Chapter 173 - 171: Conditions
The producers knew they would lose their entire investment if they went ahead with the release, so they pulled it from the schedule at the last minute. They then spent over half a year using AI face-swapping technology to replace the actor. The film was finally released during the following year’s National Day slot, where it became a massive box-office success and took the crown for the year.
As for Silas Walsh, his career never recovered. He soon faded from the public eye after a domestic violence scandal.
And as the head of the company, President Whitt actually knew about Silas Walsh’s history of domestic abuse. He had even stepped in to mediate between the couple, as the wife was also an actress in the industry.
He just never expected Miss Sterling to have such a hunch.
"Miss Sterling, isn’t it a bit of a stretch to be so certain based on just a gut feeling?" President Whitt asked cautiously.
Someone else nodded in agreement. "That’s right. I only felt confident about this project because of the lead actors."
"Exactly. If Silas Walsh is in it, he’s a guaranteed draw for the audience."
"Miss Sterling is so young. Don’t tell me she wants to shoehorn some pretty-boy idol she likes into the lead role? I hope she doesn’t ruin such a great project."
"Comedy is very demanding. Not just anyone can pull it off."
Cecilia Sterling simply smiled at their comments. Once everyone had finished, she said, "Isn’t there another male comedian who’s on the same level as Silas Walsh?"
Mr. Young suddenly spoke up. "Is the young lady referring to Zachary Sanders?"
Cecilia Sterling nodded. ’In my past life, the face they used for the AI swap was Zachary Sanders’.’
Someone else chimed in. "Zachary Sanders would work. He’s a proven box-office star."
"True. If Zachary Sanders replaced Silas Walsh, I’d have no objections."
"Me neither!"
No one had any objections. Only President Whitt did.
Because Zachary Sanders wasn’t one of their company’s actors. As one of the production companies, Hewitt Entertainment, President Whitt definitely wanted one of his own actors in the lead role.
"I know you’re not happy about this, President Whitt, but this condition is non-negotiable. If you don’t agree, I won’t invest a single cent." Cecilia Sterling looked at President Whitt, her expression completely serious.
President Whitt gave a wry smile. "Miss Sterling, do you really dislike Silas Walsh that much?"
Cecilia Sterling smiled but said nothing. ’Why would I show any courtesy to a man who hits women?’
President Whitt was conflicted. Cecilia Sterling was now undoubtedly the project’s main financial backer. He didn’t want to get on her bad side, as he would likely need her investments in the future.
But if he gave in on this, their company, Hewitt Entertainment, would be one-upped by Goldman Golding on this project.
Seeing his hesitation, Cecilia Sterling remained unhurried. "Take your time to think about it, President Whitt. In the meantime, I have a few other conditions."
It was normal for investors to set conditions, so President Whitt gave a slight nod.
Cecilia Sterling raised a finger and pointed to the character summary for the second female lead. The description was just a single sentence, and the role was listed as "casting pending." There were several candidates listed, most of whom were popular actresses from the two companies.
A smile touched her lips as she looked up at Morgana Dyer. "Let’s have Ms. Dyer play the second female lead."
Morgana Dyer’s mind was still reeling. When Cecilia Sterling had said she would invest thirty-two thousand, all Morgana could think about was the arrogant air she had deliberately put on when she first walked in.
She had even mistaken her for some minor actress, just there to keep the bosses company.
But then the woman suddenly looked at her and said she should play the second female lead. Morgana Dyer was visibly startled, her face a mask of disbelief.
"Huh?" Morgana Dyer looked at Cecilia Sterling, stunned. It was clear the words hadn’t registered.
Cecilia Sterling, however, remained calm and composed. She glanced at the character profile for the second female lead and said softly, "The character seems like a perfect fit for Ms. Dyer. I believe her acting skills are more than up to the task."
"Oh, well..." Morgana Dyer snapped back to reality, a wave of shock and delight washing over her, though she did her best to contain her excitement.
Her whole reason for being here was to land a role. She had originally been hoping for any significant part; the female lead or second lead hadn’t even crossed her mind. After all, she had only recently transitioned to film, so just getting any screen time in a major project like this was a fantastic opportunity.
She wasn’t content with a mere cameo, but she had never dared to dream of playing the second female lead.
"I’m investing this much money. Surely I have this much say, don’t I?" Cecilia Sterling looked at James Lockwood, then at the others. "Or does anyone have a different opinion?"
Finally, not forgetting to show deference to Mr. Young, she asked, "And what do you think, Mr. Young?"
Mr. Young smiled faintly and shrugged. "Morgana’s an old friend. I have no worries about her acting."
After all, the toast had been made and favors exchanged. A man in Mr. Young’s position wasn’t the type to make things difficult at a time like this.
Since Mr. Young had spoken, the others naturally had no objections. Seeing her chance, Morgana Dyer quickly stood up. "Miss Sterling, thank you for this opportunity. Let me raise a toast to you."
Her tone was now completely deferential.
But Cecilia Sterling raised a hand to stop her. "Ms. Dyer, you’ve had enough to drink for today. I’m also not feeling well enough for alcohol. We can drink together some other time."
Cecilia Sterling’s demeanor was exceptionally gentle, and it was because she had made this decision for Morgana Dyer, who had just drunk two toasts to Mr. Young on her behalf.
In an atmosphere where everyone else was too afraid to speak, only Morgana Dyer had stood up for her.
Whether it had been effective or not was unimportant. In that moment, Cecilia Sterling chose to believe that Morgana had acted out of a sense of solidarity between women.
Morgana Dyer had far more reason to fear Mr. Young than she did, yet she had still stepped forward.
That was why Cecilia Sterling was willing to repay her, and more than that, help her achieve her goal.
Everyone in the room could see it. It slowly dawned on Morgana Dyer as well, and she looked at Cecilia Sterling with gratitude in her eyes.
"This young lady is interesting." Mr. Young leaned back and murmured into Wesley Yates’s ear, "What’s her story? You’ve really never heard of her?"
"Never. First time I’ve seen her."
Mr. Young chuckled and nodded. "Very interesting."
After that, Cecilia Sterling’s other conditions were minor. Since they were all aimed at improving the project, James Lockwood and President Whitt readily agreed.
Finally, Cecilia Sterling asked the others one last time, "Everyone, are you sure you don’t want to increase your investment?"
The crowd exchanged glances. Seeing that neither Mr. Young nor Jeb spoke, they all shook their heads.
Cecilia Sterling nodded with a resigned look, then turned back to President Whitt. "Are you still considering, President Whitt?"
"Miss Sterling, is there really no room for discussion? How about this, I can arrange for you to meet Silas Walsh. You can get to know him in person. He’s a fantastic actor, and he’s a great guy in real life, too."
Cecilia Sterling shook her head. "I have no time to get to know someone I have a bad feeling about. You should know what kind of person he is better than I do, President Whitt. If this project tanks because of him, can you afford to bear the consequences?"