Chapter 112: Deadlock

"This is Mr. Godin Clyde, the director of Fox Searchlight's distribution department," Tony Guzman introduced in the meeting room, "And this is Mr. Riley Fields, the director of Fox Searchlight's market research department."

Godin Clyde, balding at the top, appeared to be around fifty years old, while Riley Fields wore black-rimmed glasses and looked to be in his thirties or forties.

Murphy and Bill Rossi greeted the two men, discerning that Godin Clyde held a higher position and was likely the key figure in this negotiation.

"I didn't expect Director Stanton to be so young," Godin Clyde remarked.

Sitting on a single sofa, Godin Clyde observed Murphy. "I heard this is only your second feature film?"

"Yes," Murphy confirmed.

Godin Clyde's gaze towards Murphy carried a hint of surprise, as if he hadn't realized Murphy's youthfulness before. Murphy, on the other hand, observed them as well; they had shown emotional reactions to the end of the film, but as soon as it ended, they composed themselves, typical behavior for seasoned negotiators.

Murphy preferred working with less cunning negotiators; dealing with individuals like Harvey Weinstein and Milton Johnson, who threw out non-negotiable conditions, left him feeling powerless.

Murphy had gathered intelligence about Fox Searchlight's current situation from Kara Feis in New York. He knew they were struggling, which explained why Godin Clyde's approach was less aggressive compared to Harvey Weinstein and Milton Johnson.

"Mr. Clyde, congratulations," Murphy remarked, diverting the conversation towards Tony Guzman, "I hear you've signed on a promising young director."

Tony Guzman wasn't modest either and glanced towards Murphy, "Just lucky."

"I had coffee with Brian Loud from your company last month..." Godin Clyde mentioned casually, "Brian always complains about not finding promising new directors within CAA. It seems the situation isn't as dire as he claims."

Turning to Murphy, Godin Clyde commented, "Saw is impressive, Director Stanton is quite talented."

"Thank you," Murphy replied politely.

However, Bill Rossi's expression wasn't as agreeable. He knew poaching among Hollywood agencies was common, and while they didn't directly steal clients, the higher-ups would certainly favor those from their own company, potentially diminishing his role.

What was Godin Clyde implying? Bill Rossi furrowed his brows, wondering if he should refrain from getting too involved in the negotiations.

While Bill Rossi pondered, Murphy glanced at Godin Clyde, sensing his intentions. Unfortunately, they were misdirected. Negotiations for Saw had always been under Murphy's control, not as CAA's agents.

"Director Stanton..." Godin Clyde turned to Murphy, "I heard you've been in talks with multiple distribution companies?"

"Yes," Murphy acknowledged, recounting the less-than-ideal offers from other companies, subtly shifting the narrative in his favor, "Miramax offered a buyout of ten million dollars, plus a share of the box office and future directing opportunities."

Godin Clyde tilted his head slightly, finding discrepancies with what he had heard. He couldn't fully trust Murphy's words nor the information from other companies.

Murphy was aware of the competition and the power dynamics between the companies. He had faced overwhelming conditions from Harvey Weinstein and Milton Johnson, leaving him with no room for negotiation.

From Kara Feis, Murphy learned about Fox Searchlight's recent struggles. However, Godin Clyde's approach was less aggressive, likely due to their company's precarious situation.

"We also wish to collaborate with you," Godin Clyde's demeanor was much more amiable compared to Harvey Weinstein and Milton Johnson, "We are open to a distribution contract."

Murphy breathed a slight sigh of relief. Despite the high distribution fee, it was slightly better than what Lionsgate and DreamWorks had offered, as their percentages did not include marketing expenses.

"I estimate that if the film grosses ten million dollars, you would take three million, not to mention actor bonuses and union fees," Murphy countered.

"We're only discussing North America; you still have overseas and other rights," Godin Clyde reminded him.

"But you would take half!" Murphy exclaimed.

"It's not possible," Godin Clyde shook his head, "I believe Fox Searchlight has offered the best terms among all the companies."

If it weren't for Saw's significant appeal and Fox Searchlight's dire need to boost their performance, they wouldn't have offered such conditions.

The negotiation between the two sides entered a stalemate.