[Chapter 26: Sugar MV, the Wedding Song]
The production team's preparations went smoothly. The music videos progressed steadily with no unexpected twists.
Amidst all this, Mira provided positive news from the UK regarding copyright negotiations.
They had confirmed that the film rights for the Ocean's Eleven franchise were in the hands of Dorchester Productions in the UK. Dorchester agreed to transfer the movie adaptation rights for $1 million.
Linton sent Goodman to the UK to assist in securing the rights.
...
Negotiations with CBS to acquire the movie adaptation rights for Mission: Impossible were also going well.
However, since this was a hot show, CBS stated that the price could not be less than $1.5 million and also required a 5% share of box office revenues. They insisted that filming had to begin within five years, with a budget of no less than $40 million, or else the rights would revert back.
Linton agreed and successfully secured the film adaptation rights for Mission: Impossible.
...
But the rights to the adaptation for the Lord of the Rings came as a surprise. Mira called from the UK.
"The Lord of the Rings has already been adapted; the adaptation rights expired. Ralph Bakshi created an animated feature film in 1978. The $4 million investment returned $30 million at the box office, making a tidy profit, therefore Tolkien's descendants are requesting a higher revenue share."
"How much do they want?" Linton asked.
"We may negotiate between 3% to 6%. However, they don't hold all the rights; a small part remains with the publisher."
Linton, scratching his head, realized it was more complicated than expected.
"Currently, the discussed price is $2 million, which is already overpricing, and they want a share as well... Can we give them a cold shoulder?"
"No, give them a share, but it must be box office profit-sharing, not box office revenue-sharing. Do you understand? The same terms apply; expedite the acquisition of the Hobbit rights as well, but I want a buyout without any expiration terms."
At this moment, all literature or IP film adaptation costs had not started to inflate yet. In ten years, the price could multiply tenfold, making it impossible to acquire such world-renowned classics at this rate.
After a moment of thought, Linton added, "Once you obtain authorization from the Tolkien Estate, negotiate with the publisher to acquire the movie adaptation rights for both the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit as soon as possible. But it's best if the publisher does not include any share clauses."
---
Today began the shooting of Sugar. The crew contacted a wedding venue through a wedding planning company beforehand.
To achieve a surprise effect at the event, the wedding performance was kept under wraps, with very few people informed of what was happening.
Only the parents of the newlyweds, the wedding company, and hotel managers were in the loop; all other staff only knew there would be a surprise performance but had no details.
The biggest challenge in filming was that, to avoid leaking the MV contents early, other attendees could not take photos or videos of the performance during the process.
To compensate, the crew provided a suitable budget, and after the performance, Linton would share some congratulatory words.
When the MV was released later, the crew planned to compile performance footage and behind-the-scenes clips into a DVD to send to the newlyweds.
In short, the crew was thorough in their planning, ensuring the couple would have a memorable experience; it was all about getting their cooperation.
Prohibiting filming or recording in a venue would have been impossible in the age of smartphones, as you could hardly stop guests from doing so.
But in 1991, who would bring a camera to a wedding without reason?
Moreover, after filming, the crew would have to get authorization agreements signed by everyone present; otherwise, any footage of them would be cut from the MV.
...
At the wedding venue, just as the newlyweds began their ceremony, Linton and the crew quietly entered through the back of the hotel.
As for the shots of cruising in a convertible searching for the wedding venue, those had already been completed at the studio; and additional long shots or landmark buildings would be filmed later to indicate the location.
The crew planned to shoot landmark buildings from various countries around the world, conveying that Linton was sending blessings to couples globally.
Upon entering through the back door, the hotel manager and the groom's father welcomed them.
"Welcome, welcome. Thank you for your help."
"No, I want to thank you for helping us."
After some pleasantries, Linton and the band entered a designated dressing room while others prepared to set up the performance stage.
...
As the wedding ceremony concluded, a group of people emerged from backstage to begin setting up the performance area.
The setup was simple: just a structure surrounded by fabric, then bringing in the necessary instruments and sound equipment.
Thanks to excellent secrecy, the guests, including the newlyweds, were left bewildered.
The bride turned to the groom, thinking it was some special performance: "Do you have anything else planned?"
The groom, equally confused replied, "I don't know; what's the wedding planning company doing?"
Not only they, but the guests began to murmur among themselves, "What's going on? Why're they causing confusion at such a crucial moment?"
Fortunately, it was not long before the crew finished setting up, and Linton was in position. The newlyweds were invited by the hotel staff to the stage.
...
With the couple in place, Linton and the band started performing, drawing everyone's attention with the sudden music.
At the same time, the fabric draped over the structure fell away, revealing what was behind.
A bearded man tapped the drums softly, beside him was a long-haired man playing the keyboard. Both held bass guitars, flanking Linton, who held a microphone in the center, ready to sing.
"Ah!!!!!!"
The newlyweds finally reacted, especially the bride, who playfully pinched the groom.
The groom joyfully exclaimed, "It's Linton, honey! It's Linton!"
The rest of the guests soon recognized Linton, the popular and talented singer.
Instantly, the banquet hall erupted in screams, the atmosphere electrified.
...
As the crowd calmed down, the band resumed playing, and Linton began to sing.
♫ I'm hurting baby, I'm broken down♫
♫ I need your loving, loving I need it now♫
♫ When I'm without you, I'm something weak♫
♫ You got me begging, begging I'm on my knees♫
...
As the lively and dynamic melody played, the entire audience started to sway to the music.
Most importantly, the newlyweds blended perfectly; as soon as the music started, they eagerly joined in dancing.
With the whole place moving, Linton raised his voice, belting the chorus and lifting the atmosphere to new heights.
...
After the song ended, the music halted, and Linton smiled at the couple.
"Here's a song Sugar for Mr. Miguel and Miss Mandi. Congratulations on your marriage, and may you grow old together."
Guests applauded enthusiastically, and the newlyweds were overwhelmed with excitement.
"Linton, thank you! I'm your fan; my whole family are your fans! I've bought all three of your songs. I'm so thrilled you could come today and sing such beautiful songs for us. Thank you, I'm so happy!"
The newlyweds expressed their gratitude, and Linton reciprocated with his best wishes before the crew wrapped up and left after filming was complete.
*****
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