Behind The Spotlight Chapter 202
As the two stepped into the elevator, they nodded at each other, their reflections faintly visible on the polished metal walls. They had already expected this scenario, although they admitted that it came faster than anticipated.
They knew that if Henry didn't agree with their conditions, he would call his backup, which was the higher-ups from Uni-versus Pictures, a predictable escalation. Out of these higher-ups, Collin and Arnold were wary of the CEO and the Chairman, the true power holders behind the studio.
Even though Berry Cruz was an old man who was well past his retirement age, he was still a veteran in the industry who could see through Collin and Arnold's intentions. With his position, the two agents would have a hard time getting the conditions (a.k.a. money) that they wanted without compromises.
As for Chairman Noah Nash, Collin had met him before, and he had a dangerous vibe, calm eyes, but sharp like a hawk.
'... I've been an agent for nearly a decade now. So far, I've only talked to Noah Nash and Berry Cruz. I never really had a chance to talk to the other decision-makers in Hollywood... Does that mean I'm still a nobody?' Collin asked himself, feeling a brief sting in his chest.
Anyway, since Collin and Arnold had already talked about this scenario beforehand, they agreed that they would hold onto their decision to keep the box office share as large as possible.
'We are already being generous by not asking for any profit share with Uni-versus Pictures. After all, the box office is just one of the ways Uni-versus Pictures makes money... We're not asking for much.' Arnold Johnson justified his reasons, silently reassuring himself that their demands were reasonable.
The two stepped out of the elevator. Without even looking around the hallway, Noah Nash's secretary introduced himself and led them straight to the Chairman's office.
When the two entered the room, Collin felt that nothing much had changed in the Chairman's office except for the addition of more movie posters, gold trophies shining under the sunlight, and shelves filled with awards.
'Oh, those are Wyatt's movies.' Collin felt satisfied and secretly happy when he saw posters of Week On A Cruise Ship and The Frightening Movie hanging on the walls, framed with pride and positioned at eye level.
It meant that the Chairman took pride in Wyatt's filmography, which made Collin's opinion improve and his guard lower slightly.
'I guess he's not that bad after all.' Collin relaxed a bit.
"Mr. East, Mr. Johnson, take a seat," Noah smiled professionally at them, his tone polite but not warm.
The two agents took their seats, black leather chairs facing a wide mahogany desk. Their expressions were calm. Not going to lie, if they hadn't prepared for this scenario and were caught off guard, they might have shown nervous expressions for a short moment before adjusting their emotions. They had been through so many negotiations that nervousness no longer affected their overall mentality.
Noah observed their composed demeanor and understood that he was facing two professional agents. There was no point in wasting time or engaging in friendly small talk. After all, agents in this industry pursued profit and nothing else, just like every production studio.
"Both of you are asking for fifteen million dollars and ten percent of the worldwide box office share for each of your clients. I'm sorry, but we can't offer you that amount," Noah stated plainly.
"..."
A brief silence filled the room, with only the faint hum of the air conditioner breaking it.
Collin and Arnold didn't say anything. They knew that the Chairman had more to say. Besides, they weren't delusional. Fifteen million dollars and ten percent of the worldwide box office was indeed a suicidal attempt for both sides. They were simply waiting for the counteroffer, and sure enough.
"I'm offering both Axel and Brody ten million dollars in upfront salaries and five percent of the North American box office share," Noah continued.
Collin tried to say something, but Noah slightly raised his hand, silencing him with a calm yet firm gesture.
"Let me finish first. I know that your clients are famous and have strong box office appeal... but what about your other clients?" Noah said, his gaze settling on Arnold, his expression unreadable.
The Chairman pulled out two documents and handed one to Collin and one to Arnold.
The two agents opened the documents with curiosity, the pages crisp and clearly printed today.
'... Ten million dollars and five percent of the North American box office share isn't that bad. It's slightly less than what we're aiming for, but not bad.' Collin thought as he scanned the document.
The ten-million-dollar salary was a huge amount of money no matter how you looked at it, and Collin would earn a six percent commission from that alone. As for the five percent North American box office share, based on the contract Collin and Axel had agreed upon, Collin would earn two hundred fifty thousand dollars from that deal. For every one percent of the North American box office share he secured, he would earn fifty thousand dollars. And for every one percent of the worldwide box office share, he would earn one hundred thousand dollars.
It seemed reasonable... but still negotiable. Both Collin and Arnold were already planning ways to push for higher profits, but their hands paused as they reached the latter part of the documents.
Especially Arnold. His pupils shook. He swallowed hard, taking a deep breath as his chest tightened.
"... Chairman."
His smile was strained as he looked at Noah, who maintained his composed expression.
"What is it, Mr. Johnson?"
"Haha, Chairman... you can just call me Arnold. There's no point in being so formal," Arnold laughed dryly.
"Well then, Arnold, are you satisfied with my conditions?"
"Of course, of course. I'll contact Brody right away. He'll surely be happy..." Arnold replied without hesitation.
"That's great to hear." Noah nodded, then turned his attention to Collin, who was still staring at the document, his hands trembling slightly.
"What about you, Collin? Are you satisfied with my offer? You can counteroffer if you want."
"Chairman, you jest. Of course, I agree as well," Collin replied.
The three men laughed together, although both Collin and Arnold had their backs soaked in sweat.
"Contact your clients tomorrow for the contract signing. The earlier they join the project, the better."
"Yes, Chairman."
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[Author's Note: Yeah, we do a little bit of blackmailing here and there, this is Hollywood after all. But this one isn't really serious, if I remember it right. This is Collin's first loss in negotiation so far. I agree that talent agents are inherently greedy.]