Chapter 269: Long Time No See

[Chapter 269: Long Time No See]

"I need a couple of months to wrap up my current projects." Carolyn spoke without much hesitation. Just as Eric had said, the potential for growth at Firefly Films was evident to anyone. A smart person would know to choose between a small accounting firm owner and the CFO of a major company.

"Of course, that's no problem," Eric replied. Several departments in the company were now being run by Robert's team, and Eric didn't have anyone suitable, so he didn't say much. However, he knew he would have to pay more attention to the company's finances, and bringing in Carolyn Elliott, someone he was somewhat familiar with, into that role was the best option. As for Robert Shea, Eric figured that as long as he was smart enough, he wouldn't oppose that decision.

The two chatted for a while and, upon notification from the staff, they made their way to the office.

The meeting didn't last long, mainly discussing Firefly's and New Line's financial issues, as well as the development plans for the coming year. When Carolyn Elliott was reporting on Firefly's finances, Robert Shea's expression was quite something. New Line had released six or seven films this year, including A Nightmare on Elm Street 5, yet the total revenue didn't even match the first installment of Home Alone. Moreover, according to prior agreements, although Robert Shea owned 15% of Firefly's shares, he could only watch and listen as Carolyn read out those profit figures without receiving a dime.

During the process, Eric also announced Carolyn Elliott's appointment as the company's CFO. Although Robert Shea tried to mask his displeasure, he didn't object.

...

The meeting lasted the entire afternoon. Once it ended, Eric stopped Robert Shea, who was trying to leave, and asked, "Robert, how's the video release for An Affair to Remember coming along?"

"I've ordered the first batch of 100,000 tapes. Eric, do you really think An Affair to Remember can ride the coattails of Sleepless in Seattle to become a hit again?" Robert Shea questioned, puzzled.

Eric nodded affirmatively. "Of course, Robert, 100,000 is too few. We should at least produce 300,000 tapes. Please keep an eye on this."

Robert Shea shook his head vigorously. "Eric, this is too risky. I think 100,000 is already plenty, and that's already cost us a million bucks. We'll definitely need to allocate more funds for marketing in the future. If the tapes do sell well, we can have the factory rush more out."

"What if we can't make it in time?" Eric countered. "Robert, trust me. Produce 300,000 tapes and distribute them, letting the distributors know they can sell first and pay later. We need to ensure that An Affair to Remember is available in every possible channel."

Robert remained hesitant. A movie made over thirty years ago had a good chance of selling 100,000 copies after the buzz from Sleepless in Seattle, in his view. Producing 300,000 tapes along with that sales strategy seemed to him akin to throwing money into the water.

After a moment, Eric said, "Robert, can you please just trust me this time? If I'm proven wrong later, I won't meddle in any business decisions for a year."

Hearing Eric say that, Robert immediately felt compelled. His greatest fear was Eric's interference in the company's operations. Due to age bias, Robert didn't think Eric had any real talent in running a film company, and he had only amassed his current wealth and status through a few successful films. He believed that since that was the case, Eric should focus on film production rather than dictating company operations. Unfortunately for Robert, Eric owned 85% of the company.

With Eric's assurance, even if it was just verbal, Robert Shea felt it was worth the gamble. The cost of 300,000 tapes would only be three million, and in exchange, he'd gain a year's 'absolute control' over Firefly. "Alright, Eric, I will execute your plan as soon as possible."

Watching Robert Shea leave, Eric smiled, thinking that this method might just work. He could use such a 'bait' to push Robert to act according to his wishes.

...

After tidying up, Eric left the office and prepared to drive home. Just as he exited the building, a woman in her thirties with brown hair approached him.

Once Eric stopped, the woman eagerly introduced herself, "Mr. Williams, I'm Sheryl Cody. Do you remember me? We've met before."

Eric was almost on the verge of forgetting his brief encounter with Sheryl Cody in New York, but he certainly couldn't forget the man accompanying her, Brad Pitt.

In stark contrast to Sheryl's enthusiasm, Brad looked rather uncomfortable, clearly opposing his agent's initiative to approach Eric.

"Hello, Ms. Cody. Good to see you again." Eric smiled and shook her hand, finding the situation amusing. He had thought he wouldn't see Brad Pitt again after that incident.

Seeing Eric remember her, Sheryl Cody beamed. It had to be said, she was incredibly well-maintained, and Eric couldn't quite place her age.

"Mr. Williams, do you remember your invitation back then? I've brought my team on board at UTA."

Eric reminisced and recalled the moment Sheryl had come to him with Brad to apologize. He had thought she handled herself really well, so he had just mentioned it casually. However, looking at the two of them now, he asked, "When did this happen?"

"About... a week ago," Sheryl responded. When Eric showed no other emotion, she hurriedly added, "Mr. Williams, can I invite you to dinner?"

Eric glanced at Sheryl and then at Brad, who was standing behind her with a strained smile, quickly remembering her intent in coming to him. "Ms. Cody, Brad isn't auditioning for the lead role in The X-Files, is he?"

Realizing Eric had hit the nail on the head, Sheryl chuckled awkwardly and explained, "Mr. Williams, Brad auditioned this afternoon, but unfortunately, you weren't there at the time. That's why I rushed over to talk with you."

"Well then," Eric looked back at Brad. "Mr. Pitt, you should just wait back and see what happens."

Brad's face fell immediately at Eric's words, and Sheryl sensed that Eric wasn't fond of Brad being around. She discreetly signaled to the man standing behind her.

"Um... I'll head back now," Brad finally spoke. "Mr. Williams, see you... goodbye."

Eric simply nodded in response, and after Brad drove off alone, he opened his car door and said to Sheryl, "Ms. Cody, please, get in."

"Oh, thank you," she quickly climbed into the passenger seat.

...

At the restaurant, after placing their orders, Sheryl Cody couldn't hold back. "Mr. Williams, Brad is actually a fantastic actor. If you don't believe me, you can check the audition tape for The X-Files. He just hasn't had much luck."

Eric certainly knew Brad Pitt was talented; he had garnered more acting awards and nominations than Tom Cruise. But so what? The number of talented actors in Hollywood who couldn't break through was countless, while the opportunities were limited.

Looking at the woman across from him, Eric smirked slightly. "Ms. Cody, do you only have Brad Pitt as your client?"

Sheryl was taken aback by the sudden question but shook her head. "No, I have four or five others."

Eric shrugged. "Oh, you're certainly good to Brad."

Sheryl's cheeks flushed slightly. She caught Eric's undertone but shrugged it off. The relationship between agents and their actors didn't need to be taboo. She recalled hearing about a music producer in his forties or fifties who raised a twelve-year-old girl and turned her into his wife; the girl's name was something like Celine.

Regaining her composure, Sheryl expressed a subtle plea, "Mr. Williams, could you give Brad a chance? He won't disappoint you."

Eric looked at her, quickly weighing the situation. With such a dedicated agent pushing for Brad Pitt, even though he was already 26, a handsome male actor had a significantly longer shelf life. Thus, Brad Pitt would still likely emerge in Hollywood, which was something Eric didn't want to see.

Given that, handing over the lead role in The X-Files to Brad would only bring disadvantages. The X-Files, like Friends, featured very fixed character roles. After running for several seasons, it would be nearly impossible for an actor to shift their screen persona, and the chances of making a return to the silver screen would be even slimmer. In the end, only Jennifer Aniston managed to pivot to film after Friends, and that came at a hefty price -- taking on many roles that diverged greatly from Rachel Green to avoid being typecast.

Although Eric had made his decision, he remained rather 'considerate' and thought for a moment before reminding Sheryl, "Ms. Cody, you should really think this through. Once Brad accepts the lead in The X-Files, his screen image will likely be set in stone, and transitioning to other roles will be extremely difficult. The male lead in this series has to sign a contract for at least five seasons."

*****

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