From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Brian Swardstorm, only thirty-eight years old, started as an actor and producer, but his career was unsuccessful, with a series of mediocre works. However, he shone brightly after transitioning into the agency business.

In just a few short years, he became one of William Morris's top agents. He represents A-list superstars like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and his clients won three awards at last year's Emmy Awards. Without a doubt, he is currently a rising star.

Starting this year, Brian became one of William Morris's senior partners. Although not yet the CEO, he is indeed responsible for many businesses, including organizing partner meetings.

At William Morris, where seniority is emphasized, some initially thought that Brian, with his relatively shallow resume, might face controversy and challenges. But in fact, the smooth-talking Brian has cultivated excellent relationships with the other partners.

Without being condescending or aggressive, and maneuvering effortlessly between different factions, Brian is indeed playing the role of "Switzerland," cleverly uniting the upper echelons of William Morris.

Time is precious, and Brian is not prepared for lengthy speeches, so he gets straight to the point.

"Whose client is this?"

Brian held up a photo, looked around the room, and showed it to everyone; but the entry speed was too fast, and the old hands in the meeting room were still busy with their own affairs, their attention not immediately focused, and their reactions were slightly scattered.

Brian was not surprised —

This is how the agency business in Hollywood works: actors often follow agents, not agency companies. What does this mean?

It means that if Brian were to jump ship to another agency now, his actors would, without exception, likely follow him.

This gives agents tremendous power, and their relationship with the company is rather delicate.

Of course, there are exceptions. Besides Leonardo DiCaprio, who constantly changes agents to work with Martin Scorsese, there are also actors who switch companies because they are dissatisfied with their agents.

The most famous example is Halle Berry. She was originally with Creative Artists Agency, where they helped her win the Oscar for Best Actress; but after reaching the pinnacle of the Oscars in 2003, Halle was not satisfied with the company's attitude and planning, so in 2005, she jumped ship to William Morris, without her agent.

Later, after spending more than a decade at William Morris, Halle returned to Creative Artists Agency, hoping to re-plan her career.

In short, the relationship between agents, agency companies, and actors is not that simple.

The agents in front of him are all powerful figures with tremendous resources, and Brian must throw out a bombshell to grab their attention.

Brian was not flustered. He placed the photo on the table, signaling everyone to pass it around, and continued speaking without pause, cutting to the focus of this impromptu meeting.

"This 'Spider-Man' casting should be our opportunity to turn the situation around."

"Sony Columbia is not limited to selecting actors from any one agency. Sam Raimi is willing to open up all possibilities."

"We all know that Creative Artists Agency will definitely do everything they can to seize the opportunity, but I hope we can seize it, because according to the information I've gathered, Sony Columbia is preparing to shoot a sequel. They are very determined."

In a few words, he immediately grabbed everyone's attention, and all eyes were focused.

Without Brian needing to explain, the veterans in the room all understood what this meant.

In the current film market, sequel films are everywhere, which is not surprising, but now it is 2000, and it is not popular to produce sequel films together in a package. Often, they take one step at a time.

In the future, when a project is established, the scale of a trilogy is planned from the beginning, and the three films form a series, even completing the layout of the trilogy from a creative level. This is mainly due to the linkage of the "Marvel Universe."

Now, it's different. Shooting a film is one project, and it may not even leave a tail at the end of the film to bury the sequel foreshadowing. Only when the film's box office explodes will a sequel be arranged.

Moreover, directors are not enthusiastic about shooting sequels. The most typical example is the "Alien" series, which has both critical acclaim and box office success, but the three films have three directors, and the connection between them is very weak.

But!

Brian said that Sony Columbia plans to shoot a sequel during the preparation stage, which is indeed a bombshell.

First, it shows Sony Columbia's determination, and they will inevitably invest more effort in the film.

Second, it is very rare and lacks precedent in 2000 to put the sequel on the table before the first film has even been shot, which means that agents can fight for more remuneration for the actors, after all, Sony Columbia does not want to replace the main actors in the sequel after the first film is successful.

Third, perhaps they can also use this as a bargaining chip to package more supporting roles' jobs.

Finally, and most importantly, their relationship with Creative Artists Agency is a life-and-death competition.

In a flash, the atmosphere in the meeting room changed subtly.

Brian was not surprised by the effect he had created, and his expression remained calm.

"Yesterday, the first batch of actors arrived in New York to audition. Sam Raimi and the producers from Sony Columbia and Marvel will all be present for the official audition."

The specifications are grand.

"But there isn't a single client we represent there."

There was a faint commotion in the meeting room, "Brian, we submitted a list according to Sony Columbia's requirements, including thirty-six young actors. We've done our best."

Brian looked at the source of the voice and responded lightly, "But it's obviously not enough."

Brian leaned forward slightly, "Hey, we're discussing a one-hundred-million-dollar project. Although we're not sure about the final investment cost, it's almost certain that this is the biggest project since 'Titanic.' We need to do better than 'thirty-six actors.'"

They looked at each other in silence.

Ian Bryce, a very, very important name in Hollywood. He is the producer of films such as "Saving Private Ryan," "Speed," "Batman Returns," and later, he also produced the first film in the "Transformers" series.

This time, his name also appears on the "Spider-Man" producer list.

"But I have a question, whose client is this?"

Brian's gaze returned to the photo again, returning to the topic at the beginning.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.

All eyes were focused on it, and the concentration at this time was completely different.

Harry Smith happened to see the photo, "Wait a minute…" He almost choked on his own saliva, "I know him." His eyes were completely wide —

Wait, what's his name?

However.

Before Harry could grope for a clue, a voice came from the depths of the cave in the back of the meeting room, instantly overturning the balance of the entire space, stirring up a storm.

Like a thunderclap.

"It's me!"

Fifth update.