Chapter 60 – A Nobody for Now
Today, the big three Hollywood agencies—ICM, CAA, and WMA—all offered package deals.
For many studios, these packages solved numerous headaches and saved time. But when agencies combined directors and actors to demand high fees, often inserting themselves into the creative process, studios found the arrangement frustrating.
Bringing in star directors and A-list actors to negotiate profit shares meant agencies could indirectly influence the production. Studios had a love-hate relationship with these packages.
The upside was clear: agencies had abundant resources and could quickly assemble complete projects, ensuring a steady supply of films to theaters. Especially CAA under Michael Ovitz—greedy and domineering—had perfected the art of packaging.
That evening, at a beachside bar near Santa Monica Pier, Aaron Anderson and Jennifer Connelly enjoyed tequila while watching a live performance.
Watching the black rapper on stage, Aaron shook his head. The West Coast gangsta rap scene had been developing rapidly, closing in on New York.
"By the way, Connelly, how's the restoration work at Stanford going?" Aaron asked.
"Almost done," she replied. "Most of the damaged buildings have been repaired; only a small portion remains."
Aaron nodded, thinking about whether to donate to Stanford—maybe a way to pave the path for his descendants. But he decided it was too early.
"Let's dance, Aaron," Jennifer said, clearly excited about landing her role in Rocketman.
"Sure," Aaron replied, pulling the stunning Jennifer Connelly onto the dance floor.
Amid the haze of alcohol and hormones, they quickly locked in a passionate kiss, exploring each other's warmth.
"Bang!" Aaron was bumped by another couple embracing nearby.
"Sorry! I'm just so excited tonight. Let me buy you a drink!" the man said, grinning from ear to ear—handsome, and exuding unmasked joy.
Aaron paused, then looked closely—Brad Pitt!
"Sure, let's grab that drink," Aaron said, holding Jennifer and heading toward them.
It was Brad Pitt with his girlfriend, Juliette Lewis.
"Ah, Jennifer Connelly!"
"And you're film producer Aaron Anderson?"
Jennifer had been a child star, so many in the entertainment world recognized her.
Aaron looked at Juliette Lewis. "I know you—you're Juliette Lewis. How do you know me?"
Juliette had also debuted as a child star, her fame once surpassing even Brad Pitt's.
"Last year at CAA, you were a celebrity!" Juliette said with a smile. "This is my boyfriend, Brad Pitt, also an actor—he was in the thriller-comedy Cool World High."
At 27, Brad Pitt was still a nobody in Hollywood.
"Hi, Pitt. Call me Aaron," he said. "As for Connelly, you already know her."
Aaron sized up the pair. Juliette Lewis was only 17, ten years younger than Pitt.
"Aaron, it's great to meet you. I've seen your news recently—Phone Booth is really awesome!"
Aaron smiled at Brad. "You seem happy. Did you get a good script?"
Brad Pitt was brimming with excitement, eager to share his good news.
"Yes! Today I auditioned for Ridley Scott's set and landed a small supporting role," he said.
"This wasn't easy—it took multiple rounds of auditions, and I beat out plenty of tough competition!"
Aaron perked up. "Ridley Scott's project… that's Thelma & Louise, right?"
Brad nodded.
"You read about it in the news, then. Initially, Scott only planned to produce, with Jodie Foster and Michelle Pfeiffer as the leads," Aaron continued.
"Unfortunately, they couldn't find a suitable director. Jodie Foster went on to The Silence of the Lambs, and Michelle Pfeiffer took other scripts. So now, the leads are Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, correct?"
Brad confirmed again. Thelma & Louise had been in pre-production since the previous year.
"You're following this project too, Aaron?" Brad asked.
"Yes. The script's solid, with strong feminist themes, a touch of the West, and a road-trip vibe. And now that Ridley Scott is directing, it's a well-known gem in the indie film circle," Aaron said, patting Brad on the shoulder.
"You're lucky to have this role—cherish the opportunity. Maybe we'll have a chance to work together in the future."
Then Aaron left the bar with Jennifer Connelly.
"Wow, he's so young—just twenty and already worth over ten million dollars! Incredible!" Brad said, envious as they departed.
Juliette Lewis shrugged. "He is impressive. Last year, in front of everyone at CAA, he boldly claimed Dick Tracy wouldn't even reach half of Pretty Woman's box office. Everyone thought he was crazy."
"Now he's proven he's not crazy, just a genius," she added.
Brad frowned slightly. "Then why did he leave CAA? If he'd stayed, he'd have a major position by now."
Juliette smiled. "At CAA, aside from the three shareholders, who else could pull in hundreds of thousands or even millions annually?"
"True," Brad admitted with a laugh.
"Anyway, I'll just focus on doing my best as the thief in Thelma & Louise," he said.
His competition for the role was formidable—especially George Clooney, who made it to the final round. Physically, Clooney was impressive, though only two years older, his mature look made it awkward for him to play a college student.
Meanwhile, in a nearby parking lot, Aaron and Jennifer Connelly were sharing a passionate kiss in the car.
"Darling, let's head home," Jennifer whispered.
Aaron leaned back, breath ragged, Jennifer's disheveled clothes revealing her alluring 34D figure.
"Mm," Aaron kissed her lips. "Is Rocketman filming entirely in California?"
Jennifer nodded. "Most of the outdoor scenes are in California, with many sequences shot right here in Los Angeles. Miss me? You can come to the set anytime!"