Chapitre 404: Chapter 405: A Bold Name
[Chapter 405: A Bold Name]
By 5 PM, the Firefly headquarters was buzzing with excitement as a meeting had been taking place all day to discuss the company's development plans for the next two years.
After Robert Shea's departure, Firefly had undergone two months of restructuring, now running like a customized sports car that had jumped onto the fast lane. The conference room was filled with both veterans of Firefly and newly integrated executives, all sharing a vision for the future that kept their energy levels high throughout the lengthy meeting.
So far, only Eric Williams and Jeffrey Hansen knew of the plan to acquire Disney. Acquiring a giant like Disney was no small feat; even if things went smoothly, Eric estimated it would take at least a year to fully merge Disney into the Firefly system. Therefore, Firefly's own development remained the top priority.
Currently, Firefly's core business consisted solely of film and television. In terms of television operations, Eric had no plans for expansion before establishing his own network. He believed that managing the three existing TV shows would already yield profits that any production company would envy.
The day's discussion revolved around Firefly's film production plans for the coming years. Excluding the nearly defunct MGM, the other six major Hollywood studios typically released 10 to 20 films each year, with home investments often making up about half of this total.
Though Firefly showed great potential to compete with the top studios, the path required careful steps. Eric aimed to complete five films this year and expand that number to eight to ten in the following year. Further plans would likely involve collaboration with Disney.
Expanding production scales meant increased investment risks in film. However, for Eric, who was known for his golden touch, such concerns were negligible. While he couldn't oversee every film, he maintained absolute veto power during early project evaluations. This way, he could minimize production risks for Firefly. Experiencing slight losses on a few projects might even serve to lower Hollywood's guard against Firefly.
After wrapping up the final topic of discussion, newly appointed CEO Michael Lynn turned to Eric, sitting to his right, and quietly asked, "Eric, do you have anything to add?"
Eric closed his memo pad and replied, "No, let's execute today's resolutions as soon as possible."
Michael nodded and announced to the heads of various departments that the meeting was adjourned.
...
As he watched Eric leave the conference room with his assistant, Michael hesitated for a moment but chose not to follow. Instead, he stopped Jeffrey, who was also leaving. "Jeffrey, wait a second."
Jeffrey paused and, once Michael caught up, asked, "What's up, Mike?"
"Are you free for dinner tonight?" Michael inquired.
Jeffrey studied Michael's expression and then smiled, "Mike, if there's something on your mind, just say it -- no need for formalities. Why not come to my office?"
"Alright," Michael chuckled, following Jeffrey to his presidential office.
The two settled onto a sofa in the corner of the office. After Jeffrey instructed his secretary to prepare coffee for both of them, he smiled and said, "Is there something work-related you feel uncomfortable discussing directly with Eric? You really don't have to be so cautious. You should understand that if Robert hadn't and Eric had irreconcilable differences, he wouldn't have acted this way. As long as you have Firefly's best interests in mind, you can bring anything up in front of him, and he won't be upset."
Listening to Jeffrey, Michael felt his initial purpose shift to slight awkwardness as he replied, "Of course, I know that. The truth is, I called you in about some minor issues."
Jeffrey paused before tentatively asking, "It wouldn't happen to be about the casting for Twister, would it? Even you got pulled into it?"
Michael cleared his throat a few times. "It was WMA's McDonald who reached out to me personally. I owe him a big favor, so I couldn't turn him down."
Understanding Michael's dilemma, Jeffrey remarked, "Show me the list."
Michael pulled a note from his suit pocket and handed it over. Jeffrey looked it over, then shook his head with a laugh. "Even John Travolta has pushed for it. They're really aiming for the lead?"
"I explained to McDonald that Twister is an effects-driven film, but he insisted that once they secured a role, the salary could be negotiated."
Jeffrey continued, "The total salary budget for Twister was only $5 million. Eric initially planned to cast second or third-tier actors; he offered Ms. Pacula $300,000, so the lead's salary would likely fall into the same range. Travolta's last film, Look Who's Talking, grossed over $100 million last year, establishing him as a leading star. Even if he were willing to lower his salary, it wouldn't be by much. And a profit-sharing deal? That's definitely off the table, so Eric won't consider him. If Eric was open to a top male actor, Tom Hanks was available as well; his agent reached out to Eric, but Eric turned it down."
Michael laughed, "I know all that. I'm just responsible for passing the list along. Just repaying McDonald's favor; I haven't promised him anything else."
"How about this? I'll have Eric personally call McDonald at WMA. He'll do that much for you. CAA recently tried to charm us as well, so I suspect WMA mainly wants to establish a connection with Eric for future collaboration."
Michael relaxed as he replied, "That sounds best. With Eric's intervention, McDonald's favor would be returned cleanly, and I'd owe him nothing afterward."
Hollywood's film industry had developed over a century, with stringent systems in place. Nevertheless, networking remained critical; otherwise, the dominance of Jewish power in Hollywood wouldn't exist.
...
On his way back to Malibu, Eric received a call from Jeffrey and had a brief chat with Michael, agreeing to move forward.
In truth, both Firefly's announcements and various industry critiques detailed the roles actors would play in Eric's effects-heavy production Twister. Despite the awareness that even big-name actors would be sidelined as mere supporting roles amidst the tornado's chaos, many actors were still eager to land a role in this project.
Judging from the performance of Eric's previous films, as long as Twister directed by him is not too bad, there will be no problem for it to guarantee a global box office of 300 million US dollars.
With an average ticket price of $10, that equated to familiarizing the actors with 30 million audience members. Once recognized on such a scale, other studios would be keen to cast these now-familiar yet affordable actors, effectively earning them a 'golden ticket' for roles in future films. If luck struck, they could star in a hit movie and transition into the realm of top-tier stars.
The current casting targets for Twister primarily included Hollywood's second and third-tier actors, presenting an excellent opportunity for emerging talent. It was no wonder so many individuals were reaching out to Eric indirectly.
...
Upon returning to his abode at Spindrift Manor, the security guard informed Eric that Drew had returned.
As Eric stepped inside the villa, a tiny figure on the other side of the room peeked up from the sofa, propping her small arms on the backrest. With fluttering eyelashes and a sweet smile, it was Drew.
Eric walked over and pinched her cheek. "Putting on the cute act, huh? What brings you back today?"
Drew asked, "Eric, did you forget something?"
Eric removed his coat and hung it up. He slid onto the sofa beside her, leaning back relaxedly. "Get me a glass of water, will you? I'll remember after I've had a drink."
Like a little wildcat, Drew leaped onto Eric, her bare feet in hot pants rubbing against him. "You think, then tell me when you do."
"Not very considerate, are you? Fine, I'll think," Eric said, rubbing his temples.
As Drew eagerly awaited, Eric's expression suddenly brightened. Raising a hand, he clapped it on her fair, soft thigh, saying, "I just remembered -- the jerk Quentin Tarantino hasn't turned in the script again this month. He probably thinks he can avoid delivering those five projects to Firefly for the next decade. I need to call him tomorrow and give him a nudge."
Seeing Drew's eyes widen and sparkle with a hint of mist, Eric quickly added, "Alright, alright, your 16th birthday! How could I forget?"
"That's not all. What else?"
"Besides, well, according to California law, you can start living independently at 16, so you won't have to deal with your mom controlling you anymore."
"And?"
"You can drive now?"
"Not that, that's not it at all! You promised me something back then."
Eric wrapped his arm around her slender waist. "We don't need to spell it out; these walls have ears, you know this is California."
Drew took the opportunity to lean in closer, whispering, "Eric, can we go to Las Vegas on my birthday?"
"I need to check with my personal lawyer first; I'm not too sure about the laws in Nevada."
"I already called Edward."
Eric raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What did you say?"
"Just told him straight up, what's the big deal?"
Pushing Drew away playfully, Eric prompted, "Just hurry and get me that water; discussing this stuff seriously feels weird. Besides, what's left of you that I haven't seen before? It's lost its novelty."
Drew pouted, playfully hit Eric, but reluctantly got up to fetch him a glass of water.
Eric took a few sips from the glass and asked, "Have you and Liz settled on what the next film will be for your production company?"
"Yeah, we picked out four scripts but only snagged two; the other two went to Paramount and Columbia. The ones we got have gone up in price, and Liz is really frustrated."
Eric imagined the scene, knowing he hadn't interfered or even been briefed on the type of scripts the women selected. But others wouldn't see it that way; the major studios must surely think he had shaped the selections. If not for Elisabeth's connections, Fox might have jumped in claiming those scripts themselves.
"Two films is enough. Producing two a year is more than ample for your company."
Drew settled beside Eric and replied, "That's what I thought too. By the way, Eric, I've finalized my paperwork to drop out of school. I'll be focusing on learning to be a film producer alongside Liz."
Eric had known about this already. The headmaster of her boarding school had contacted him after Drew submitted her application. It had been clear that she had no intention of returning to class; after sending her off to boarding school, she had barely spent a few months in academia.
"Then that's that. As long as your mom didn't say anything?"
Drew grimaced. "What could she say? She's worried that once I turn 16, she won't be able to squeeze more money from me. Lately, she just keeps reminding me how tough it was for her to raise me, as if I didn't already start supporting the family since I was six months old." She smirked. "Anyway, after my birthday, I'm moving out. I bought a cute little house in Beverly Hills using my cut from The Silence of the Lambs. It's right next to where Liz and the others live."
"Liz and the others? You mean Julia? They're still living together?"
"Yeah, didn't you know?" Drew quizzed, then added, "Oh, they moved while you were in New York a while back. And they even got an extra kid now."
Drew's expression shifted strangely as she said this.
Eric immediately recalled something and asked, "What's going on?"
Drew astutely confirmed Eric's suspicion. "Julia's brother and his girlfriend had a baby girl, but neither wanted to raise her. Julia took her in. News hasn't broken out yet, so she'll probably go public shortly. After all, suddenly having a child without clarification might lead people to assume it's her love child, and the scandal would be enormous."
"What's the little girl's name?"
"Emma," Drew grinned, leaning into Eric. "They plan to register her as Emma Roberts Murdoch."
"Wow," Eric gasped, almost spilling his drink, "Emma Roberts Murdoch? You're sure about that?"
"Surprised, huh? That's what they're planning to name her," Drew said, her smile turning mischievous. "They're definitely not together, yet they refuse to admit it. I reckon if you had a few more confrontations with them, they'd have to face reality."
Eric chuckled, "Forget it, I'm not interfering. Let them figure it out. Just wondering how Mr. Murdoch will react upon learning he has another granddaughter."
Drew broke into laughter. "Actually, I initially suggested a different name for the little girl."
"Which name?"
Drew's eyes sparkled mischievously as she took a moment before replying, "Emma Roberts Murdoch Williams."
Eric spat out his drink, grabbing the tissue from the coffee table to wipe his face. "That's too much!"
Despite saying this, his mind wandered to another thought. In his memory, Emma Roberts had become quite the little diva, known for her fierceness despite her small size, capable of knocking her boyfriend around in a fit of rage.
With Julia tolerating her antics, if Emma were indeed granted the last names Roberts, Murdoch, and Williams, she'd likely flip Hollywood upside down in the future.
Pinching Drew's cheek, Eric joked, "Why don't you throw in Barrymore in there too? Emma Roberts Murdoch Barrymore Williams -- now there's a bold name!"
Drew pulled away from Eric's grasp, looking awestruck. "How did I not think of that? I'll suggest it to them tomorrow."
Drew obviously treated it as a light-hearted joke, and Eric found no reason to press the issue further. He figured Elisabeth and Julia would never agree to it anyway, so he let her have her fun.
*****
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