Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 233: Full Control]

"Our script has been approved by Screen Gems," the young man with slicked-back hair spoke confidently to Ryan and Taylor in the office. "I should introduce myself again -- I'm Will Gluck, the director and executive producer of this project, Easy A. I have a good relationship with Terry Stapleton, the executive VP at Screen Gems. My first film, Fired Up!, was successfully completed with their investment, which led to this exciting new project."

He explained that Olive Bridge Entertainment was his own production company, meaning he was leading this project. Will was fairly handsome with a boyish charm, making him a typical favorite among Hollywood executives.

"As for Screen Gems, they are a division of Sony Pictures. This studio has a long history, originally making animated films, later producing TV series, and now focusing on partnerships with independent production companies to release films. You must have heard of the Resident Evil series; Screen Gems co-produced it and handled distribution in North America, Latin America, and Italy, alongside Constantin Film."

He continued, "The Underworld series was also jointly developed with Lakeshore Entertainment." Lakeshore was based in Los Angeles and had produced films like Million Dollar Baby along with the Underworld series.

"Screen Gems is currently focusing on three types of films: horror, fantasy action, and teen comedies, and Easy A falls into the last category," Will stated.

"So, Easy A will be distributed by Sony Pictures?" Taylor quickly assumed.

"Exactly! This film won't have a problem selling in the North American market," Will nodded enthusiastically.

Major film companies did have their own big-budget productions, but they often leveraged their distribution advantages to collaborate with independent filmmakers. Most of these movies were mid-range productions, often comedies or horror films.

Will began to boast about his project, praising the lead actress's potential and how excellent the script was. He emphasized that it was the only comedy in the release slate, confidently claiming that with investment, there would undoubtedly be profits.

"Given how much interest there is in this project, why is there a lack of investment?" Ryan asked, eyeing the slick-haired director.

"Well... the situation is a bit complicated. You know how the economy has been sluggish lately. Unfortunately, several projects under Screen Gems have severely overspent. For instance, this summer's release of Legion and several important films coming out this year like Resident Evil 4, plus Underworld 3 didn't perform well at the box office, led to high-level decisions tightening budgets. However, this is precisely your opportunity -- it's a rare chance. I've met with several potential investors, but considering Ms. Rivers's exceptional accomplishments in music, I prefer to collaborate with you both," Will explained.

"I guess Terry Stapleton has lost interest in you, hasn't he?" Ryan chuckled.

Will's smile faltered: "At least I've kept the project. I swear, Hollywood is always full of eager young actors ready to sell out!"

"How short is the budget?" Ryan pressed on.

"I spoke with Ms. Rivers earlier; we're looking at around two million... actually a bit more. I can guarantee the total budget won't exceed ten million. How much would you be willing to invest?" Will fixated on Ryan.

"Ten million? So, in other words, you have zero investment?" Taylor realized she had been misled.

Will shrugged: "I'm considering financing through financial channels."

Taylor suddenly understood, feeling a twinge of retreat forming in her mind; this director was rather unreliable.

"I actually came with Ryan today to see what was possible; we really can't pull that much money right now. I'll need to discuss investment further with Ryan," Taylor announced, ready to leave.

"Actually, if we cut some scenes and streamline the process, we could trim the total budget down to about seven to eight million -- that's really the limit." Will, sensing the deal slipping away, hastily added, "If necessary, I can take a smaller part of my salary, but if the box office surpasses the breakeven point, I'd deserve the remaining portion."

Taylor stood up, "Darling, I'm hungry, let's go grab something to eat."

Will escorted Ryan and Taylor to the office door.

...

"This is ridiculous; asking for that much money -- it's practically a scam," Taylor muttered as soon as they were in the car.

"Hold on, don't drive yet," Ryan told the driver while shutting the car door.

"The difference is this project really isn't bad," Ryan shifted gears in the conversation.

Unlike Taylor, Ryan was bold given the success of 2 Broke Girls right in front of him.

"He hasn't landed a dime -- it's like he's trying to fleece us, clearly, no one believes in this project," Taylor argued.

"He's lost his footing, plus he's inexperienced," Ryan reasoned.

"Exactly, yet you are so relaxed about handing money over to him. You could buy several houses with that ten million!"

"For others, it's a significant risk, but for us, it represents an opportunity. If we fund this film, we would be in control. Director, producer, writer, finance -- all of it would be up to us. If Will can't handle it, we could simply have him hand over the reins or even remove him from this project; the same goes for every role," Ryan exclaimed, now more than just considering investing.

"But..." Taylor still expressed doubts.

"Don't you trust my judgment?" Ryan gazed into Taylor's eyes.

"It's not a matter of trust, but do you really want to put that much money on the line?" Taylor hesitated.

"I can't pull that sum alone, but you can," Ryan smiled.

"You are more suited for this -- I mean, your tour has plenty of cash flow. Gradually investing won't hurt you. Meanwhile, I'll be running the project behind the scenes."

"Okay, whatever you wish to do, I will always support you," Taylor nodded without hesitation.

If she were to invest herself, she would have hesitated, as she knew little about movies and regarded investing as just a bonus. But since it was Ryan needing help, she felt it was her duty to support him wholeheartedly.

Since Ryan was determined, she would do her utmost to back him up; any losses would be counted as experience for Ryan.

If ten million wasn't enough, then twenty million. If that wasn't enough, then thirty million. Working harder was trivial, as long as Ryan succeeded mattered. Taylor thought.

"If we win, we'll enjoy together; if we lose, we bear it together," Ryan stated seriously.

"Don't worry, if we do lose, we just lose, and you don't need to feel so pressured. Anyway, next year I'll earn the money back and if you want to make other investments, I will continue to fund them," Taylor smiled tenderly, pulling Ryan into her embrace.

"I didn't plan on losing any money," Ryan pondered, calculating the risks involved...

Before long, they were out of the car again and found Will once more.

...

"Taylor and I are signed under Universal Music; will this affect the investment?" Ryan directly inquired.

Seeing them return, Will understood the situation had potential and immediately began to analyze, "Universal Music's parent company is Vivendi, while Universal NBC is a subsidiary of Comcast. Although both have 'Universal' in their names, they are independent. Universal Pictures can't interfere with Universal Music in any case."

The parent company of Universal Music, Vivendi, originally focused on water utilities but had now transformed into a large holding company with a primary focus on entertainment and communications. Besides Universal Music, they were also known for Activision Blizzard and mobile gaming company Gameloft. Vivendi generally didn't intervene with their subsidiaries, and they were thriving primarily due to the popularity of their products, particularly Call of Duty 4 and World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King.

Comcast, on the other hand, was a large broadband and television service provider in the U.S., also engaged in advertising and film television production, akin to an advanced version of a telecom company.

While Will logically insisted that doing it this way wouldn't be a problem, Ryan chose to be cautious, planning to take over the project in an unobtrusive manner.

"I'll hire someone to set up an offshore production company; Taylor won't be involved," Ryan said slowly, then looked at Will.

"Rest assured, even if you kill me, I won't say a word. I'm banking everything on this project," Will nodded vigorously.

"Moreover, I need to assign an executive producer to handle the finances for the crew; that must also be my person," Ryan added.

"Okay, that's your prerogative," Will didn't argue.

"Lastly, we may need to adjust the cast as well," Ryan mentioned, knowing how crucial casting was, even for smaller-budget films.

"Currently, besides Emma Stone in a leading role, we also have the male lead, Penn Badgley, but his role doesn't require much screen time; this is a chick flick. Supporting roles include Amanda Bynes..." Will listed a few names.

Ryan turned to Taylor.

"Do you need to replace Emma Stone?" Taylor asked tentatively.

"No, I think she's a good fit," Ryan replied thoughtfully. Emma wasn't stunning but had good audience appeal. If they sought for a stunning beauty, she might not support the film's concept.

"But the second female lead and the first male lead don't have any special features. Have they signed the contract?" Ryan inquired.

"Not yet; mainly because I haven't secured investments. They're currently the best choices I can find. Payne is an actor from Gossip Girl, and Amanda Bynes started out as a child star... Wait, I might have an even more suitable candidate for the male lead!" Will's eyes lit up, as he's known for his keen eye for male actors.

"Do I need to be in this movie?" Ryan chuckled.

"Absolutely! This first significant role could be a great angle, and you're charming enough; I mean charming to those girl fans," Will nodded emphatically.

"That's not exactly low-key," Ryan mused.

"It's just a role; we recently made a cameo in a New Line movie, and Universal Music didn't even call to check in," Taylor reminded.

New Line was now a subsidiary of Warner Bros.

"Moreover, you just partnered with CW for a show; it's the same principle. I support you being on the big screen," Taylor quickly offered.

Ryan couldn't help but contemplate this further. As the possibilities unfolded, he didn't reject the idea.

Then Ryan inquired about the male lead's role, and Will indicated that while the male lead's screen time was limited, his primary role was to provide the film with a perfect romantic conclusion alongside the female lead.

"Let's settle on that for now," Ryan agreed.

As for the second female lead, Ryan still hadn't thought of a suitable candidate.

...

Exiting Olive Bridge Entertainment's office, Taylor instructed the driver to head to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

"I'm meeting with Trey soon; I can't show up empty-handed!" Taylor thought about buying a gift.

"You've already sent her gifts before; you don't need to buy anything more," Ryan replied, noticing how Taylor put Trey before even himself.

Ryan suggested going directly to Stage 25. As they arrived on set, they were met with a warm welcome, as filming was nearing completion. Trey, along with major cast members like Julie, gathered around excitedly.

"Sorry for the rush, I didn't bring any gifts for you all!" Taylor laughed awkwardly.

"Gifts? I'm running out of space for the ones you've sent! Just showing up is enough. Taylor, you're more beautiful than ever!" Trey beamed at Taylor.

"Right? Her skin looks amazing and she's getting so slim," Julie chimed in.

Flattered by the compliments, Taylor offered to take the entire crew on a trip to Florida after the season wrapped, prompting cheers from everyone present.

The two main stars of the show also approached, eager to chat with Taylor.

"Thank you for appearing in Ryan's show; let's grab dinner together tonight," Taylor proposed.

Daddario eagerly accepted, while Amber mentioned having plans that evening.

"Next time," Amber replied with a rueful smile, casting a glance at Ryan behind Taylor.

Having already come this far, Taylor was determined to pop in for a cameo. As the cheers echoed around them, others from the crew also came up to greet Taylor and Ryan.

...

Jim Parsons, known as Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory, looked nothing like the stereotypical "science geek" from the show. He chatted casually with Ryan, just as Ryan spotted a stunning figure in a tight dress standing with Taylor -- this woman had come from another sitcom's set and her figure was truly explosive, standing out strikingly even compared to Trey and Daddario. With her figure accentuated by the fitted outfit and heels, she appeared to be around five-foot-seven.

Her body was breathtaking, combined with a face that exuded charisma -- a walking embodiment of sensuality that captivated every man in the vicinity.

"Sofia Vergara, she's undeniably sexy -- she's from the cast of Modern Family," Jim remarked.

Years later, this actress would land the number two spot on Forbes' highest-income list, raking in $41 million annually from her roles and endorsements. She would surpass renowned women like Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, and Jennifer Aniston, second only to Scarlet Johansson, who had made a fortune from Marvel.

Jim Parsons didn't get a response from Ryan, as he turned away and found Ryan had already walked over...

"...This is just a prop for the show, but yours is the real deal," Sofia remarked, holding Taylor's hand and lavishly complimenting her. While there was a large diamond ring on Sofia's finger, it was merely for the show.

Her naturally heavy Latin accent, paired with a rich voice, added an exotic flair to her allure.

"Absolutely stunning!" she exclaimed.

Just then, Ryan approached, intending to speak, but Sofia had already noticed him: "Hey there, handsome."

As she turned back to Taylor, she said, "I have to get back to filming. I only came over during my bathroom break. I'll catch up with you later," then stepped away.

Taylor watched her walk away, marveling, "They look bigger than my head. They probably don't have her size at lingerie stores."

Looking back, Ryan thought to himself, 'No need to stare; staring at those assets won't do anything for you.'

...

Meanwhile, in downtown Los Angeles, the crew of Valentine's Day was working diligently on set.

They were currently filming a scene between Anne Hathaway and Jesse McCartney.

Anne was sitting in a makeup trailer rehearsing her lines while the makeup artist tidied up her look.

Suddenly, two sharply dressed men burst into the trailer.

"Who are you? Staff isn't allowed in here; please leave," the makeup artist quickly warned.

"We're not part of the crew," one man revealed his FBI badge.

"We need to ask Ms. Hathaway a few questions now!" the other added.

The makeup artist hesitated, unsure how to respond.

"I'm working! Can't you come back after hours?" Anne frowned, her large eyes glaring at them.

"This is urgent; we just need to ask a few questions!" one insisted.

"You, out!" the other gestured to the makeup artist.

After she stepped out, they closed the makeup trailer's door. Just then, Anne's assistant rushed in, frantic...

*****

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