Behind The Spotlight Chapter 71
"I want to talk about Axel's salary first, before Jennifer."
"Go on and state your terms."
"Axel deserves $1 million flat."
Collin smiled innocently, like a sinless man who wasn't asking for a ridiculous sum in a negotiation that was obviously about money.
"Collin… I think I'm losing my trust in you with every word you say. You really are an agent to your bones."
"Henry, don't be like that. Come on, we're friends and comrades in this wild industry."
"Friends don't sabotage each other over inflated salaries."
"That's right. But that depends on how you define sabotage."
Now that the drama with Madison and Dee was behind him, Collin could finally focus on the negotiation with clarity. And money, sweet money, had the power to turn this terrible day into a good one, as long as the right amount landed in the right account.
They were sitting in the cafeteria on the ground floor of the Uni-versus Pictures main building. Neither of them had eaten earlier due to the exhausting audition marathon, so they took the opportunity to fill their stomachs, reset their moods, and enjoy a hot coffee before diving into the business talk.
"I can't offer Axel $1 million. He doesn't deserve it, not yet anyway. He's just an actor who starred in one comedy film. That doesn't make him a superstar. I'll offer him $100,000 instead, and that's generous enough."
"Don't be like that. That's too low."
Collin shook his head slowly, dramatically. He had contacted Axel yesterday to ask what kind of salary he'd be happy with. The actor said $100,000 would be amazing, showing his humility and self-awareness. He knew he was still a newcomer in the eyes of major studios, and he would've been thrilled to get even that.
"$700,000."
"Collin, don't play games with me. $120,000, and that's me being generous."
"What? A $20,000 increase? That's too small. $500,000! Axel is not a nobody anymore. He was the star of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, last year's biggest comedy hit."
"Yes, but we could find a better actor who'll do the job for less money and fewer demands."
"Henry, you motherfucker. I trusted you. I thought we were friends and allies in this wild industry!"
"You should be asking yourself that question right now. I can't believe you'd damage the friendship we built over a pathetic argument about numbers."
"Hah! I bet you'll agree to Arnold's proposal of giving Brody $3 million, won't you? You're betraying your friend without even blinking!"
"Brody Paige is a different matter entirely, and you know it. Don't change the subject."
Henry had heard Arnold Johnson's name more than a few times lately. Arnold was the agent of Jolyne Robs and Brody Paige, who was quickly becoming Hollywood's next big thing.
"Besides, I heard you're the one who recommended Brody to audition for this movie because you're friends with Arnold. So if anyone betrayed our friendship first, it's you."
"The matter of Brody Paige is separate. You know it. Don't change the subject," Collin said, repeating Henry's own words back to him.
"$600,000. Let's cut the drama."
"$200,000 and that's me stretching it."
"$500,000."
"Collin, don't do this. Or I'll have to find another actor and recast this whole damn role. $250,000."
"Tch, fine. It doesn't sit well with me that you threatened me, your friend, like I'm just some stranger. But I guess $250,000 isn't bad for a rising star."
"Not bad, my ass. Do you hear yourself? Do you know what $250,000 means? You could buy a house with that in Los Angeles."
The two continued bickering like old war buddies. They each had something they needed to protect: Henry, his budget, and Collin, his client. So the clash was inevitable.
"Then let's talk about Jennifer. Her salary shouldn't be more than $100,000, given the limited screen time," Henry reasoned.
"Then how about $99,999?" Collin replied with a smug smile.
"...Collin, you're a fucking bastard with no shame. Do you know that? I've been having nightmares about negotiating with Arnold later, and you're just adding to my headaches."
"So… $99,999? Or should I say, deal?"
"Fuck off. Jennifer gets $70,000. Take it or leave it. That's my appreciation for helping me land a project with Uni-versus Pictures. Wyatt's promising, sure, but this film is still a gamble."
"$70,000, huh? Alright then. Deal."
They shook hands firmly, sealing the numbers.
Unlike the negotiation with Lawrence, who earned $1.5 million, Axel didn't yet have strong market appeal. Lawrence captivated the production team with undeniable charisma, while Axel was the type of actor Henry could replace without losing sleep. Hence, the tougher negotiation and smaller pay.
The same went for Jennifer. But if Wyatt's current project became a box office hit, both Axel and Jennifer's talent fees would naturally go up.
"Jennifer and Axel will return tomorrow to finalize the deal and sign the paperwork. Keep your promise, like a good producer," Collin said.
"I should be the one telling you that, you slick bastard."
"Well then, good luck handling Arnold. He's twice as shameless as me and ten times more annoying."
"Collin, has anyone ever told you that you've got a punchable face? That smug grin of yours is begging for it. Now that your clients are gaining momentum, you're becoming even more obnoxious. I hate that."
"Nope, but I've heard a lot of women say they want to fuck me. So maybe my face isn't that bad."
"Get the fuck out of my face before I throw my coffee at you."
Their negotiation ended with Collin getting $250,000 for Axel and $70,000 for Jennifer, not bad at all.
Both men were satisfied with the outcome, despite the harsh words exchanged in the heat of negotiation. They knew this wouldn't be the last time they'd clash like this.
Henry felt his status as a producer would level up now that he was collaborating with Wyatt, a rising star. And he also believed Collin's clients would continue to grow in popularity and command higher pay. This kind of negotiation was bound to happen again.
Still, they were professionals. At the end of the day, it was just business, not personal. The fact that they could still drink together and talk shit afterward proved their friendship was intact. They owed each other too much to let a few zeroes ruin it.
Collin left the building feeling accomplished and immediately called Axel with the good news.
"Thank you, Collin. I didn't expect to get $250,000, that's amazing."
"Come on, you don't have to thank me. I'm just doing my job. And don't sell yourself short. You're going to be a star. Trust in yourself and keep working hard."
"I guess it's true what they say… you're the hidden ace of ANT."
"Huh? I have no idea what you're talking about, but I'll take that as a compliment."
Axel promised to arrive early the next day to finalize and sign the contract. He also said he'd pay Collin's commission, $25,000 before the agency's cut, a solid payday.
As Collin stepped outside the building, he saw Jennifer waiting for him on the sidewalk looking absolutely radiant.
She had already received the news that she got the role and had nearly screamed with excitement. She also knew Collin had negotiated her pay today and trusted him completely.
With her bubbly blonde hair and a mole under her left eye, she looked like a goddess under the golden afternoon sun. Her heels glinted slightly as she waved with poise and elegance.
"How was it?"
"$70,000."
"Collin, I think you get more handsome every time you talk about money," she teased.
"Please don't. I'm begging you. I've had enough drama for one day."