Chapter 74

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After officially joining the union, Murphy shifted his main focus to the preparation of the new film. The script still needed further revisions, especially adjustments based on the actual funds he could invest. Just like last time, he couldn't possibly spend all of the over $900,000 he had on this single project. △

The Stanton Studio needed funds to operate, even though there were no employees at the moment, at least one telephone operator and cleaner would need to be hired. If there were suitable candidates, a financial officer would also be needed, all of which required money.

Moreover, the additional expenses incurred after the completion of "Hard Candy" reminded Murphy that it was an incredibly foolish act to invest all the funds into the production of a single film. Not to mention other expenses, he also needed money to maintain his normal life. He had unique experiences but was not a saint who could survive without eating, drinking, or even gasoline for his car.

Murphy planned to invest between $800,000 and $900,000, with the final amount depending on the situation. He didn't have the ability to produce a splatter horror film with just $300,000, but he was confident with the funds he had. After all, the value of the dollar was continuously depreciating, and the purchasing power of the dollar varied significantly over the years.

With the start of the academic year at major North American institutions, Paul Wilson ended his spring break and returned to Stanton Studio. Unlike his previous role as a free intern, he had already gained a considerable level of recognition from Murphy and was offered a weekly salary of $400.

After the completion of the new project, he would also receive a bonus based on the situation. Paul Wilson's work enthusiasm was even higher, as ideals could become motivation, but money was the foundation of survival.

Murphy valued Paul Wilson for another reason: he introduced several classmates to intern at Stanton Studio, who could serve as free interns when the production team was formed. These were all good things.

"There are just the two of us in the production team now."

Standing in front of the house on 13th Street in Santa Monica's Green Zone, Murphy hung the Stanton Studio nameplate on the iron gate and said to Paul Wilson, who was beside him, "You are now one of the production team leaders, so pay more attention to the work."

Paul Wilson, who had not yet graduated but was earning a substantial salary, could witness the establishment and development of a film company and gain practical experience in film production. He had nothing to complain about and even felt lucky. Among his classmates at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, he was one of the few who had truly participated in the production of a film that was officially released in theaters.

Compared to others, he was already a step ahead.

Looking at the director beside him, who was even younger than himself, and thinking about how the other could become a millionaire in his early twenties and have a feature film released in theaters, Paul Wilson was full of admiration. "Don't worry, boss, I have some experience. I can handle the miscellaneous tasks."

He didn't think he would do worse than the female intern, Jessica Chastain.

Murphy lightly patted his arm. "We are partners in this venture, no need to be so formal, call me Murphy."

Paul Wilson nodded vigorously; the feeling of being appreciated was truly great.

Clearly, Murphy was trying to win people's hearts. Stanton Studio was just getting started and needed some talent. He wanted to hire capable and experienced people like Cara Fice, but the reality didn't allow it, so he had to try to find them himself.

Looking at the 'Stanton Film Studio' letters on the metal nameplate, Murphy pushed open the iron gate and entered the small building. The empty living room still had a dozen or so desks, but unlike before, a Latin woman in her thirties was sitting at the desk closest to the entrance.

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

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

Murphy nodded and asked, "Rosa, has anyone called?"

The woman named Rosa immediately picked up a form and handed it to Murphy. It contained the contact information and basic details of two people.

"These two want to apply for the company's financial position," she said. "I scheduled them for tomorrow morning."

"Okay." Murphy glanced at the form and handed it back to her. Rosa Rodriguez returned to her desk and sat down heavily, causing the chair to creak as if it might fall apart at any moment.

Paul Wilson couldn't bear to look at the poor chair, which was being crushed by a woman nearly six feet tall and weighing over 200 pounds. He really felt sorry for the chair, which looked miserable.

He doubted how long the chair could last.

Murphy had already gotten used to this over the past few days and didn't even look at the creaking chair. He turned and headed upstairs.

The most important reason he hired this Latina was that she was willing to do three jobs for one salary. Of course, with her appearance, education, and abilities, she couldn't find a better job.

Back in his study, Murphy continued to revise the script and, during breaks, thought about the project plan.

Originally, after the initial draft of the script was revised, he planned to contact Jones Butler to see if they could reach a preliminary agreement with Miramax to reduce the pressure on Stanton Studio.

After careful consideration, he decided to abandon this idea. Although he had registered the new project's script with the Writers Guild after becoming a member, Hollywood film companies had no principles. Given the simplicity of the new project, if someone copied it, he would be in a bind.

With Miramax's capabilities, if they had no principles, they could complete the shooting while he was still in the preparation stage.

Murphy never relied on the Writers Guild registration to solve copyright or imitation issues. This was impossible. North American copyright law was indeed comprehensive, but films with similar main content were common, such as "Deep Impact" and Michael Bay's "Armageddon," "Olympus Has Fallen" and "White House Down." These couldn't be explained by coincidence.

The new project couldn't compare to these films, but basic precautions were still necessary. With his current fame and strength, if Miramax did something, he would have no way to respond.

Even if it went to court, such a lawsuit could drag on for one or two years, which he couldn't afford.

Writers Guild registration was just a form of insurance, not a guarantee of copyright protection. Murphy wasn't naive enough to think that registering the script with the Writers Guild would solve all problems.

He would also break down the script into character scripts and scene scripts, just like other Hollywood productions, so that most people wouldn't see the complete version of the script.

As for the shooting schedule, according to North American tradition, the fall season was the best time for horror films to be released. Every September, a large number of horror films hit the theaters, and countless horror film enthusiasts would flock to them.

But Murphy would never let this film be released in September.