American Hunting: Starting with Solitary Life in the Wilderness

Chapter 253 Personal Challenge Filming Project (Bonus Chapter, Please Vote!)

Suddenly, a hearty, cheerful laugh erupted from the other end of the phone!
“Haha…hahahahahahaha!”

Scout's voice was filled with undisguised admiration. "I withdraw all my previous proposals." His tone became incredibly decisive. "We'll do it your way!"

"For the Archaeopteryx contract, we won't take a single penny up to eight million! For anything exceeding that, we'll take twenty-five percent!"

As for other collaborations...

"We'll stick to the same tiered model as before. We won't touch your personal creations, and for strategic projects, we'll only take 10%. How about that?"

Scout demonstrated the boldness and decisiveness of a top trader.

A satisfied smile finally appeared on Lin Yu'an's lips, but he did not agree immediately.

“Mr. Braun,” he posed the last and most crucial question, “your terms are very generous, and CAA’s strength is beyond doubt. But you must convince me of one thing.”

"explain."

"Why would I sign a contract?" Lin Yu'an's tone became extremely serious. "With my current popularity and media attention, I can completely go it alone and be free."

"Or I could ask my friends to set up my own MCN company in China and keep all the profits in my own hands."

"Why should I choose to put my future into the huge CAA system and pay commission for it?"

This was a soul-searching question; he demanded that the other person prove their worth. Scout on the other end of the phone showed no surprise; instead, he laughed even harder.

"Lin, that's an excellent question." He put aside all his business rhetoric and began a conversation about value.

"To answer your first question, the advantages and disadvantages of going it alone."

"The advantage is that you are free and have 100% ownership. The disadvantage is that your growth will have a ceiling."

"You can become a very successful internet celebrity, a millionaire earning tens of millions of dollars a year, but you will be forever trapped in the small circle of content creation."

"You will be bogged down by countless trivial matters: taxes, legal affairs, public relations, brand liaison, content review... These things will exhaust all your creative energy."

"Ultimately, you will degenerate from a creator into a businessman."

"What CAA can give you is freedom. We have the world's best lawyers, accountants, public relations teams, and business negotiation experts."

"We will be your shield and steward, protecting you from all this damn trouble so you can focus on what you do best, create, live, and become a legend!"

"The second question is, why isn't it your own MCN company?"

“Your friend in China may be reliable or shrewd. But in the arena of global influence, he and your company are currently at zero.”

"Lin, you need to understand that you are now facing Archaeopteryx, LVMH, Scimitar... these world-class commercial behemoths."

Do you think an unknown small company is qualified to sit at their negotiating table and have an equal dialogue with their global CEO and general counsel?

“And CAA can.” Scout’s voice was filled with undeniable confidence.

“We’ve been dealing with the top executives of these brands for over a decade. We know their cards, we’re familiar with their tactics, and we’ve even played golf with their CEOs.”

“What we can secure for you is not just a higher-priced contract, but also a voice, respect, and a ticket to the world’s top business club.”

“Finally, and most importantly,” Scout concluded, “resources and networks.”

"You want to make a documentary about Alaska? CAA can get Netflix's Chief Content Officer to fly to your cabin and listen to your story."

"Want to write a book? CAA can help Penguin Random House launch a global distribution plan for you."

"Want to create your own brand? CAA can connect you with a complete top-tier supply chain, from design and production to global distribution."

"Want to climb Mount Everest? CAA can assemble a top-notch support team for you, consisting of Olympic champions and ace Sherpa guides."

"Lin, these are systems that you and your friends might not be able to build even in twenty years. In this world, resources and connections are the eternal passport."

"But today, all you need to do is nod, and this system will open its doors to you."

Scout's words truly struck a chord with Lin Yu'an's deepest needs.

What he pursued was never simple wealth, but the freedom to achieve greater creation and the path to a higher platform, and Scout accurately depicted all of this for him.

Scout could sense Lin Yu'an's silence on the other end of the phone.

He knew his words had hit the bullseye, and he waited quietly for the other party's final nod. However, Lin Yu'an's next words surprised him once again.

“Mr. Braun,” Lin Yu’an’s voice remained calm, “the blueprint you have drawn for me is indeed very appealing. But as you have said, efficiency is a virtue in this industry.”

He paused, then his tone suddenly became sharp.

“But to me, promises are cheap. What you’re talking about—Netflix, top-notch support teams… these are all options for the future. Until they materialize, they’re just empty checks.”

“I understand CAA’s strength and I believe in your sincerity,” Lin Yu’an said slowly, each word clear and powerful.

"But if I'm going to bet my future career on you, I need to see more than just a blueprint; I need a clear and binding roadmap."

Scout on the other end of the phone immediately understood what Lin Yu'an meant. This young man didn't want guarantees; he wanted the hard clauses in the contract.

“Speak your mind, Lin,” Scout’s voice became very focused.

“It’s very simple,” Lin Yu’an said, presenting his final solution.

“We can sign a three-year brokerage contract. Regarding commission sharing, I fully agree with your previously proposed tiered scheme, which was very generous.”

This opening affirmed the other party's sincerity, easing the tension.

“However,” he changed the subject, “I need to include a list of resource commitments in the appendix to the contract.”

"This list needs to be clearly and quantifiable, outlining the specific projects that CAA must initiate or achieve for me during the first year of the contract."

He didn't give Scout time to think and directly listed his requirements:
"I'd like to plan a new series of personal challenges in China's wilderness, conducting independent wilderness survival challenges in four of the most representative and harshest no-man's-lands."

He listed examples: "The Altun Mountains in Xinjiang, the Qiangtang Mountains in Xinjiang, the Ailao Mountains in Yunnan, or the primeval forests of Shennongjia. Each location, I survived independently for three to seven days."

"I need CAA to leverage your global reach to communicate with Chinese government agencies for this series of challenges and obtain the highest level of filming permits and logistical support."

"At the same time, we will develop this series into an S-level documentary project with simultaneous global release, launching it on one of three platforms: Netflix, HBO, or Amazon Prime Video."

This request instantly made Scout understand his thoughts. This kid wanted more than just a survival challenge; he wanted an exploration of China's most mysterious land!
The cultural and political value behind this is truly immeasurable!

Lin Yu-an continued, revealing an even more ambitious idea: "I don't mind learning in movies, but I need an opportunity. CAA needs to secure me at least three audition opportunities in Hollywood."

He added, "I don't need your guarantees that I'll get the role. Casting is the director's art, and I respect that. All I need is a fair chance to compete. Whether I get it or not depends on my ability."

After Lin Yu'an finished speaking, the entire call fell into absolute silence.

Scout Braun, a man accustomed to taking control at the negotiating table, felt for the first time such a clear objective and impeccable professionalism in front of a newcomer who had not yet signed a contract. This was more ruthless and sophisticated than any previous attempt!

The first condition directly addresses the core value of the Chinese market.

He wasn't asking CAA to make money in China, but rather inviting CAA as a partner to create a cultural event that would go down in history!

This is an irresistible strategy for CAA, which is extremely eager to enter the Chinese market.

The second condition is even more watertight.

What he wanted wasn't a role, but an audition opportunity. This demonstrated his absolute confidence in his abilities while giving CAA a way out that was almost impossible to refuse and whose execution was relatively manageable.

What he showed was not the greed of a newcomer, but rather that every condition was set at the most advantageous point for both parties, a balance that could be achieved with a little effort.

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone. Scout didn't even laugh; he just slowly exhaled, his voice carrying a complex mix of excitement and awe.

“Lin, I should call you the devil,” he said in a low voice. “These conditions of yours are like the devil’s deal, full of temptation, and impossible to refuse.”

Scout's voice became incredibly decisive: "All the terms you just mentioned will be written into the contract exactly as they were!"

"If we fail to complete any of these tasks within the stipulated time, you have the right to unilaterally and unconditionally terminate the contract, and CAA will pay you a penalty for breach of contract!"

This time, it was Lin Yu'an's turn to be surprised. He hadn't expected the other party to have such great courage.

“As for Archaeopteryx,” Scout added, his tone relaxed and confident, “that was just a small opening act before our great collaboration began.”

Lin Yu'an slowly exhaled. He knew that he had secured all his core interests for the future.

He stood up, walked to the window, and said in a calm but serious voice, "Mr. Braun, I think I need to see the lawyer you recommended."

(End of this chapter)