Hollywood Immortal

[Chapter 376: Creating a Classic Spy Movie]

At night, Linton strolled through the serene springtime farm with Winnie, away from the city's noise, both enchanted by the vast starry sky above. The gentle spring breeze grew even softer and more captivating without either realizing it, Winnie slipped entirely into Linton's embrace.

In the distance, the tender calls of cats in heat stirred the hearts of the lovers, and without hesitation, they kissed passionately.

"Darling, I can't take it anymore. Let's go back. I want you to love me properly."

---

After spending a wonderful evening together on the farm, Linton took Winnie and his assistant Meena back to Los Angeles the next day.

On the plane, after some thorough catching up, Winnie told Linton about the recent funding round at Netscape Communications.

Just last week, Netscape had completed a $100 million Series B financing, led by Goldman Sachs with Sequoia Capital co-investing. The company's valuation reached $1 billion after this round. During the fundraising, Jim Clark refused an investment offer from Mangrove Capital, citing the need for Wall Street support to achieve an IPO. They had to allocate more shares to Goldman Sachs and Sequoia Capital.

But the real reason was that Mangrove Capital held too large a stake, and Jim worried it might jeopardize his control over the company. Still, Winnie felt Mangrove Capital had already reaped substantial returns and truly wished for the company to go public soon to gain greater profit and a clear exit strategy, so they didn't insist strongly.

With the Series B completed, the company set a target IPO date in August. To prepare, all shareholders agreed to create a stock incentive pool, putting 5% of shares into it.

This diluted Mangrove Capital's shareholding to 25.65%, making it second only to Clark's 38.3%. The next largest shareholder was co-founder Mark Anderson with 12.2%.

"Darling, Netscape plans to go public in August. The next step is boosting publicity. Jim Clark wants you to participate in some promotional events, using your influence to help promote Netscape."

"No problem. I'll fully cooperate. Let's have Netscape coordinate with Mira on the PR plan."

It seemed Netscape's trajectory was just like before, about to propel the internet into a booming phase, sounding the horn on the internet bubble. Linton's investment in Netscape was poised for a sharp appreciation, but he knew that after 1996, he'd need to exit quickly to truly realize the profits.

"Darling, one more thing. The Resident Evil game has entered beta testing. The game company wants to secure a Hollywood actress as a spokesperson, like how Nicole Kidman boosted Tomb Raider's sales. But they hope to keep the endorsement fee around $500,000 as well."

"That's doable. Let's have Charlize Theron do it."

"Charlize Theron fits the image and has enough fame, but will she agree to the $500,000 fee?"

"Don't worry, I'll talk to her."

"Is she so easy to approach, darling? Is she part of our sisterhood? You never mentioned it, and she's never moved into the estate."

"Baby, stop gossiping. Her situation is a bit special; the time isn't right yet."

---

On May 3, the production of Mission: Impossible kicked off with much fanfare at Universal Studios.

Although producer Robert was in Germany, executive producer Bella and Universal's producer Tim ensured the launch event was well organized.

In reality, with Linton directing and starring, a low profile was impossible. Reporters and paparazzi swarmed, pushing microphones toward Linton.

"Mr. Anderson, what are your expectations for Mission: Impossible?"

"Mr. Anderson, do you think Mission: Impossible can surpass James Bond?"

"Mr. Anderson, will Mission: Impossible outperform your previous film, The Man from Nowhere?"

Linton played along, making bold statements to leverage media for promotion.

"Everyone knows Mission: Impossible is adapted from the famous 60s spy TV series Mission: Impossible. This film will feature lots of high-tech gadgets, thrilling chase and combat scenes, and a perfectly suspenseful plot that will excite audiences. Spy films aren't only about 007 anymore. My goal is to create a new milestone for spy films, turning it into a classic of action-adventure and spy suspense genres."

Hearing his confident words, the reporters were practically buzzing with excitement.

"Mr. Anderson, do you think James Bond films are no longer relevant?"

"Mr. Anderson, what makes you believe Mission: Impossible will top 007?"

"Mr. Anderson, do you think Bond agents aren't as handsome as you?"

...

Reporters and paparazzi are always the same -- stirring the pot, hoping to ignite controversy. Though Linton spoke about creating a classic spy film on par with 007, the media spun it into him wanting to surpass or trample over Bond.

Linton ignored these provocations after firing off one reply. The reporters had their sound bites and that was enough; now the audience just needed to know Mission: Impossible was underway.

Movie promotion is a persistent and systematic process; continued scoops would be necessary to maintain buzz.

A reporter also asked Catherine, "Miss Jones, how do you feel about working with Linton again?"

Catherine smiled slightly. "I'm thrilled and confident to collaborate with Linton. Together we'll bring audiences an even more exciting and classic spy film."

---

After the ceremony, the reporters, happy with their hefty payoffs, left while pondering how to spin their stories for maximum impact.

But Linton's speech at the kickoff stirred quite a reaction among the cast. According to what Linton said, Mission: Impossible aimed to rival 007, implying it would become a film series.

That raised questions: would his role continue? Could he keep playing the lead throughout?

Several supporting actors without contracts began to fantasize, motivating themselves to perform excellently to catch Linton's attention and become key players in future sequels.

Linton hadn't expected that his answers would lead the cast to such thoughts, but in Hollywood, opportunity is everything.

---

Filming quickly moved into full swing.

On the first day, everyone was familiarizing themselves, naturally starting with simpler scenes.

Linton chose the opening shot of Agent Ethan escaping from the aquarium restaurant at the square, rejoining the team at their hotel. At the hotel entrance, he removed his coat and crushed a light bulb from the hallway, scattering shards on the floor so if anyone was approaching, he would hear the glass break.

This scene was a solo performance from Linton, expressing Ethan's calm and alertness even under threat.

For Linton, it was an easy performance -- just showing a man freshly escaped from danger, slightly disheveled but consciously controlled.

Assistant director Phil Dulin took charge on set.

"Mission: Impossible, scene 8, take 3. Actors, get ready. Action!"

Linton, in full makeup, hurried down the stairs, quickly removing his jacket...

The shoot went smoothly; Linton handled the scene effortlessly in one take.

---

Once filming wrapped for the day, Linton settled into a room arranged by the crew.

At the Universal Hotel's building 3, the penthouse had six luxury suites but only Linton, Catherine, and Michelle Reis stayed there. In a remote corner, Robert had a room.

Technically, Michelle Reis's status and role didn't earn her penthouse accommodations, but with Linton as the absolute boss, he arranged for Michelle and Catherine to stay on either side of his room to facilitate script discussions.

Of course, Catherine and Michelle's rooms were just for show. They never actually stayed in their rooms but brazenly shared Linton's room.

That night was naturally full of excitement and entanglements.

Sweet and lively singing continued nonstop through the night...

*****

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