章 63: Chapter 62: Shockwave
Gilbert was busy with the post-production of his film, while Sandra Bullock's agent, Rory Toledo, was being questioned in Michael Ovitz's office at CAA.
"I asked you to push the package deal, and you said you couldn't? Why couldn't you? What conditions did Gilbert ask for that were unreasonable?" Michael Ovitz's angry words almost drowned Rory Toledo.
Rory Toledo defended himself, "Mr. Ovitz, I did try, but I failed."
Another CAA partner, Martin Bob, tried to calm Michael Ovitz and, with a pleasant demeanor, asked Rory Toledo, "How did you approach it?"
Rory Toledo answered quietly, "I went to see Sheena Boone to persuade her to push the package deal. But Sheena Boone said she was just an agent and had no authority over Gilbert's crew, so she refused."
"You useless thing, if Sheena Boone could persuade Gilbert, she would have done it herself instead of having you work with her," Michael Ovitz said, angrily throwing an ashtray onto the wool carpeted floor.
Although the noise wasn't loud, it was enough to startle Rory Toledo.
"Alright, alright," Martin Bob waved his hand, signaling Rory Toledo to leave.
Rory Toledo quickly exited the oppressive office, feeling a sense of relief.
Now, the two CAA bigwigs began discussing countermeasures. Martin Bob suggested, "How about we use our resources to undermine Gilbert? Make him realize that without our package deal policy, he'll struggle in Hollywood."
"How do we undermine him?" Michael Ovitz asked.
"By digging up dirt and continuously leaking it to the media to create negative public sentiment," Martin Bob proposed.
"Not possible," Michael Ovitz shook his head. "I had someone investigate Gilbert. He doesn't use drugs, doesn't have affairs, doesn't have illegitimate children, and hasn't abused children. His few rumors won't have a smearing effect."
"What about targeting his father?"
"Even less advisable. Old Gilbert has been out of Hollywood for a long time. It would just escalate the conflict," Michael Ovitz rejected the idea.
The focus is now on his son, Gilbert. Since Old Gilbert has been out of Hollywood for so long, attacking him would seem out of line and could make everyone in Hollywood turn against them.
Martin Bob thought for a while and then suggested, "I remember that Keanu Reeves, the star of 'Speed,' has quite a few bad habits. Michael, we could start from there."
Michael Ovitz's eyes lit up: "That's a good angle. Has the release date for 'Speed' been set?"
"Rumor has it for early May," Martin Bob replied.
"Do we have any films scheduled for that time?" Michael Ovitz asked.
Martin Bob recalled CAA's projects and mentioned, "Sylvester Stallone's 'Cliffhanger' is also set for release in May."
"Good," Michael Ovitz clapped his hands. "Let's use this film to compete with Gilbert's 'Speed.' I wonder how his new action movie will fare against Stallone's film?"
Martin Bob smirked, "It will probably fare very poorly..."
Why is Michael Ovitz so determined to bring Gilbert under CAA and push his package deal?
This is somewhat related to Disney Chairman Michael Eisner.
It is known that Michael Eisner and Michael Ovitz have been childhood friends and have always had a good relationship. What is less known is that Ovitz greatly admires Eisner's vision. During a dinner between the two, Eisner inadvertently revealed his high regard for Gilbert.
This made the shrewd Ovitz realize his mistake in removing Sheena Boone too early. He began devising ways to implement the package deal at Gilbert's film set and to recruit Gilbert as a top director for CAA.
Originally, Ovitz thought that the CAA's name alone would easily bring Gilbert under its wing. However, Gilbert didn't make a move, and Sheena Boone had blocked CAA from the door.
Since that's the case, CAA might as well show some muscle.
According to the plan, Gilbert's 'Speed' was already set to compete with CAA's 'Cliffhanger.' Even without this situation, CAA would use competitive tactics. It's normal in the film market for films released around the same time to compete against each other, even if 'Speed' is backed by Disney and Warner. CAA is not afraid.
The only caveat is not to escalate the situation, as CAA can't withstand a siege from two major film companies.
Hollywood competition follows its own set of unwritten rules. Everyone tacitly abides by these rules and plays within them to maintain a long-standing presence in Hollywood. Breaking the rules would lead to a boycott.
Gilbert was unaware of CAA's intentions, and evidently, Sheena Boone hadn't informed him.
However, Sheena Boone, who understood CAA's style and had connections within CAA, immediately discussed countermeasures with Gilbert upon hearing the news.
"Currently, CAA plans to use 'Cliffhanger' to counter 'Speed.' This film stars Sylvester Stallone. Are you confident?" Sheena Boone was a bit concerned.
Gilbert sipped his coffee and said, "In the competitive summer season, we will always face competition. Even without 'Cliffhanger,' there would be other films. We are not afraid of competition, and I'm confident in the quality of our film."
Hearing this, Sheena Boone felt somewhat reassured but still planned to do her part.
"During the film's promotion, we will assist Disney and Warner Brothers with media advantages. Even if Columbia Pictures and CAA team up, they won't match our strength," Sheena Boone said.
"Mm," Gilbert nodded. "I expect they will dig up dirt on Keanu Reeves. Please remind his agent to be cautious in the coming period."
"Got it, I'll keep that in mind," Sheena Boone noted. She then mentioned Naomi Watts's work: "I've secured a few roles for Naomi, mostly small-budget romantic comedies. The roles are mainly supporting, but her pay has increased significantly."
"Much better than before. At least she won't have to work in restaurants and bars anymore," Gilbert said.
That's true; she won't be struggling financially, can afford health insurance, and rent expensive gowns.
However, the most successful development so far has been Cameron Diaz.
Since appearing in 'The Mask,' Cameron Diaz has received much attention, with numerous film offers and endorsement deals. Her agent is thrilled and considers it a great find.
Cameron Diaz isn't a client of Sheena Boone's agency, so Sheena doesn't follow her closely. However, ICM's operations are strong, and Cameron Diaz's ranking within ICM has risen several levels, gaining attention.
ICM is expected to arrange several major projects for her. As long as she continues to succeed as expected, a few more major projects will solidify Cameron Diaz's position as a top Hollywood actress.
....
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