Chapter 16: Considering the Big Picture

After leaving the Paramount headquarters, Jonathan Friedman discarded the idea of visiting other studios and decided to rush back to WMA to discuss strategies with the company's executives.

To counteract CAA's continuous growth, it was imperative for WMA to adopt a similar project packaging model.

Since the major Hollywood film companies had already colluded to prevent WMA from doing so, it was even more crucial for WMA to push forward with strength. However, achieving this required unanimous agreement and concerted effort from the company's management.

Although Jonathan was well aware of the difficulties in achieving unity within WMA, which was rife with internal factions, he meticulously crafted his arguments on his way back to the company.

However, upon returning to the company headquarters on Camino Street, Jonathan was immediately intercepted by Norman Broca's assistant, who escorted him to the president's office.

Entering Norman Broca's office, Jonathan didn't wait for the elderly man, who was perusing a document behind his desk, to speak. "Norman, there has been a change of plans."

Norman raised his hand to signal patience and invited Jonathan to sit before speaking. "I'm aware. The studios have communicated among themselves to boycott 'The Butterfly Effect.' But, it has been resolved."

Jonathan looked puzzled. "Resolved?"

Norman nodded, picked up a document from his desk, and handed it to Jonathan, who had just seated himself opposite. "I had lunch with Ronald Goldberg, who informed me. Moreover, Fox is very interested in the film and doesn't mind the packaging agreement. So, we outlined a deal over lunch. Take a look."

Jonathan felt displeased that Norman had reached an agreement with Fox without consulting him, especially since 'The Butterfly Effect' was a project he had driven. Still, he began to read the document.

As he flipped through the pages of the cooperation plan, Jonathan's frown deepened.

WMA had initially planned a complete production team, from producers and directors to leading actors and key supporting roles like cinematographers and lighting technicians. Jonathan had spent weeks coordinating these efforts.

The original budget for the entire package was $15 million, with WMA taking a 10% commission.

Now, the significantly trimmed plan had only a $12 million budget, and WMA's package included only a few key creators, with most client salaries reduced.

His own clients, Brian De Palma's director's fee was reduced to $1.5 million, and Simon's screenplay fee remained at $100,000 as a buyout for two scripts. Moreover, WMA would no longer take a unified commission from the entire project but would settle separately with individual clients as usual.

What troubled Jonathan most was that Matthew Broderick, a star under Norman Broca, still commanded a fee of $5 million.

He tossed the unfinished cooperation plan onto Norman's desk, barely containing his discontent. "Norman, can this still be called a packaging deal?"

Norman set down his pen. "Of course. You should know, the initial packaging contracts CAA signed with studios were far inferior to this one."

Jonathan took a deep breath, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

Even now, WMA was much larger than CAA.

But here was the president of the world's largest talent agency, comparing his own company to the small workshop-like CAA of years past.

Seeing Jonathan's changing expressions, Norman added gravely, "Joe, I know what you're thinking, but these things take time. Also, you must understand that the company is not in good shape right now, so I hope you can consider the big picture."

Jonathan clenched his fist on his knee.

The big picture?

If it weren't for the big picture, the entire project should have been his alone.

It was for the big picture that he had only retained the director and screenwriter, yielding all other positions.

Now.

How else was he to consider the big picture?

With a bitter thought, Jonathan coldly said, "Norman, even so, why are everyone else's salaries reduced while Matthew's remains so high? I can't justify this to my clients."

Facing Jonathan's direct questioning, Norman's expression remained unchanged, patiently explaining, "Joe, you know Brian's situation better than anyone, so his $1.5 million fee is quite reasonable. As for that, um, the screenwriter, didn't you say he's only eighteen? $100,000 is very generous for a kid his age. Tell him the news now, and I bet the young fellow would jump for joy."

Jonathan remembered his interactions with Simon, certain that the young man would not be leaping for joy at this news.

Seeing Jonathan silent, Norman thought for a moment and then said, "Look, Joe, this is a good start. So, if this project succeeds, I'll approve an additional bonus for you at year's end, how does that sound?"

Jonathan remained silent, and after a moment, he stood up. "Norman

, I need to think about this."

Norman also stood up, walked around the desk, and patted Jonathan on the shoulder. "Fox wants to sign as soon as possible, so give me your answer tomorrow."

Jonathan nodded mechanically and left Norman's office.

As the office door closed, Norman's pleasant demeanor vanished instantly. He had little respect for Jonathan, a vice president promoted through the influence of WMA Chairman Lou Weiss.

Among WMA's eight vice presidents, Jonathan ranked nearly last.

Norman did not want the packaging proposal, feared by Hollywood's major studios, to be too successful. If Jonathan became a pioneer of internal reform at WMA due to 'The Butterfly Effect,' his prestige and position within WMA would surely rise, even threatening Norman's own position.

Jonathan had not immediately agreed, and Norman guessed what he might do next.

Sitting back at his desk, Norman picked up the phone, pressed the intercom button, and said to his secretary, "Connect me to Stevens."

Jonathan returned to his office, slumping into his leather chair.

After a while, as he was about to gather his spirits to call Lou Weiss in New York for support, his office phone rang first.

Surprisingly, it was Lou Weiss on the line.

After a ten-minute conversation, Jonathan hung up, his expression once again filled with a sense of defeat.

As WMA's first attempt at packaging, Jonathan had only recently broached the idea with Lou Weiss, who, despite being on the East Coast, was very interested in the project.

However, Lou had not offered support over the phone, instead urging Jonathan to quickly complete 'The Butterfly Effect' without further complications. He also indicated that WMA could not afford internal turmoil, essentially asking Jonathan to consider the big picture.

Realizing this, Jonathan understood that Norman must have communicated with other executives and possibly the board. After years at WMA, he also sensed that Norman did not want 'The Butterfly Effect' to be too successful.

Perhaps Lou Weiss, CEO Lee Stevens, and other board members had already formed a consensus.

Facing a group of conservative executives lacking ambition, pushing his agenda might backfire, possibly costing him his newly acquired vice presidential position.

Jonathan suddenly envied CAA, where only Michael Ovitz's voice mattered.

If that was the case.

Then he would consider the big picture.

With a self-deprecating laugh, Jonathan pressed the intercom button again, instructed his assistant to leave a message for Simon to visit WMA the next day, and then personally called Brian De Palma.

Simon was working the night shift at the 24-hour Griffin Supermarket. 

Tuesday was his shift, working from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

After his shift and breakfast, Simon cycled back to his motel. Hearing the message from WMA, he rested only briefly before rushing to Beverly Hills.

Familiar with the route, he arrived at Jonathan's office just minutes before 10 a.m., initially intending to chat with Owen Wright at the reception. However, the door to Jonathan's office opened just then.

Simon turned as Matthew Broderick, the first to exit, met his gaze.

Jonathan followed out, smiling warmly at Simon, "Simon, perfect timing. This is Matthew Broderick, he'll soon be 'The Butterfly Effect's' leading man. You young folks will surely find common ground."

Before Simon could respond, an already skeptical Matthew Broderick realized the situation and, without giving Jonathan any face, said coldly, "Joe, I won't have anything in common with this guy."

With that, Matthew glanced at Simon again and walked away down the corridor.