Chapitre 181: Chapter 181: WMA's Focus
As soon as I arrived at work today, I noticed a significant shift in the way my colleagues in the open office lobby regarded Thomas. In just a few months, his client, Martin Davis, had clinched the North American box office championship twice!
"How many years has it been since a lobby agent achieved this?" someone murmured under their breath.
Another colleague chimed in, "I think it's been the second year since Ali Emmanuel left the mailroom."
The first person couldn't help but feel a mix of envy and jealousy, saying, "See, it's all about the clients! Thomas now has Martin as his client, and as long as Martin doesn't drop him, he's destined for success."
This notion started to cross the minds of countless agents in the hallway at that very moment.
Thomas, in particular, was summoned to meet with senior executives.
These individuals, who had once undergone training in the mailroom, appeared composed on the surface, but their emotions were incredibly complex. Everyone secretly desired to be in Thomas's shoes, yet, paradoxically, they wished the same fate wouldn't befall anyone else.
Exiting the lobby, Thomas strolled past a dozen separate offices. One office door opened, and Pinto leaned casually against the doorframe, observing Thomas as he headed toward the elevator.
Pinto turned his gaze to the independent office diagonally opposite him, where four or five employees were putting the finishing touches on the space. A computer had been set up at the independent workstation just outside the door.
A frosted glass door bore a sign that read "Thomas Lane."
An independent office complete with an assistant!
One Martin Davis had elevated Thomas far beyond his previous station.
Pinto deeply regretted not having put forth more effort to woo Martin Davis. After all, he had several female clients as stunning as Anne Hathaway.
Was there still an opportunity to poach Martin Davis? Pinto pondered this question but concluded that he would have to switch firms for such a move.
Thomas ascended to Ali Emmanuel's office.
Whitesell, the administrator, was present as well.
Whitesell got straight to the point, stating, "In the past six months, your performance has been highly effective, securing clients like Martin. An office downstairs has been prepared for you. You can choose an assistant from the mailroom."
Thomas had already eyed the office, but the excitement hadn't worn off yet. Suppressing his jubilation, he said, "I'd like to select Natasha from the front desk."
Whitesell replied, "Go back to the mailroom to complete the formalities."
Ali took the lead, stating, "Martin is a remarkable actor, possessing both exceptional acting skills and emotional intelligence. His communication and networking abilities are also outstanding, and he has the potential for further success."
Thomas smiled and chimed in, "Indeed, although Martin can sometimes be unconventional in his approach..."
He had been on the brink of saying Martin had no boundaries, but since Martin was his client, he felt the need to defend him. "Sometimes, his methods may seem unconventional, but he's completely dependable when it comes to work. Martin doesn't handle his responsibilities like a young twenty-something; it's more akin to the professionalism of a seasoned actor in his fifties or sixties."
Ali emphasized, "Many people were grounded before they found fame, but the success can sometimes be blinding. You must keep a close watch. For the company, Martin's potential value and profit are substantial, and we can't afford to let it dwindle."
People themselves weren't the main concern; rather, it was the profits they could generate.
Thomas assured, "I'll keep a close eye on Martin."
Ali then inquired, "I've heard Martin is working on a new project?"
"Yes," Thomas confirmed. "Martin has established a studio to collaborate with Louise Meyer of Pacific Pictures. Louise is primarily responsible for fund management, production, and planning. The project is called 'Wanted,' adapted from Top Cow comics. The crew is currently being assembled, with Martin and Julie as the male and female leads."
Ali was curious, "And what's the estimated investment for this project?"
Thomas provided the figures, stating, "It's anticipated to be around $50 million. Martin has garnered support from several female investors in Atlanta, and Louise Meyer is backing him as well."
"Interesting," Ali remarked. "There's quite the buzz around Martin here—engaged to Anne Hathaway and supported by multiple female investors. He certainly has the upper hand!"
Whitesell suggested, "I recommend that we reclassify Martin from a Level 5 client to a Level 4. While his salary hasn't reached $5 million, his situation is unique, and he enjoys strong sponsorship."
At this point, Thomas added, "There's one more thing I haven't reported to the company yet. Martin and I are gearing up to compete for the second leading role in Martin Scorsese and Leonardo's new project—a gangster film called 'The Departed.'"
"You?" Ali raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I just warned you to stay alert, but it seems both of you have already been blinded by box office success."
Quickly, Thomas clarified, "Pacific Pictures has essentially negotiated a project package with Warner Bros. Louise will have Martin bring in an investment of around $20 million."
Ali and Whitesell exchanged glances, both feeling a sense of astonishment. They couldn't help but think, just how powerful were Martin Davis's talents to have brought about such success?
Their conclusion was unavoidable: this guy had leveraged the support of women to reach his current heights!
To be able to achieve so much through these connections was undoubtedly a talent in itself!
"Martin has two matters that require the company's support," Thomas mentioned, unfazed by such soft-spoken individuals. "Louise will handle discussions with Warner Bros. and Director Scorsese, with a focus on promoting Martin. As for the company..."
Ali nodded, affirming, "I will initiate further discussions with Scorsese and Warner Bros."
Thomas added, "Currently, 'Wanted' lacks a suitable action movie style director."
Ali, who had a knack for dealing with major tasks, hesitated briefly. "I will assist in finding a suitable director, but when it comes to the project's supporting roles, corporate clients must take precedence."
Thomas agreed, saying, "Martin shares the same view."
Ali turned to Whitesell and declared, "The company's fourth-level resources will be prioritized for Martin."
With two movies lined up consecutively for Martin, he wouldn't be utilizing the character resources recommended by the company in the short term. However, the company needed to convey its commitment. In the fiercely competitive world of Hollywood talent agencies, poaching talent from one another was a common occurrence.
...
Approaching noon, Martin arrived at WMA, attracting curious glances from many people.
Some even approached him, offering congratulations, saying things like, "Hi, Martin, congrats."
"Our reigning box office champion is in the house."
"What's your next project? Will you consider my clients?"
In the agency world, Martin came across as a friendly, harmless figure, almost like a fortunate simpleton.
As Martin approached Thomas' workspace, he found Thomas seated in a chair with his desk cleared.
Martin immediately grasped the situation and exchanged a fist bump with Thomas. "Man, you've got your own office now."
Thomas laughed and gestured, "Follow me."
The two proceeded to the independent office area, where Martin spotted an office with a "Thomas Lane" sign on the frosted glass door. A short blonde woman was seated at the assistant's desk near the entrance.
Seeing Martin, the blonde woman greeted him with a smile. "Good morning, Martin."
Martin recalled her name. "Hello, Natasha."
Thomas pushed open the frosted glass door and invited, "Come in and take a look."
Martin followed, taking in the office space. It wasn't large, around fifteen square meters, equipped with a desk, filing cabinets, and a couch for accommodating guests.
Thomas was brimming with enthusiasm. "What do you think? It's great, isn't it?"
Martin knew the importance of providing encouragement at this moment. "It's a fantastic office. I'd love to work here."
After delivering some praise, he added a touch of responsibility. "Though, it's a bit compact in here. The larger offices upstairs might suit you better."
Thomas nodded in agreement. "I'd like to move upstairs as well, but those are reserved for senior brokers and partners."
Martin, with a hint of challenge, inquired, "Do you have no faith in me, or in yourself?" He intended to spur Thomas forward, ensuring that he wouldn't rest at his current level. "Who was the number one North American box office champ last week? Us! We make an exceptional team, and our growth potential is outstanding."
He emphasized, "We have many more milestones ahead of us, and we can reach even greater heights!"
Thomas was fired up. "Yes, I aspire to become a partner at the company!"
Martin added, "Above partners, there are senior partners, and even joint partners. Just like me, I'm currently a rising star, and there are numerous tiers above..."
"You're currently at the company's fourth level, the Star Level," Thomas interjected. "You may not meet the salary criteria, but your situation is unique."
Martin grasped the situation. "Because I can bring revenue to the team?"
"Exactly," Thomas affirmed, providing an overview of the situation he had previously discussed with Ali. He had made this choice once, emphasizing Martin's elevated client level, as well as the two projects, "Wanted" and "The Departed."
Seating himself in front of Thomas' desk, Martin remarked, "When a movie succeeds, it feels like there are more good people around me."
Thomas, drawing the blinds to let in light, responded, "My connections and resources have multiplied due to the department's success."
Martin posed a hypothetical question, asking, "But what if I fail, and everyone around me turns against me?"
Thomas contemplated this for a moment before saying, "When a star-studded film achieves high box office numbers, everyone from the producer to the distributor, from theaters to audiences, will remember the star's involvement. Everything they do, no matter how outrageous, seems right and commendable."
His tone shifted dramatically. "But if the film fails, do you think these same people will let it slide? Will you surpass the star, or will they simply disregard the failure? Won't they brand the star as box office poison?"
Martin couldn't help but chuckle. "Thomas, you could be my life coach."
Thomas replied, "Because I want to see you keep succeeding!"
Lunchtime approached, and Thomas invited Martin to a nearby restaurant, joined by Bruce. The agent generously offered to foot the bill.
"Bruce, we haven't interacted much in the past, but we'll be in contact more often now," Thomas said, maintaining a friendly tone. "We need to take good care of Martin."
Bruce responded with an odd smile, "No doubt about it."
Martin provided Thomas with Jessica's contact information once more. "My personal assistant handles fans, blogs, and various tasks. If you can't reach me or Bruce, you can contact her."
Thomas noted down the contact number.
After lunch, Bruce inquired, "Where are we off to next?"
Martin replied, "We're meeting with Vincent and Sophia."
Bruce seemed a bit concerned. "Are you going alone?"
Martin didn't want to go alone, saying, "Hey buddy, where's your professional ethics?"
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
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