Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Seeing Kobe Again
Back in Los Angeles, Murphy decided to take two days off first. He hid away in his house in the Latino community and caught up on much-needed sleep. Perhaps due to his peculiar experiences, he was left with a lingering headache that flared up more frequently with the recent busy schedule. Although the pain wasn't as excruciating as the initial splitting agony when he first arrived in this world, it still affected his thinking and normal work life.
After resting for two days and feeling his body and energy recover, Murphy didn't rush into post-production. Instead, he contacted Bill Rosis, and after a few meetings, they prepared to sign a formal agency contract.
Having a professional agent from CAA came with far more benefits than drawbacks, and someone like him, with no credentials, had nothing to lose.
Unlike the cross-management of star actors or successful directors, CAA wouldn't invest many resources in a newbie director like Murphy. Once he signed a contract with CAA, Bill Rosis would become his exclusive agent.
The signing process was straightforward. Once intentions were clear, Murphy brought his lawyer Robert to Century City. In a small conference room in the CAA-leased building, Bill Rosis and a business lawyer from CAA were already waiting.
CAA signs a number of newcomers each year, some of whom eventually succeed. But before they become successful, these individuals are largely unnoticed. Murphy was no exception. This kind of signing was more of a routine procedure.
"Welcome to CAA."
After signing the contract, Bill Rosis shook Murphy's hand solemnly. "Here, your future is limitless."
These were just pleasantries. CAA signed a basic agent contract with Murphy, akin to a large company signing an internship contract with an intern. This preliminary contract allowed CAA to easily drop the client if they turned out to be of no value.
Correspondingly, the contract didn't impose particularly stringent restrictions on Murphy. If either party wanted to terminate the cooperation, the breach of contract penalty wasn't substantial.
This type of contract would only be used for newcomers like Murphy. As soon as he made a name for himself, CAA would immediately offer a new contract.
Murphy valued practicalities over these formalities. After the two lawyers left, he directly said, "Bill, I need a post-production studio, well-equipped, with relatively low rent."
"No problem." Bill Rosis responded straightforwardly. "Expect good news from me."
Originally, Murphy had considered renting a post-production studio from Channel Six, but after contacting Kara Faith, he abandoned that plan. Channel Six's post-production studio could only be rented in time slots, which didn't meet his needs.
This was Los Angeles, the world center of the film industry. Finding a post-production studio wasn't difficult, but after the initial preparations, shooting, and just settling the crew's salaries, Murphy's $300,000 fund had dwindled to less than $50,000. Upcoming expenses included editor salaries and music rights fees, leaving limited funds for rent.
Finding a well-equipped studio with cheap rent... was a challenge.
Before Murphy could leave, Bill Rosis made a few phone calls, displaying his professional entertainment agent capabilities and network. After hanging up, he smiled and said, "I can find a suitable post-production studio within five days."
"OK!" Murphy wasn't foolish. He could see that Bill Rosis was demonstrating his abilities. "I'll wait for your good news."
As he stood up to leave, Bill Rosis added, "Wait."
Murphy looked at him and asked, "Anything else?"
"When will your film be completed?" Without waiting for Murphy's answer, Bill Rosis continued, "If it's finished before the New Year, I can help you get an opportunity to participate in the Sundance Film Festival."
Murphy immediately became interested. Sundance Film Festival was a haven for independent films. Although the entry threshold was low, getting into the official screening section still required some effort.
From what he knew, to participate in Sundance, one needed to apply in advance. Upon approval, the committee would send an invitation. Only with this invitation could one attend.
Of course, for some excellent films or filmmakers, Sundance would directly send invitations.
Murphy didn't think he had reached that level yet.
"I'll do my best." He left with that promise.
Just like with shooting, Murphy was also a novice in post-production. Who knew what kind of difficulties he would encounter?
Leaving the conference room, Murphy headed to the elevator area. While thinking about post-production issues, he entered the elevator without looking up.
Immediately, Murphy felt something was off. Something particularly tall was blocking his view on the left. He quickly turned his head and saw a towering black man, standing like a giant tower, who also turned to look at him.
"It's you!" The man's tone was unfriendly.
"Hello..." Murphy greeted calmly. "Long time no see, Mr. Bryant."
The person next to him was none other than Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant didn't expect to run into this shameless guy at CAA. His fists instinctively clenched.
Murphy tensed up, ready for a fight.
But Kobe Bryant was more rational than Murphy expected. He snorted coldly but didn't make a move.
Top-tier stars aren't usually hotheads. Murphy looked up at his dark face. Kobe Bryant was staring down at him.
At this moment, the elevator door opened with a ding. Murphy stepped out before Kobe Bryant, finding the first-floor elevator area empty since it was work hours.
Kobe Bryant followed him out, and Murphy turned around, extending his hand. "Let's formally meet, Mr. Bryant. I'm Murphy Stanton, a film director."
"What?" Kobe Bryant had no intention of shaking his hand and looked surprised. "Aren't you a paparazzo?"
Murphy shrugged. "I'm a director, and we're in the same agency."
Before Kobe Bryant could respond, Murphy took out a business card and shoved it into his large hand. "If you're interested in acting, give me a call."
Murphy nodded at him and walked out of the elevator area.
Kobe Bryant was stunned. He looked at Murphy's retreating figure and then at the card in his hand. This was undoubtedly the most shameless and thick-skinned person he had ever met.
He casually tossed the card into the trash can and left.
In less than five days, Bill Rosis secured a post-production studio for Murphy. Murphy personally inspected the studio, located in Burbank and belonging to a small production company under Disney. It was fully equipped. He spent $30,000 for two months of use.
The price was quite reasonable, and Bill Rosis played a significant role in negotiating it.
After signing the formal lease contract, Murphy, Griffiths, and the willing assistant Paul Wilson moved into the studio with a large amount of film.
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