[Chapter 337: I Have Experience in This Area]
Eric had merely glanced at the story outline before tossing the script aside. It wasn't until he heard Charlie Walker mention that Warner was offering a $1 million salary that he revisited the script in detail.
"Mr. Walker, I didn't see any standout elements in this film. Honestly, the story feels rather scattered, and its theme is rather unclear. The depiction of family ties is weak. Instead, there's a lengthy focus on the details of the female lead's collaboration with criminals to gather some funds.
While the portrayal of her inner transformation is somewhat commendable, it ultimately overshadows the theme of maternal connection that the author tries to convey. It seems the screenwriter wanted to express two themes, but this muddled approach just makes things even more convoluted," Eric commented instinctively after finishing the script.
Charlie Walker listened intently to Eric's evaluation. Such an opportunity was rare. He believed any producer from the major Hollywood studios would happily pay a hefty price just to hear Eric's insights on a script. Although Charlie was just an agent at that moment, things could change in the future. It wasn't uncommon for an agent to transition into a producer or an executive at a film company. It could even be said that an agent who didn't aspire to be a producer wasn't a good agent.
Once Eric finished speaking, Charlie nodded. "Mr. Williams, you make a good point. However, the film has yet to begin shooting. I'm sure if you made a call, Warner would be more than willing to cooperate in modifying the script."
Eric smiled at Charlie. "That's for sure, but I don't have an obligation to advise Warner on how to revise the script. It's getting late, Mr. Walker, and I think it's time for you to head back."
"Mr. Williams, why not consider Miss Pacula's opinion? After all, it's a $1 million salary. How many actresses in Hollywood can command such a fee?"
"My opinion is the same as Joan's, Mr. Walker," Eric said as he stood up, signaling for Charlie to leave.
Charlie gathered the script, standing up reluctantly, and couldn't help but add, "Mr. Williams, if you care for Miss Pacula, you should think a bit more about her. She's an actress and should be making movies, not washing your laundry here."
Eric raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Walker, if you feel uncomfortable with this situation, I can immediately call ICM to have Marvin Josephson find someone to replace you."
Charlie suddenly realized he had been a bit impulsive. Eric's status was not something a small-time agent could challenge.
"Sorry, I lost my composure, Mr. Williams. I'll take my leave now."
"It's fine," Eric waved his hand. "Mr. Walker, Joan will eventually become a top star. But it requires patience."
"I suppose so." After bidding farewell, Charlie Walker picked up his briefcase and exited Eric's room.
Just as Charlie reached the elevator, he saw Joanna Pacula emerging from it, holding several pieces of freshly laundered clothing.
"Oh, it's you, Mr. Walker. Are you leaving?" Joanna greeted Charlie.
Charlie looked at the stunning woman, feeling tempted to encourage her. He thought about Eric's earlier words and quickly abandoned the notion. If he stirred things up, Eric would certainly hold him accountable. It was uncertain who Joanna's agent would be in the future, let alone the commission from her salary.
"Yes, Miss Pacula. The meetings have concluded," Charlie nodded, pulling a business card from his pocket and handing it to her. "By the way, here's my card. It has all my contact information. If you need help, feel free to reach out anytime."
Joanna took the card and slipped it into her pocket, pointing towards Eric's room. "Then I'll head back."
"Well then, goodbye." As another elevator door opened, Charlie hurriedly stepped inside and waved at Joanna.
...
When she returned to the room, she found Eric sitting on the sofa, a sketchpad resting on his knee as he quickly sketched with a pencil.
Upon seeing Joanna enter, Eric remarked, "You know, it would have been fine to leave this to the hotel staff."
"But didn't you say you didn't like the scent of their laundry detergent?" Joanna sat beside him on the sofa, holding up a shirt for Eric to smell. "Smell, it's lemon scented."
Eric lowered his head to sniff the shirt but then shifted his focus, leaning towards the nape of her neck. "Mmm, it smells great."
Joanna pulled back slightly, playfully trying to push him away. However, Eric tossed aside the sketchpad and pulled Joanna into an embrace, falling back onto the sofa.
"Eric, not here! I think I forgot to lock the door. It was so embarrassing when Drew saw us a few days ago."
Eric didn't go too far, merely holding Joanna and kissing her cheek. "I just pushed all the scripts that were submitted to your agent, including one with a $1 million salary."
Joanna's expression froze for a moment, her gaze flickering, but she quickly relaxed. Without Eric, she wouldn't have had a shot at even a $100,000 salary, let alone the $1 million. Although she felt some disappointment for missing out, she quickly realigned her thoughts. Eric was her greatest support.
"Eric, I'll follow your lead," she replied without hesitation.
Eric couldn't resist kissing her beautiful eyes, feeling the tremor of her long lashes. "That was a $1 million offer. You're really not angry?"
Feeling his lips leave her eyes, Joanna opened them to see Eric's teasing expression. With rare sincerity and a pout, she responded, "I am a bit upset; that's a million dollars, and it feels like a loss."
"Wow, that sounds serious. Let me take a look," Eric joked, slipping his hand beneath her long-sleeved shirt, trailing up her smooth skin, pushing aside her bra, and pressing on her soft chest. "Will a little massage help?"
As his hand moved, Joanna felt her demeanor shift into a sultry gaze, but she still said, "No, it's still very uncomfortable."
Eric stood and scooped her up, heading towards the bedroom. "Looks like we need some more intense methods to fix this. I have experience in that area."
*****
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