Chapter 404 - Collaboration Plan

Ovitz, being a seasoned professional, had learned not to underestimate Laila, even if he hadn't initially taken the young girl seriously. He now regarded her with a different perspective.

What was an ordinary genius? It was someone who excelled in only one particular field. Laila was clearly not an ordinary genius. Her filmmaking skills were impeccable, but what surprised him was her ability to engage in conversation, maneuver in intrigue, and play her own clever games. To call it playing games might be inappropriate; in reality, she was adept at strategizing.

She had led him on, that much was certain. But what could he do about it? Laila was not worried about making money from him, but he was concerned. Her movies had a knack for becoming big hits, and having an actor appear in one of her films could catapult their career to new heights. It was a golden opportunity that money alone couldn't buy, so how could he turn his back on her?

"Director Moran, regarding this matter of parting ways, I think there's no need to rush," Ovitz said. He knew that if they immediately broke up, their relationship could never return to the seamless cooperation they once had. He might even find himself marked in her eyes.

His plan was for them to continue collaborating, and keep the romance alive, partly for the sake of publicity, and partly to maintain their relationship. This could bring significant benefits to both sides, particularly to him.

He wanted to provide Roy with the best ladder to success, not strip him of his potential for success. Laila had turned Roy from a streetwise troublemaker into Hollywood's hottest young actor, and that was her doing. To help him climb even higher, the support of an outstanding director was unquestionably essential.

Of course, besides Moran, Roy would also be linked to other top directors' projects. More opportunities, more choices, and better roles – that would be the most significant step he could take for Roy.

Seeing Laila adopting a seemingly interested demeanor again, Ovitz continued, "I know your new film is scheduled for release next summer. If we do decide to part ways, I think that would be a more suitable time."

The idea had not originated from Roy, but rather, Ovitz had made the decision based on his own experience. It seemed that he and Laila were thinking along the same lines. In this regard, they shared a common trait – maximizing their gains in any situation.

"Please continue," Laila gestured for him to go on.

"My idea is to use the breakup rumors to generate buzz for your new film. Additionally, if necessary, we can engage in an on-again, off-again relationship, shrouding the situation in mystery." Ovitz was determined to hold on to this thread, even if it meant lowering his stance. He couldn't let Laila end up with the competition.

Laila smiled and lowered her eyelids. "Is that all? Don't you think our planning department could come up with such ideas?"

Ovitz subtly furrowed his brows. It appeared that Laila was a shrewd operator as well and wouldn't settle for empty promises. "How about a collaboration plan? What do you think about our AMG and your company's signed actors sharing some resources?"

Laila smiled and extended her hand towards him. "That seems like an interesting plan." She could imagine how much effort it took for him to propose such an arrangement. Once they shared resources, it meant he would have to allocate some of his connections to her side.

While Laila could offer some of her resources, the most she could provide were roles in the movies produced by her company. What Ovitz would need to give up was much more, and those resources were precisely what Laila needed most.

Despite her company's current success, it was built upon the foundation of the Phoenix, and this limited the company's potential for larger-scale growth. When Laila took over, the Phoenix was on the brink of bankruptcy, and the remaining talent consisted of a mix of underperformers and lesser-known actors. If it weren't for some loyal old hands and the new talent she had recruited through her New Talent Program, her early ventures into filmmaking wouldn't have been as successful.

Later, as the company grew, Laila started selectively expanding her team. However, the best candidates were often held by a select few, and it was difficult for her to snatch them away. Those truly talented individuals cared more about recognition and awards like the Oscars, something Laila couldn't offer. Hadn't she been directing films for so long and only received a few insignificant awards?

So, Ovitz's proposal had hit her soft spot and piqued her interest.

For Ovitz, it was a necessary move. If he couldn't provide something of value, he couldn't gain control over this clever and seemingly otherworldly girl. His previous connections had already been heavily utilized to help AMG establish itself. If he continued to rely on them, the consequences would be far from desirable.

This was why he was desperate to bring Roy on board and why he had returned to Laila despite the damage to his reputation.

Laila, of course, wouldn't miss this golden opportunity. She stood up and extended her hand to him. "A fruitful collaboration, Mr. Ovitz."

"A fruitful collaboration," Ovitz replied with a smile, feeling a heavy weight lift from his chest.

Though things had not gone exactly as he had imagined when he first came here, the final outcome was good enough. He realized that he didn't know Laila well before this visit, merely thinking of her as a young, exceptionally talented girl who had no idea how to manage a company.

But his visit had opened his eyes. Laila was not to be underestimated, and she was as clever as they came. He now recognized that her ability to create CAA and AMG from scratch was no accident; she had an excellent mind.

Roy, on the other hand, felt utterly lost when he learned of the collaboration agreement between the two. He didn't expect Laila to be sad about his departure, but he didn't anticipate her teaming up with Ovitz so unapologetically. What did it mean? It meant he didn't even have the privilege of being hated by her.

So, what was he to Laila, deep down? Did his decision to leave not only fail to make her appreciate him more but also cost him the chance to stand by her side?

Roy was utterly perplexed.