Film Preparations Underway

After reaching an agreement with the old man, Anton took the family's private jet straight to Los Angeles that same day to discuss a collaboration on Batman Begins with the film producer the old man had arranged for him.

As a media mogul, Jonah Jameson also controlled a film production company and held stakes in major companies across various entertainment-related industries.

Rounding it off, they were practically all family.

Considering Anton was his grandson, Jameson had given him the green light to the fullest extent.

"Mr. Anton, it's a pleasure to meet you."

The man was named Jim Lambert, a second-tier Hollywood producer. He had been in the industry for thirty years and had participated in the production of nearly a hundred quality films, giving him a wealth of experience.

Jim was proudest of a film he had worked on and led seven or eight years ago. It had achieved the astonishing feat of ranking in the top five at the global annual box office and the top fifty on the all-time worldwide box office chart.

That film had elevated him to the ranks of first-tier producers. For a time, he had basked in unparalleled glory, with luxury cars and beautiful women flocking to him.

But once one reached the mountaintop, unless they ascended straight to heaven, there was only one way left: down.

Jim had followed that rule perfectly.

Although the projects he had participated in over the past few years had received decent reviews, most had lost money. The better ones had barely turned a profit.

That string of failures had knocked him from a first-tier producer back down to second-tier.

Otherwise, Jameson would not have been able to hire him.

A first-tier Hollywood producer held status and power no less than that of most film company owners.

The handful of top-tier producers even had the ability to go head-to-head with the Big Six studios.

"Hello, Jim."

The information Anton had learned about Jim Lambert flashed through his mind. He handed the prepared film outline to the famous producer, who was in his early fifties but still looked energetic and vigorous, then smiled. "My old man should have told you already. I'm planning to make a movie, with an investment starting at fifty million. I only have one requirement: success must take priority over everything else. Even if it fails, I still want everyone to know about this movie."

No matter what, Batman's name had to be made known.

"I'll do my best."

Jim's expression did not change. He remained polite, but not particularly warm.

He had a solid foundation. Though his projects in recent years had not succeeded, they were far from disastrous failures.

All he needed was one film to break out before retirement. With the reputation he had already built, he could immediately return to his former position as a first-tier producer.

After lying low for several years, he had been waiting for a beautiful comeback.

While he was still in his early fifties and his old bones could still handle it, he had to squeeze out every last bit of energy.

For that reason, Jim Lambert had become increasingly cautious. These days, he rarely served as a producer in person unless he encountered a project that truly moved him.

The only reason he had agreed to meet Anton was out of respect for Jameson.

"Rustle!"

As he flipped through the few thin sheets in his hands, Jim's contempt faded. He sat up straighter and read them over several more times.

The chaotic thoughts in his mind gradually came together.

"This is a very novel type of film." Jim looked at Anton with admiration. "A genius idea. How did you come up with it?"

"I call it a superhero movie. Captain America inspired me."

Anton said, "As everyone knows, he was the first superhero-like figure in history, a superhero familiar to all. Even though he died seventy years ago, his remarkable story still holds enough appeal for us. We all understand what that means. It means what I want to make has a broad enough market and return potential."

"That's true."

Jim did not deny it. "But you're thinking too simply. A film's success depends on many factors, including something as elusive as luck."

Anton continued with a smile. "Luck is on our side. Just the fact that this is a film invested in by Tony Stark is a selling point worth at least tens of millions at the box office."

"Tony Stark?"

Jim was startled. "The investor you brought in is Tony Stark, that famous playboy?"

"That's right."

Anton nodded. "If you don't believe me, you can confirm it with Tony Stark."

"Since this is a project Tony Stark thinks highly of, and with Stark Industries backing it, this film already has the greatest possible chance of success."

Jim Lambert pondered for another moment, then rose and extended his hand to Anton. "Then, happy cooperation."

"Happy cooperation."

Anton smiled brilliantly.

Of course, he was not about to tell Jim that Stark Industries would not offer the slightest help with the film's promotion. Tony Stark probably wanted nothing more than to see this film fail.

But Batman's first appearance would be like a dragon landing right in their faces.

How could this lose?

Knowing full well Batman's extraordinary appeal in another world, he had unprecedented confidence in the success of this film.

"One final question."

After they had settled their partnership, Jim reminded him before leaving, "This film will surely have no shortage of big scenes. The funding must be sufficient. What's your upper limit?"

"Don't worry about the funding. Go ahead and prepare the crew and cast. Get me a proposal and preliminary budget as soon as possible."

Anton waved a hand grandly, exuding the air of a tycoon. "I'm providing the story, and I'll finish the script. Find a few screenwriters and bring them to New York. I'll discuss it with them."

"No problem."

Jim Lambert nodded. "I'll get a proposal ready for you as soon as possible."

"Deal."

Afterward, Anton spent a night in Los Angeles. Having thoroughly experienced Hollywood's extravagant decadence, he soon returned to New York.

Jim Lambert truly lived up to his reputation as a veteran producer.

In just a few days, he found a top screenwriter famous for ghostwriting for others, someone with extensive experience, and negotiated a price.

The screenwriter contacted Anton.

After thinking about it, Anton decided his home was obviously not the place for business discussions, so he arranged to meet them at the Daily Bugle.

Although he was no longer the editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle, he was still the deputy editor-in-chief and had retained the largest editor-in-chief's office, which had always belonged to him.

It was the perfect place to create.

Over the past few days, while keeping an eye on Jim's progress and maintaining his creative momentum, he had used his vivid memories of the film to flesh out the rough outline for Batman Begins.

Still, some parts needed to be revised by screenwriters.

Anton knew his own limits.

Besides, professionals should handle professional work.

Although he would soon take up the position of director for Batman Begins, Jim had already found several assistant directors for him.

Everyone knew exactly how this film should be made.

Knock, knock!

Someone knocked on the office door.

"Come in."

Anton looked lazily toward the door.

Someone he had not expected walked in.

"Eddie, what is it?"

Anton was extremely surprised. He had assumed the person knocking would be the top screenwriter he had arranged to meet.