Chapter 75: New Plans

After formally joining the union, Murphy's main focus shifted to preparing for his new film. The script needed further adjustments, especially to align with the actual funds he could invest. Like last time, he couldn't pour all of his over $900,000 into one project.

Operating Stanton Studios required funding. Although there were no employees yet, at the very least, they needed a receptionist cum cleaner, and ideally, a financial officer. These positions required money.

Moreover, the additional expenses incurred after completing "Hard Candy" also made Murphy realize that investing all funds into one film production was incredibly foolish. Apart from anything else, he needed money to maintain a normal life.

Though he had unconventional experiences, he wasn't the kind of saint who could survive without eating, driving without gasoline.

Murphy planned to invest between $800,000 to $900,000, depending on the circumstances. He didn't have the capacity to produce a splatter horror film with just $300,000, but he was confident that this amount was sufficient. After all, the value of the dollar was constantly depreciating, and there was a significant difference in purchasing power between the years.

As North American universities began their academic year, Paul Wilson returned to Stanton Studios after spring break. Unlike his previous stint as a free intern, he had gained Murphy's considerable recognition, and Murphy offered him a weekly salary of $400.

Bonuses would also be given upon completion of the new project.

Paul's enthusiasm for work had also increased. After all, ideals could be a driving force, but money was the foundation of survival.

Murphy valued Paul for another reason: he had introduced several classmates to Stanton Studios for internships. When the production team was established, they could serve as free interns.

All of these were positive developments.

"We're the only two in the production team for now," Murphy said to Paul as they stood at the door of the Stanton Studios in the Green Zone of Santa Monica's 13th Street. He hung the studio's sign on the iron gate and continued, "You're now one of the responsible persons in the production team. Take your work seriously."

Paul wasn't yet graduated, but he was earning a decent salary and witnessing the establishment and development of a film company, as well as actively participating in film production to gain experience. Paul had no complaints and even considered himself fortunate. Among the students of the USC School of Cinematic Arts in the same cohort, he was one of the few who had actually participated in the production of a film that made it to theaters.

Compared to others, he was ahead.

Looking at the younger director beside him, who had become a millionaire at the age of twenty-something and had a feature film in theaters, Paul's eyes were filled with admiration. "Don't worry, boss. I also have some experience. You can leave the miscellaneous tasks to me."

He didn't think his performance would be worse than Jessica Chastain, the female intern.

Murphy lightly patted his arm. "We're partners in this venture. No need to be so formal. Call me Murphy."

Paul nodded vigorously, feeling appreciated.

It was obvious that Murphy was trying to win people's hearts. Stanton Studios was just getting started, and they needed talent. Murphy also wanted to hire capable and experienced people like Kara Fais, but the reality didn't allow it, so he had to find a way to recruit them himself.

After taking another look at the metal sign reading "Stanton Film Studios," Murphy pushed open the iron gate and walked into the building. The empty living room still had a dozen desks, but unlike before, there was now a woman in her thirties sitting at the desk closest to the entrance.

She was the receptionist, cleaner, and telephone operator that Murphy had just hired.

"Hello, Mr. Stanton," she greeted Murphy.

Murphy nodded and asked, "Rosa, any phone calls?"

The woman named Rosa immediately handed him a form with the contact information and basic details of two people. "These two people want to apply for the company's financial position. I scheduled them for tomorrow morning."

Murphy glanced at it, returned the form to her, and Rosa Rodriguez returned to her desk and sat down heavily on her chair, which creaked as if it could fall apart at any moment.

On the other side, Paul couldn't bear to look at the pitiful chair being crushed by a woman who stood nearly six feet tall and weighed over two hundred pounds. He felt great sympathy for the wretched chair.

He doubted the chair would last a few days.

In the past few days, Murphy had gotten used to it and didn't look at the creaking chair anymore, turning to walk upstairs.

He hired her mainly because she was willing to do three jobs for one salary.

Back in the study, Murphy continued to revise the script, pondering project plans during breaks.

Originally, after revising the first draft of the script,

he planned to contact Jones-Butler at Miramax to see if they could reach a preliminary cooperation agreement to alleviate the pressure on Stanton Studios.

After careful consideration, he chose to abandon the idea. Although he had registered the script with the Writers Guild of America after becoming a member, Hollywood film companies had always been unscrupulous. Besides, the new project was quite simple. If someone copied it, he wouldn't even have the tears to cry.

With Miramax's strength, if they had no scruples, they might finish shooting while he was still preparing.

Murphy never expected that registering with the Writers Guild of America could solve copyright or imitation issues. It was impossible. Although North American copyright laws were quite comprehensive, similar films with similar plots emerged one after another. For example, "Armageddon" and Michael Bay's "The World's End," "Olympus Has Fallen" and "White House Down," these couldn't be explained by coincidence.

The new project couldn't compete with these films, but basic precautions were still necessary. With his current fame and abilities, there wasn't much he could do if Miramax really did something. Even if it went to court in the end, such litigation could drag on for a year or two. How could he endure it?

Registering with the Writers Guild of America was just a precaution, not a guarantee that the script would be immune from infringement. Murphy wasn't naive enough to think that registering with the guild would solve all problems.

In terms of the script, he would also break it down into character scripts and scene scripts, just like other Hollywood crews. Most people wouldn't see the complete script.

And then there was the shooting plan. According to North American tradition, the autumn season was the best time for horror films to be released. Every September, a large number of horror films would land in theaters, and countless horror film enthusiasts would flock to them.

But Murphy wouldn't let this film be released in September, no matter what.