Chapter 147: The Struggle for Agents

Watching Bill Roscius beside him, who appeared weary yet spirited, Mike's jealousy grew like a plague, yet he managed to conceal it well, maintaining a congratulatory expression on his face.

Initially, he and Bill Roscius had visited the "Fruit Hard Candy" set in San Fernando Valley to scout the director, Murphy Stanton. Although Stanton had some potential, Mike only saw him as an ordinary guy who would, like many who come to Hollywood with dreams, fade into obscurity after a single movie.

When he first heard that Bill Roscius had signed this little-known director, he spat out his coffee onto the newspaper in front of him, laughing at Roscius's foolish optimism.

But now? Bill Roscius had a director under his wing who had grossed over sixty million dollars in North American box office sales!

Not just him, but all the agents who had started from the mailroom alongside him drooled with envy.

Because the director known as Murphy Stanton was about to change Bill Roscius's fate as an agent!

No! It had already changed!

The company was about to move to the nearby "Death Star" building, having purchased the top eight floors. Reliable sources said the management had decided that Bill Roscius would have his own office on the second-highest floor.

Meaning, he had leaped from the ranks of the lower-level agents to become a second-tier agent in the company!

There was even a possibility of becoming a partner in the future.

Such rumors made Mike incredibly jealous, for he had been so close to signing Stanton himself; now, everything Stanton achieved seemed so far removed from him.

If he had signed Murphy Stanton back then, he would be enjoying all these successes, not Bill Roscius!

Why didn't he sign Murphy Stanton? Even though it was too late, regret gnawed at Mike's heart.

Murphy Stanton, the director who changed Bill Roscius's fate, was now where could he find a client who could bring about such a change for himself?

On the other side, Grace was engaging warmly with Bill Roscius, her smile even more cordial than to the CEOs of Hollywood's Big Six.

She too knew the impact Murphy Stanton had on Bill Roscius's career and wanted a client who could similarly change her fate.

However, CAA had strict rules against internal competition to prevent a repeat of the William Morris agency's downfall, starting from Michael Ovitz's foundation of the company.

Yet, Grace saw an opportunity. With "Saw's" North American box office alone breaking sixty million dollars and a potential global gross over a hundred million, the management couldn't ignore such a client and wouldn't leave him solely under Bill Roscius.

Like with other notable clients, CAA was bound to set up a cross-management service for Murphy Stanton!

This meant there could be four to six co-agents providing services to Stanton, a firm policy at CAA that Roscius couldn't resist.

Of course, Bill Roscius's opinion would be crucial when selecting these co-agents, which is why she was currying favor.

Grace's goal was simple: to become one of Murphy Stanton's co-agents and take a significant bite of this appealing cake.

As Mike and Grace each harbored their thoughts, even as the partner in charge of film and television business, Brian Lourde, entered the conference room to start the meeting, they were still plotting their moves.

In business, time is money, and no one wanted to waste it in meetings unless necessary. Brian Lourde, who had replaced Jay Maloney after his drug-related suicide, understood this well. The meeting was brief and direct, ending by 8:30 PM.

"Bill, stay back for a moment."

As the meeting ended, Brian Lourde, sitting at the forefront, called out to Bill Roscius.

Those leaving, especially those with similar status and experience as Bill Roscius, looked back with either envy or jealousy.

They all knew that Bill Roscius had a promising new director under his belt, drawing inevitable attention from the company's management.

Bill Roscius approached the central conference table, sitting to the left of Brian Lourde, the tall, sturdy, bald man nodded at him.

Soon, the room was empty, with the door shut from the outside. Brian Lourde swirled his bald head around, "Regarding Murphy Stanton's business..."

He looked at Bill Roscius, "You've done well."

Bill Roscius replied, "Murphy's talent and potential are exceptional."

Brian Lourde didn't pick up on that, instead saying, "After the company moves to the Death Star building, you'll have your own office. You can appropriately utilize most of the company's resources and network."

Though there's no promotion for agents, Bill Roscius understood his status was about to significantly improve. His bet on Murphy was paying off.

Brian Lourde, interlacing his fingers, asked, "Is the contract with Murphy still an internship?"

"Yes," Bill Roscius quickly replied, "I've discussed with Murphy. He's currently vacationing in Australia but will negotiate a new agent contract upon his return."

Brian Lourde advised, "Make sure to act quickly on this."

"I will," Bill Roscius nodded.

"Don't relax. Any client could slip away from their agent," Brian Lourde suddenly shifted the topic, "I've heard William Morris is also interested in Murphy."

Bill Roscius wasn't surprised; a newcomer director who grossed sixty million dollars in North America would naturally attract talent agencies.

"Don't worry, the company will fully support you. Speak up if you encounter any difficulties."

After offering encouragement, Brian Lourde added, "You'll face competition from other companies; it might be good to have more people help you."

Bill Roscius understood the implication, his heart sinking, but knew it was inevitable.

Brian Lourde cut to the chase, "The company plans to assign four agents to Murphy Stanton, of course, with you leading. Your opinion will be considered in selecting these agents."

Suppressing his restlessness, Bill Roscius calmly stated, "I'll communicate with Murphy."

This wasn't just about authority; it was also about financial gains. Even under CAA's unique policy, the commission split among four agents wouldn't match what one could earn alone.

He sighed inwardly, what could he say? The company always operated this way; it wasn't personal. Moreover, Murphy's achievements were too significant for even CAA to overlook.

But another concern crossed his mind, "Murphy might face trouble."

"Oh?" Brian Lourde looked puzzled.

Bill Roscius thought for a moment, "Murphy was reckless in his youth and caused a disturbance at Summer-Ray East's place."

CAA's database had this information, and Brian Lourde, having seen it, laughed it off, "Wasn't he jailed for a year for that? He's paid his dues. Hollywood is big, not just Paramount. With Murphy Stanton's current fame and status, do you think he'd catch Summer-Ray East's attention?"

Bill Roscius said no more; they could simply avoid working with Paramount. As long as Murphy maintained the profit level of "Saw," many companies would want to collaborate with such a director.

"I remember his first two films were written and directed by him?" Brian Lourde continued, "Any new plans?"

"He's preparing," Bill Roscius thought for a moment, "Seems he started writing a new script recently."

"A sequel to 'Saw'?"

Bill Roscius shook his head, "I'm not quite sure."

"When the script is ready," Brian Lourde stood up, "remember to bring it to the company. I'll organize a review to estimate the project."

Bill Roscius also stood, "I'll inform Murphy as soon as possible."

Clearly, even CAA was tempted by the return on investment "Saw" offered.

Brian Lourde left the meeting room, but Bill Roscius stayed, pulling out his phone to call Murphy.

The Great Barrier Reef, Victoria's Great Ocean Road, Wave Rock, the Blue Mountains National Park, Uluru... these places had seen Murphy and Carey Mulligan's footsteps as they left their jobs and worries behind, fully immersing themselves in the relaxing atmosphere of their vacation, even considering a side trip to New Zealand.

However, upon receiving Bill Roscius's call, Carey Mulligan's acting school course still incomplete, they left David Robey's farm ten days later, boarding a plane back to Los Angeles from Melbourne.

Arriving in the City of Angels, Murphy, pushing luggage filled with souvenirs and Australian specialties bought by Carey Mulligan, was stopped just outside the airport by an unexpected figure.

"Hello, Director Stanton."

A polite middle-aged man with glasses and slight Jewish features seemed to have been waiting specifically for them, "Hello, Miss Mulligan."

Murphy paused, looking at him curiously, "May I ask, who are you?"

The man smiled, handing over a business card before introducing himself, "I'm Martin Miller, from William Morris."

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