[Chapter 143: White House Staff]
Ellie truly was a professional public relations manager. After returning to Los Angeles, she secured a $200,000 marketing budget from Linton. Soon, there was a huge buzz across major and minor media outlets nationwide discussing why Step Up 2 was sabotaged, who was behind it, and who stood to gain if the movie failed. These topics sparked massive discussions.
This brought enormous exposure to Step Up 2, with publicity value exceeding millions of dollars. Linton was pleased and rewarded Ellie with a $200,000 check.
All media outlets uniformly criticized the hidden perpetrators, calling them disruptors of the free market economy. Some influential media even uncovered the names of companies and projects already planning new youth musical films, claiming the culprits were among them.
The companies named, including Miramax Films, all accepted media interviews to deny involvement and insisted on their innocence.
Of course, a small portion of media criticized the Hollywood Actors Guild for its reckless behavior, accusing it of abetting the troublemakers.
All this took place before the Actors Guild's secretly recorded video was made public. If it were released, it would have caused a massive uproar.
This put enormous pressure on the Actors Guild and Miramax Films.
Sure enough, on the morning of March 22, at Sherman Golf Club, Chris Hank, Levitt, and Linton met.
Chris was a man in his forties, eloquent and graceful, with a gentle smile that made him very approachable.
After playing sports, they moved to the center of the wide golf course, dismissing the caddy.
Chris first praised Step Up as an excellent film. He said his own children, even the president's kids, loved watching it. He complimented Linton as a rare young talent and a symbol of Hollywood's American dream. The president was paying close attention to him.
Chris encouraged Linton to keep up the good work, hoping he might receive an honorary medal from the president next year or even be invited to a White House dinner.
Linton smiled throughout but inwardly thought, "What nonsense," thinking these were just empty promises with no real benefit or commitments. It was naive to think some sweet words and empty promises would get him big rewards.
After praising Linton and Universal Pictures, Chris steered the conversation back to the Hollywood Actors Guild.
"Thanks to your joint efforts in the film industry, Hollywood is thriving and its global influence is growing. This prosperous environment is hard-earned; we must cherish and protect it, keep developing, and contribute to promoting America's democratic and free values abroad."
"No worries, maintaining Hollywood's environment is the shared responsibility and mission of every company and filmmaker," Lou Wasserman replied diplomatically.
"I heard there was some conflict between you and the Actors Guild?"
"It's not a conflict between us and them. They conspired with outsiders to frame us but we caught them and secured evidence in time."
"I think, given the great environment we're in, it's better to seek peace. Let them apologize, punish those responsible, and reconcile quickly. Don't escalate the conflict -- we're all part of Hollywood after all."
"No problem. We never wanted to escalate or make this public or turn the Actors Guild into a target. We wanted to reconcile and put forth very sincere cooperation terms. But if they refuse, we'll have to spill the beans to the global media."
"But I heard your conditions were too harsh for them to accept."
"Not harsh at all. Compared to the losses from their framing, our terms are minor."
"Including $20 million in compensation -- is that really small?"
"Mr. Hank, Step Up brought over $100 million in profits to Universal and Linton Films each. Step Up 2's profits would have been even higher. If their sabotage succeeded, the film would be finished, and the investment lost. With a risk over $200 million, asking for $20 million is less than a tenth -- clearly minimal."
"Linton, as a young prodigy and company owner, what's the lowest acceptable offer from your side?" Chris asked, trying to get a crack out of Linton.
"I'm young and inexperienced -- I follow Universal's lead."
"You're a big boss too. Don't be shy -- give your honest opinion."
"I just want to ask if they considered Hollywood's overall interests or the risks we faced when they schemed against us?"
"As I said, I've already criticized them. Enemies should make peace, not worse." For original chapters go to noⅴelfire.net
"I agree, but what about our losses -- who compensates us?"
"I agree on compensation, but the amount is too high -- they can't afford it."
"Let Mr. Lou Wasserman decide on the compensation amount then."
Chris didn't expect Linton to be so indifferent and push the responsibility back to Universal. Wondering if Linton didn't want to improve or didn't get the hint, he decided to be more direct.
"Linton, the president specifically mentioned you before I came and will invite you to the White House."
"Thank you for the president's and your recognition. That makes me want to produce even more audience-loved films."
"So, what about lowering the compensation amount?"
"I can reduce it by $2 million from my share. How does that sound? Fair enough."
"That's up to Mr. Lou Wasserman."
It seemed these were crafty negotiators -- no easy way to fool them. The problem circled back to Universal's Lou Wasserman.
"Well then, Mr. Lou Wasserman, for the sake of the White House, give us a real price. I really hope you uphold Hollywood's broader interests."
"Mr. Hank, we definitely respect the White House's request. I'll risk the board's anger and reduce Universal's share by $2 million as well -- for a total of $16 million. That's quite a discount."
"$16 million? I doubt they can still afford that. Can it go lower?"
"If the Actors Guild can't pay, there's still that hidden culprit, right? Let them share the burden." Linton suggested.
"Alright, I'll negotiate with them again."
By evening, Lou Wasserman sent word that the Actors Guild accepted Universal's terms. Hass Carsonberg resigned and would compensate the Step Up 2 crew $16 million.
Also on this day, Step Up 2 finished filming.
Double celebration indeed.
https://www..com/Sayonara816.