Talk to Me

Author's note: I now have a p-word as you all know, so if you feel like reading 6 (SIX) advanced chapters at the measly price of $3, then do join. The link is in this book's bio, or you can just search 'Archonstine' followed by p-word on your browser.

Also, join my discord will ya? For movie and tv-show recommendations and character images. And also it's the one place where I ask you all for suggestions. The link is in this book's bio.

P.S, donate some power stones while you're at it. And maybe... write up a review?

11th April 1997 (Friday)

Ricky Stirling (POV)

"Okay so, these are the stipulations we've agreed on, do you want me to read them again for you?" I ask politely, as Nathan nods heavily.

"Yes, that would be much appreciated… Just for clarity's sake."

"Ok. Number 1. This will be a joint production between Stirling and Paramount, with both studios contributing 50% and 30% of the production and marketing budget respectively. The remaining 20% will be made available via independent sources, aka me. Now, both studios will serve as co-distributors, the specific terms and conditions will be up for discussion at a later date."

I take a slight pause, before continuing, "Number 2. Paramount's share of the First Dollar Gross, will be marginally higher than the proportion of its monetary contribution on account of owning the film rights… by how much? That shall be discussed at a later date, in the presence of our lawyers." I meet his eyes momentarily, and he nods in assent before I resume listing the terms.

"Number 3, my status as the screenwriter, the producer and male lead have been confirmed. But Paramount is hesitant to grant me complete creative control to pursue my vision, which would involve me directing and editing the film, as well as composing the score. And thus, this issue will be revisited, after a team of Paramount executives shall be present for a private screening of my latest directorial, 'Good Will Hunting'... The results of which will determine the extent of my involvement in this production. Have I got that right?" I ask, seeking another confirmation.

"You have. And now… we revisit the stipulations that we haven't agreed upon."

…

"... What're you even expecting Nathan? I'm not folding on this." I say, as he looks at me with expectations that I do exactly that.

"Ricky, Paramount has had collaborations with plenty of high-profile A-listers, many of whom-"

"Have also worked with Stirling Studios… don't let this be the point of contention Nathan. I'm not budging on this. The casting will be handled solely at the discretion of Stirling Studios with not a hint of involvement from Paramount. You want a movie before 1998? Then allow me to work my magic here. We'll hold a screening on Monday, and I'll have the script ready by then. You can run it by experts you've got here… I have no qualms with that. Since we're essentially contributing 70% of the budget-"

He scoffs derisively, interrupting me rather rudely, "Oh please, spare me that crap. Just- you're not folding, nor am I, so… let's revisit this after the screening as well. And if your little pet project is truly as good as you're claiming it is, then we're ready to allow concessions. This is after all in the spirit of collaboration Ricky, but we will not surrender any and all executive power simply because you asked. You have to earn it, and frankly if half of what you've said regarding your role in this new movie of yours rings true… then I'll personally step in to ensure you get to pursue your vision. BUT- But if it turns out unsatisfactory in any manner… then all bets are off, and we both walk away with nothing in our hands. Understood?"

"Loud and clear… You got a deal Nathan." I reach out to shake his hand, as he does the same.

…

…

Ricky Stirling (POV)

"Seriously? 50 fuckin' percent?" Daddy dearest raged incredulously.

"And 20 on my part. Don't forget that." I pointed out calmly.

He turned towards me slowly, "You're kidding me right?" He whispered, wide-eyed.

I shrugged uncaringly, "Hey, you were the one who told me I could negotiate whatever terms I wanted." I finished, proceeding to sip iced tea from my glass.

"WITHIN REASON! I- I thought you were good at this Ricky! I thought you would use that big fat brain of yours to wrestle out a deal in our favor!"

"I did. You're just not seeing the big picture." I shot back.

"Oh! The- the bigger picture! Of course!" He said, slapping his hand to his forehead, "Let me get this straight. They not only get a higher proportion of box office gross than they invested, but also the right to decide whether or not you get complete creative control… What if they refuse Ricky? What if they see the new kid on the block, and decide to push him around, saddling him with a director and editor whose creative vision is wildly different? What then Ricky? And we pay half their bills, all the while they use our money to make whatever the hell they want? What bigger picture am I not seeing BOY?!"

"They won't refuse." I replied. "Nathaniel? I read him like an open book. He needs a win to consolidate his position as the CCO. He got the job, but he needs to earn his keep. He's got a high opinion of me, and once he views my theatrical cut and reads the script… I guarantee you, they'll beg me to take the reins. And once I'm in control, which studio's resources do you think I'm gonna use?" I ask him.

He scoffs disbelievingly, choosing to remain silent.

After audibly sighing, I continued, "They have the rights dad, and Dixon was petty enough to archive the whole project, just to put a dent in our plans… I had to play ball. Plus, any difference in proportion can be bridged by the fact that we're co-distributors. We'll get a higher share. You're also missing out on a vital aspect of the costs."

He turns back to me, intrigue visible on his face as he asks, "What're you on about?"

"The 'FYC' campaign."

And finally, my words have a visible impact in calming him down.

"They're gonna pay?"

I nod in assent, "Dixon will be a producer, and he needs a win. Box Office alone won't be enough, but a Best Picture nomination… we get him that, and we've got a friend for life."

The 'For Your Consideration' Campaign… an end of the year marketing strategy, used by specialists, hired by big studios to increase their films' visibility, and put 'em under the limelight. It's practically a tradition by now, a rather costly one at that, with some campaigns costing several millions of dollars, and yet end up losing badly.

An example? Let's take one from my OTL. 'Roma', a 2018 drama film, the brainchild of acclaimed director Alfonso Cuaron, and the winner of Venice Film Festival's top award, The Golden Lion. It received universal critical acclaim, and considered by most publications to be one of the best movies of 2018, scoring a ridiculously high 96 on Metacritic, the highest score of that year.

Netflix proceeded to spend over $50 million dollars in their 'FYC' campaign, and managed to garner 10 nominations, winning 3, including Best Director, and Best Cinematographer for Cuaron, but lost the Best Picture award to 'Green Book'. A historically inaccurate movie about racism that scored 69 on Metacritic (a perfect score in my highly regarded opinion).

That's how important the campaigns are, since Green Book clearly had a better one, playing the race card effectively, and focusing on the powerhouse performance of Mahershala Ali which eventually won them 3 awards - Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor (Ali).

It's not always about how good the movies are… sometimes marketing might just make all the difference.

Anyways, after a few seconds spent in silence, dad started chuckling lightly, and me? I just continued sipping my iced tea.

"Congratulations kiddo! You're officially the most ambitious film-maker I know… And don't take that lightly, I know an awful lot of directors. Care to share your plan?" He asks in jest.

"Nope. You'll have to wait and watch just like everyone else… while I steal the spotlight from icons. Say dad, you're a member of the Academy right? The producers branch?"

"Yeah, I've been part of the voting body for decades now… What's that got to do with anything?"

"Nothing." I say candidly, "Nothing at all. Just that… you're in for a treat this time."

He looks flatly at me, "Don't be glib with me kiddo! Now, I gotta go take care of the test screening, just… get started on the script, we don't have a lot of time."

I grin in return, before dropping a bomb, "Already halfway through!"

He just walked out of there… not even having the decency of acting shocked.

Sigh.

He's gotten a bit too comfortable with some of my shocking feats nowadays, should I switch things up?

Nah, He's already got a lot in store… All he's gotta do is wait for this year's award season.

Why, you might ask?

Because that's just how good 'Good Will Hunting' is!

See what I did there?

Ah, I'm hilarious, and everyone knows it.

…

…

16th April 1997 (Tuesday)

Ricky Stirling (POV)

"So… how was it?" I ask tentatively, as Nathan sits across from me in a meeting room, our lawyers, discussing legalities in a room adjacent to ours.

"The movie? Or the script?"

"Both."

"The movie was good… I won't lie kid, it was probably one of the best I've seen this year, me and a handful of analysts who couldn't stop raving about the screenplay, direction and score… Not to mention Pacino." He conveniently left out Christine… clearly letting his misogyny get the better of him. I know cause I heard his 'analysts' yesterday, and they definitely didn't hold back on praise for her performance.

"Ricky, you clearly have the final cut… Why haven't you set a release date? What's the wait?"

"Venice."

"Ah. Yeah I suppose it's the kind of film that would bring home a prize or two… great I guess, you do you."

"What about the script? The one I sent over yesterday?" I ask, choosing not to waste time with pleasantries.

"Huh? Oh yes, the script… it looks great at first glance, but uh, I have sent it over to a few people, and they'll get back to me by tomorrow so… expect a call in the afternoon."

"Great… Awesome." I nod in response, as we welcomed a lull in the moment, the room descending into silence.

Both of us were not remotely interested in making small talk, but since our lawyers wanted to go over a few things alone, here we are.

It's been 15 minutes now… and Preston is still talking terms with their attorney… Packard I believe was his name.

Sigh.

This sucks.

"So Ricky…" I shifted my focus from my thoughts to Nathan, "you have any plans for a book? Anything you're in the middle of writing right now? Perhaps another installment in Jurassic Park? Or Dune?"

"... Well, I'm done with Jurassic Park, it was just a one-shot, and I don't think it's a decent enough idea for another novel there. As for Dune? Well, yeah I've got a rough outline for another novel, I'll focus on it next year… There is this book that I'm writing though. It's been in the works for years now, due to the convoluted plot line I'm trying to pen down, leading to constant re-writes. I think I'll have the final draft wrapped up in a few months."

"Oh?" He leans in, clearly interested in knowing more, "This book of yours, is it sci-fi, like your other works? Some space adventure or something?"

"Or something. I guess it would be labeled as sci-fi, but it- it's based on earth. Washington in fact, a few decades in the future."

He breaks into chuckles upon hearing the last bit, "Good luck with that kid… Erm. Listen, you said you would be done in a couple of months… Can you send a signed copy to me, addressed to Hailey Dixon? I told you 'bout my niece right? It's just, it would make her day if I gift her one on Christmas or New Year or- you know, any celebratory event." He asks nervously… Damn.

There's no way for me to reject it without looking like a straight up monster.

"Absolutely! As I said before, anything for a fan. Hell, I'll even write her a little note if you want!"

"Perfect! Thank you very much Ricky, it means a lot to me."

"Hey, don't worry about it. I've got ya." I say with a wink, extending my closed fist for a fistbump.

He stares at it, confused beyond all measure before reluctantly extending his own fist, bumping it lightly, and meeting my eyes for confirmation while doing so.

"Yep, that's how you do it. A fistbump."

…

"By the way, your new book. Does it have a name yet?"

"Yeah, it's Min-" And just then the door opens, making way for Preston and Packard who enter with a series of files in their hands.

"Ok. We've drafted a contract containing all stipulations specified by both parties. Here are the copies," Packard handed me and Nathan a bunch of papers, "if any disagreements occur, we'll discuss it with our respective client, and then have a final negotiation with all personnel present.

Any questions?"

"Nope."

"No."

Me and Nathan simultaneously reply, before proceeding to glare at the contract with complete and utter focus.

Author's note: Regarding the book, feel free to speculate in the comments. Hint, there's a movie adaptation that exists of the eponymous novel.