Behind The Spotlight Chapter 209
The two stared into each other's eyes, neither blinking, as if backing down first would mean losing leverage. They were in the same company, and it was hard to hide their intentions since they were also shareholders. Each had their own means of acquiring information.
Knowing that Collin was close to the CEO, Salvador believed that it was Lila who had told Collin about the negotiation with Nation TV.
"A few years ago, you were looking for talk shows where your female client could host. I believe you're here for the same reason, and timing like this is never coincidental."
Salvador knew about Jennifer Randon. She was just a small-time actress who hadn't had a strong career in Hollywood. Her biggest breaks were roles in The Accidental Wedding Crashers and Week On A Cruise Ship, but those roles were nothing more than flukes, forgettable appearances that failed to elevate her status.
Still, Salvador admitted that Collin was resourceful and skilled at handling his clients. The fact that he had turned Jennifer into the host of a famous singing competition was impressive. Salvador saw no talent in the woman, yet Collin disagreed and had results to support his belief.
However, Salvador's opinion was not important right now. Personal bias had no place in negotiations. He could see through Collin's intention. What Salvador was waiting for were tangible, worthwhile benefits.
"What can you offer me?"
"Offer you? I don't know what you're talking about," Collin feigned ignorance.
"The negotiation with Nation TV is near its closing. We are just finalizing the contract and other clauses. Many people have been trying to talk to me about making their clients the host of the show, some more desperate than others. And honestly, what they offered was quite interesting."
In fact, one of the agents even offered his two female clients to satisfy Salvador, but he didn't agree, not out of morality, but out of boredom. Simply because he could get women without trying. With his position, any small-time actress would agree to sleep with him. Hollywood had so many beauties that some men even turned gay from being too numb to beautiful women.
"I'm still not agreeing to them because I'm waiting for someone to offer me a better price, something that actually matters. Now, are you the one who can satisfy me?"
'…That sounds gay,' Collin thought but didn't voice it.
"How about a role in my director's next movie? Guaranteed exposure. Wyatt is one of the best comedy directors in the industry."
"And what? Wait two years before I can harvest the benefits? It's not worth it. Besides, my actors are capable enough to get projects on their own."
"You don't have a new client?"
"I have no reason to sign a new client. My roster is already optimized. You should know that better than me."
"I was hoping you had a new actor, but alas."
Collin had done his research and confirmed that Salvador had no new clients. He had hoped it would make things easier, but reality was often disappointing.
"How about transferring Wyatt's contract to me instead? A fair exchange. If you agree, then Jennifer is automatically the host of the talk show. No audition needed at all. It saves everyone time."
Jennifer Randon had hosting experience, so Salvador had no problem making her the host. Hosting a singing competition and hosting a talk show had clear differences but also shared similarities.
"If you don't want to transfer Wyatt's contract, then how about Lawrence Terrence? He's just an actor, he is replaceable. I'm sure with your keen eyes, you can find another talented actor like Lawrence," Salvador pressed harder.
'Talented actor, my ass. Lawrence is a rare talent. I cannot even find an actor with the same consistency at the box office.'
Lawrence's talent strongly influenced the box office. His talent attracted audiences, making ticket sales surge. God knows if Collin could find another actor like him.
Obviously, Collin wouldn't agree to Salvador's conditions. Both Wyatt and Lawrence were out of the question, non-negotiable assets.
"Oh, so you don't want to let go of Wyatt and Lawrence? I understand. After all, you're a talent agent from the Film Department, and they are your foundation in the industry. Then how about Princess Chantal? You're not an expert in handling music artists, she's not a huge loss to you."
"But you're not from the Music Department, you can't handle Princess Chantal either," Collin raised his brow.
"That's right, but I can transfer her contract to the Music Department and gain benefits from them."
Knowing how famous Princess Chantal was, everyone in the Music Department would sacrifice their souls just to become her agent.
However, Collin had no intention of transferring Princess Chantal's contract to anyone, not even temporarily. She was his biggest money-maker.
It didn't matter that Collin owned a share of Moonrise Music and earned profit from Princess Chantal, he wouldn't give up her contract.
"…I see. Considering that you want to make Jennifer the host of this talk show, it means you have no intention of letting her go. Then we are left with Axel Gunner."
It was obvious that Collin wouldn't give up his three biggest clients. Now, Salvador was going for the kill. He licked his lips in anticipation.
'Axel is not that famous, but his last movie, The Born Identity, was a huge hit and a confirmed franchise. Even if he can't get constant big projects, I will still earn millions from him,' Salvador thought.
He believed Axel was the client Collin would be willing to sacrifice, a reasonable assumption.
"Transfer Axel's contract to me, and I will make Jennifer the host. Final offer."
It was true that Salvador had no intention of signing a new actor. Investing in a new client was time-consuming and a gamble with uncertain payoff. He preferred managing his already famous clients and maintaining the status quo.
However, Axel Gunner was different. He was not a new actor. Axel had starred in many films and had box office appeal, he was worth negotiating for.
Salvador looked at Collin, waiting for his reaction.
"Salvador, you didn't let me talk at all," Collin chuckled.
"I'm not here to transfer my clients' contracts to anyone. That was never an option."
When Salvador heard that, his expression turned dark, irritation surfacing.
"Then what can you offer me that justifies this meeting?"
"My votes. To be precise, my vote and Arnold's vote for the next company election next year. Arnold and I will sign a contract with you and promise that we will vote for you to be President of Talent Management and Representation."
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[Thank you for reading this novel.]