Chapter 393: The Contract

Chapter 393: Chapter 393: The Contract

After confirming the key candidates, Irene changed the subject and looked at Robert.

"The critical question is, have they all agreed to the multi-film contracts and dating contracts we proposed? This is a core condition for us to sign this IP, and there cannot be any ambiguity."

Robert was well-prepared and took a signed letter of intent from his folder.

"Rest assured, I have already had the legal team communicate with each candidate’s agent. They have all agreed to these two terms. This is the confirmation of intent they signed."

He explained, "For these actors, a multi-film contract is an opportunity they could not ask for more. Look, for complete newcomers like Robert Pattinson and Lily Collins, no one can say what the future holds. Being able to secure a lead role in a film series at this time is something they would kill for. Although Kristen Stewart is a former child star, most of her work has been in low-budget independent films, lacking stable resources. James Franco has been circling the independent film scene for years but has never been able to break into the mainstream."

"They are not superstars like Leonardo DiCaprio who hold top-tier resources and can pick any script they want," Robert added with a smile. "For them, an IP like Twilight, which comes with a built-in fan base of 5 million readers, not only brings huge exposure but also guarantees stable work for at least three films. For their careers, this is a rare springboard, and no one would be stupid enough to refuse."

Irene expressed her deep agreement.

Competition in Hollywood is far more brutal than outsiders imagine.

Countless actors flood into this industry every year, but very few truly manage to gain a foothold.

For these actors who have not hit it big yet, a stable contract and sufficient exposure are far more important than short-term benefits.

Once the Twilight film series succeeds, they will leap from obscure little actors to globally renowned stars.

This kind of temptation is almost impossible to resist.

"As for the dating contract, it is nothing in Hollywood," Robert continued. "You know, celebrity dating and breakups are the norm in Hollywood. Many agencies even proactively arrange ’contractual couples’ for their artists to boost buzz. The dating contract we proposed only requires them to maintain a public dating relationship while the movie is in theaters. For them, it is more like a ’work task’ and is completely within an acceptable range."

"Moreover, our contract terms are quite flexible. We are not restricting their private lives; we just require them to maintain a couple’s image in public and cooperate with the film’s promotional activities. If they genuinely develop feelings later, that is naturally for the best. If not, the contract will automatically terminate after the film series ends, without causing too much impact on their personal lives."

Irene flipped through the confirmation of intent.

It clearly marked terms such as "Agree to sign a contract for no less than three films" and "Agree to maintain a public dating relationship during the release of the film series," and each candidate’s agent had already signed and confirmed.

She nodded with satisfaction and placed the letter of intent back on the table.

"Very good, the contract terms are fine. The next step is the official launch of the public selection campaign."

She looked at the marketing lead of the project team.

"Regarding marketing, we need to coordinate with the Facebook voting campaign and build momentum through multiple channels. We can publish the candidates’ portraits and audition clips in fashion magazines like Vogue and Teen Vogue, and invite them to participate in some talk shows with high teen viewership to further enhance their popularity and fan stickiness."

"In addition, we need to focus on guiding fans to discuss the fit between the candidates and the characters, rather than just comparing popularity. We can initiate topic discussions on social media like ’What is Edward/Bella like in your heart?’, encourage fans to share their opinions, and simultaneously release the candidates’ audition clips, allowing fans to intuitively experience their performances, ensuring that the voting results align with market expectations while also guaranteeing the quality of the film."

The marketing lead immediately nodded and took notes.

"Understood. We have already communicated with Ms. Elizabeth of Vogue. They are willing to provide us with feature coverage, and the candidates’ interviews and portraits will be published next week. As for talk shows, The Ellen Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live have already been sent invitations, and the candidates’ schedules are currently being coordinated."

"Also, regarding the follow-up work for casting," Irene looked at the casting director, "After the public selection results are out, we must immediately arrange for the lead actors to have a chemistry read, testing their on-screen chemistry. The core of Twilight is the love between Edward and Bella; the chemistry between the two is crucial. Even if the fans vote for them, if they lack chemistry in their scenes, we reserve the right to make adjustments."

The casting director responded, "No problem. We have already prepared specialized audition scripts, selecting several key emotional scenes from the original work to ensure we can comprehensively test the actors’ chemistry and performance tension."

The meeting lasted for over two hours.

From the promotional rhythm and voting rules of the public selection campaign to the follow-up auditions and contract details for the actors, and even the joint promotion with media like Vogue, every aspect was discussed in minute detail.

Irene remained focused throughout, occasionally offering her own insights and requirements, keeping every detail of the project under firm control.

By the time the meeting adjourned, the sky had already begun to darken, and the night view of Los Angeles slowly unfolded outside the window.

The car slowly drove out of the Echo Pictures parking lot, merging into the bustling traffic of Los Angeles.

Watching the passing streetscape outside the window, the scene of Edward and Bella meeting in the forest of the town of Forks involuntarily surfaced in Irene’s mind, the pale youth standing in the sunlight, his skin refracting light like diamonds, with the girl’s figure reflected in his cold, clear eyes.

She believed that as long as the right actors were chosen, this scene would be perfectly presented on the big screen, sparking countless discussions.

Meanwhile, Robert Pattinson’s agent also received the promotional plan sent by Echo Pictures.

Looking at the dense schedule of talk shows, magazine shoots, and fan meet-and-greets, he could not help but say to Pattinson, "This is the best opportunity for you to blow up; you must seize it. Irene Coppola’s eye never misses. Twilight will definitely become a phenomenal film. As long as you can land the role of Edward, your career will take off from here."

Pattinson nodded, his eyes filled with anticipation.

He opened his computer and browsed through the original Twilight novel.

Edward’s qualities such as lonely, affectionate, yet dangerous made him determined.

"I will definitely land this role," he said softly, already beginning to contemplate the character’s psychology and state of mind in his heart.

The night in Los Angeles grew darker, and the public selection campaign for Twilight was about to kick off.

A carnival of youth, love, and vampires was about to set off a global craze.