Chapter 97: Where's the Promised Red Couch?

William White's editing speed is really not exaggerated. He completed the preliminary cut in just a few days, and then he started to work on it in detail. Anyway, he had plenty of time.

White Pictures requires employees to sign non-employment agreements, and this trend is spreading rapidly in Hollywood. After being fanned by some people with ulterior motives, the situation seems to be in danger of getting out of control.

Such agreements do exist, but they are usually signed by senior executives. Has anyone ever heard of a cleaner needing to sign one?

The guild naturally would not ignore it, and a group of guys started jumping again.

The spokesperson of White Films told the reporters, "The job of cleaners is very important. Due to some unspeakable reasons, we have lost a lot of staff. Although the work of these staff is very basic, it has also affected the normal operation of the company. It is a fact that we do not have cleaners now. The behavior of some forces is really dirty. Why don't you just cut off the power and water? If you do this, your box office will win."

Bang! A crystal ashtray immediately broke into pieces. The old man in the boss chair was gasping for breath. He was really furious.

Even though Warner was a giant and should have had the upper hand, they didn't expect the other side to stoop to such low levels.

God as a witness, we only poached some editors and screenwriters, not the cleaning crew.

A furious Steve Ross was busy putting out fires. The anger of the shareholders was not easy to calm. Atari was making good money, so why create a competitor?

Poaching staff?

Are you the only one who can do that?

What does a 50% salary increase mean?

And they only want people from Atari. That's extremely infuriating.

Amidst the chaos at Atari, firm suppression wasn't possible, and various promises were made.

Even then, many employees left. The target was clear: planning and programming. If this continued, there was no need for new product development; the whole R&D department might end up going to William White.

The bad news didn't end there. Through certain channels, it was learned they were looking into shorting the stocks. Although it hadn't been done yet, caution was necessary. You never know when it might happen.

...

The leading role for Johnny English was confirmed. But an important female supporting role remained undecided. The British actresses were too good at pretending; they simply couldn't meet the seductive requirement.

"Is there anyone else?"

"Yes, there's one more, kind of a backup."

"Arrange it!"

The casting director felt a chill. Today was likely a flop; the boss was clearly dissatisfied.

William White needed someone who was Scarlett Johansson seductive, not just someone with a curvy body. Darn it, didn't he say Monroe-like? Why is it another Kardashian type?

Well, some of the girls might not have even been born yet.

Whoa, it's her?

"Yeah, this one's passable," William White mused internally.

"Have her change clothes. Tell her how it's supposed to go."

The casting director was curious; she was the second to be given the chance to try on outfits today. The others, including one he was keen on, were outright rejected.

What's so great about this somewhat plain girl?

In this era, Sharon Stone was certainly an unknown name. He just needed an actress who could draw an audience.

After a change of appearance, she did look much prettier. With some makeup adjustments, she definitely wouldn't be lacking.

"Does she have an agent?"

"Yes, she does."

"Have him come to the office tomorrow; there are some details." Having said that, William White left first, leaving the girl a bit dumbfounded.

She couldn't understand. Wasn't she supposed to act?

Where did that blasted red couch go?

Where was she supposed to lie down?

Even after leaving the office, Sharon Stone remained in a daze. Too much had happened today; she couldn't judge on her own. That blasted agent was going to be fired.

...

Atari was worried about Legendary World's games entering the console market, as they couldn't compete. Developing a new system was also challenging, especially after so many of their staff were poached, making the timeline indefinitely long.

Steve Ross was having second thoughts. He clearly misread the situation.

Rampantly raising income levels was bad for the industry. Anyone doing that would be heavily criticized.

Now it's awkward, clearly a personal vendetta. Others preferred to stay silent unless they also wanted to meet Atari's fate.

Even with an industry leader, it's not enough, as others hoped the storm would pass quickly. Their employees were also getting restless.

An additional 10% salary increase could save them; 50% would be disastrous.

The key point was that Legendary World didn't care. Most of their earnings came from production licenses. Rather than a company, they were more like a studio.

Naturally, many would have ideas. With a good concept, they could team up with friends. As long as the product was reliable, there would be buyers.

Though some cursed William White, more people aimed their wrath at Atari.

The industry believed Atari tried to seize by force and angered the brat, failing in their attempt and having their team ruined.

Steve Ross was so angry his blood boiled. 

This news was clearly spread by those with an agenda, purely to tarnish his name. You wouldn't dare deny it; there were some truths in the rumors.

*****

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