From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Negotiation and manipulation are skills.

If Edgar had immediately exposed Mangold and Keetch's predicament and cut to the chase, although Edgar could still achieve his goal, the two Jameses probably wouldn't have refused Edgar's olive branch; but a condescending, lecturing attitude would inevitably be off-putting—

Just like Sony Columbia.

In this way, even if cooperation were to occur in the future, a time bomb would still be planted, potentially becoming an uncertain factor in the cooperation process, and no one would know when or how it would explode.

However, Edgar didn't.

He was amiable, chatting and laughing, and was simply a thoughtful and caring person.

His words made Keetch's blood boil and his heart surge, eager to repay the kindness with everything he had.

At this moment, Mangold maintained a sliver of rationality—

Such a coincidence, like having a pillow delivered just as you're falling asleep?

This is Hollywood, there's no such thing as a free lunch, and the more perfect something seems on the surface, the higher the likelihood that the truth is a trap.

However, Mangold wasn't a fool either, and he didn't just say whatever came to mind.

When he spoke, he was slightly cautious, "Isn't this a bit too sudden?"

Edgar chuckled, "Sudden? Director, are you really sure?"

His words seemed to hold a deeper meaning.

Mangold felt a pang of guilt: Could the news about today's events with Sony Columbia have leaked? Impossible, right?

Keetch glared at Mangold, "No, no, no, not at all, in fact, the opportunity is perfect. We've also encountered some disagreements in our negotiations, and we obviously have different ideas about the film's positioning and script details."

"The director and I have been discussing these past few days whether we should revise the script or inquire with other production companies that truly respect us?"

"After all, like Anson, we're looking forward to producing an excellent work that will allow people to rediscover the charm of Johnny Cash."

Mangold, standing aside, was winking and making faces, still unable to suppress his worries—

Indeed, Keetch and Mangold had just been discussing whether they should inquire with other film companies.

Now that Anson was getting closer to joining, the project naturally carried more weight; if Sony Columbia wasn't willing, there were other companies that might be interested.

Edgar's matchmaking was perfectly timed.

But what if Edgar introduced some random, no-name production company? What if it was a fraudulent company? At least Sony Columbia had a bottom line, but replacing them with an unknown company would be uncertain.

Mangold still felt that something was strange.

However, Keetch couldn't wait any longer and was completely in Edgar's grasp.

Keetch ignored Mangold's gaze, "So, of course, there's no problem, we're willing to explore all possibilities."

Edgar's laughter came from the phone, "Heh, alright, no problem, I'll send you their contact information in a moment, and you can schedule a meeting with them yourselves."

"Oh, right, his name is Wood. Lucas Wood."

After speaking, Edgar hung up the phone directly without waiting for a response.

Keetch looked at Mangold, and Mangold looked at Keetch, both of them stunned.

… …

Every day in Hollywood, projects are being discussed, with deals worth fifty million or even a hundred million dollars being tossed around, and top stars like Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise being mentioned at every turn, as if they were standing at the top of the world, looking down on everything.

Among them, "Walk the Line" was truly insignificant—

Low investment. Biopic. Awards season assignment.

Moreover, focusing on a country music superstar like Johnny Cash, who was active in the sixties and seventies, lacked the lasting influence of legendary figures like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan.

Honestly, the level of attention was extremely low.

In fact, McCusker also had some hesitation, unsure if he should keep tracking it, perhaps the busy Michael Lynton had already forgotten about the project; but considering that this was a task assigned by the CEO, McCusker still felt he needed to report on it.

If he reported it and the boss didn't care, then he could forget about it; but if he didn't report it and the boss remembered it later, then it might be his fault.

So, McCusker still knocked on Michael Lynton's office door.

Although both of them were named Michael, McCusker obviously didn't dare to call the other person by his first name directly.

"Mr. Lynton, I just wanted to mention that 'Walk the Line' has been signed."

Michael Lynton paused slightly, "What?"

As expected, he didn't remember.

McCusker had to explain, "The Johnny Cash biopic, with Anson cast as the lead, but you thought the project wasn't suitable…"

Michael finally reacted, "Ah, that project, I remember it, what, it's still been signed? Amy Pascal pushed it through herself?"

"No, no, no." McCusker waved his hands repeatedly, "Not with us."

"After I asked the producers to make a judgment, they found Twentieth Century Fox and another independent film company whose name I'd never heard of, and started discussions with them separately."

"Rumor had it that Twentieth Century Fox was very interested, and they had entered into specific cooperation agreement negotiations, but I contacted the producer there and chatted with him casually, and they ultimately rejected the project as well."

McCusker explained as thoroughly as possible to prove his contribution.

Michael raised his chin, "Oh, so they signed with another company?"

"Yes, a brand new company, without any experience, rumored to be funded by Silicon Valley money." McCusker explained, "Sorry, I still couldn't completely stop them."

Michael waved his hand dismissively, "No, we have no quarrel with that project, there's no need to go to such lengths."

"Hollywood is so big, they can always find fools willing to invest."

"I just didn't want her to use this project to further expand Anson's influence on the board. Honestly, I think she's at her wit's end now, clinging to Anson as a lifeline, so I cut off that lifeline, and the rest will be easy."

McCusker raised his chin as if he understood, and flattered him with a few words.

Then he asked, "What about this project…?" Did he need to keep tracking it?

Michael didn't even look up, "Ignore it, let them fend for themselves."

"A Johnny Cash biopic? Anson's first acting challenge? Haha, that's really interesting, it could challenge for the biggest flop of the century."

Dismissive and nonchalant.

From beginning to end, the "Walk the Line" project was never in Michael's eyes; to be precise, he didn't even care about Anson—

The goal should be grander, there's no need to care about those small fries.

After speaking, Michael gently patted McCusker on the shoulder.

"Good job."

He praised him and then prepared to continue working.

After waiting for a moment, Michael realized that McCusker was still standing in front of him, and he glanced up casually.

"You can leave now, don't you have other important things to do?"