Yesterday, Heath Ledger, the actor from "Brokeback Mountain," was detained by the NYPD on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs at a Brooklyn studio. This incident nearly resulted in an accident involving actors Martin David and Jennifer Aniston of the "Limitless" crew.
In a business car, CAA agent Kevin Howien swiftly read the report and examined several accompanying photos, all depicting his client, Heath Ledger, being apprehended by the NYPD, including the use of handcuffs and other police equipment.
"This news is out," he said, passing the paper to Shams, the producer of "Brokeback Mountain" and founder of Focus Features, who is also a shareholder at Paramount Pictures. This report could adversely affect "Brokeback Mountain's" Oscar campaign.
Shams acknowledged, "Too many people witnessed it yesterday, and it's challenging to keep it under wraps. Martin and Aniston are not ordinary individuals; they are challenging to handle."
Kevin checked his phone and said, "Harvey will be arriving at the studio later."
The commercial vehicle reached the junction of Brooklyn and Queens and entered the slightly aged studio. Kevin and Shams made calls to their respective contacts and waited for developments.
The incident had disrupted the "Limitless" crew's filming schedule, with some scenes involving Martin and Aniston postponed. Thomas and Aniston's agent, Steve, found the two and informed them that the meeting was about to take place.
Both had discussed the matter carefully, and Martin said, "What will be will be; let's go and meet them."
Aniston, concerned about Martin's well-being, advised, "If anything happens, just blame it on me. I'm also a member of the Producers Alliance."
Martin, who had experienced her support numerous times, was the first to arrive at the photography studio, making his way to the studio office area.
Kevin took the initiative to greet Martin, exchanged pleasantries, and asked if the three of them could talk privately. Steve joined them after a nod from Aniston.
Shams approached Martin and commended his skills, mentioning that he'd heard about what happened with Heath Ledger. After exchanging greetings, Shams added, "I've come to discuss how we should handle the aftermath."
Martin knew Shams was a representative of Focus Pictures and Paramount Pictures, and promptly responded, "I won't sweep this matter under the rug. It must go through the legal process, considering you all work diligently in the industry."
Shams appreciated Martin's stance, and Martin continued, "Yesterday, Heath Ledger insulted me and even threatened my life in front of witnesses. I want a prominent public apology in a major publication like The New York Times, explaining the reason behind it."
Shams agreed to this condition but noted that CAA needed to be consulted. Martin raised another concern, explaining that the incident had left him emotionally unstable and unable to work effectively, leading to scenes being postponed. He requested compensation for these mental issues and left the negotiation details to Thomas.
Satisfied, Martin excused himself, and Shams confirmed his attitude, acknowledging that he wouldn't engage in further discussion. He couldn't deal with Martin's multitude of demands.
In another office, Kevin began by mentioning his longstanding friendship with Aniston before addressing the challenges they faced. He stressed that it was currently the awards season, a critical time for judges to choose and vote.
Kevin explained, "Many judges tend to vote with their feet, and negative news with a significant impact will discourage them from involving relevant individuals."
He continued, "CAA has invested substantial resources and favors in securing Heath Ledger's Oscar nomination. Allowing this news to spread would have severe repercussions and render our investments futile."
Furthermore, while the use of illegal drugs alone might not be a significant issue in the industry, the fact that Martin and Aniston, both actors, nearly encountered an accident involving another actor could significantly affect the judges' perceptions. Studio sets are their primary locations, and the potential for them to become victims in the future was a concern. Additionally, it was noted that negative news involving Aniston might hinder her chances of winning an Oscar, as it could lead to a negative public image for the perpetrator.
Aniston momentarily set aside her discontent and inquired, "What do you propose?"
Kevin cautiously suggested, "How about having Heath offer a private apology to you and providing compensation? In return, both you and Martin would issue a statement clarifying this as a misunderstanding."
He stressed, "The compensation amount will certainly be to your satisfaction. Over the next six months, I'll initiate a relationship that provides you with resource support."
Aniston turned to her agent, Steve, and asked, "Is this your intention or the company's?"
Steve promptly clarified, "I wasn't informed of this. Jen is the victim; why should she have to accept it?"
Trying not to provoke Aniston, Kevin quickly added, "This is merely a suggestion."
However, Steve was resolute, "We will never accept it."
Aniston decided to leave the room. Steve was about to follow, but Kevin stopped him, saying, "Wait a moment."
Steve inquired, "What's the matter?"
Kevin closed the door and warned, "Don't forget your position."
Steve emphasized, "Customer comes first!"
Although CAA claimed that all agents were of equal standing, in reality, the hierarchy was different. Senior and joint partners constituted the upper management of the company, and Kevin was one of them. He sternly stated, "The condition is that it must align with CAA's regulations."
His tone softened slightly as he continued, "Steve, try to persuade Jane. She is where she is today partly due to CAA's support."
Steve comprehended that the other party was primarily focused on their clients. He responded, "I can't go against the customer's wishes."
This exchange left Aniston, who had worked with Steve for many years, wondering what had transpired. Steve shared, "The senior partners are quite authoritative about this matter."
Aniston thought for a moment and reflected, "I can sense that CAA isn't the same as it used to be, not since the end of 'Friends.'"
At the same time, Martin encountered Harvey Weinstein as he exited the office building. It appeared that Weinstein had been waiting specifically for him.
Weinstein greeted Martin, saying, "Long time no see."
Martin smiled and got straight to the point, "Is this about Heath Ledger?"
Weinstein explained, "As soon as 'I'm Not There' was initiated, I signed a distribution contract and invested on behalf of other studios."
Martin followed up, "No wonder the movie managed to attract so many A-list actors. It's all thanks to your influence."
Weinstein emphasized, "Tens of millions of dollars have been invested; we can't let it go to waste just because of what happened yesterday."
Martin, echoing Michelle Williams' sentiments, shared, "The only thing to blame is the immense pressure Heath Ledger was under."
Weinstein suggested something similar to Kevin Howien, but Martin made it clear he wouldn't accept it. He asserted, "I'm honest and trustworthy, and I won't lie to the public. This kind of lie is too easily exposed, and my reputation would be tarnished."
Weinstein then changed his approach, expressing optimism about Martin's future and acknowledging his acting talent. Martin informed him that he had a film, "The Departed," coming out that year.
Weinstein stopped pressing the matter and wished Martin good luck. As they parted ways, Bruce joined Martin and noticed his demeanor. He asked, "You don't seem happy?"
Martin replied, "This was actually one of the most peaceful conversations I've had with him."
Bruce wondered if they should consider cooperating with Weinstein, but Martin had reservations, saying, "I'm a member of the Face Gang, and I might not be able to handle the initiation ceremony of the Foot Gang. Besides, even if I were to switch to the Foot Gang, how should I handle the actresses he has wronged? Can you deceive them, endure it, and become a big star later?"
Bruce responded, "It seems that the only conclusion is that, compared to this guy, you're not ruthless enough."
As Martin walked ahead deep in thought, he decided, "Brother, call Atlanta and ask Ivan to come over."
Bruce, sensing that Martin might be taking action, questioned, "Are you getting more and more daring as we go?"
Martin replied, "Don't worry, I'll use my words."
Bruce was puzzled, thinking, shouldn't he be using his words with Mene instead?