Every producer must master negotiation, which is frequently necessary when working with actors or agents. A commercial negotiation must comply with commercial regulations and be executed within the industry's rules and frameworks.
This is where Michael Davenport's study of the "Entertainment Act" and industry regulations came into play. Although he had hired a professional entertainment lawyer to assist in the negotiations, knowing the basics would severely disadvantage him.
Fortunately, "The Purge" was a non-union project, not bound by the complex rules of any union. The unions here are not just for show; they can be incredibly troublesome.
Although many crew members were union members, and unions technically restricted them from taking non-union projects, unions usually ignored such cases. The independent film scene could be more coherent.
For example, Woody Allen never joined any Hollywood union but still worked with union cast and crew members.
"Mr. Davenport, fifty thousand dollars isn't excessive."
In the office, a middle-aged blonde woman who bore a striking resemblance to Amanda Seyfried sat on the sofa, smiling. "Amanda isn't a newcomer; she's worth that price."
Despite her high demand, Michael remained calm and slowly said, "Mrs. Seyfried, that price is too high."
Mrs. Seyfried, remembering the appreciative look Michael had given her daughter during the audition, said, "The crew plans to shoot for two months. Let's say sixty days; that's less than a thousand dollars a day. It's just a bit above the minimum SAG rate."
Michael didn't directly refute her but said, "Ma'am, as far as I know, Amanda Seyfried isn't a member of the three major actors' unions. 'The Purge' will be her first film role."
Mrs. Seyfried responded, "The crew should still follow union regulations."
Michael smiled, "But 'The Purge' isn't a union project, so union rules do not bind us. And, if I may ask, are you an agent, Mrs. Seyfried?"
Unions also require that their members secure work through agents.
Mrs. Seyfried insisted, "I'm Amanda's manager!" Strictly speaking, managers can't procure work for their clients. She quickly changed the subject. "Amanda started as a child model at eleven, appearing in several commercials. She's very popular. Mr. Davenport, I've seen all the kids who auditioned."
She played her trump card based on her observations. "Is there anyone more beautiful or lovable than Amanda?"
Michael didn't dispute this, nodding. "You have a point."
"Forty thousand dollars!" Mrs. Seyfried's face turned serious, but inside, she was overjoyed. She had sensed Michael's admiration for her daughter during the audition. She emphasized, "Given Amanda's qualities, she deserves appropriate compensation."
Amanda Seyfried's looks were indeed good, but Michael remained level-headed. "Miss Seyfried deserves a fair salary."
Mrs. Seyfried felt relieved, thinking she had secured the deal.
Young people, especially at twenty, often lack the experience to hide their inclinations when they fancy something or someone.
Michael looked at Mrs. Seyfried and recalled the information Robert Lee had gathered. He remained exceptionally calm.
Why would anyone let a ten-year-old or even younger child enter show business? If they came from a family of performers, it made sense. They had the resources and connections, and showbiz was relatively easy to navigate. But for ordinary people, ninety-nine percent of the time, it's for one thing—money!
In comparison, Mrs. Seyfried was more responsible, unlike Macaulay Culkin's parents...
Child stars with such parents were miserable.
Michael kept smiling, not directly refuting but slowly explaining, "Amanda Seyfried's longest-running commercial aired for only two months, and she has never been a brand ambassador."
Mrs. Seyfried's relaxed expression tightened.
Michael continued, "She hasn't appeared in any TV shows or movies, so she lacks recognition."
Mrs. Seyfried wanted to argue but had no words because everything Michael said was true.
Michael took a fabricated survey report from his drawer and handed it to Mrs. Seyfried. "After the auditions yesterday, I had people conduct a random survey at five busy locations in Los Angeles. A total of 457 people participated. Not one of them recognized Amanda Seyfried."
He said, "So, Miss Seyfried has no recognition and can't draw an audience."
Mrs. Seyfried's face showed mixed emotions as she read the survey.
"Miss Seyfried is a complete newcomer in the film industry," Michael stated slowly. "She doesn't even have experience as an extra."
Mrs. Seyfried found herself speechless. This young man wasn't as inexperienced as he appeared.
She took a deep breath. Michael's indirect arguments had effectively countered all her points, leaving her with no room to argue.
This wasn't a twenty-year-old inexperienced young man but an old fox skilled in negotiations!
The negotiation was entirely under Michael's control. Mrs. Seyfried couldn't help but ask, "How much are you willing to pay Amanda?"
"Six thousand dollars," Michael said directly. "Based on sixty days of shooting, that's a hundred dollars a day."
Mrs. Seyfried immediately said, "That's too low. Amanda is one of the main actors. Will she be part of the promotional activities?"
In most cases, the fixed payment to actors includes compensation for all promotional activities related to the film, such as press conferences, interviews, photo shoots, and making promotional clips.
"If you don't want to participate, I won't force you," Michael said kindly, hitting her weak spot. "This is an R-rated film, and Miss Seyfried's age isn't suitable for promotional activities."
Mrs. Seyfried became anxious. "The crew can't exclude Amanda from the promotional plan!"
Promotion helps increase her recognition, directly impacting future earnings.
Michael didn't drag things out unnecessarily. "Ten thousand dollars! That's my final offer. If we can't agree, I must say it's unfortunate."
The project's actual budget was limited, so cutting costs on actors was necessary.
He added, "I guarantee Miss Seyfried's shooting time won't exceed six hours a day. The crew will hire a private tutor for her, and she won't participate in any dangerous or unhealthy activities."
Negotiations often yield unexpected results. "Ma'am, as her legal guardian, you can accompany her throughout the shoot. You'll receive the same treatment as the crew, all included in the contract."
So, no need to pay for food and accommodation? Mrs. Seyfried finally smiled. "Alright."
The salary was settled, but dealing with actors' demands had only begun for the crew.