From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

It might sound absurd, but the truth is, in Edgar's view, whether it was Eric White or Harry Smith, his greatest advantage compared to them was his complete lack of possessions.

This was not a joke.

Because Eric and Harry were already at the top of the pyramid, adding one more Anson wouldn't make much difference, and losing one wouldn't matter either. Anson's value to them was limited.

But for Edgar, who was just starting his career with William Morris as his backing, it was a different story, a completely different story.

He was willing to devote everything to Anson.

Therefore, he needed to take a gamble.

Before him, Anson didn't speak, just looked over quietly. Edgar knew that now was the time for him to burn his boats and go all out.

"Ahem."

Edgar cleared his throat.

"This is a William Morris meeting. Harry doesn't know me, but I know him. At William Morris, I'm afraid there's no one who doesn't know Harry Smith."

"He's an arrogant jerk, but he is indeed very capable."

"He'll put on three thick layers of hairspray, so even a hurricane won't mess it up. He'll wear a Rolex, and maybe, he'll even stand in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows in his office, making sure you don't miss the view of Century City outside, letting you realize his office is on the seventeenth floor."

His words were slightly disorganized but exceptionally vivid, the trivial details easily painting a picture.

"'I've seen countless actors, countless,' perhaps, at this moment, he'll list some heavyweight names, increasing his tone, and then continue, 'But the feeling you give me is different. Only a few actors have given me this feeling, like Marlon Brando.'"

"He will definitely mention Marlon Brando. It's always the same. If it's a male actor, it's Marlon; if it's a female actor, it's Audrey Hepburn."

"Because in the late stages of Marlon and Audrey's careers, when Harry had just started working in the William Morris mailroom, he not only saw them up close but also served as their agent's assistant for a while, occasionally running errands, occasionally helping with phone calls and letters."

"He always tirelessly tells anecdotes about Marlon and Audrey. Of course, who can refuse Marlon Brando and Audrey Hepburn?"

"Superstars, undoubtedly superstars."

"But I hope you ask him a question, 'How do I stand out? How do I highlight my characteristics and prove that I have the ability to become a superstar?'"

Anson slightly raised his chin. Edgar had indeed grasped a key point, and it was clear that Edgar had a sufficient understanding of Harry.

That question seemed to be Harry's weakness.

In fact, it was.

In Edgar's view, Harry Smith's strength lay in managing interpersonal relationships but lacked artistic appreciation.

What does that mean?

It meant that Harry had never cultivated a top-tier superstar from scratch himself.

If it was an artist with a certain foundation, he could often open up the situation based on his smooth and skillful social abilities. Anyway, choosing to cooperate with big directors, big producers, and big actors wouldn't go wrong, but when it came to how a work was, what kind of work was suitable, and why this work should be chosen, he was completely clueless.

Of course, this was also a very rare and very important ability—so it was for second- and third-tier actors, but it was very unfriendly to newcomers.

Moreover, Harry advocated "superstars." He believed in the charm of superstars, such as Marlon and Audrey, so he was more willing to spend time on top stars.

Currently, Harry had Michael Bay, Natalie Portman, and Mel Gibson, three top artists between the first and second tiers. More than 80% of his working time was spent revolving around them, and he was too busy.

It was precisely because of this that Edgar asked Anson to ask that question.

Edgar believed that Harry would not be able to give a satisfactory answer.

The corners of Anson's mouth turned up slightly, revealing a hint of curiosity, "I thought William Morris emphasized seniority. Is it really okay for you to arrange Harry behind his back like this?"

Edgar smiled dumbly, "I should say this, it's already the twenty-first century, and the agency industry is no longer the scene of the eighties."

A pause, a slight shrug, "Welcome to Hollywood?"

"Ha." Anson liked this answer. Edgar didn't hide his ambition, which was frank and straightforward enough, "Then what about the meeting with Creative Artists Agency? We all know that Creative Artists Agency is now the industry leader."

"'Hey, Anson...'" Edgar said, pinching his throat.

Anson laughed directly, "Can you say it in your voice? Has anyone said that you're a very bad actor?"

Edgar didn't mind, spreading his hands, "So I became an agent."

Anson laughed heartily.

Edgar switched back to his own voice, "Eric White would say this, 'We are the strongest in the industry,' simple and direct, 'Actors all over Hollywood are eager to enter Creative Artists Agency, especially new actors. We all know that Creative Artists Agency has the best resources and the best system in Hollywood.'"

Wow, so confident?

Edgar twitched the corner of his mouth, "Anson, this is what I said, not Creative Artists Agency, because this is the truth. They have such confidence and such strength. Although from the income financial report, we William Morris have caught up with Creative Artists Agency, and now the two companies are indistinguishable."

"But..."

"In terms of influence, we can't compare to Creative Artists Agency."

"That is indeed the truth."

"Anson, do you know how the 'Twenty Million Club' came about? And how did the 'Frat Pack' and 'Friends,' which helped you win attention, come about?"

No need to answer, combined with the previous and subsequent contexts, the answer was already out—

Creative Artists Agency.

Anson raised his eyebrows slightly, "Wow, I admit, you caught me off guard. I didn't expect you to have such an evaluation of your competitors."

Edgar didn't mind, "Denigrating the strength and excellence of opponents is actually equal to destroying one's own confidence. On the contrary, admitting the excellence of opponents is the first step in completing one's own transformation."

In the Vanity Fair, having such a mentality was not an easy thing.

Edgar added, "What's more, this is industry consensus. We all know that the dragon is there. Denying the facts will only make oneself look foolish. Creative Artists Agency has proven itself, and we don't need to be stubborn."

Anson became somewhat curious, "But why didn't you go to Creative Artists Agency to become an agent?"

Edgar glanced at Anson, "This has nothing to do with what we're discussing."

Anson disagreed, "Since you think Creative Artists Agency is so powerful, but you didn't join Creative Artists Agency, this is obviously contradictory."

Edgar thought carefully, "You're right, I just made a mistake."

He readily admitted his mistake.

"The reason I didn't join Creative Artists Agency is actually the same as the problem you're about to face. It's not that Creative Artists Agency is not good, but is their business model suitable for you?"

The fourth update.