Hollywood Immortal

[Chapter 378: Big Tax Refund in Hand]

"Catherine, your moves are way too flirtatious. You're supposed to be blending into the CIA as a sleek, professional office assistant. The kind of sexy charm an office girl has is totally different from that of a stage performer. You need to keep it more composed, tone it down during the performance."

"Got it, give me ten minutes."

This was the scene where Claire sneaks into the CIA headquarters. After changing into business attire, she looks for an opportunity to drug the mainframe operators and plant a tracking device.

Catherine, dressed in professional office wear, looked stunning. White blouse, black pencil skirt, black stockings, and high heels -- a straightforward, irresistible uniform tease. With her exaggerated stage-like movements while walking, her slender waist and curvy hips swayed wildly, and her bright, sparkling eyes followed the rhythm, making everyone on set drool.

Although the scene was incredibly sexy and would definitely excite the pervs in the audience, this portrayal clashed with the image of a high-level office assistant and naturally, Linton demanded a retake.

Honestly, this scene wouldn't hold up to logic. In reality, if suddenly a stunningly gorgeous new colleague appeared in any organization, it would inevitably attract attention -- male colleagues would flirt, and female colleagues would notice and possibly get jealous.

It would make more sense to cast an average-looking actress for the role, someone who wouldn't draw extra attention or risk.

But, after all, it's a movie. The audience wants to see beautiful men and women. When they see a glamorous and sexy office assistant on screen, their first reaction is definitely, "Wow, she's gorgeous! Wow, so sexy!" That might even drive repeat viewings or tape sales.

Except for film critics, who'd dig into the plot holes? So sometimes a few minor flaws can be ignored for the audience's enjoyment during filming.

---

At lunchtime, there was a knock at the trailer door. Michelle Reis opened it to find Robert beaming with joy outside.

"Boss, sorry to interrupt your meal."

"Robert, you're back! Come on in."

"Boss, great news!" Robert couldn't wait and started sharing the good news the moment he got inside.

"Have a seat and join us for lunch."

"Thanks, boss, I won't say no. I'm starving." Robert glanced at Catherine and Michelle Reis sitting on either side of Linton, all fully dressed, hesitated a moment, then took a seat.

"So, tell me, how did it go?"

"Boss, everything went smoothly. All five films have successfully received their tax rebates. For Mission: Impossible, we reported a production cost of $100 million and got $13 million back.

For The Long Kiss Goodnight, a $50 million production cost brought back $6.5 million.

The Sixth Sense, with a $50 million production cost, also got $6.5 million.

As Good as It Gets had a $30 million production cost with a $3.9 million refund.

Scream had a $20 million production cost and we got $2.6 million back.

The $13 million refund for Mission: Impossible has already been transferred to the studio's account, and the combined $19.5 million from the other four films has been fully transferred to the company's account."

"Oh, looks like we got the maximum 1.3x rebate rate."

"Yeah, mostly because all these movies star big-name actors. Boss, you know how it is -- Catherine, Nicole Kidman, Cristiana, Bruce Willis, Monica, Jennifer -- they're household names in Germany. Naturally, the projected revenues matched 1.3 times the production costs."

"Nice. Has the process there been smoothed out?"

"Yes, since this was the first time, the approval process had a few bumps and took about two weeks, but everything's settled now. Next time it'll be even smoother."

"I mean next time when our company files the application independently, there won't be any issues with the process, right?"

"No problem at all, boss. Honestly, this time we piggybacked with Universal people, but after getting to know them, the folks over at TCG really respect our company. Our company has become quite famous in Germany thanks to our string of blockbusters. Our brand recognition there is second only to the seven Hollywood major studios. So next time, even without Universal, applying on our own won't be a problem."

"Good job, you made a big impact this time. I'll have accounting send you a nice bonus for the month."

"Thanks, boss. It's mainly because our company has a strong brand and more importantly, our film projects are solid hits every time."

"Alright, alright, you know how to sweet-talk. Now go eat. Also, notify the crew to add an extra meal for everyone tonight."

"Thank you, boss."

"Darling, what's the good news exactly? How did we make so much money? Tell me all the details."

As Robert paused to eat, Catherine and Michelle Reis, bubbling with gossip, started to gently shake Linton's arms from both sides, their dazzling eyes making Robert on the other side feel parched. He quickly lowered his head and focused on his food.

Linton was in a great mood and leisurely explained the new German tax rebate policy in detail to them.

Hearing such an incredible policy, Catherine and Michelle Reis were astonished but quickly caught on, pressing kisses on Linton from both sides.

"Honey, does this mean our future films can get a big chunk of extra income from Germany's rebate program?"

"You could say that. However, it only applies to films shot and produced in the US. If we shoot in other countries and get rebates there, we can't double-dip for Germany."

"Wow, that's awesome! Honey, our movies will have even bigger profit margins from now on."

With that, the two of them showered Linton with kisses from both sides again.

Seeing this, Robert felt like his head was about to explode and couldn't take it anymore. He stood up quickly.

"Boss, I'm done eating. I'm heading out."

Before Linton could respond, he hurried out and carefully closed the trailer door behind him.

No way was he going to stick around and be a super wattage spotlight in that fiery scene inside the trailer. Besides, he was afraid he'd make a fool of himself. Better to find someone else and blow off steam back in his own trailer.

After Robert left, Linton silently gave him a thumbs up.

Of course, such a happy moment called for a proper celebration. With a joyful spread of his arms, Catherine and Michelle Reis eagerly jumped into Linton's embrace and showered him with kisses.

Soon, the trailer began to shake erratically...

Even with its good soundproofing, if you stood close, you could faintly hear the cheerful and sweet singing drifting out...

*****

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