Chapter 80: Compensation Plan

The attendees were all intelligent people; what Mike Medavoy could deduce, they all could anticipate. Considering the upcoming media storm, a somber silence settled over the group.

After a moment, Simon broke the silence, saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, there's no need to feel too pressured. What we need to do now is find a way to address this issue. As for the outcome, we'll leave it to God. Patrice, you have more experience in this area, you start."

With Simon's encouragement, the others relaxed a bit.

Patrice Kingsley gathered her thoughts and said, "Simon, while it's not appropriate to respond immediately to the New York Times article, we must engage right away to avoid a lopsided public narrative."

Simon pondered for a moment and nodded, "That's right, we need to muddy the waters."

The rest of the group understood the metaphor and agreed that it was an apt description of the situation.

The scenario was clear.

The voice of doubt had arisen. If Simon responded immediately and provided evidence that he did indeed direct "Run Lola Run," manipulators would only increase their attacks. However, if he didn't respond, the one-sided doubts could deteriorate the situation to the point of no return.

The best strategy, then, was for his team to also operate from behind the scenes, indirectly addressing these doubts through the media, turning straightforward questions into a contentious debate about whether "Run Lola Run" was truly Simon's work.

Once this debate had continued for a while and the topic cooled down, Simon could then personally present a solid set of evidence to gracefully resolve the issue.

With a strategy in place, the group spent nearly an hour crafting a preliminary response plan.

The rest was execution.

If this had been before the release of "Run Lola Run," Simon might have found it challenging to make a significant impact in the media.

However, now, with the box office success of "Run Lola Run" and the upcoming release of "The Butterfly Effect," not only WMA but also Orion Pictures and 20th Century Fox—backed by the colossal News Corporation—would invest sufficient PR resources in his cause.

Moreover, even without the support from these entities, Patrice Kingsley, Simon's newly hired PR manager, had substantial media contacts.

This woman had been working in media relations since the 1960s. After the assassination attempt on Reagan, it was with Patrice's help that Jodie Foster survived the intense media scrutiny that followed and gradually restored her acting career.

Now, under the collective efforts of several forces, even as they discussed detailed response strategies, several opportunistic news pieces attempting to join the fray were already being intercepted.

Busy until lunch, the group didn't disperse.

The evening papers in North America typically went to press at 2 PM, and by then, the East Coast had already sent back information, with Patrice and others still busy analyzing responses. Simon took a moment to join Amy Pascal by the railing at the edge of the backyard cliff.

Leaning on the railing, enjoying the afternoon breeze, they looked out over the serene blue sea bathed in spring sunshine. After a while, Amy opened her slightly squinted eyes to look at the relaxed young man beside her and said, "Simon, several newspapers in New York have reacted, and things are unfolding as we expected. Aren't you worried at all?"

The world never just clears the innocent. Like Michael Jackson, who could never shake the accusations against him, because some things can't be cleared.

Simon nodded, "I am a bit worried. But, we must continue with what we're doing. So, Amy, how about you? What are you thinking?"

Recalling her recent interactions with Simon, Amy stopped gazing at the distant seascape, turned slightly, and looked at the young man beside her, "Honestly, Simon, I haven't decided yet. My intuition tells me to say yes because you're someone who can pull off miracles. But my reason tells me it's too crazy. I'd have to give up the position I've worked seven years to reach and start over."

Simon, looking serious, suddenly extended his hand towards her, "Come."

Somewhat puzzled, Amy still reached out her hand and was immediately grasped by a warm, strong hand.

"See, you've made your decision, haven't you?" Simon said with a smile, squeezing Amy's hand gently before letting go as she looked at him in surprise, "That was a small psychological test. Since you responded affirmatively, it means your heart is really in it."

Amy looked at her still slightly raised arm and then back at Simon, her expression brightening into a smile, "Simon, is there really such a psychological test?"

Caught by Amy's intense gaze, Simon shrugged after just a second, "Okay, it's something I made up."

Amy laughed out loud, finding it increasingly funny, eventually leaning over the railing and burying her face in her

 arms as she laughed heartily.

After more than a minute, Amy looked up again, her cheeks flushed from laughter, and asked abruptly, "Simon, besides the base salary, what kind of bonus terms are you thinking of?"

Without hesitation, Simon replied, "5% of the net profits from all projects you handle over the next two years."

Amy's eyes twinkled as she probed further, "And after two years?"

Simon quickly offered another proposal, "Or, 5% of Daenerys Film Industries' annual net profits, continuing after two years."

Amy, persistent, asked, "What's the difference between the two?"

Simon shook his head, "I don't know; it'll involve a lot of details. Perhaps the former might end up being more, or the latter might."

In reality, both parties understood the implications of these two compensation plans.

These were common Hollywood salary schemes.

The former was more typical for corporate executives responsible for various projects, earning a commission for each, even after leaving the company. The latter was better suited for company heads who oversaw everything and thus earned from the overall profits. Of course, this connection ends upon departure.

Amy ceased her probing, her gaze sharp as she pondered briefly, then said, "Simon, two years is too short. I don't think it allows for much to be done. So, I'm willing to sign for four years, with a base salary of $250,000 and 5% of Daenerys Film Industries' annual net profits. Additionally, after four years, regardless of whether I leave or not, I want equity rewards equivalent to the profit shares I received over those four years. Also, during these four years, if something happens that makes it impossible for me to continue working, I reserve the right to resign with one month's notice. As compensation for breach, I'll forfeit that year's salary and bonuses, along with the final equity reward. However, if you terminate my contract within these four years, I need a one-time compensation of $1 million, plus the corresponding equity reward based on the profit shares received before the termination during the original four-year contract period."

Simon listened intently to Amy, and without hesitation, reached out his hand, "Deal."

Amy was surprised by Simon's straightforward agreement but quickly extended her hand, smiling, "Here's to a good partnership, boss."

After the handshake, Simon added, "If Fox needs a termination fee, I can also cover that for you."

"No need," Amy shook her head, "But, I'll need a month before I can start. Of course, if I can get Mr. Goldberg's understanding, it might not take that long."

Simon, recalling the resignation clause Amy had just mentioned, responded, "No problem."

"Also," Amy continued, "Simon, after I join, you must pay my first year's base salary upfront."

Simon nodded again, "Naturally."

As everyone else continued to manage the media crisis at the villa, Simon was ready to return, but seeing Amy had no intention of leaving, he stayed and leaned on the railing again.

After a moment, he initiated another conversation, "Amy, I'm curious, why did you suddenly agree?"

Amy once again enjoyed the view of the distant seascape, saying, "Simon, do you know the biggest impression you've made on me these past few days?"

"Hmm?"

Amy said directly, "Workaholic, and one that functions like a robot. From last Wednesday, for three whole days, we discussed work, arguing over every detail of the contracts for 'Final Destination.' At Saturday's party, you tried to recruit me, not with ideals but with pros and cons, still in a very businesslike tone. And this morning, when we met again, it was still all about work. Honestly, Simon, after Saturday night I kept thinking about your offer, and I was increasingly tempted. But I also couldn't help but wonder, is it really the right choice to work for someone like you? Simon, I don't mind workaholics, I'm very hardworking myself, but I don't like working for a cold, unfeeling machine."

"I understand there's usually a 'but' following this," Simon nodded solemnly before continuing, "So, what's the 'but'?"

Amy laughed again, glancing at Simon, "But then, you tried to charm me with that nonsensical psychological test when it seemed you were out of options. That's when I realized, you're ultimately just a big kid, perhaps a very interesting person after all."

"Not perhaps, it is a fact," Simon said without a hint of modesty, then hesitantly added, "Amy, although you don't like talking about work, don't you think if we could announce your joining Daenerys Film Industries soon, it would really help with the current situation?"

Amy rolled her eyes at Simon's pretended caution and let go of the railing, "Let's go over there; I

 need to call Mr. Goldberg. Now that I've made my decision, I obviously can't be in charge of the remaining work on 'Final Destination' at Fox."