[Chapter 301: Good Will Hunting]
Since the producers had been hired, it was time to launch the company's new project. However, Linton hadn't expected that on the very next day at work, before he had even finished the coffee his assistant made, the assistant came in to report that Matt Damon was asking to see him at the front desk.
"Let him in," Linton said. He considered Matt Damon somewhat of an acquaintance; Matt had once sought his advice on scriptwriting.
Soon the assistant brought Matt Damon in. After the success of Happy Death Day, Matt had become a popular young star in Hollywood, considered a rising second-tier celebrity.
As the saying goes, fame nurtures people, and it was true -- Matt was no longer the fresh-faced kid he once was but a confident and talented young man.
"Mr. Anderson, hello," Matt greeted respectfully upon seeing Linton.
"Matt, hello, long time no see."
"Yes, mostly because you've been so busy. The last time I saw you was on the set of Happy Death Day."
"Yes, the company is large, so it keeps me busy, but I always make time to meet with friends. You're welcome to come by more often."
After some small talk, Matt pulled a script from his bag and handed it to Linton.
"Mr. Anderson, inspired by your guidance, I adapted a short story I wrote while at Harvard University into a screenplay. Would you be interested in making it into a film?"
"You went to Harvard?" Linton admitted he hadn't paid much attention to Matt's resume and was surprised that Matt attended Harvard, uncommon among Hollywood stars.
"Yes, I was majoring in English literature but didn't graduate. At the time, I was influenced by Bill Gates and Steve Jobs and thought studying in school was a waste of time. I should get out and hustle earlier. In my junior year, on a whim, I withdrew with my friend Ben Affleck and came to Hollywood hoping to break into the entertainment industry."
"No wonder I've always felt you were different from other actors -- more intelligent and sharp."
"You flatter me, sir. You are the role model we all learn from."
"Enough flattery. So you wrote this short story back in college?"
"Yes, in my sophomore year, I wrote a story called The Growing Up of Will Hunting, which was serialized in the campus newspaper and later published as a book -- though sales weren't great. When I was working on the film Step Up, I learned you wrote the script, and I thought maybe I could write a good screenplay too. That reminded me that my story could be adapted."
[T/N: Consider this A/U for the Good Will Hunting. Matt Damon played the boyfriend to the female lead in Step Up.] ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel_fіre.net
"So you've been looking for an opportunity to discuss scriptwriting."
"Yes, just learning from you."
"Good. Hollywood needs talented people like you to bring great films to audiences worldwide."
"Thank you for your praise, Mr. Anderson. Could you take a look at my script?"
"Sure, have some coffee, and I'll give it a read."
Opening the script, the title caught Linton's eye: Good Will Hunting. The synopsis went :
A mathematics professor at MIT posted a particularly difficult problem on the department bulletin board, hoping his top students could solve it, but no one could. Then a young janitor named Will discovered and effortlessly solved the problem while cleaning after class.
Will was extraordinarily intelligent but rebellious, often getting into fights, and was sentenced to a juvenile detention center. The math professor wanted to mentor this unruly genius, having him pursue math studies regularly and undergo counseling.
Will had no trouble with math problems but resisted therapy until he met Dr. Sean Maguire, a psychologist who wasn't having much career success. Through Sean's efforts, the two went from confrontation to mutual inspiration, leading Will to open his heart, overcome loneliness, and achieve self-realization.
This was the very film that elevated Matt Damon's fame, earning him an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and a Best Actor nomination.
The movie won several Oscars and was commercially successful -- a rare artistic and box office triumph.
Just as Matt anxiously awaited Linton's response, he heard a voice like heaven's music.
"Matt, this script is excellent. Do you have any requests?"
"That's great, Mr. Anderson. Besides the script fee, I have two requests."
"First, I want the film to start shooting as soon as possible."
"No problem. We can begin production in the second half of this year."
"Second, I want to star as the genius teenager Will. Also, my good buddy Ben Affleck would like to play a supporting role."
"I just read the script. The lead character really resembles you. So did you base it on yourself?"
"When I wrote the story in my sophomore year, I was young and brash, thinking I was pretty great. Sorry if it sounds conceited."
"Don't be modest. The script is very good, and you have talent. Here's the deal: you'll play the lead, but Ben has to audition. Of course, he'd have priority if everything else is equal. Is that okay?"
"Thank you, Mr. Anderson. What about the script fee?"
"Have your agent come to the company and discuss the details with Robert so there are no misunderstandings."
"Thanks. I'll take my leave now."
Exiting Linton Films, Matt pumped his fist in excitement and immediately called his agent. "Axel, it's done..."
In fact, Matt had finished the script four months earlier. Since Linton had been away, he'd pitched the script to many studios, including the seven major Hollywood studios.
Few showed interest, and those who did had no concrete shooting plans -- mostly just wanting to add scripts to their libraries, not letting him star.
So he was overjoyed that Linton agreed to everything.
After three days of talks, Robert, the new producer Nacho Misi, and Matt Damon's agent reached an agreement.
Linton Films bought the Good Will Hunting script for $250,000 and committed to start filming by the end of the year.
Matt Damon was signed for $2.5 million to play the lead.
After signing, Linton immediately announced the launch of the Good Will Hunting film project, with a budget of $13 million.
Nacho was the producer, and Jonathan Glazer was the director.
Jonathan was thrilled to have a chance to direct solo after recently serving as an assistant director on The Man from Nowhere.
Because Nacho and Jonathan were newcomers, Robert and others insisted that Linton act as co-producer.
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