Hollywood Immortal

[Chapter 381: DreamWorks' Dream, The Big-Mouthed Beauty]

In early June, another big event shook Hollywood.

A while back, Jeffrey Katzenberg, the mastermind behind Disney's most glorious era in the 1980s and 90s and the studio's number two man, had been ousted from Disney after threatening the position of chairman and CEO Michael Eisner.

But Jeffrey Katzenberg was no ordinary man. After his quiet departure from Disney, he reached out to two friends: Steven Spielberg, then Hollywood's top-ranked director, and David Geffen, a legendary music producer and one of the richest men in America.

Together, the three of them invested $30 million to start DreamWorks, launching three major divisions:

- Live-action films, led by Spielberg.

- Animated films, led by Katzenberg.

- Music, managed by David Geffen.

The DreamWorks trio shouted out with ambition and passion, vowing to make DreamWorks Hollywood's new shining star, ready to challenge the old studio system and become a new Hollywood powerhouse.

On the night of June 6, they threw a lavish party at the Hilton Hotel, inviting elites from all corners of the industry to witness the birth of DreamWorks.

As a studio head, acclaimed director, and megastar, Linton of course received an invitation.

But Linton already knew that the higher DreamWorks flew, the harder the established Hollywood giants would try to crush it. The current big seven studios would never allow DreamWorks to rise unchecked. They'd slam it with pressure and sabotage in every possible resource channel.

If things went as expected, DreamWorks would eventually be forced to fade out, becoming just another prize split among the Hollywood giants.

That said, in a way, DreamWorks could also be considered an ally of Linton's company -- at least it would draw some heat away from the six major studios aimed at him.

Also, both Linton and Spielberg were members of the USC School of Cinematic Arts alumni association -- a favor to keep up.

---

After finishing his day's shooting, Linton headed to the Hilton to attend DreamWorks' grand launch party.

The three DreamWorks moguls had an exceptionally deep network, and the party was packed with stars and industry leaders.

Linton spotted Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, James Cameron, Clint Eastwood, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and many other renowned directors and actors, along with many high-level executives from various studios.

However, notably absent were any top executives from the seven major studios. Even Universal Pictures, which often worked closely with Spielberg, only sent a distribution department director, Levitt.

Spielberg immediately greeted Linton warmly,

"Linton, I'm really glad you could make it."

"Steven, congratulations. I hope DreamWorks will have a spectacular run and the box office numbers soar."

After introducing him to Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, Spielberg pulled Linton aside to a quiet room.

"So, how's your Mission: Impossible shooting going?"

"Very smoothly. We should wrap it in June. Steven, congrats again on kicking off your career's second act."

"Yeah, I just realized recently that being a director, no matter how successful, you're still just a piece on someone else's chessboard -- a tool for profit -- especially after watching you and George Lucas set such examples."

"You're giving me too much credit. You and George are my seniors."

"Don't be modest. Your company's strength is obvious. Last year, your studio's profits must have topped $500 million, right?"

"About that." Actually, Linton's studio made over $800 million but it wasn't public since they weren't publicly listed. Guessing was all outsiders could do. Linton certainly wouldn't spill the real numbers and attract needless envy.

"You know, Hollywood is dominated by the big seven studios. It's tough for a new company to break through, and the moment you do, the pressure from them is inevitable. I remember last year, your movie, The Man from Nowhere, got targeted by their combined efforts."

"True, you're right."

"DreamWorks was founded to break that monopoly. Our two companies share the same goal and face the same enemies -- we naturally have a basis for cooperation."

"Cooperation?"

"Yes. I think we should strengthen our collaboration."

"How so?"

"I was thinking we could start with film partnerships. Our two companies could mutually open investment opportunities. For example, DreamWorks' upcoming films could offer you investment slots, and your studio's projects could do the same for DreamWorks."

This sly fox! After all that talk about shared goals and enemies, his real intention was trying to get a piece of Linton's success. DreamWorks only had their three investors and a splashy motto, with just $30 million in registered capital. What solid profits or projects did they actually have?

Meanwhile, Linton's studio had produced nine films since Step Up, all box office blockbusters with staggering returns. Numerous companies were eager to throw money into his projects.

Spielberg was trying to bamboozle him with a few words. As if it were that easy. Did he think Linton was a kid? Such a cunning Jewish fox.

"Steven, fighting the big studios' pressure is a duty we share, but cooperation is a big deal -- I'll need to think carefully before giving you an answer. Plus, as you know, my company never lacks funds."

Cooperation was out of the question. Linton was sure Spielberg understood the message.

"All right, I look forward to hearing from you." Spielberg's slight disappointment flashed across his face but he quickly masked it with grace, chatting briefly before moving on to other guests.

---

As a studio head and top director, Linton naturally became the center of attention at the party, especially among actresses.

Soon, various female stars and their agents, along with fresh new actresses, flocked to him, eager to throw themselves at him. He collected a mountain of business cards and hotel room keys, feeling a little overwhelmed.

But among them, he didn't find any that really caught his eye -- not a single top-tier beauty or the hottest star.

By now, ordinary actresses rarely sparked his interest, especially when five top-notch beauties were already waiting for him back at his Hilton suite.

Seizing a chance to slip away to the restroom, Linton finally shook off the swarms of would-be suitors. He was wondering if, having done his duty, it was time to leave.

Just as he stepped out of the restroom, a warm voice greeted him,

"Linton, so good to see you here."

It was the big-mouthed beauty Julia Roberts, dressed in a tight, sleek black gown that showed off her stunning figure.

"Julia, great to see you too."

"I know a nice bar. Want to go have a drink there?"

That was pretty straightforward. Was she waiting just for him? Julia might not be the absolute top beauty in terms of looks, but she was among Hollywood's most popular stars. Linton was intrigued.

"Sure."

Hearing his answer, the big-mouthed beauty happily slipped her arm through his and headed toward the elevator.

"Aren't we going to a bar?"

"Yeah, but I've got a private bar set up in my room upstairs, and there's a fine bottle of wine waiting."

...

As soon as they entered the room, Julia spun around and wrapped Linton in a passionate embrace, planting a kiss on him...

"Weren't we just going to have a drink?"

"We can drink later. I want to have you first..."

Sweet and lively music started playing...

...

Julia truly lived up to her status as Hollywood's hottest star. Her popularity matched even Madonna's, and their night together, Linton felt his cultivation had made obvious progress.

Of course, Julia's own assets, refined skills, and intense stamina gave Linton an unforgettable experience.

Their passionate encounter lasted until dawn, with Julia lying softly in Linton's arms.

"Darling, you're amazing."

"Julia, you're incredible too. Get some rest -- I'm heading out." After a tender kiss, Linton prepared to leave.

"Don't you want to stay a little longer?"

"No, I have to get back to the set. If I'm not there, the whole crew can't shoot."

"All right, then. Sweetheart, will you come back tonight?"

"No, the Mission: Impossible schedule is tight. We'll find another time. Anyway, you have my number."

...

They were both adults, fully aware this was just a one-night stand. But considering how satisfied they both were, future encounters were highly probable.

*****

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