Chapter 5: Chapter 5 Movie in Preparation
After finalizing things with his grandfather, Anton immediately boarded the family's private jet and flew to Los Angeles the same day to meet with the movie producer Jonah had arranged for him to discuss the collaboration on Batman: Begins
As a media mogul, Jonah Jameson also owned a stake in a film production company, and even held shares in other large entertainment companies.
Essentially, it was all in the family.
Considering that Anton was his grandson, Jonah was pulling out all the stops.
"Mr. Anton, it's a pleasure to meet you."
The man greeting him was Jim Lambert, a mid-tier Hollywood producer with 30 years in the industry and experience in nearly a hundred high-quality films.
Jim's proudest accomplishment had been a film he led eight years ago that achieved a top-five ranking in global box office that year, as well as a top-fifty spot on the all-time box office list.
The success of that film had catapulted him to the top ranks of producers, bringing fame, luxury cars, and beautiful women into his life.
But after reaching the top, the only way was down, unless he could transcend it all.
Jim had followed that law
In recent years, while his projects had been well-reviewed, most had lost money, with only a few breaking even or making minor profits.
The streak of mediocrity had relegated him from the ranks of top-tier producers back to the mid-tier.
Otherwise, Jonah wouldn't have been able to hire him.
Top Hollywood producers held status and power rivaling most film company executives.
The handful of elite producers could even stand toe-to-toe with the big six studios.
"Hello, Jim."
Anton recalled what he knew about Jim Lambert and handed him the movie outline. The producer, in his early fifties but still energetic, looked through it as Anton said, "My grandfather should have told you—I want to make a film with an initial investment of fifty million. I only have one requirement: success must be our top priority. And even if it's not successful, I want this movie to be widely known."
One way or another, Batman's reputation had to be established.
"I'll do my best."
Jim's face remained impassive, his attitude courteous yet not overly friendly.
He had a solid career, and while his recent projects hadn't excelled, they hadn't been complete failures either.
As long as he could have one breakout hit before retirement, he could quickly reclaim his position among the top producers.
After years of lying low, he was looking for a comeback.
Given his age, he still had the energy to push hard and make the most of his final projects.
This made Jim all the more cautious, rarely taking on projects unless they genuinely piqued his interest.
The only reason he was meeting Anton now was out of respect for Jonah Jameson.
Rustle!
Jim flipped through the thin stack of papers, hiding his initial skepticism as he leaned forward, reading the pages several times.
The scattered ideas in his head slowly came together.
"This is a very unique film concept." Jim looked at Anton, impressed. "Genius idea. How did you come up with this?"
"I call it a superhero film. Captain America inspired me."
Anton explained, "He's known as the first superhero of all time, a name that everyone recognizes. Despite his death seventy years ago, his story still captivates us. We all understand what this represents—a vast market and great returns."
"Indeed."
Jim agreed, "But you're oversimplifying. A film's success depends on many factors, including the intangible force of luck."
Anton grinned. "Luck is on our side. Just the fact that Tony Stark is investing in this movie will add tens of millions to the box office."
"Tony Stark?"
Jim was shocked. "You got Tony Stark—the infamous playboy—as an investor?"
"That's right," Anton nodded. "If you don't believe me, you're welcome to confirm it with him."
"Well, with Tony Stark's endorsement and Stark Industries backing, this film already has its best shot at success."
Jim Lambert paused, then stood up and extended his hand to Anton. "Then, here's to a successful partnership."
"Likewise," Anton replied, smiling brightly.
Of course, he didn't tell Jim that Stark Industries had no intention of supporting the film's promotion, and Tony Stark would probably be thrilled to see it fail.
However, with Batman making his debut, there was no chance of losing.
Knowing the extraordinary appeal Batman held in another world, Anton had an unshakable belief in the film's success.
"One last question."
As their meeting concluded, Jim asked, "This film will require major set pieces. The budget must be secure. What's your limit?"
"Don't worry about the budget," Anton replied grandly. "Start preparing the cast and crew, and get me a proposal and initial budget as soon as possible."
With a wave of his hand, he exuded a rich man's confidence. "The story is mine. I'll handle the screenplay. Just gather some writers and bring them to New York—I'll work with them there."
"Understood."
Jim nodded. "I'll have a proposal ready for you soon."
"Deal."
After the meeting, Anton stayed in Los Angeles for a night, soaking in Hollywood's nightlife, before returning to New York.
Jim Lambert's efficiency as a veteran producer was impressive.
Within a few days, he had recruited a well-known ghostwriter with extensive experience and negotiated the terms.
The writer met with Anton.
Since his home wasn't the ideal place for a business meeting, he arranged to meet them at the Daily Bugle.
Although he was no longer the editor-in-chief, he was still the deputy editor and had retained the Bugle's largest editor's office.
It was the perfect space for brainstorming.
Over the past few days, he had kept in touch with Jim's progress and refined his creative ideas, using his memories to flesh out the outline of Batman: begins.
Of course, some parts still needed work from professional writers.
Anton knew his limits.
After all, it was best to leave specialized work to specialists.
Although he was soon to take on the role of director for Batman: Mask of the Shadow, Jim had already scouted assistant directors for him.
Everyone understood how this film would be made.
Knock knock!
Someone knocked on the office door.
"Come in."
Anton looked lazily toward the door.
To his surprise, the person who entered wasn't the writer he had been expecting.
"Eddie, what brings you here?"
Anton was quite surprised; he had expected the person knocking to be the screenwriter he'd scheduled.
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