[Chapter 108: Competition for the Director of Step Up 2]
"What about your own songs? Didn't you say you were going to release two singles this year?" After hanging up the phone, Daniel asked the question he cared most about.
"They're ready too." Saying that, Linton handed him two songs, I swear and Sold Out. One was blues, and the other was rock.
However, Linton had modified the lyrics of Sold Out, replacing religious references and mentions of Jesus with themes about chasing dreams.
The songs' themes became about dreams and faith, about hard work and struggle, perfectly fitting his image.
"Alright, alright, who are you planning to have produce these songs? Still Lisa?"
"Yes, Lisa. Our previous collaborations were very smooth, and I was very satisfied. She's the one for this project as well."
"Okay, I'll have her come over right away. She'll be thrilled," Daniel said, instructing his secretary to notify Lisa to come over as soon as possible.
"Also, both songs need music videos. When do you plan to record and shoot them?"
"Today is September 21st. Let's finish recording the songs by the end of this month. The music videos should be done by early October. By mid-October, I'll probably need to start preparing for my new movie."
"Alright, once Lisa arrives, I'll have her prepare the recording as soon as possible. I'll start arranging the music video production immediately. Should Zack direct again? And Anne on choreography? With the massive success of Step Up, they're extremely popular now and swamped with work. But for your songs, no matter how busy they are, they'll make time."
"They have priority, but no pressure. Making music videos isn't that challenging anyway."
...
Just then, Lisa walked in. After hugging Linton and exchanging greetings, she became thrilled upon hearing she was to produce two singles for him.
Her previous work with Linton had brought her both fame and fortune -- she was making bank.
Working on Linton's songs was considered the best assignment at Universal Music. Every producer was eager for the chance to work on his new releases, but Linton directly chose her.
"Thank you, Linton. Thank you, Daniel. I'll quickly complete the arrangements and submit them for your approval. We'll deliver the best possible versions to ensure top quality production for these singles."
"Good. The goal is to finish recording by the end of the month."
"No problem. I'm going right now." Lisa hurried off with the two songs to get started.
...
"When do you expect to finish your new movie? Don't forget, you still need to release an album in the first half of next year," Daniel reminded, steering the conversation back to the album.
"Probably by the end of February, definitely by early March. Rest assured, the album release in the first half of next year is on schedule."
"Alright, but since you'll begin film preparations in October and shoot through March, how will you promote I Swear and Sold Out? Without promotion, even the best songs won't sell well.
For example, B What You Wanna B -- before you promoted it, despite the film's popularity, it never hit number one on the Billboard charts.
Once you had time to push, it topped Billboard for two consecutive weeks, greatly boosting sales of the movie soundtrack," Daniel brought up another concern.
"How many copies has the Step Up soundtrack sold so far?"
"Very good. Over 4.6 million in North America and 4.5 million overseas. But sales momentum is slowing, with a projected total around 12 million worldwide."
"In that case, I can probably carve out one week in November for single promotions and charting efforts. Other than that, it's impossible. Unless you release one single this year and hold the other until March next year."
"That won't work. I just got promoted in June. Universal is counting on your singles to boost this year's performance."
"No choice then. I can't be in two places at once. I can't just leave the film crew hanging to promote songs."
"You just have too much going on. If you focused only on singing, none of these problems would exist," Daniel joked.
...
As they joked, Goodman and Betley, the general manager of Sunshine Music, arrived with his lawyer. Both parties quickly drafted the licensing contract for the song Surrender.
As per industry standard, Linton licensed Surrender to Sunshine Music's singer Shania. After release, Linton would receive 12% of all royalties as the songwriter and composer.
After signing, they left Universal. Linton handed over copies of three songs to Mira to hurry up with BMI registration.
He then went with assistant Meena to the studio, where Zack and Anne were waiting.
...
Hollywood was no secret. Ever since news spread that Linton was launching Step Up 2 and wouldn't be directing himself, many directors stirred, showing off their skills to win the role.
Zack and Anne were among them. After hearing the news last week, they immediately contacted Linton to vie for the job.
However, Linton was vacationing in Hawaii with Winona and Shania and couldn't give them attention.
Upon learning he was back last night, they called ASAP and Linton scheduled a meeting this morning.
...
At the studio, the two, once close collaborators, clearly wore a guarded and distant attitude, each seeing the other as their biggest rival.
Linton ignored their silent rivalry and called them to the conference room: "I know why you're here -- to direct Step Up 2, right?"
"Yes, and I believe I'm the best fit," Zack answered.
"I can definitely keep the style of the first film," Anne said confidently.
"I'm not directing Step Up 2 myself. I know your skills have grown since the first film, but honestly, I'm not sure if either of you can handle directing a whole movie alone.
Since you're here, I'll give you a chance. The main script is finalized. Some dialogue and daily scenes might be polished by a writer, but the overall plot is unchanged.
Go to Robert and get a copy of the script, then storyboard your ideas and prepare a shooting plan. If I like what you produce, I'll consider giving you the job."
Actually, Linton intended to have Anne direct Step Up 2 and Zack direct The Shallows.
Both proved themselves later on, but he wanted to give them a solid test first.
As the saying goes, 'The opportunities you fight for are the ones you cherish the most.'
Linton wanted them to fight for the directing gig through effort.
"What if we both deliver storyboards and plans you like?" Anne asked, likely to avoid turning their friendship into rivalry.
"My new production company plans to make three films, including Speed, which I'm directing, and also The Shallows. If you both impress me, the one not chosen for Step Up 2 can direct The Shallows. But your plans must be independently created. If I find similarities suggesting collusion, both of you will be disqualified."
"Thank you, boss. We won't disappoint you," Zack and Anne breathed a sigh of relief, stood, and saluted Linton before heading off to find Robert.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.