Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 350 The Crisis Faced

After an awkward hour-long meeting, Peter Schneider and Joe Ross left Michael Eisner's villa, leaving only Michael Ovitz behind.

The head of film and animation has made it clear that he does not accept his leadership, causing Michael Ovitz to worry about his future!

Michael Ovitz also realized that he was in a crisis. Without managerial authority, how would he manage the company once he officially took office?
More importantly, his longtime friend Michael Eisner failed to step in to help him quell the situation, which made him feel betrayed.

Looking at Michael Eisner, Michael Ovitz's tone seemed pleading, "I really need your help, old friend!"

Michael Eisner simply shook his head. "You know I can't do that. That's how it is. If you don't want to sign this contract, tell me now."

"Huh?" Michael Ovitz trembled all over, and upon hearing these words, he almost lost his balance.

His formal agreement to serve as president of Disney has not yet been announced, and if he resigns now, it would be a devastating blow to his image!

In particular, having just been humiliated by being abandoned by the Scragran government led by Edgar Bronfman Jr., he could not afford the consequences of another breakdown in cooperation, leaving him with virtually no other choice...

ICM Headquarters.

Nancy Josephson rushed to the office of ICM President Jeffrey Berger.

"Bill Haber has left CAA, and Richard Lovett is now in charge. Kevin Huvanae, Rob Wright, Brian Lord, Rick Nisita, David O'Connor, and others serve as managing partners."

"The CAA is in a state of panic right now, and our opportunity has arrived!"

Nancy Josephson looked excited, her eyes gleaming.

Jeffrey Berg laughed, "Ronald Meyer went to MGM as president, and Michael Ovitz is going to Disney as president."

"Unexpectedly, even Bill Harper, one of the last veterans, liquidated his shares and left CAA."

Can the CAA, with its young and promising team including Richard Lovett, withstand the impact of the ICM and WMA?

"Michael Ovitz joining Disney has not been officially announced yet, so let's wait and see."

Jeffrey Berg reassured him, after all, this was a big shot at CAA.

Furthermore, the rumors that Michael Ovitz would follow Seagram to take over MCA were rampant before, but now that Seagram has acquired MGM, he has invited Ronald Meyer instead!
Nancy Josephson nodded; she understood. The president of Disney was no joke.

He's not just the president of Disney Movies; Disney is not just a simple film company.

"It won't be easy for Michael Ovitz to secure his position as president of Disney!"

Jeffrey Berg tapped the table. Although Michael Ovitz was one of Hollywood's most successful agents, he had no experience managing large media groups.
An agent's job is to act as an intermediary, with the main task being to help their clients get more money. But now, the nature of their job has completely changed; they have to find ways to help their former clients get less money from Disney.

"Then, at least we can contact some of CAA's artists, right?"

"When Michael Ovitz officially joins Disney, CAA will definitely be in trouble!"

Nancy Josephson certainly didn't want to wait; this was a golden opportunity. The large-scale reshuffling of CAA's top management presented the perfect time to poach talent.

Jeffrey Berg nodded. “Of course, keep an eye on CAA’s artists.” Burbank, Dawn Global Headquarters.

Aaron sat down in his chair and asked Dawn Steele, who was sitting opposite him, "How's the Rush Hour project going?"

"It's still in preparation, and we're still considering the actor who will be paired with Jack Cheng!"

Aaron smiled and said, "Bad Boys grossed $6500 million in North America, plus $7500 million overseas, for a total of $1.4 million worldwide."

"Director Michael Bay's abilities have been proven, but the two Black lead actors also delivered outstanding performances."

"Both Martin Lawrence and Will Smith are very good, and both possess considerable comedic talent."

"Especially Will Smith, if he teams up with Jack Sing, there will definitely be unexpected results!"

Dawn Steele thought for a moment, then nodded. "Indeed, Will Smith's performance in our 'Bad Boys' was outstanding."

“He has a strong comedic talent, and this ‘Rush Hour’ is an action comedy, so it’s definitely worth a try.”

Besides, Will Smith is cheaper than other established movie stars.

"By the way, how's the script 'Good Will Hunting,' written by those two young guys Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, coming along?"

That script was purchased from Castle Rock Entertainment in its early days, with a promise to cast Matt Damon as the male lead!
"Director Gus Van Sant is very interested in the script. He just directed Julia Roberts' dark comedy 'Nothing to Lose' and is currently preparing for 'Good Will Hunting'."

He is still revising the script for Good Will Hunting.

Good Will Hunting is an art film, and Gus Van Sant is an art film director. He collaborated with Dawn on My Own Idaho a few years ago.
The collaboration on "Good Will Hunting" is not too surprising, except that Gus Van Sant doesn't like film companies interfering with his films.

Aaron nodded. "Giving it to Gus Van Sant is fine too. After all, Good Will Hunting is just a low-budget art film!"

In the evening, the action blockbuster "Con Air," starring Tom Cruise, held a grand premiere.

Aaron also attended the post-screening party; after all, it was a Tom Cruise movie!

"It seems the Mission: Impossible crew filmed in several European countries, right?"

Aaron clinked glasses with producer Paula Vagola.

Paula Václav smiled. "Yes, we went to the Czech Republic, England, and France. The crew is currently filming in Illinois."

"The positive response to 'Con Air' has given me even more confidence in 'Mission: Impossible'!"

Aaron took a sip of his drink, then glanced at Tom Cruise not far away. "Tom's popularity is no joke. 'Con Air' was exceptionally well-made."

"I believe there will be a big surprise when Mission: Impossible is released next year."

Paula Wagner smiled, "I hope it's as you say..."

(End of this chapter)