the original author herself writing, the storylines matched closely, basically consistent with the original work.
Today, Rowling, filled with excitement, brought the final manuscript portion of Harry Potter to Los Angeles to meet with Linton.
If this manuscript passed approval, she would receive the full payment for the novel -- $500,000 in total, with a final $300,000 installment. This was a huge sum for her, enough to change her current life.
Moreover, she had gradually found her rhythm during the writing process and hoped to start on the sequel.
As usual, she smoothly arrived at the 16th floor of the building and entered the super-luxurious office to meet her idol, Linton.
"Linton, here is the last part of the manuscript I have completed. Please review it."
"Please have a seat, Ms. Rowling."
...
Linton looked at the young woman sitting across, who had golden shoulder-length hair, wore a fitted white long-sleeve shirt, a light brown scarf loosely draped around her neck, comfortable loose gray pants, and a pair of black mid-heeled shoes. She wasn't dazzlingly beautiful but had a scholarly aura.
Linton felt a little guilty. He had taken away her immense potential -- but in return, she worked for him and had to be grateful to him. Was he some kind of supervillain?
But this novel was too important. Linton was absolutely not going to give up out of guilt. He wasn't a saint and had no moral scruples. At most, he would provide her with some extra financial compensation within reason.
After reading the final chapter featuring the "Mirror of Erised," Linton was very satisfied.
...
"Ms. Rowling, your writing is excellent. You can go to finance and collect the full payment for the novel."
"Thank you, boss. When will the novel be officially published?"
"It's mid-January now. At the latest, by March, Harry Potter will be available worldwide. Readers everywhere will get to see our work."
"Thank God, that's great. I want to ask -- do you think the novel will succeed? I worry if the market will accept it." After her excitement, Rowling hesitated before venturing her concern. She had invested so much in the first book. Without success, there wouldn't be a second.
"Of course it will succeed. Trust my judgment, trust the publishing power of my affiliated company, and our media's promotional capabilities."
"Do you have plans for the sequels?" Hearing Linton's confidence, Rowling's own confidence surged as she voiced her hope.
"Yes, I've planned a whole seven-book series. Here is the detailed outline for the second book. You can consider starting it now. I'll increase your payment by 20% for the sequel."
"Isn't it too soon to start the second book? Shouldn't we wait for the market's reaction?"
"No need. Just trust me. Follow the outline and keep writing. I will handle publishing, promotion, and sales."
"Boss, you're amazing."
"Also, no need to fly to Los Angeles every month anymore. Last month, Yahoo opened e-mail services, and this month they launched an international version. Register when you go back and send your manuscripts by e-mail. I'll send my revisions the same way."
"E-mail? What's that?"
"Don't worry, it's simple. I'll have my assistant, Meena, teach you. You'll learn quickly."
"Thank you. Can I take you out for a meal?"
"Why?"
"Because you're my idol."
"Of course, no problem. But since we're in Los Angeles, let me take care of lunch today."
"You're truly a great boss and a true gentleman."
*****
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