Chapter 425: Head-On Collision

In a small office building on a quiet street in Long Island City, New York, Chuck Hogan's creative studio occupies a modest office suite.

The office assistant also happens to be Chuck Hogan's current girlfriend.

Many writers or playwrights in the dormant stage often face financial challenges.

One morning, Chuck Hogan arrived, turned on his computer, and attempted to write a column for The New Yorker. However, after three hours, he found himself restless and unable to progress, writing less than three sentences.

Frustrated, he called out, "Alyssa, has Martin Davis not called?" The apartment door opened, and an ordinary-looking girl entered with coffee, expressing relief, "Darling, you've seemed anxious lately. Despite submitting your novel to Hollywood multiple times, Paramount, Warner Bros., and Weinstein Pictures, there's been no news for years." Chuck Hogan took a sip of coffee and eased his mood a bit, saying, "This time is different. Graham recommended it to Martin Davis, and Martin takes it seriously."

Alyssa continued to console, "Martin is filming in New York and keeping an eye on news reports. These things take time."

Chuck Hogan admitted, "I was too anxious."

At that moment, the phone rang, and Alyssa answered, "Hello, this is Chuck Hogan Studio. Who's calling? Martin Davis? Yes, he's free this morning. You can come over anytime."

After hanging up, Chuck inquired, "Martin Davis is calling?"

"Yes, it's Martin Davis," Alyssa confirmed. "He wants to visit and discuss the adaptation of 'Prince of Thieves' with you. He's on his way from Brooklyn Studio."

Chuck enthusiastically exclaimed, "Great! Finally, this day has come! Hurry, Alyssa, get the Blue Mountain coffee Graham gave me, and tidy up the studio."

Alyssa got busy, and Chuck, approaching a full-length mirror, carefully arranged his clothes.

Introduced by Graham King, Chuck knew Martin Davis's visit was significant. Successfully taking this step would not only facilitate the adaptation discussion but also serve as effective advertising for his other works in Hollywood, eliminating sales concerns.

Preparations were swift, given Martin's proximity from Brooklyn.

Outside the office building, a Volvo SUV was parked on the roadside, and brothers Ben Affleck and Casey Affleck exited the car.

Ben looked at the office building's nameplate and asked, "Are you sure this is the right place?"

Casey, examining the address, affirmed, "Yes, it's the correct location. The guy at Weinstein Pictures wrote it down at the time. I provided the address but forgot the phone number."

Ben pulled out the novel Chuck Hogan had sent to Weinstein Films, saying, "Let's go up."

As they ascended to the third floor, Ben inquired, "Is this novel truly suitable for adaptation? Are you confident about it?"

"I excel at crime themes," Ben confidently asserted. "Here's a director's secret: if you can adapt, choose adaptation. It has an existing audience base and a planned plot, saving time and effort."

He added, "It's also easier to attract investment from film companies. However, if this novel is adapted, Harvey can't fully support it. Weinstein Pictures has limited resources, focusing on Quentin's projects."

Casey shrugged, "I can only act; I don't know how to be a director."

Arriving at Chuck Hogan Studio on the third floor, they knocked on the door.

Alyssa opened the door, saw Ben Affleck, and was momentarily stunned before realizing and asking, "Are you... Ben Affleck?"

Ben, with a smile, confirmed, "That's right. I'm Ben." He inquired, "Is Chuck Hogan, the author of 'Prince of Thieves,' here?"

"Yes, he's here," Alyssa replied, turning to the suite and shouting, "Chuck, people from Hollywood are here!"

Chuck Hogan opened the door, surprised to find Ben Affleck instead of Martin Davis.

He swiftly adjusted his attitude and said, "Please, both of you."

Ben and Cassie entered the office suite, taking seats on the sofa. Chuck requested Alyssa to bring coffee.

Daben didn't beat around the bush and presented "Prince of Thieves" from Weinstein Films, asking, "Mr. Hogan, do you still hold the film and television adaptation rights for this book?"

Chuck admitted, "Yes, I've promoted it many times in the past few years but never sold it." Suddenly, he remembered Martin was due to discuss the novel's copyright with him soon.

Ben noticed Chuck's peculiar expression but brushed it off, seeing him as an ordinary writer anticipating Hollywood's interest. Ben directly stated, "I intend to buy the adaptation rights for the novel 'Prince of Thieves to turn it into a movie."

Having noticed the novel in Weinstein Pictures' vast database, Ben explained, "Chuck, I grew up in the Boston area, and I know the situation there very well. I believe I'm the most suitable person to adapt this novel."

Despite Chuck's industry connections, including friends like Graham and Scorsese, he harboured doubts about Ben Affleck's recent track record after "Pearl Harbor."

If "Prince of Thieves" had no other viable options, Chuck would seriously consider Ben's offer, but there were still other interested parties.

---

This time, when Martin came over, Bruce and Thomas accompanied him. In negotiations involving copyright, Thomas needed to play a role, even if it wasn't typically an agent's responsibility. He had familiarized himself with the novel and Chuck Hogan's situation to expedite the copyright negotiation.

Finding the office building, the trio parked the Escalade next to a Volvo and headed straight to the third floor. Bruce, taking the lead, arrived at Hogan's studio door and knocked.

Alyssa, opening the door, glanced at Bruce without recognition. However, upon seeing Martin, she exclaimed, "Mr. Davis, you're here!"

Having met Alyssa at a recent party, Martin smiled and nodded, saying, "Hello, we meet again." Alyssa then informed the suite, "Chuck, Martin is here."

Chuck hurriedly came out, shook hands with Martin enthusiastically, and invited, "I've been looking forward to your visit these days, and I've had no time to work."

Due to Graham's connection, they were familiar with each other. Martin jokingly remarked, "Your novels are so exciting; I got lost in the plot and almost forgot about you."

Chuck smiled, inviting Martin and the others inside. Alyssa closed the studio door, but it creaked open again.

Bruce instinctively blocked Martin, signalling him when he saw who was coming out. Martin realized it was Ben Affleck and Casey Affleck.

Thomas, aware of the Oscars incident, looked surprised at the Affleck brothers and then at Chuck. Brokers need to stay ahead of their clients, and Thomas's dissatisfaction was evident.

Chuck explained quietly, "They didn't announce themselves; they just showed up."

Martin turned around and greeted, "Hi, Ben. Didn't expect to meet you here."

"I didn't expect it either," replied Ben. Holding the novel, he added meaningfully, "Is this also about the copyright of this novel?"

Martin smiled, "Chuck and I are friends. We met through Graham, and I'm here to visit him."

Ben, aware of Graham, Scorsese's dedicated producer, speculated that Martin likely met him through the crew of "The Departed." This thought brought to mind his good brother, Matt Damon.

Martin, seemingly uninterested in Ben, shifted his attention to Thomas.

Thomas promptly suggested, "Chuck, let's discuss business."

Considering the relationships between Graham, Scorsese, and Martin, Chuck agreed, saying, "Okay."

Casey Affleck expressed discontent, frustratedly saying, "Hey, you..."

"Sorry, Mr. Affleck," Chuck interjected. "I'm currently occupied, and I'm afraid I won't be able to meet with you."

Ben's expression soured, his face resembling a long-faced donkey.

Cassie clarified, "Ben and I represent not only ourselves but also Weinstein Films. You're familiar with Weinstein Films, right?" Chuck chuckled inwardly, well aware of the name Weinstein.

Thomas smiled, adding, "Martin represents not only himself but also Warner Brothers."

Ben halted Cassie, leaving his business card on the desk. "Contact me anytime if you reconsider."

Chuck noticed tensions between Martin and Ben Affleck.

He didn't respond and asked Alyssa to escort them out.

Once alone, Chuck explained, "Martin, I've been preparing since I got your call, and then they showed up unexpectedly. I was completely unprepared." Martin, gracious, replied, "No problem, don't worry about them. Let's continue our discussion."

Chuck invited them into the suite office, asking Alyssa to make coffee. Chuck expressed concerns about Weinstein Films' reputation, given the rumours in the New York author circle. Thomas reassured, "Don't worry, Weinstein Pictures is not a threat to us."

Martin, referencing Graham's high recommendation, shared, "I carefully read 'Prince of Thieves' and have some ideas about the adaptation."

The two sides continued their discussion about adaptation and copyright.