"So... you're Salvatore Barlo?"
Kazir asked, looking the man up and down. He was fully immersed in the post-production work of his film when the studio suddenly informed him that someone was looking for him.
He had originally thought it was someone from a film company coming to discuss cooperation, but he didn't expect a young man to appear before him.
"Yes, Mr. Gray. I'm here to..." Salvatore quickly began, wanting to explain his purpose.
"How old are you?" Kazir interrupted him directly, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"Me? I'm 28 this year." Salvatore answered truthfully.
"28? You look like 21." Kazir frowned, his face full of disbelief.
He found it hard to believe that this young and tender-looking man in front of him was actually a year older than himself.
"Am I really that down, looking old? Should I shave my beard?"
Kazir subconsciously touched the short circle of black beard he had deliberately left on his chin after his rebirth. This beard made him look a bit more mature and steady.
Moreover, he had been at the gym for the past few months and was quite confident in his physique—at least much more robust than this skinny guy in front of him.
Looking at Salvatore Barlo again, he was thin and weak, as if a gust of wind could blow him over.
With this comparison, Kazir immediately felt much more at ease.
"That's right, I'm not old, I just look mature with a beard," he silently cheered himself on.
"Maybe it's because my mother is Korean." Salvatore's voice pulled Kazir's thoughts back.
"Korean mixed-blood? Looking at it this way, there is indeed an Asian vibe." Kazir nodded in sudden realization.
Asians usually look younger, with delicate and smooth skin, unlike Caucasians who are more prone to wrinkles.
After understanding the reason for Salvatore's youthful appearance, Kazir felt it was only natural.
"Then you're looking for me because...?"
Kazir refocused his attention on the conversation and asked.
"Mr. Gray, I'm from Creative Artists Agency, and I'd like to sign an agent contract with you." Salvatore mustered his courage and stated the purpose of his visit.
'Sure enough, it's an agent.' Kazir muttered to himself.
During this time, besides people from film companies, only agents had come to see him.
After all, the first-week box office performance of Se7en was very impressive, reaching 14 million US dollars, and by Tuesday, the box office had soared to 23 million US dollars.
It should be noted that September is the off-season for movie box office, with students back in school and no holiday boosts, so it couldn't compare to November.
November has multiple holidays such as Halloween, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving, with surging crowds of moviegoers, making it incomparable.
Under such circumstances, Se7en achieving 23 million in box office in five days was already impressive enough.
Kazir knew very well that major Hollywood companies would soon come knocking, but he didn't expect the first one to be an agent.
"How long have you been in this line of work?" Kazir leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and asked casually.
"Four years, with three actors under me, all with good prospects." Salvatore straightened his chest and answered confidently.
Hearing his words, Kazir couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Mr. Gray?" Salvatore was somewhat bewildered by Kazir's laughter, a hint of embarrassment on his face, and tiny beads of sweat forming on his forehead—his intention was actually very clear.
"Se7en is a hit. You think I have a future and am worth your trip. You've also heard that I just finished a film, right?" Kazir explained with a smile.
"That's right." Salvatore quickly nodded, feeling there was no need to hide it anymore.
"Mr. Gray..."
"Call me Kazir! If you really want to sign me, you'll have to show some real skill." Kazir put away his smile and said seriously.
"Kazir, if you're willing to sign, I guarantee the contract will only take a 3% commission." Salvatore gritted his teeth and stated a condition that greatly surprised Kazir.
"Oh?"
Kazir raised his eyebrows, a hint of surprise on his face.
He really didn't expect Salvatore to offer such a condition—typically, an agent's commission rate is 10%, and only when representing big-name stars does this percentage decrease.
'Like Spielberg, who earned over a hundred million from Jurassic Park two years ago, his agent alone took over 3 million from that project.' This example involuntarily came to Kazir's mind.
Agents who can attract big directors have significant influence in the industry.
Salvatore's words were undoubtedly a clear indication that he was optimistic about Kazir becoming a big-name director in the future.
'You have good taste.' To be honest, before Kazir had fully proven himself, someone looking at him with trust like this made him feel quite pleased.
At least Salvatore's sincerity was sufficient.
"I agree." Kazir made his decision with almost no hesitation.
"Then...!" Salvatore nearly jumped out of his chair, his face beaming with excitement and joy.
However, Kazir raised a hand, signaling him not to rush, there was more to come.
"But I have a condition." Kazir said, looking at Salvatore.
"As long as I can do it, I will definitely comply."
Salvatore quickly patted his chest and promised.
"First, I won't accept Creative Artists Agency's packaging deals. I have my own team and want to keep them with me." Kazir stated his first condition.
"This... okay, it will be clearly written in the contract." Salvatore hesitated for a moment but still agreed.
He knew very well that packaging deals were Creative Artists Agency's cash cow.
But powerful directors usually don't want to take on such projects. He thought about it and decided that this condition was acceptable for the sake of signing Kazir.
"However, when casting actors, prioritize Creative Artists Agency people!" Salvatore seized the opportunity to propose his small request.
The greatest wish for an agent like him is for his actors to have roles to play and work to do every year.
"No problem, as long as the role is suitable, they will definitely be prioritized." Kazir readily agreed.
He had no objections to this request.
After all, Creative Artists Agency is a leading agency in Hollywood. Back then, Michael Ovitz (founder of Creative Artists Agency) left William Morris to start his own agency and made Creative Artists Agency a huge success, its strength not to be underestimated.
Cooperating with them, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage either.
"That's good. Creative Artists Agency is reliable, and I trust them to help me a lot. Besides not taking packaging deals, everything else is negotiable. A 3% commission, you must keep your word." Kazir emphasized again.
"Absolutely!"
Salvatore was overjoyed, his face beaming with smiles.
Everyone knows that in the film industry, a director's status is usually higher than an actor's—after all, the director is the one who chooses the actors.
Having a director as a client would also increase his standing within the company.
"I hope we have a pleasant cooperation." Kazir extended his hand, smiling.
"Thank you for trusting me, Kazir."
Salvatore quickly grasped Kazir's hand, his voice trembling with excitement.