Chapter 283: Beauty Trap

In Martin's resting trailer outside the studio, Aniston provided a brief update on her side of the situation.

"This situation involves not just you but me as well," Martin, being responsible, assured her, "Don't get too entangled with CAA. This is on me. Just let them know I don't agree."

He held Aniston and patted her back, saying, "I have nothing to do with CAA. A disagreement won't change anything."

Aniston found comfort in his words. She shook her head and said, "It's alright..."

Her phone rang, and she answered it with growing tension.

After a few minutes, Aniston ended the call. Martin asked, "What's the matter?"

"Brian Lord, CAA's top partner," Aniston said simply, "He called me and informed me that CAA has been in touch with several prestigious projects where female roles are critical. They're positioning these for awards, and CAA is prepared to create a plan to help me win the Best Actress Oscar."

Martin realized there was an issue, but he couldn't articulate it. For Aniston, winning an Oscar was even more challenging than Leonardo's epic quest.

While not explicitly stated, Aniston could see it clearly, "Brian wanted me to reconsider Heath Ledger for the company."

Martin inquired, "What's their perspective?"

"From 'Friends' residuals, I signed an agreement not just with the producers but also with CAA, and they only get a 1.5% financial commission. After 'Friends' ended, my film career wasn't going well, and I can't ignore my age. I've become a withering little flower at CAA," Aniston admitted, sighing, "Maybe I overestimated my value at CAA. Or maybe CAA's senior partners see themselves as the masters of the stars, something Michael Ovitz has stated more than once."

Martin understood the contrast between the honeymoon period of Aniston's career with CAA and the complexities that arose once the initial excitement waned.

Aniston's annual earnings were in the range of $20 million, and CAA could only claim a commission of over $300,000.

"Jen, they're dangling bait," Martin stated bluntly, knowing that brokerage firms had resorted to many covert strategies to deceive their clients.

Aniston responded casually, "No big deal. At worst, I'll part ways with CAA."

There was a knock on the door, and Martin opened it. Aniston's agent, Steve, stood outside.

Steve inquired, "Brian Lord called you? Jane, if the company fully supports it, you could get nominated for Best Actress..."

Aniston's expression changed.

Steve immediately changed his wording, "Nothing else, Jane. We've been working together for over a decade. You know I'm always on your side."

Martin stepped aside, allowing them to talk.

As Steve entered the trailer and closed the door behind him, Martin walked to a quiet area and pondered Aniston's revelation. After a few minutes, he took out his phone and called Thomas.

Thomas arrived swiftly.

Martin asked, "How did the discussion go?"

Thomas looked around and said, "Everything else was manageable, but those folks at CAA are a challenge."

Martin got straight to the point, "No need to keep bickering with them. Have Lawyer Ward head to Brooklyn. The branch is watching and pressuring the production to release the news. I'm going to hold a press conference."

CAA had declined from its 1990s glory to the new century, not only due to other firms catching up but also because of internal issues.

It was as if the arrogance displayed by Michael Ovitz during his later years at CAA had been passed down to other partners.

Boom and bust seemed to be a common issue across many companies.

Thomas nodded, "I'll arrange it right away."

Martin suddenly inquired, "Is WMA interested in Aniston?"

When these words left his lips, Thomas was initially taken aback but then quickly regained his composure, saying, "Of course they're interested! Can we potentially lure Aniston over?"

Martin glanced at Thomas, almost as if he was sizing up a scoundrel. "Do you want to be Aniston's agent?"

Thomas responded hastily, "That's not my intention."

"When Aniston was a young actress, she started working with Steve, and they have an exceptional relationship," Martin closely observed Aniston, and his insights were deep, "Aniston never considered severing ties with him."

At that moment, Martin also tried a bit of leverage, "If another agency approaches me, the condition would be to oust you, and I'd definitely spit in their face and tell them to keep their distance!"

Thomas was stirred, thinking that he was already so vital to Martin. He believed a person like Martin could make that happen and said, "What's your plan?"

Martin continued walking forward, "The two of us can't represent WMA, and we aren't sufficient. I'm going to call Ari Emanuel and have him come over."

Thomas followed, "I'll assist you." Then, he recalled something, "Why are you so proactive?"

"At the end of this year, I want the company to allocate more resources to fully support me, and I'm the best choice..." Martin stated simply.

Thomas assured him, "They'll definitely agree."

Martin dialed Allri Emanuel's number on his mobile phone.

On the other end, Ari hung up his cell phone and instructed his assistant, "Immediately contact the private jet company. I need a business jet that can reach New York within half an hour. Also, keep my itinerary confidential!"

On that day, the Heath Ledger drug driving incident, initially reported by a single gossip media outlet, had been shared by numerous online platforms, causing a ripple effect across various media outlets.

"Brokeback Mountain" was gaining traction during the awards season, with its focus on homosexuality, and Heath Ledger was a strong contender for the Best Actor Oscar. The media couldn't resist getting involved.

In the afternoon, Damian, an associate producer on the crew, approached Martin and director Boyle, sharing some unexpected news: "Something unforeseen has occurred. We had applied for a shoot in Central Park, but New York has temporarily postponed it due to weather and environmental concerns."

Boyle was concerned, "Another change to the shooting schedule? We already adjusted it once due to heavy snow. Soon, the ice in Central Park will melt!"

Martin instructed, "Contact the Warner Bros. folks, and the crew should stand down."

Boyle seemed to understand but refrained from delving into unnecessary conflicts, given his role as the director.

Damian explained, "I've spoken with Daniel. Warner Bros. is in touch. Even if it gets resolved, the shooting will be delayed."

Like previous instances, Martin informed the production manager, saying, "We'll have to modify the shooting schedule once more and continue with indoor scenes in the studio."

Boyle nodded, "It seems like the only option."

When Boyle left, Martin inquired, "Is there any involvement from Weinstein in this matter?"

Damian, who was part of Louise's team, responded candidly, "It's hard to say. Such matters are often challenging to trace. The Weinstein brothers have significant influence in New York, and they have many connections."

Martin and Aniston shared a ride back to the hotel, where Aniston expressed her concerns, "CAA didn't dare to do anything to me, but they exerted pressure on Steve. In their eyes, it seems I've become dispensable."

Martin reiterated, "I'll handle everything for you."

Aniston reached out and touched Martin's face, saying, "This is something we both face. I can't let you deal with it alone. If it weren't for you, I might have been hit by that car."

Martin shifted the conversation, "In the trailer, you mentioned your desire to leave CAA?"

Aniston explained, "I've been with CAA since I rose to fame, but it all ended with 'Friends.' Everything is changing."

Martin offered a theory, "Perhaps in the eyes of seasoned CAA agents, they believe that it was CAA that made you famous. I've never been in the entertainment agent business, so I can't say for sure, but many companies place higher value on external talent they've poached than their own internal talent."

Aniston playfully teased, "So, are you trying to poach me?"

Martin played along, "I've poached all the important areas of you."

Aniston then flirtatiously asked, "Is it my job to poach you tonight?"

Martin quickly redirected, "Ari Emmanuel is coming to New York to help me with this scandal. How about meeting with him regarding matters related to Ledger?"

Aniston lightened up, "So, WMA wanted to poach me, but they were unsure if they could, so they sent you to set the beauty trap."

Martin inquired, "Did my beauty trap work?"

Aniston paused, considered it, and said, "I'll discuss it with Steve, and you can talk to Ali first."

Martin agreed, "No problem."

This was a matter that couldn't be rushed.

Back at the hotel, they had dinner and discussed CAA and WMA. Aniston called her agent Steve to discuss their future.

Martin received a call from Thomas informing him that Ali Emmanuel had arrived.

In a business suite at the hotel, Martin met with WMA's top agents and associate partners.

Upon seeing Martin, Ali quickly approached him, saying, "I'm aware of the challenges the crew is facing. Don't worry, I've contacted the right people to handle it." Martin had learned from Thomas that Ali's brother held significant political influence and was part of the Democratic Party's Black Carbon team preparing for the next election.

"Whenever we face difficulties, having WMA's support puts our minds at ease," Martin said, sitting on a single sofa. "Ali, seeing you here reassures me."

Ali smiled and got straight to the point, "For the company's internal matters. Tell me, is Aniston really considering leaving CAA?"

Martin acknowledged, "I have some thoughts along those lines."

Ali understood, "Is it mainly because of you?"

Martin didn't deny it, "It could help WMA stay ahead of other companies."

Ali, who had flown in to keep things confidential, said, "Let's keep this matter under wraps for now. Also, I'm not officially in New York yet."

He knew that if he wanted Martin's commitment, he had to be direct, "Martin, we've been old friends for a long time. Tell me your request."

Martin didn't beat around the bush, "The film 'The Departed' is set to be released during this year's awards season, and I believe I've done a commendable job. Scorsese has spoken highly of me, and the quality of his gangster films has never been in question. I want an Oscar nomination."

Ari nodded and signaled for him to continue.

Martin added, "A good role and film quality are just the basics for the Oscars. Money, marketing, connections, and public relations are equally crucial. I hope the company can allocate enough resources to help me campaign effectively."

Ari assured him, "Assisting clients in winning awards is the role of a talent agency. I guarantee the company will put in 100% effort."