Chapter 349: Review Project

In the office, Thomas gazed at WMA's top executive, Ari Emmanuel, and for a brief moment, he felt like they were equals.

Quickly, he corrected himself it wasn't a mere illusion.

Thomas understood that he wasn't representing himself but Martin. Given Martin's current standing, the two of them could be VIPs at any talent agency.

Ari inquired, "What does Martin need? Just tell me."

Thomas, respectfully rubbing his bald head, inquired, "Is the company perhaps too conservative in promoting Martin to a second-tier client?"

Ali offered a reminder, "Martin joined WMA and hasn't completed his initial three-year contract. Afterward, he can access top-tier clients and superstars. People's demands and desires are limitless."

Thomas objected, "But Martin deserves more recognition from the company. Among all Hollywood actors born in the 1980s, he's the only one who can carry a movie on his own!"

Ari pondered, weighing the pros and cons.

Thomas emphasized, "This is the final year of Martin's three-year agency contract. The Entertainment Act allows a maximum of three-year contracts with clients. I want you to ensure Martin continues with WMA."

Martin's reputation is stellar, not only in terms of acting fees but also in various commercial endeavors.

Ali observed Thomas, sensing that he was more in Martin's camp than WMA's. He understood that clients formed the bedrock of any talent agency.

Ari spoke, "I can assure you of that." Afterward, he expressed his concern, "I must also think about my own interests. The treatment I receive in the company..."

Ali already had a solution, "You'll move from the shared office downstairs to a senior agent's office, with all the associated perks."

As Thomas glanced at his reflection on the glass curtain wall, his hairline receding, he decided to push further, "What about becoming a partner?"

Ali frowned slightly, "It's too early to talk about partnerships now. Martin isn't a superstar yet, and you don't have two top-tier clients. You'll have to wait."

Nevertheless, he added, "As soon as Martin becomes a superstar, the company will extend an invitation for you to become a partner without your having to ask."

Thomas understood that leaping directly to a partnership wasn't feasible and that he should contribute more to the company's interests.

Thomas concluded, "I'll assist Martin in renewing his contract with the company."

Ali nodded and stated, "All of the company's project resources are available to Martin. You can take him to the resource management room."

With their meeting concluded, Thomas left Ali's office, spotting Martin nearby on the phone, waiting briefly.

After Martin ended his call, Thomas approached and asked, "Did the negotiations go well?"

"I'm a senior agent now," Thomas proudly declared. He pointed to the independent office upstairs, saying, "I can move in tomorrow."

Martin congratulated him, and Thomas exuded confidence, his bald head adding to his air of authority, "Congratulations, you're now a top-tier client, and the higher you go, the more benefits you'll enjoy."

Thomas offered, "If you renew your contract with the company at the end of the year, I'll secure you a 5% brokerage commission."

Martin concurred, "We make a great team."

Thomas inquired, "Anything pressing to attend to today?"

Martin replied, "Not at the moment."

Thomas led the way, saying, "Top-tier clients have access to all the projects and roles collected by WMA at this stage."

A few minutes later, they arrived in a conference room on the first floor.

Thomas engaged in a brief conversation with others, and soon the eight assistants in the mailroom became busy.

Martin sat on a sofa chair, observing the busy preparations. Laptops were opened, projectors connected, and scripts from production companies were laid out on the conference table. Instructions and plans accompanied the scripts, ensuring Martin could review them at any time.

Everyone was at Martin's service, treating him as if he were a deity.

Thomas stayed with Martin, waiting patiently.

Martin mused, "Three years ago, we had trouble accessing the company's scripts, and the few we could view were often taken by others. We had to print and copy them ourselves."

Thomas recalled those early days, saying, "I was working in a crowded hall without even an office."

Martin encouraged, "Next, we have to aim for the highest echelon in the industry."

Thomas, brimming with enthusiasm, declared, "We'll get there, no doubt."

Shortly after, an assistant approached and asked, "Mr. Davis, would you like to start now?"

Martin nodded in agreement, signaling the start of the meeting.

Another assistant opened a laptop, and the projector displayed a summary of all the recent project catalogs and roles received by WMA on the screen.

WMA had a dedicated employee in the mailroom responsible for keeping track of and updating the latest information on each project and role. For example, if a director was confirmed for a particular project, the WMA database needed to be updated on the same day.

Martin reviewed the names and codenames of numerous film projects, many of which piqued his interest.

He pointed at the top two on the list and stated, "First one, third one. 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.' Please provide the relevant information to Thomas." A female assistant promptly handed the information to Thomas.

As Martin continued perusing, he came across intriguing film titles such as "There Will Blood," "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," Roland Emmerich's "10,000 BC," and "Sisterhood of Traveling Pants."

Thomas also noticed them and mentioned, "A few days ago, I played golf with Barry Meyer and Alan Horn. Alan Horn extended an invitation for you to star in the sequel to 'Sisterhood Of Traveling Pants.' I declined."

Martin responded decisively, "I'm not interested in youth idol movies or lowbrow comedies."

Considering his current status, participating in such projects would lower his standards.

Thomas then mentioned, "Alan Horn also brought up a substantial project with an investment of over $180 million. It's not related to Batman, but he didn't reveal the specifics. He only mentioned discussing it with you after the script is finalized."

Martin replied, "I'll consider it after reading the script."

Thomas recognized his limited influence in project selection and refrained from further comment.

Martin's attention shifted to "10,000 Years in the Park." He vaguely remembered it as another questionable project.

Recalling a comment from a past life, he remembered that Roland Emmerich's departure from disaster movies was, in itself, a catastrophe.

After examining all the catalogs and carefully reading the introductions, Martin didn't discover any promising projects apart from "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

He instructed Thomas to gather the relevant information and asked, "Is that all?"

"For now, yes," Thomas explained. "These are the projects currently seeking actors. Some companies have already decided on their cast, and public auditions are just a formality. Others directly invite relevant actors to audition, which isn't open to the public and doesn't make it into our database. Out of nearly a thousand projects planned in the industry each year, only 20% to 30% make it into the WMA database."

Martin nodded, saying, "Let's move on."

Subsequently, the two made their way to Thomas's office to delve into "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

This film was an adaptation of a novel with David Fincher confirmed as the director. Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures were collaborating, with an expected investment of no less than $60 million. The film featured Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in leading roles.

Having watched all of David Fincher's movies, Martin was already inclined to accept.

Thomas brought up, "Fincher's new film, 'Zodiac,' is reported to have received an average response during test screenings, and it's set to release in March."

Martin instructed, "Contact the production team and convey my interest in collaborating."

Thomas inquired, "What about the salary?"

Martin took a moment to think and replied, "A standard amount."

Given the success of "Limitless" at the box office, it was entirely reasonable for Martin to request a salary around $13 million. If a project offered less than $12 million, Thomas wasn't inclined to negotiate. If a project initiated the salary discussion, Martin's starting figure would be $15 million.

As for new commercial endorsements, the standard rate was $10 million.

"Limitless" had revolutionized the film industry, prompting producers to explore innovative ways to immerse audiences in the characters.

The original author, Alan Gylnn, had resigned from "Empire" magazine to become a full-time writer and screenwriter. Hollywood producers were vying for his attention, and his novel "Winterland" was a highly sought-after property among major production companies.

Successful individuals often attracted followers. At the same time, "Limitless" continued its successful run in North American theaters, grossing $17.58 million during its third weekend, despite competition from the Super Bowl. The film's total North American box office had reached $112 million.

Another film starring Martin had crossed the $100 million mark at the North American box office. Overseas screenings were still expanding, and the film's global box office had exceeded $200 million.

With this success, many Hollywood production companies and projects were now eyeing Martin. Warner Bros., in particular, had reaped significant profits from Martin's films, and other companies were eager to be a part of the action.

For these companies, stars who could negotiate substantial returns were highly coveted. As long as the profits were substantial, they were willing to offer generous compensation.

After Thomas made contact with the cast of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Alan Horn and his team began searching for Martin.