Hollywood What If Chapter 215
Kevin Huvane, he was a famous talent agent at CAA. He was the agent of Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, Anthony Hopkins, Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez.
He was also co-chairman of CAA, along with Bryan Lourd and Richard Lovett. These three reigned over CAA after Michael Ovitz disappeared.
Even though the three were working for the betterment of the company, it was impossible to have no competition between the three.
Bryan Lourd was currently the co-chairman and CEO of the company, which was the highest position. Kevin Huvane sometimes thought about taking the position, you know, people like to be at the top of the food chain and be the king.
Recently, rumors have been circulating in the industry. Rising star director Kazir Grey was planning to switch agencies when his contract expired. In fact, WMA was already working on a deal that would meet Kazir's needs.
Kevin Huvane knew that losing a great director like Kazir would be bad for the company. So he talked to Salvatore Barlowe to convince Kazir to stay at CAA.
His first impression of the half-Korean agent was average at best. He knew that Salvatore's signing of Kazir was the best decision of his entire life. In a way, the half-Korean agent was lucky.
A lot of agents are jealous of him because of that.
However, Salvatore's status in the company continued to improve. Kevin Huvane was the one who recommended him to join the board after the success of Taken. Many agents were against the idea, but they gradually fell silent as Salvatore's clients found their way in the industry.
Brianna Evans was doing great. She was a certified star.
Scarlett Johansson had roles here and there and her future was bright.
Fremont Smith directed Taken 2 and it was a success. Another director with a good future.
In fact, Kevin Huvane wanted to change Fremont's agent because it would be problematic to have an agent who had two big directors under him. CAA needed to balance the power...
Of course, Kevin Huvane would give Fremont Smith to an agent close to him.
'I should wait for the right moment to disclose this to Salvatore.'
Another client under Salvatore was Enzo Park. This Korean actor was still trying to find stardom. He got some good roles, but they were all supporting roles. He was never invited to play the lead.
Of all the clients Salvatore Barlowe had, Kazir Grey was the most important. First and foremost, Kazir was the reason that all of Salvatore's clients became famous. The director paved the way for them.
An agent who had a director like Kazir was really lucky. Well, Kevin Huvane had Steven Spielberg, so there was no reason to be jealous.
Anyway, Kazir Grey was an important client and they didn't want to let him go. Kazir was a workaholic director and he had a movie every year. His projects were profitable and the actors and actresses he cast in his movies were mostly from CAA.
If Kazir Grey left CAA, it would affect many of the agency's clients.
Frankly, Kevin Huvane felt that Kazir was gambling if he actually changed agencies. His production company was just getting started and needed stability.
Still, Kevin Huvane took this matter very seriously, and he had to come up with a solution before things went south.
A few minutes later, Kevin Huvane's secretary informed him that agent Salvatore Barlowe had arrived.
The half-Korean agent entered the office and greeted Kevin Huvane. Salvatore Barlowe had a better relationship with Kevin Huvane than he did with Bryan Lourd and Richard Lovett. The three of them had an inside war in the company.
"Salvatore, I was hoping to hear some good news."
"I've already spoken to Kazir. He trusts me, so our conversation is not so bad."
"So what are his conditions?"
Kevin Huvane was no fool. He knew that Kazir's contract would expire next year, and the rumors were spreading at the right time. Obviously, the director was trying to say something.
"He only has two conditions."
Salvatore raised his fingers and began to speak.
"First, he wants to reduce the commission to 2%."
"No problem, we can do that."
Kevin Huvane agreed easily. He knew this moment would come. It seemed that Kazir Grey had the same contract as the other big directors in the agency.
"As for the second, Kazir said that Fremont Smith should remain as my client. He said he didn't want any trouble for CCU, so it's better for Fremont Smith to stay as my client so that communication won't be difficult."
"..." Kevin Huvane closed his mouth.
"If Fremont Smith changes his agent, the new agent will definitely ask for an outrageous salary and the negotiation might be difficult. We don't want that to happen." Salvatore Barlowe explained further.
"Salvatore, did Fremont know about this?"
"Yes, he feels indebted to me and Kazir. He trusts us more than anyone."
'... What an asshole.'
Kevin Huvane said in his head. No one knew who he was talking about. Maybe he was talking about both Salvatore and Kazir.
"I'll contact Bryan and tell him about Kazir's condition. Of course we don't want Kazir to leave, so we will definitely meet his conditions."
Kevin Huvane smiled and led the agent out of the office. He realized he had raised a snake.
He didn't know who came up with this plan, but they certainly knew how to silence him before he could even start.
For now, his plan to change Fremont Smith's agent would be buried.
After this, his opinion of Salvatore Barlowe had changed. He was no longer a rookie agent. He was a certified shameless agent who would do anything to get what he wanted. Ah, the life of a talent agent is truly unique.