[Chapter 67: Niche Competition, Mediation]
After arranging the work for the film crew and the charity foundation, Linton threw himself fully into recording songs during the day and practicing dance at night.
He also attended the advertising launch events and business activities for Armani and Timex.
Thanks to Mira's coordination, both companies scheduled their events in Los Angeles, saving Linton from long-distance travel.
According to the promotion plans from both brands, TV commercials were set to start airing on March 1st, accompanied by widespread outdoor advertising.
...
On March 1st, the endorsement fees from Armani and Timex arrived: $7 million each (for two years), totaling $14 million. After deducting the commission for the William Morris Agency, the net income was $12.6 million.
...
Robert was very efficient; by February 29th, the film crew had signed contracts with all the actors. The budgets were well controlled; the $2 million allocated for the director and main actors wasn't even fully used.
Linton's fee was $550,000, Zack's was $100,000, Naomi's $200,000 -- altogether only $1.8 million. That night, Robert came to the estate to update Linton on the main actors' contract status. Linton took the list of payments for the other eight lead actors and noticed the highest fee was $250,000 paid to Halle Berry. This was slightly below her usual rate, but since she had just taken a hit with the flop of The Last Boy Scout, a fee cut was expected.
The lowest fees went to Tyra Banks and Snoop Dogg -- $50,000 and $20,000 respectively. "Nowadays, models and singers are all trying to break into Hollywood films. For their first movie role, their pay is always pretty low. Honestly, Snoop Dogg would do it for free," Robert explained.
"That's great. The production team worked efficiently. Since they have signed contracts, let them join the crew as soon as possible. We'll hold a script reading session the day after tomorrow to align everyone's understanding of the script and acting style," Linton said with satisfaction.
"They've all been notified. They'll be joining the crew tomorrow."
---
On the morning of March 2nd, Linton arrived at Universal Studios for the Step Up film crew's script reading session with the core creative team. It was clear everyone had done their homework; when discussing their roles and the script, their understanding was basically spot on, much to Linton's satisfaction.
The session went very well, but surprisingly, Halle Berry and Tyra Banks clashed hard, bluntly opposing each other. The rest of the crew enjoyed the drama, even stirring the pot and pouring fuel on the fire, which soon began disrupting normal operations.
...
After the meeting, Linton asked Robert, "What's going on with Halle Berry and Tyra Banks?"
"Ah, we overlooked something earlier: they're competitors occupying the same niche -- both young, beautiful, and suited to the 'girl-next-door' type.
But in Hollywood, opportunities for young Black actresses are scarce, making the competition even fiercer. Halle currently has the edge, having gained some fame, and she wants to firmly hold onto this niche.
Tyra Banks is no slouch either. She's a highly popular supermodel, having featured on the covers of Vanity Fair, Elle, and Seventeen magazines last year, and has walked 25 shows during Paris and New York Fashion Weeks. Now she's moving from modeling to Hollywood, targeting the same niche, so naturally, they're at odds."
"There's so much room in Hollywood -- can't it support two Black girl-next-door types?"
"No. Hollywood is still largely dominated by white talent and only offers so many slots. Though Hollywood produces many films yearly, there are very few roles suited for young beauties, and even fewer for Black actresses in that mold.
This niche is very hard to share between two young Black women. Plus, these opportunities have only recently appeared thanks to nationwide equality movements; a few years ago, they wouldn't have had a chance at all.
Don't forget, even among white up-and-coming actresses, the competition is ruthless. Look at Naomi Watts -- she was viciously smeared by the media recently. You think the media really cared about our movie? No. Most of it was from her direct competitors behind the scenes."
"I understand. It's their personal feud, but it's now affecting the crew's work. With so many people around, gossip could reach the media and ruin us. Call them in -- I'll handle it."
"You want to confront them directly?" Robert was a bit confused.
"Yes. Don't worry. If you can't handle it, I definitely can. Go get them."
...
Robert hesitated but went to summon Halle Berry and Tyra Banks to the conference room for a meeting with Linton. Both carefully adjusted their makeup and outfits. Halle intentionally lowered her neckline, revealing a deep cleavage, and confidently entered the room first. Tyra muttered an insult under her breath but also lowered her dress at the chest and entered behind her, with Robert quickly closing the door.
...
"Director, you called me?" Halle purred in a sugary voice, swaying in a sultry catwalk toward Linton.
"Director, I'm here too," Tyra said with equal flair, approaching Linton with charm.
"Stop right there."
Before either could launch themselves at Linton, a chilling voice filled the room, accompanied by a piercing coldness and an overwhelming mental pressure -- as if they stood naked amid a frozen wasteland, surrounded by starving wolves. Both shivered, teeth chattering. Linton had slightly used his Mind Shock ability on them.
A few seconds later, just as they were about to faint, the chill and pressure vanished. A commanding voice replaced it as Linton lowered his mental influence and spoke, "Alright, tell me what's going on between you two?"
Still shaken, they exchanged glances. Halle finally said, "There's nothing really between us."
"We're fine," Tyra echoed.
"That's good. You both come from the same group, are young and beautiful, and lucky to be in this cast. You should be helping each other." Linton smiled, using his Soul Induction ability subtly.
Suddenly, the harsh winter field lifted, replaced by a spring garden; Linton seemed like an angel, his voice enchanting, making them feel compelled to heed his words.
"Yes, we should help each other."
"Good. At least on this set, don't be hostile or undermine each other. Understand this: If this film succeeds, we all benefit. If it fails, no one ends well.
Halle, you just had a flop. If you flop again, what do you think Hollywood will think of you?
Tyra, this is your first movie. If you don't perform well, what future do you have in Hollywood?"
"We'll do our best and follow your direction to make a great film," they both said involuntarily.
"That's more like it. After the film's release, do whatever you want. But during the shoot, you're like sisters. Help each other."
"We will be good sisters," they agreed.
"Now, give each other a hug."
They glanced at each other -- the once irritating rival now seeming approachable -- and unconsciously followed Linton's order, embracing briefly.
Linton withdrew the Soul Induction, feeling pleased. Unexpectedly, both leaned on him, kissing his cheeks as if smitten.
"I'll always listen to the director."
"I want to serve the director."
What was going on? Was this a side effect of the ability? Linton quickly pushed them away.
"Since that's settled, you're sisters here on set. Let's work hard and make a great film."
Seeing they still wanted to cling to him, he continued, "That's enough. Be friendly, hold hands, and head out. Tell others you've made peace. Now go practice dancing and study the script."
...
As Linton opened the door, a crowd gathered outside, including Robert, Zack, Naomi, and some gossiping women practically falling over each other.
They stared wide-eyed as Halle Berry and Tyra Banks walked out hand in hand.
"What are you doing? Do you want to watch a show? They've made peace and will help each other now. Break it up, everyone. Go rehearse and study the script," Linton snapped, dispersing them.
...
"Linton, you're amazing! How did you do it? In minutes, they went from enemies to best sisters. God, is today April Fools' Day?" Robert came into the room, giving Linton a thumbs up.
"Nothing special. I just showed them the stakes. If the movie succeeds, they benefit. If it fails, no one does. They're smart -- they knew what to do," Linton said, stretching the truth.
"But what about those lipstick marks on your face?" Robert teased.
"Probably just from their excitement after making peace," Linton casually wiped the marks off with some tissues.
Robert didn't buy it. Those arguments had been explained to them before, but only Linton's intervention worked this well. He couldn't explain it but silently admitted surrender. It gave him even more confidence in Step Up's success.
*****
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