[Chapter 52: The Deal with Daniel]
On the 29th, Linton arrived at Daniel's office at Universal with the screenplay for Step Up, the project proposal, and 17 original songs for the film's soundtrack.
First, they chatted about the ongoing Grammy public relations campaign. The campaign was proceeding smoothly and in an orderly manner. Daniel was also very pleased with the recent buzz around Linton's rumors, the interview with American Music Magazine, and his performance at the charity gala. Both were confident about the chances of winning awards.
...
After discussing the Grammys, Linton shifted the conversation and pulled out the Step Up screenplay along with the 17 original songs.
"Daniel, I'm preparing to shoot a movie," Linton said. "This is the script. It's a youthful musical with lots of singing and dancing. I've written 17 songs for the movie -- 8 solo songs, 1 by a male group, 4 duets where I sing the male part, and 4 solo songs by a female singer."
"Good, good, good, you wrote all these songs?" Daniel took the 17 songs eagerly.
"Yes, I wrote them, and most are of high quality. I plan to make a movie soundtrack album with them."
"A movie soundtrack album? For one movie? That many original songs for a single film?"
"Yeah, it's a youth dance movie, so of course it needs plenty of songs. Here's the script."
"Which studio is producing it? Who will handle the soundtrack production? Have you decided on the female singer yet?" Daniel didn't care much about the movie itself.
"The film is tentatively financed by my own studio. If you could help a little with distribution, I could entrust the soundtrack production to you, and even let you choose the female singer and the male group."
"I can pick the female singer without auditions?"
"Of course. These songs are R&B style. You can recommend a newcomer, as long as her tone fits the songs. I want final approval, though."
"R&B, no problem. I can find someone suitable within three days, guaranteed you'll be satisfied. But please keep this confidential."
Daniel said immediately. Since Warner launched Madonna, numerous record labels had rushed to find their own female stars. Universal was no exception, and each executive had a pool of promising talents. Any good song that fit their style was fought over fiercely.
Especially with 4 songs right off the bat, plus 4 duets with the rising star Linton -- it was a sure recipe for success. Daniel had to keep control over this opportunity. Even if his current talents didn't fit, he was confident he could find the right newcomer within 3 days.
If this got out, it would cause a huge stir, attracting countless favors and connections Daniel might not be able to manage.
"Alright, I'll wait for three days. But just to be clear, if the voice doesn't meet my standards, I won't agree."
Linton personally didn't want public auditions -- it would waste too much of his time, drag him into office politics, and potentially offend many people. Besides, he didn't own a record company; whoever was finally chosen, he wouldn't get extra earnings. Better to trade this for Daniel's help with film distribution.
"So, what are your conditions?" Daniel knew there was no free lunch.
"Like I said, my studio plans to produce the movie, and I need Universal for distribution. I hope you can help broker the deal."
"Your studio is investing? What kind of film, what genre? What's the budget?"
"It's called Step Up, a youthful musical dance movie, with a budget around 10 million dollars. I'll be the director and the male lead," Linton handed the script to Daniel.
"What? You're going to direct and star? Aren't you a singer?"
This news shocked Daniel and dampened his excitement. Last year, Linton had been so hot -- breaking records in sales for singles and albums, bringing huge profits to Universal.
Daniel personally benefited, earning big commissions and building a strong footing to compete for the Universal Records presidency (John Smith would be retiring soon).
He hoped to keep the momentum this year and produce more miracles. Now suddenly, Linton wanted to switch to filmmaking? That was unacceptable.
"Yes, directing is my dream. I studied directing in school. Besides, making movies doesn't conflict with singing."
"No, no, no, if you start shooting films, how will you focus on singing? I was planning a big concert and a new album for you this year." Daniel shook his head vigorously.
"I'm releasing a movie soundtrack album, and I definitely won't quit singing. I'll put out at least two singles this year."
"That's not enough. My plan is for you to release another album this year and go on tour."
"I'm not Superman. To release an album, I need good songs. A movie soundtrack album plus two singles is already a lot. Here's the plan: The movie will come out in August. After the premiere, I'll focus fully on new songs. Two singles this year, an album next year. How about that?"
"I still think it's risky. You're riding high, becoming a star in just a year. It's better to keep at it than risk shooting a movie. You know many singers have tried and failed in movies -- losing money to Hollywood studios."
"That's why I'm not quitting singing. Being a singer is my foundation, but making movies is my dream. Now I have the chance, I want to go for it."
"What about the concerts?"
"I've only released one album with 13 songs. Not enough for a big concert yet."
"We could do a small indoor show. 13 songs are almost enough, and you can invite guest performers."
"No, I want a full-scale concert, properly done. Let's wait until next year when I have more songs."
"Concerts bring big money. Do you know how much Michael Jackson earned from his global tour last year?"
"Eighty million dollars. Michael Jackson himself made 80 million, Sony Columbia made over 100 million," Daniel said loudly before Linton could answer.
Linton thought to himself, so you're just jealous others make big money. But come on, is there another Michael Jackson out there? Without releasing new songs or albums, he still earns massive fortune just from touring.
"Michael Jackson built a huge catalog and has countless fans. Comparing me to him is overestimating me. Also, last year, my three singles and album made Universal well over a hundred million in profits."
"That's why I don't want you making movies. Being a pop star is great -- fame, profit, and easy money. Isn't that better?" Daniel gave up trying to make Linton tour this year but still urged him not to quit music.
"I'm not quitting. Making movies is just to fulfill a childhood dream. Trust me, this year I guarantee one movie soundtrack and two singles."
"Okay, then the soundtrack album release rights go to me, and also choosing the female singer and male group."
Daniel, realizing he couldn't persuade Linton otherwise, made his demands.
"Of course, but only if you help me secure a distribution deal with Universal Pictures. Also, since the soundtrack is a movie tie-in, revenue splits should follow market standards. I'll have the film producer discuss specifics with you."
"No problem. Let's talk about the film. I don't understand screenplays or film markets, but as a singer who's writing scripts, directing, and starring -- that's a big risk. It's hard to get Universal to invest."
"I don't need Universal's investment. I'm fully funding the film myself. I just want Universal to help me distribute it on fair terms."
"Self-funded? Fine, you made lots of money anyway. With just distribution, if we both work on it, Universal might be interested," Daniel thought it was still a good deal for himself. "Wait, I'll call Levitt Gore, the distribution director at Universal Pictures, and see when he's available."
Daniel dialed the phone. "Hi, Levitt, it's Daniel. When can you talk? Now? Great, I'm coming over."
After the call, he said, "He's in the office, let's go."
"Also, can my album royalty payments be calculated in advance?"
"No problem. I'll have someone compile sales data through December for the royalty calculations," Daniel replied easily.
"And don't mention the songs' details to anyone," Daniel warned Linton.
*****
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