Chương 22: Chapter 22: Republic Records
While Yesan was negotiating with other record companies, Ethan also went to visit his father's former lawyer, Kirk Ramsey.
In the capitalist land of America, as Jimmy had said, he needed a professional lawyer to handle various legal issues and avoid getting caught in various terms and tax traps.
The reason Ethan sought out Kirk Ramsey was because he had been very principled when he worked for Ethan's father, even to the point of being somewhat rigid.
Basically, any illegal activities would be warned against, and he would advise his clients to cease such operations. For instance, when Ethan's father was draining his savings for investments, Kirk Ramsey had warned him multiple times.
But Ethan's father was determined, and nothing could stop him.
After his death, Kirk Ramsey had diligently helped Ethan's family obtain some compensation.
He didn't even charge a fee, directly handing the payment to Carmela.
There are many people with a conscience, but conscientious lawyers are indeed rare.
So, Ethan trusted him.
Kirk Ramsey's office was located on the edge of Manhattan in New York. Ethan drove there and soon arrived at his destination, where he met the elderly lawyer with black and white hair neatly combed back.
After listening to Ethan's intentions, Kirk Ramsey put down a stack of documents and took off his glasses.
"Actually, what you're lacking right now is a manager, which is even more important than a lawyer."
"But as you said, you want to wait for the MV's results before contacting CAA. That's a good move. As long as you have a work, you've already passed the most difficult step. The next step is just negotiating a reasonable price with CAA."
At this point, Kirk Ramsey took a sip of water and continued, "But there's a key point: What role do you plan to take when joining CAA?"
"Director?"
"Oh, then I think that's a terrible decision." Kirk Ramsey raised a finger. "Because you have no fame right now. You're just a director who made a music video for an unknown rapper. Even if it's successful, CAA won't sign a contract based on the terms for a film director."
"Exactly," Ethan knew this well. There are too many directors available for music videos.
"So, you mean I should start as a cinematographer?"
"Exactly. Isn't that your original field? You have works, skills, and this MV proves you have directorial thinking and exceptional aesthetic sense. That's great." Kirk Ramsey wiped his mouth. "Moreover, there are more opportunities for cinematographers, whether in films, TV, commercials, or music videos. This is different from directing, where many directors work independently. Just because you make great commercials doesn't mean you'll be hired to direct films."
"Once you have genuine film and TV credits, you can join the ASC (American Society of Cinematographers). If you do a lot of still photography, you can also join the AIPA (American International Photographers Association) or the PPA (Professional Photographers of America)."
Ethan nodded. Indeed, as Kirk Ramsey said, being a cinematographer was the best choice.
"As for other matters, it's just normal collaboration issues. By the way, don't accept cash payments for contract fees. Northern black people like to pay in cash to avoid taxes. But remember, if they breach the contract, it's just a lawsuit, but if you do, it's the IRS!"
"Don't worry." Apart from the album cover, the MV was contracted.
Although Yesan seemed inclined to pay in cash, Ethan wouldn't agree after accepting Kirk Ramsey's advice.
After discussing various precautions, it was evident that Kirk Ramsey was very experienced. He mentioned many potential traps, and Ethan took notes, gaining a clear understanding of future management terms.
After their conversation, Ethan paid Kirk Ramsey a consultation fee and left the law office.
Just as he was about to head home, he received a call from an unknown number.
"Hello, this is Ethan. How can I help you?"
"Hello, I'm Giorgio, Vice President of Republic Records. I'm calling to meet with you about the MV you shot. I'm near the Bronx."
"Alright." Ethan agreed. Although he didn't know how this vice president knew about the MV he shot for Raymond, interest meant potential collaboration.
Isn't this exactly what Yesan was most worried about?
Soon, Ethan met Giorgio, the Vice President of Republic Records, at a Hooters.
But contrary to expectations, when Ethan approached, he found Giorgio struggling with a steak, knife, and fork in hand.
His suit was placed on a nearby couch, and his white shirt was neatly pressed, indicating that he probably had a diligent wife who took care of such details.
"Sit down. Would you like anything to eat?" Giorgio rolled up his sleeves and handed the menu to Ethan.
"I'll have some chicken wings," Ethan glanced around. He had never been to this restaurant before but had heard of it as one of America's sexiest restaurants.
He could understand why, after seeing the waitresses.
The girls, with various skin tones, wore low-cut T-shirts with the Hooters logo and shorts so short they revealed half of their buttocks.
Their swaying figures were visible at every moment, making the meal seem worth the price.
When the brown-haired waitress Ethan called over approached, she leaned down, deliberately showing off her assets to the two men, then smiled, "What would you like to order, handsome?"
"One order of chicken wings and a Coke." The chicken wings were famous for their taste. The steak and pasta were just ordinary menu fillers.
"Okay, no problem." The waitress's smile was impeccable. As she left, she lightly touched Ethan's hand with her finger.
Giorgio noticed and smiled, "Young people always get more attention."
Ethan laughed, "If you hadn't left your wallet on the table, I'm sure the invitation notes would have piled up from the table to the floor."
"Haha." Giorgio laughed heartily, picking up his wallet, which had a woman's name embossed on it.
Clearly, that was the reason the waitress had backed off.
"This is a birthday gift from my wife, and I cherish it a lot."
"You're a good husband."
"Perhaps. I also have my shortcomings," Giorgio said, then shifted the topic, "You must be curious why I suddenly reached out to you?"
"Of course, I haven't released any records," Ethan joked.
"True, but you shot an impressive MV," Giorgio said, putting his phone on the table and showing Ethan several photos of the MV's shooting scene and a recording clip of the song.
"I see." Ethan remembered that someone had watched when he was reprimanding others, but he didn't expect photos to be sent to Giorgio.
Returning the phone, Giorgio explained, "Actually, I originally intended to contact the singer directly, but unfortunately, he doesn't seem to be well-known."
That was correct. Raymond had just released a flop single, and of course, no one recognized him.
Instead, Ethan and Jimmy, who frequently mingled on set, were somewhat familiar.
"So, you want me to introduce you to the singer so you can sign him, right?"
"Exactly." Giorgio confirmed and added, "I've heard that SBK Records and this manager didn't reach an agreement, so I'd like you to make the introduction."
"Are you aware that Raymond had a failure before this song?" Ethan mentioned Raymond's flop single, "Beast Star."
Such matters couldn't be hidden. Republic Records was a label under Universal, with top-tier connections and funds. It would be foolish to think they wouldn't know about it.
It's better to let them consider it themselves.
"Hmm, this is the first time I'm hearing about it," Giorgio said, seemingly unfazed. He chewed on a piece of beef, savoring it.
"I know you're worried that Raymond's first failure might affect the album's release. But there are ways to avoid that." Giorgio swallowed the beef. "We can use a pseudonym during promotion, like wearing a mask. Once the reputation and sales pick up, we can reveal his identity. Isn't that more interesting?"
Seeing Ethan ponder, Giorgio continued, "Don't worry. If you introduce me to… Raymond, I'll give you a referral fee and… I'll also recommend you to other artists. I think you're very talented. To be honest, you're far more worth my attention than Raymond."
That was Giorgio's real intention. The song, in his view, barely met the pass mark, but Ethan, with his unique aesthetic as an MV director, was the talent he needed.
After realizing this, Ethan saw the brown-haired waitress returning with his chicken wings and Coke, her figure swaying, and she even gave Giorgio a playful kiss with her finger on her lips.
After she left, Ethan took a sip of his Coke, and Giorgio also lifted his coffee.
"Cheers!" The crisp sound of clinking glasses echoed between them.
"Let's look forward to a pleasant collaboration?" Giorgio smiled at Ethan.
"Looking forward to it." Ethan took a big gulp of Coke, the carbonation stimulating his appetite.
After the meal, Giorgio left first, and he would meet with Yesan tomorrow at Ethan's arrangement.
He paid the bill but didn't leave a tip.
"Waitress." Ethan called out. The brown-haired, fair-skinned waitress immediately came over.
"This is for you…" Ethan took out twenty dollars from his wallet and handed it to her. She immediately leaned down, deliberately showing off most of her fair chest to Ethan.
Ethan met her gaze, understanding her intentions, and then rolled up the dollar bills, tucking them into the gap in her cleavage.
During this process, his fingertips could feel a slight quiver and delicate sensation.
After receiving the tip, the brown-haired waitress bit her lip and moved closer to his ear, "I get off work at 5:30...what about you?"
"I'm busy." Ethan was telling the truth. He was going to buy a lawn mower.
"Then..." The brown-haired waiter took out a note from his pocket and stuffed it into his chest pocket: "My name is Rechal, don't forget to look for me when you have time."
.....
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