From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Back and forth, give and take, without hesitation or pause, the conversation unfolded just like that, and the naturalness that inadvertently flowed out revealed their true thoughts.

Anson's nonchalant words actually made the smile on Mike's lips freeze—

Yeah, doesn't he have confidence?

Could it be that subconsciously, he also agrees with the market analysis within the company? So, is today's visit with Dustin also a gamble?

It was this brief pause that interrupted the thread of the conversation, and inadvertently, the initiative quietly shifted slightly in Anson's direction.

Anson glanced at Mike, the corner of his mouth slightly raised, and then added, "Oh, by the way, we hope this is a contract for one album. As for the second album and future situations, we can sit down and discuss them in depth at that time."

The bombshell was actually here.

Mike was stunned, unable to keep up with the rhythm, and blurted out reflexively, "How is that possible!"

After thinking about it carefully, Mike shook his head gently, "This is not possible."

A short-term contract for one album is equivalent to Warner Records potentially making a wedding dress for someone else. They have no initiative whatsoever. Warner Records would never agree to such a losing deal.

Anson was not surprised—

Just as he said before, record companies need to hold onto the lifeline.

Either the contract stipulates the number of albums, for example, the band must cooperate with Warner Records to release three albums before being able to discuss renewal or termination of the contract.

Or the contract stipulates a time limit, for example, the band must stay with Warner Records for a full three years before being able to discuss other possibilities.

Within the contract period, the record company has absolute initiative, and the larger the company, the more skilled it is at safeguarding its own interests.

Therefore, Mike's response was completely within expectations.

Anson shrugged slightly, "Mike, of course, we can sign a contract for three albums, or we can sign a contract for a three-year period; but honestly, it makes no difference to me, because I'm not sure if there will be a second album."

Mike: … …

Dustin, "But… …"

The words were already on the tip of his tongue, but Dustin looked at Anson's completely calm face, and the subsequent words actually braked on his tongue, crowding into a ball.

"Yeah, there might not be a second one after all. After all, you don't need to care at all. You have other jobs, and you obviously don't need to worry about these things."

After a murmur to himself, Dustin was a little lost—

He now had no intention of complaining about Mike anymore.

A smile climbed onto Anson's lips, "Perhaps Warner Records should reconsider this invitation. If you decide to give up, I can understand."

This… …

Things didn't seem right. Originally, Warner Records should have been in a superior position with the initiative, but why didn't Mike feel any initiative now?

Dustin still cherished talent, his heart tightened, and he quickly moved forward. He leaned closer to the table, "Anson, are you serious? Don't you want to sign a contract?"

"Haha, no, no, no." Anson waved his hands repeatedly, smiling, "I am willing to record an album, and it is an honor that Warner Records is willing to come to my door in person."

"But playing in a garage band is always easier, and leaving the garage and entering the real world is more complicated, right? We need to face reality."

"You are not sure about your choices, and I also need to discuss with the other three band members. There are still many possibilities, and there is no need to rush to a conclusion, don't you think?"

Everything is just a beginning.

Calm, wise.

Anson once again showed a completely different face, taking the initiative in the negotiation.

No matter what, at least one thing is correct:

There is no need to rush things.

Warner Records needs to continue the discussion internally, and Anson also needs to start discussions with the band members. It is impossible to make a decision in a short period of time.

So, the meeting ended.

Watching Anson's back as he skateboarded away, Dustin was a little anxious, "Mike? Is that it? We just let him go like that?"

Mike, "Otherwise, what else can we do?"

Dustin, "At least we should try harder and persuade him properly."

Mike looked at Dustin, "Do you think Anson is so easy to persuade?"

Dustin: … … A breath stuck in his throat, and he couldn't help but feel a little frustrated, "Why does it feel so weird? It seems like something is not quite right, right?"

"Heh," Mike chuckled, "We all underestimated that young man. No, I think the entire Hollywood didn't see him accurately."

"Dustin, he is an actor, young, handsome, and talented, a promising actor."

In the North American entertainment industry, there are many cases of singers crossing over to actors or actors crossing over to singers, Cher, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, etc.; the younger generation is no exception, Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, etc.

It is precisely because of this that EGOT is known as the highest grand slam in the North American entertainment industry, spanning the four major areas of television, music, film, and theater, the highest award in the entire industry.

However, the reality is a little more special.

Among the younger generation, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, etc. have all tried acting, and the resources are better than the other, but without exception, they have encountered severe criticism.

Among them, after Justin tried many times but still failed to break through, he was even jointly ignored by Hollywood film companies. Although it cannot be said to be a ban, producers often shook their heads helplessly when they saw his name. No project was willing to give him a chance, even a superstar of Justin's level faced such a dilemma.

After the millennium, EGOT is almost an unattainable dream. Compared with actors and singers, songwriters and producers are more likely to collect the four major awards, after all, they are behind the scenes, and different fields are still completing the same job.

In 2002, the issue of crossover was not so serious, but it is undeniable that they need to face this problem—

Whether Anson is willing to record an album is one thing, and whether the album will be criticized after its release is another.

Mike admitted that it was not until now that he truly took Anson's identity as an actor seriously.

Originally, Anson was just a vase. His role in "The Princess Diaries" was also limited. Like millions of viewers, if it weren't for that transformation on "The Tonight Show", they would have completely ignored Anson's identity as an actor.

But now, Mike actually realized that "Spider-Man" was about to be released, and Anson's acting career was on the rise, which was a problem they had to face.

Once the album is released, Warner Records may face pressure.

Dustin became alert and tasted the deep meaning in Mike's words, "So, you mean, we just give up like this?"

"No, no, no."

"Mike, we shouldn't miss Anson."

"He is outstanding, he is really very outstanding, believe me, his music should be heard, we don't want to miss this musician."