On the ball

Perhaps the script was outstanding enough, or perhaps Barry Meyer's influence was substantial.

In any case, after Lyman had met Clint Eastwood a few times, his agent quickly reached an agreement with the production team. The compensation for the role he would play was a symbolic $3M. For male actors, their peak earning period was usually between 30 to 45 years old. But Clint, being a director himself and having an uncertain market value, this number was provided by his agent after taking his opinion into consideration. It could be considered that Lyman owed a favor to some extent.

After the performance contract was signed, barring any unforeseen circumstances, this experienced and unyielding cowboy would probably take on the role of "Frankie". The character's image was almost tailor-made for him. Upon reading the script, Clint was the first actor that Lyman thought of. One could discern his political stance from his position. Like his most iconic on-screen image, he adhered to the logic of the strong and despised hypocrisy.

Meanwhile, after consulting Lyman's opinion, Warner quickly arranged media outlets to release news about the preparation plan for the new film.

"Director Lyman's Next Work: Inspirational Drama Film "Million Dollar Baby", Intriguing!"

This was the headline in the entertainment section of the Los Angeles Times. For a movie company the size of Warner, promoting the recognition of a film was rather simple.

After the newspapers hit the market, news began to emerge on various major forums, and it was subsequently reposted everywhere. Online, it sparked widespread discussions as well.

After all, with the foundation of his previous works and the release of films like "Miscreant" that had stirred up waves of interest, Lyman's popularity was quite high among directors. He also had a fair number of fans.

Ultimately, anyone paying attention to him could gather information from various sources, learning about Lyman's plans for his new film.

As for the co-production side, the matter of Lyman's newly established Firefly Films, on the other hand, wasn't of much concern.

Although the media knew about it, they didn't pay it much attention. Instances of directors and actor-celebrities starting movie companies weren't really that surprising.

Los Angeles had never lacked movie companies. The media was more concerned about the films. His fifth film, an inspirational drama?

...

"Director Lyman, there are recent rumors circulating that the male lead of your film will be played by Clint. Is this true?"

As Lyman had just left Warner's headquarters, he was immediately surrounded by a group of reporters bombarding him with various questions related to "Million Dollar Baby".

"What's your approach to making the film? Why did you choose this genre of movie?"

"May I ask, are there any other actors in the film? Tom Cruise? Nicolas Cage? Heath Ledger?" The reporter listed all the actors whom Lyman had frequently collaborated with in the past.

At this moment, surrounded by a dozen reporters, microphones nearly poking at his face, Lyman knew this was Warner's promotional strategy. Heat up the project before filming even started. Of course, he was willing to cooperate.

As for how to cooperate, Lyman showed it directly.

Ask whatever you want; well, I won't answer.

With rumors flying around and no definitive evidence, that was what would generate more discussion.

If everyone already knew everything, what would be the point?

Lyman highly approved of Warner's publicity strategy and strictly adhered to it.

The chaotic scene drew the attention of the security personnel at the entrance. Several individuals quickly rushed over to maintain order. However, the reporters remained clustered around Lyman, seemingly determined not to let him leave without a clear answer.

Unfortunately for them, Johnson had arrived in his car.

Seeing that he wanted to leave, the paparazzi reporters couldn't maintain their composure any longer. Once again, they surged forward, and some even grabbed onto Lyman's clothes, refusing to let him escape.

In the midst of the chaos, the security personnel worked extra hard. They forcefully shielded Lyman, enabling him to break free from the encirclement of reporters and slip into the car parked at the edge of the road.

Sitting in the driver's seat, John glanced at Lyman's disheveled appearance. As he quickly started the car, he said, "Seems like the publicity effect is pretty good."

"Occasionally, this is fine," Lyman straightened his disarrayed clothes and said, "But I couldn't bear it if it happened too often."

"The media needs topics, we need attention. It's a perfect match. Don't worry, it'll only be a bit crazy for these two weeks. And in terms of promotional strategies, Warner outshines Paramount by far," John said with a hint of nostalgia.

Of course, Warner had orchestrated countless classic promotional campaigns in the future. In terms of promotion, only Disney could compare, albeit barely.

...

Hollywood, Paramount Pictures Headquarters.

Andrew David, the head of the marketing department, hurriedly passed through the corridor, exchanged greetings with the president's secretary assistant, and then knocked on the door before sitting across from Sherry.

"We've received confirmed information," he got straight to the point without any preamble, referring to the sudden discussions in the newspapers over the past couple of days. "Warner really is collaborating with Lyman on this film."

Sherry furrowed her brows. "So fast?"

"Yes, I'm afraid they had this planned in advance, which is why they were able to complete the project approval so quickly."

Less than a week had passed since the banquet, and they were already cozying up to each other. If you said they hadn't had any private contact before, probably no one would believe it.

"What's he thinking?" Sherry asked, puzzled.

"Perhaps only he knows that," Andrew David said somewhat helplessly. In the past two years, Lyman Last's projects were like a money tree for Paramount. However, now this money tree seemed to have intentions of switching over to Warner next door. When it came to tangible interests, how could one take it lightly?

After all, Paramount had also treated him well, and they had never owed him anything when it came to profit sharing. But now, he quietly started a collaboration with others. This didn't sit well with Andrew David, and his expression showed it.

Of course, it couldn't really be called betrayal. The two had always been collaborators. It was just that he was annoyed.

Sherry was also annoyed. However, from this incident, she could also see that Lyman wasn't as "docile" as he used to be. Nevertheless, Paramount would always be Paramount, and that wouldn't change.

After a moment of thought, she immediately said, "Report this to the board. The acquisition of DreamWorks might need to be expedited. We can't delay any longer."

"Alright, I understand."

Perhaps Lyman hadn't anticipated that his somewhat forward-looking actions would actually accelerate Paramount's acquisition of DreamWorks. Sherry deeply understood that Paramount's production capabilities were gradually falling behind, and it was time to introduce DreamWorks for transformation.