Behind The SpotLight

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 36

"Sir... we need to return to the company." Emmanuel's voice was barely above a whisper, careful not to trigger another outburst.

Trying to erase his presence and pretend he wasn't even there, Emmanuel spoke meekly to Taylor, who was still mad as fuck, completely consumed by rage and frustration.

"...Alright, let's leave. Pwe—! Do they think that movie will perform well at the box office? An indie movie like that? Nope, it'll flop!" Taylor spat on the concrete with madness, as if spitting could somehow change the outcome.

'If it's going to fail, why did you try to buy it?' Emmanuel thought with a dry sigh, though he dared not say it out loud. He valued his job. Still, he knew exactly why Taylor was being bitter despite all his fake bravado.

The movie would undoubtedly make money at the box office. It had charm and originality. The only real question was: How much money would it make? Would it be a modest hit or a massive success?

No matter how many times Taylor insisted the movie would flop, deep down he knew that wasn't the case. Perhaps he was just hypnotizing himself, trying to cope with the embarrassment of losing.

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While many people were disappointed they couldn't buy the film and regretted missing a golden opportunity, Berry Cruz had already signed the contract and walked away with the deal sealed.

Collin signed the contract as the producer.

William signed as the investor who had taken a risk, and now saw the rewards coming.

Wyatt signed as the director, his hand shaking slightly from a mix of excitement and nerves.

The three of them signed the distribution deal, which also included the future distribution rights for possible sequels for $2 million in cold, hard, satisfying cash.

Out of the three, Berry was most interested in Wyatt Bray. His eyes subtly followed the young man the entire time.

"So, you're the director of The Accidental Wedding Crashers?"

"That's right, sir..." Wyatt answered, sweating under the pressure and the weight of attention from someone so high up. He had been on edge all day and now it was peaking.

"If you have a new project, feel free to contact our studio. Our doors are always open for you." Berry's words were soft but meaningful.

"Uhh, actually, I've been writing some—" Wyatt began nervously, but was cut off.

"We'll talk about that later," Collin immediately interjected, preventing Wyatt from saying too much.

He stepped in with a firm yet polite smile and tapped Wyatt's shoulder with a calm grip. Wyatt clearly wasn't a strong negotiator, and Collin had learned that today. If Wyatt spoke further, he might get pulled into the pit of corporate greed disguised as opportunity.

Collin nodded at Berry with professional courtesy, and the old man returned the gesture with the faintest smirk.

The lawyers concluded that the transaction was valid and legal before everyone parted with firm handshakes and satisfied expressions. The money was wired to William's bank account without delay.

When the funds arrived, everyone grinned from ear to ear, like kids receiving Christmas candy.

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"Sir... why did you sign a distribution deal for a sequel that hasn't even been made yet? Isn't that a waste?" the young secretary asked with honest curiosity and a touch of confusion.

Once Berry and his entourage entered the limousine, lined with black leather and tinted windows, the male secretary finally asked the question he'd been holding back since the meeting ended.

"Well... how should I explain it... Have you ever seen Mary Monro, the goddess of 1950s Hollywood?" Berry asked, his eyes glinting with nostalgia.

"No, sir. I wasn't born yet," the secretary replied awkwardly.

"I see... Damn, I'm getting old. Too old to expect people to remember the legends I grew up with. But you've seen Elvys Presli, right?"

"Sir... I was just a kid when Elvys passed. Unfortunately, I never got to see him perform." The young man answered with regret.

"That's unfortunate. Elvys had a charisma that could silence a stadium with a single note. Then surely you've seen Jackson Mike, the King of Pop," Berry said, leaning forward.

Others in the limousine nodded, listening to the conversation with a mix of reverence and fascination.

"Of course, sir. I've seen his concerts. They were amazing, out of this world." The secretary replied with genuine admiration.

"Indeed. Those three had incredible charisma and unique talents, impossible to replicate. There's only one King of Pop. They had the X-factor, the ability to attract millions just by existing."

"Does that mean this movie has the X-factor?" the secretary asked, intrigued.

"That's right. But more precisely, the director has it. A spark. A unique vision capable of leading a generation," Berry replied. "I've been in this industry for four decades. My judgment was honed through failure, luck, and instinct. That director has endless potential and it would be foolish not to recognize it. The reason I signed that deal and paid good money was to leave a strong impression before any other studio does... That director, we can milk him dry."

Berry grinned, and the others smiled too with the shared understanding of opportunity wrapped in ruthlessness.

In this industry, the biggest factor in a movie's financial success was the director, the one who shaped the vision and tone. Talented directors were in high demand, and studios would pay millions just to secure one with a proven box office record. There was nothing unethical in Uni-versus Pictures' plan, it was just business, not charity.

If Wyatt truly had the X-factor for comedy and could connect with audiences, then Berry had every reason to secure a relationship with him, before someone else did.

"We don't have a movie scheduled for the last week of October, right?" Berry asked, flipping through his internal calendar.

"Yes, sir. We're actually looking for a film to fill that slot. It would be a waste not to release something near Halloween," the secretary replied, ready with information.

"Then let's release The Accidental Wedding Crashers in that week. With some luck, its comedic charm could carry it through Thanksgiving," Berry said with calm authority.

"That would be amazing, sir," the secretary nodded.

"That's right."

Berry Cruz gave a weak smile as he stared out the window, watching the streets blur by. He felt lucky he had listened to Lila this time. Despite her youth, she was more calculating and cunning than many veterans he had met. At least her agency and his studio had another project lined up and a potential future alliance. It was a win-win for both parties in every practical sense.

A few weeks from now, Berry Cruz would find out that his instinct had been absolutely right.

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"Cheers!" William's voice rang out, brimming with youth and excitement.

"Guys, don't be shy! Today's on me! Hahaha!" he laughed with a wide grin, lifting his glass high.

William Edward cheerfully raised his root beer, foam spilling slightly over the top. He still needed to be 21 to drink alcohol legally.

He was obviously ecstatic. His investment had paid off, and in record time. In just six months, he saw a return faster than most investors could dream of and this was only the beginning.

When the money arrived, Collin, William, and Wyatt sat down to discuss the division seriously. No jokes. No drinks. Just pure business.

From the $2 million, expenses and commissions had to be deducted first. A standard procedure.

William invested $300,000.

Collin received a 10% commission on the $2 million as part of his contract.

They also paid $10,000 for use of the auditorium that helped secure the deal. It wasn't free, and came with lighting and operational fees.

That was $510,000 in expenses deducted upfront.

The remaining $1,490,000 was clean, pure profit. They then decided to give $90,000 as a bonus to the cast and crew, both to express gratitude and build future goodwill.

That left $1,400,000 to divide based on their pre-agreed shares.

William held 30% as the financial backer.

Collin also had 30% for managing the project and negotiations.

Wyatt had 40% as the creative head and director of the film.

After the math was done, the final outcome was more than satisfying:

William Edward earned $420,000 in one shot.

Collin East earned $420,000 as both agent and producer.

Wyatt Bray earned $560,000 from his directing debut.

The moment the money hit their bank accounts, they grinned like fools. Completely overwhelmed with joy.

Naturally, William was so thrilled that he treated everyone to Korean barbecue and promised to pay for drinks too.

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[There are still 3 slots remaining for the 50% discount. I'll end the promo tomorrow morning once I wake up.]

Pat reon link: https://www.pat reon.com/Puji_maki