"That's how things stand."
In a coffee shop near Universal Studios, Matthew detailed the entire sequence of events and added, "I was a bit impulsive, but under those circumstances, it's hard for anyone to control their emotions."
Helen-Herman didn't blame or reproach Matthew. Instead, she said, "From what you're saying, your contract termination must have been at Van Diesel's request."
Matthew continued, "Based on my observations and what I've heard, Van Diesel has a lot of influence."
"I'm aware," Helen-Herman responded calmly. "While you were on your way here, I called to inquire about the situation. I'm not sure what Van Diesel's background is, but he managed to secure significant investment for the project. Even though he's not a named producer, the producers respect his 'reasonable' suggestions."
"Terminating my contract is considered a 'reasonable' suggestion?" Matthew scoffed.
The question was rhetorical, and Helen-Herman didn't answer. She simply stated, "The fact that you're going to be terminated is already decided."
Matthew sighed, taking a sip of his coffee. Thinking about the actor's contract he signed with the crew, he said, "Then let's terminate it. The contract includes a clause for breach, right? This counts as a breach on their part, doesn't it? We should pursue damages!"
"Of course, it's a breach!" Helen-Herman checked her watch. "And we will pursue damages. That's your rightful claim."
She stood up, signaling Matthew, "It's about time. Let's head to the crew."
Leaving the coffee shop, Matthew and Helen-Herman entered the production area of Universal Studios. In a small office building next to the sound stages, a somewhat unfamiliar producer greeted them.
"Hello, Miss Herman," the producer greeted courteously. "Hello, Mr. Horn."
He introduced himself, "I'm Doug Claybourne, the executive producer here to handle the termination matter between Mr. Horn and the crew."
Helen-Herman glanced at Matthew and whispered, "You better wait outside."
Matthew nodded and left the office, sitting on a bench in the hallway, pulling out his phone to wait.
He understood Helen-Herman's intent. In such negotiations, bound to be contentious, it was best for the actor to be absent and let the agent handle matters. This way, there was a buffer between the parties, allowing for a degree of separation should any complications arise.
As Matthew waited outside, Helen-Herman had already begun her firm negotiation inside.
"Forgive my bluntness, Mr. Claybourne," Helen-Herman sat on the couch, not mincing words, "The crew has no legitimate reason to terminate the contract with my client, Matthew Horn!"
Doug Claybourne knew this, but wouldn't admit it. Seeing Helen-Herman as a young woman, he underestimated her.
The crew was prepared to compensate for the breach, but naturally, they wanted to save money if possible.
"Mr. Horn damaged another actor's, Van Diesel's, car..."
Helen-Herman interrupted him before he could finish, "That's a dispute between two actors, shouldn't they resolve it themselves?"
Interrupted, Claybourne grew slightly irritated, "Following that, Mr. Horn retaliated against Mr. Diesel during filming, causing him minor injuries. This violated the contract, and the crew has the right to terminate!"
"I need evidence!" Helen-Herman demanded firmly, "Time, place, specific events, and witnesses... Yesterday's shooting was an action scene, where the director and stunt coordinator asked for improvisation. My client was also injured! Wasn't that Van Diesel's retaliation?"
Recalling Matthew's words, she added, "You don't just have Van Diesel's side of the story, do you? You must have a third-party witness!"
Claybourne didn't expect Helen-Herman to be so tough.
Helen-Herman continued, "Mr. Horn is a member of the actors' guild! I've already contacted the guild, and if necessary, we will request an investigation and arbitration. We have the patience to wait for the guild's findings."
Claybourne fell silent, realizing it wouldn't be easy to find a third-party witness willing to corroborate for Van Diesel, not to mention the crew members who privately complained about him, even he himself didn't want to vouch for someone who nearly stirred trouble on set.
The crew, especially Universal, indulged him solely because of the substantial investment he brought in.
"Miss Herman," Claybourne knew he couldn't dismiss this without cost, "What are your terms?"
Helen-Herman was firm, "I have no terms. We will proceed according to the contractual breach clause."
Claybourne frowned, having checked the contract that morning. The breach penalty was five times Matthew Horn's fee, a total of thirty thousand dollars!
He thought for a moment, "The crew is willing to compensate Mr. Horn with an additional fee on top of the breach."
"Six thousand dollars?" Helen-Herman shook her head immediately, "That's not acceptable. If that's your attitude, there's no need to continue this discussion. We'll request arbitration from the actors' guild."
As the negotiation continued inside, Matthew played Tetris on his phone in the hallway, confident in Helen-Herman's ability to secure a fair settlement.
He hadn't expected Van Diesel to take such drastic measures after yesterday's shooting, opting for contract termination over facing him in the crew.
"Did those punches hurt that much?" Matthew mused to himself, "I only used half my strength. Isn't that guy supposed to be tough?"
He refocused on his phone game.
Suddenly, footsteps approached rapidly from one end of the hallway. Turning, Matthew saw Paul Walker, wearing sneakers, quickly approaching.
"What brings you here?" Matthew stood up, asking, "No shooting?"
"The director's working on a scene without me," Walker approached, stating, "I heard the crew's terminating your contract. An assistant saw you enter this building, so I came."
"Is it true they're terminating you?"
Matthew nodded, "Yes."
Walker cursed, "F@#K Van Diesel!"
"It's okay," Matthew remained calm, speaking softly, "I guess my punches yesterday afternoon made Van Diesel quite uncomfortable."
He winked playfully.
"You..." Walker chuckled, shaking his head, "How can you be so optimistic at a time like this?"
"I have reasons to be optimistic!" Matthew spread his hands, glancing towards the office, "My agent, Helen-Herman, is in there negotiating my breach of contract settlement. If all goes well, I'll receive the full thirty thousand dollars!"
He seemed genuinely upbeat, adding to Walker, "Look, I achieved everything I wanted from this film. I earned more money than expected, gained the audition and on-set experience I sought, punched a jerk, and met you and Jordana..."
Mid-sentence, Matthew realized, aside from not appearing in the final cut of "Fast and Furious," he had gained everything he wanted from the crew.
Walker, seeing Matthew's optimism, reminded, "Don't forget, you still have to swallow this insult."
"I don't need to swallow anything," Matthew shrugged, "I'm leaving this crew soon, no longer having to endure Van Diesel's lateness, bullying, script changes, and other annoyances. I'm relieved and happy."
He suddenly patted Walker's arm, "The ones who need to endure are you guys. Paul, avoid conflicts with Van Diesel if unnecessary."
Compared to Matthew, a temporary member of "Fast and Furious," Walker might have to work with Van Diesel for years.
The sound of high heels echoed down the hallway as Jordana Brewster entered, waving at Matthew from afar. He smiled and waved back.
"Van Diesel and Neil Moritz are here too," Brewster informed after greeting, "They're right behind me."
Hearing this, Matthew gestured towards the other end of the hallway, "You guys should go. No need to have unpleasantness with Van Diesel because of me. Exit this way."
Walker frowned, "Matthew..."
"Go on!" Matthew urged, "I'm fine. My agent is here."
He waved them off, recognizing their different situations.
Walker and Brewster glanced at Matthew before turning to walk the other way.
Less than twenty seconds after they left, Matthew saw Van Diesel's bald head approaching with Neil Moritz.
From a distance, Van Diesel's gaze fixed on Matthew, who met his stare without flinching.
However, Van Diesel and Moritz didn't stop, entering the office instead.
Both Matthew and Van Diesel knew better than to start a conflict in such a setting.
Half an hour later, Helen-Herman emerged from the office, having reached an agreement with the crew. They officially terminated Matthew's contract, compensating him with thirty thousand dollars for the breach, citing health reasons for his departure.
The next day, with lawyers and actors' guild representatives present, they formally signed the termination agreement.
After receiving the breach compensation, Matthew called Elena-Polyar to meet.
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