[Chapter 123: Five Movies Grossing Over One Hundred Million in Ten Years]
Setting aside the earlier period, CAA had bundled more than 150 films in just over four years since 1985, capturing over a third of the market. During this time, much of the discontent stemmed from squeezed competitors and production companies, who were clearly bitter yet knew they couldn't significantly impact the soon-to-be public CAA. Still, they couldn't help but spit some spite.
In Eric's eyes, CAA's secret weapon was its unique business model. Thus, even after Michael Ovitz departed from CAA, it continued to thrive. Although many in the media attempted to uncover the reasons behind CAA's rise, most analyses seemed vague, missing the mark entirely.
With that in mind, Eric felt it was a prime opportunity to strike -- if it hadn't been for CAA, he could have produced Pretty Woman with the original team. While Eric had complete confidence in Al Pacino's performance, he worried that replacing Richard Gere might impact the film's box office, but thankfully the outcome turned out alright. Next, when it came to inviting Cruise and Hanks, CAA stirred up a series of complications, leaving the two leading roles unresolved even while supporting roles had already been confirmed and preparations were almost complete.
"Since you have no objections, shall I have Allen contact the papers for publication?" Eric asked.
"Uh-huh," Kepler nodded but suddenly added, "Wait, let me get a copy first. I'd like to study it a bit. Maybe I can optimize UTA's business model based on this."
"Suit yourself," Eric replied, nodding. He stood up, walked to the office copier, and while making the copies said, "Honestly, Kepler, I don't plan on expanding UTA too much in the next few years because my resources aren't sufficient yet. You wouldn't believe it, but the other day while I was scouting locations, I realized how thin my foundation truly was. I had my eye on the National Bank Building, wanting to shoot a few scenes on the rooftop, but when I reached out, the management outright rejected me, saying they didn't want to disturb the normal operations inside the building, not even giving me a chance to lobby. But when Columbia sent their producer over, he made a few calls and met with their supervisor, and it was all wrapped up. I was getting all cocky about the achievements of my previous films, but now the whole thing just strikes me as laughable; I'm still just a little minnow."
Kepler encouraged him, "Eric, you don't need to feel this way. You're doing great. Think about your age; you're not even nineteen, right? How many people your age can build a fortune with their own hands?"
"Ha, that sounds just like what Jeffrey said to me," Eric chuckled as he handed Kepler the copied document. "Take it. By the way, the Oscars are coming up in a few days. Can you help me get ready? I'm really stretched thin right now. I also have to go to a rehearsal; I shouldn't have agreed to be a presenter."
"I don't even know what to say to you. Those little stars would do anything for a chance to show their face at the Oscars, while you find being a presenter a bother," Kepler laughed. "Have you confirmed your date yet?"
"I was planning to bring Jenny out, but she said she wouldn't be back in LA until the end of the month. I heard from her last night, and now it's possible she won't make it back until early April. Whatever, if that doesn't work, I'll just take Drew like at the Golden Globes."
Kepler noted, "By the way, I received another offer to have Drew star in a film. I think the script is good. Should I keep pushing for it?"
"Push it away. I don't plan on letting Drew take any films for the next couple of years."
Kepler nodded, thought for a moment and then said, "If that's the case, I suggest you don't bring Drew to the Oscars either. It's a good promotional opportunity; you could take Ms. Madsen or that British beauty you liked last week. She's been approved by Al and Martin. Oh, and there's also Brooke Shields; for the sake of your film investment's promotion, I suggest you take one of those three."
"Then..."
Eric contemplated for a while; Virginia could really use the opportunity. She needed to stand out and making an appearance on the Oscar red carpet would be beneficial for her. Having Cruise and Hanks along with himself made it irrelevant whether Brooke was there or not.
"Let's go with Vicki then; you notify her to prepare."
Kepler raised an eyebrow and then said seriously, "Sure, I'll assist her. But Eric, in front of others, it's best if you avoid using too familiar a term with Ms. Madsen."
"Uh..." Noting that while Kepler sounded all businesslike, his eyes held a glint of mischief, Eric awkwardly cleared his throat and said, "Got it; I'll be careful."
After Kepler left, Eric handed the document to Allen to contact the newspaper and continued working until quitting time, when he drove off to meet Hanks.
...
At a fancy restaurant in Beverly Hills, after meeting with Hanks, Eric didn't rush to bring up negotiations but rather chatted about other topics. Although Hanks sensed Eric had ulterior motives for seeking him out, he didn't think switching to UTA was the best idea, enjoying the conversation on a subject he found more intriguing.
Because of CAA's non-revenue-sharing offer, Hanks would soon finalize a contract with Firefly Films, making his involvement a done deal.
"Honestly, I had planned to set up Sean as a cop who had to leave the SWAT team after getting injured and turned to a desk job, but wasn't content with that. However, I thought if that was directly revealed in the film, audiences would likely struggle to accept it. So, I decided to keep that aspect vague to give viewers some room for imagination."
Hanks set down his utensils, wiped his mouth, curious, "Didn't we discuss this in our last meeting, and come up with a whole new backstory for Sean? You didn't mention this detail last time."
"Because it was a bit... sinister. Haven't you read the script? Sean's reluctance to date or visit nightclubs and settle down is related to his injury; he doesn't want to hold other women back."
Hanks paused, quickly understanding, and chuckled, "That backstory is indeed... hard to accept. If it were me, I'd prefer to keep Sean's background fuzzier."
The two chatted, taking over half an hour to finish dinner. Eric signaled for the waiter to clear the table and bring coffee before saying, "Tom, the reason I invited you over for dinner tonight is because..."
This time, a slightly laid-back Hanks interrupted, "Eric, I think CAA is working well for me right now, so I'm not considering switching agencies at the moment."
"Don't you want to hear my terms first?" Eric maintained his composure, smiling.
"It's probably just about lowering commissions. CAA's cut isn't too high for me, Eric. If I switch agencies, who knows how long it might take to adjust to a new environment? And frankly, while I know Kepler is a highly capable agent, UTA is too small. Al Pacino and Julia Roberts already take up most of the resources, and I doubt UTA can devote enough energy to me."
Eric was surprised by Hanks' clear reasoning but then recalled that although Hanks seemed like a simpleton, the actor had achieved great success in Hollywood; it was impossible for him not to be smart.
"Just hear me out; my terms are not about lowering commissions -- that's a basic trick." Eric laughed, extending his right hand and waving his fingers. "If you switch to UTA, in the next ten years, I can guarantee you at least five movies grossing over one hundred million."
Hanks's eyes widened in astonishment. Five movies grossing over one hundred million in ten years? What did that even mean? Tom Cruise, from the onset of his career in '81, had only one movie grossing over one hundred million; the film Eric was referring to hadn't even crossed 80 million yet, and whether it would get there depended on further box office results after the Oscars.
"Are you talking domestic box office?" Hanks asked instinctively.
"Of course! In the next ten years, at least five films with North American grosses over a hundred million," Eric added, pondering before supplementing, "and all starring you as the leading man."
"But..." Hanks didn't let Eric's promises cloud his judgment. "How can I trust that this is real? Just because your previous films grossed over a hundred million doesn't guarantee the same in the future."
"We can sign a confidential contract. If within ten years, I can't arrange at least five films grossing over a hundred million for you, I'll pay you a large sum," Eric said without hesitation. "Of course, you also need to commit to a certain number of films. If you sign the contract and just sit back to collect money, I'm not about to pay any penalties."
Hanks chuckled at Eric's last remark, "I wouldn't do that. I love acting; if I can't continue as an actor, I don't know how I'd live. You've got to understand, when someone is used to something, stopping abruptly would be dreadfully boring."
"So, will you agree?"
Hanks still shook his head, "Eric, even though your offer is tempting, I'm not going to jump at the first whim. If I switch and you can't keep your promise, how much compensation will I get ten years down the line? Ten million, or twenty million? That's practically negligible compared to my career losses. Alright, if there's nothing else, I should head out. This dinner was enjoyable, Eric. I'll invite you next time."
"One hundred million!" Eric sat still, staring at Hanks resolutely. "One hundred million, Tom! If I can't fulfill my promise, I will pay you that amount. We'll sign a contract and get a notary involved. I can even set up a fund and deposit the one hundred million in advance. Even if your salary bumps up to ten million, you'd still need to make at least one film a year to hit one hundred million. Isn't that enough proof of my sincerity?"
Hanks hesitated, his movements of putting on his jacket slowing down: "Eric, are you serious?"
"Of course! You know I can come up with that kind of money."
"Then, I need to think about it." Hanks still didn't nod.
"Okay, I'll wait for your good news." Though a bit disappointed, Eric managed to keep a smile on his face while signaling to wrap things up.
Hanks put on his coat and gave Eric a peculiar look before heading out of the restaurant.
Eric sat motionless for a moment, feeling let down as he took a sip of his coffee, about to settle the bill, when Hanks's figure suddenly appeared back before him.
"Eric, since you're willing to bet a hundred million, I can't understand why I'm hesitating," Hanks said, sitting down across from Eric, waving his hand with a bit of bravado. "I'll take this bet!"
*****
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