SF Chapter 74: H&P Studio
The next day, Daniel went with his father to the H&P Studio office.
As he got out of the car, he asked his dad, "Are we going to have our own office at some point?"
They were standing in front of a building with a large sign that read: Pritchett's Closets & Blinds.
"That depends on how much the studio grows and how many films it ends up producing," Jay replied.
"For now, there's no need to spend money on something like that, since we can use the building from my business."
They walked inside.
After passing through part of the building, they reached a section with a sign that read: H&P Studio. Jay had at least kept the studio office area well separated and neatly organized.
"Oh, Mr. Pritchett, I'll let them know you've arrived," the secretary said as soon as she saw Jay.
"Huh, cute secretary," Dani murmured, earning a look from his father.
"I'm just complimenting her, Dad. I'm not going to mess around inside our own company," he defended himself.
After noticing she had just informed the others, he introduced himself. "I'm Dani. Daniel Harper. Oh, and Pritchett."
"Wow, I knew I had seen you somewhere before. It's a pleasure, Mr. Writer. My name is Melissa," she greeted, shaking his hand.
[Daniel Harper commentary]
"Well, I'm still not very well known to the general public," Daniel remarked. "I've appeared in a few newspaper and magazine photos, but the focus is obviously on the main actresses."
He changed the subject. "As for why I usually introduce myself as Daniel Harper - that's even the name I used on Wimpy Kid - the reason is simple: my mother."
"She made sure Harper was part of my name. And my dad didn't really bother to fight about it."
"As for me…" he paused. "I don't really care. I actually think it was nice that she put the surname Harper in my name. It makes me feel more connected to my bros, Charlie and Alan."
[Commentary ends]
Melissa stood up and gestured with her hand. "I'll take you to the meeting room."
Daniel raised an eyebrow as he looked at her. She was quite petite, almost like a doll. But he didn't make any comment out loud.
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In the meeting room, everyone was seated around a large rectangular table when one of the men began the introductions.
"From Paramount, we have the President of Domestic Distribution, Alex Coller; EVP of Marketing, Ellen Duran; and the Head of Theatrical Finance, Henry Passwater."
Daniel gave a side smirk, discreetly took out his cellphone, and sent a text to Phil. He was sure his brother-in-law would find the surname Passwater hilarious.
The man who was presenting then turned to the other side of the table. "From our side - H&P Studio - we have Jason Pritchett as executive producer, Anthony Burges, our attorney, and myself, Paul Collins, CFO."
"Lastly, Mrs. Harper as one of the owners of the company, and Daniel Harper Pritchett - who needs no introduction," he added with a slight smile.
"Now, you may begin the presentation, Henry," he said, passing the floor to the Paramount executive.
Henry started presenting several data points before getting to the main highlight.
"We are currently closing in Mean Girls at 108 million dollars worldwide after three weeks."
"Our projections remain between 165 and 185 million total box office by the end of the run."
The meeting continued with more technical reports about the marketing and distribution.
Finally, Alex Coller continued about the other film. "As per agreement, Superbad was moved up to early November so we can take advantage of Daniel's name as a marketing draw."
Ellen, who was in charge of marketing, added, "We have already started the P&A (Prints and Advertising) side."
Just like with Mean Girls, Paramount was responsible for the marketing expenses. The meeting continued, even moving into discussions about adapting and acquiring the rights to Percy Jackson.
After a while, a woman arrived with coffee and some pastries, marking the meeting's break.
"I brought your favorite pastries, Dani," the old woman said with a smile.
"Finally, you are an angel, Margaret," Daniel remarked as he helped himself first. He was more than tired of the meeting.
Margaret was the longest‑serving employee in Jay's company. She had taken care of Daniel a few times when Jay brought him to the office as a child.
[Daniel commentary]
Dani was sitting in the executive chair in the office that belonged to him.
There were three framed posters hanging on the wall. One showed a jet with the word Awesomeness written in large letters, and below it: When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story.
Another one showed penguins with the word Conformity in large letters. Below it, It's the one who is different that gets left out in the cold.
The third was a frame he had received from his father. It showed a sequoia tree with the phrase: What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
"I finally have my own office!" He spun around in the chair.
"But the things I wanted to do in here, Dad would kill me if he knew I did it."
"So I probably won't be using much this office. I mean... what am I supposed to do here? Work?"
[Commentary ends]
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After the meeting with Paramount, the room was left with only the CFO, Jay, Evelyn, and Daniel.
Paul gave a brief report, knowing the boy's patience had already run out. "With these 108 million at the box office, we have basically reached operational profitability for H&P," he announced.
"That means we have already covered Paramount's distribution and P&A share, as well as our share of the film's budget."
He finished, "Assuming a final box office of around 170 million, and an estimated 5 to 6 million DVD and VHS units sold - expected to be released in December-"
"Plus Pay-TV, free television licensing, and international television. Our final estimate is around 100 million dollars in profit for H&P after taxes."
"Yeah, finally the thing I wanted to hear!" Daniel smirked.
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The meeting finally ended, leaving only father and son in the room.
"It's been a while since I've seen Mom this happy," Daniel muttered. "Does that count as a good or a bad deed from me? Did I just become Satan's apostle?" he joked.
"She is still your mother..." Jay said, though he wasn't really scolding him. "And she did put the money into the studio's foundation," he added.
It wasn't like they had known it would become such a success. They could have lost a lot of money.
"Motherly love and trust in her son? Or fear of missing a big opportunity?" Dani thought out loud. "Maybe both..."
Jay stood up. "Now we need to talk with your bank account manager."
"Oh, this is the kind of meeting I like," his son smiled. "Money talk!"
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