Chapter 85: The Power of Talent

[Chapter 85: The Power of Talent]

"Jennifer, did you see that? That's Link. He spent $20,000 making a film and ended up making $200 million at the box office. Do you still think he's unworthy of respect?"

In the office of the William Morris Agency, Sam Haskel pointed to a newspaper article featuring Link's photo, alongside the box office figures of $198 million. According to the Business Daily, Link and Guess Pictures would take home $120 million from the revenue split, marking the rise of a multi-millionaire at just 20 years old.

"Sam, I didn't mean to underestimate him. I just thought he was too young, that being a director wouldn't be such a strong suit for him. But I didn't expect him to get so lucky with Paranormal Activity's box office performance," Jennifer Connelly said as she flipped through the newspaper.

"It's not luck; it's talent. Link wrote and directed both his films, and he personally decided on the marketing strategies when the movie was released. The success of Paranormal Activity doesn't just show he's a good director but also a savvy film distributor. He is a versatile talent in the film industry. Even if he weren't directing, he would excel as a screenwriter, actor, or producer. There's no way his success is just a matter of good fortune," Sam Haskel insisted.

"Okay, I'll grant you that he's impressive. No one in the younger generation of directors has done better than him. But can you really say there's no luck involved in Paranormal Activity's box office take? If it weren't for that murder case in Murrieta a while back, would Paranormal Activity have performed as well?"

Jennifer wrinkled her nose, refusing to admit she had been short-sighted about Link.

"No, I don't see it that way. Just look at the newspaper. In the month leading up to Paranormal Activity's release, Guess Pictures was already promoting the ghost phenomena, which shows they were putting a lot of effort into marketing. Even without the Murrieta case, they would have found similar stories to generate buzz for Paranormal Activity. It's about creating opportunities when there don't seem to be any. The Murrieta case was an opportunity that Link seized during the film's promotion, not mere luck. You can't deny that."

Sam Haskel pressed on.

"Even if what you say is right, that Paranormal Activity's success stems from Link's talent, he still played dirty to promote the film, disrupting the entire market and causing other films to tank at the box office. Reports say that Link's future in Hollywood will face many challenges. It's clear the major studios won't just sit back and let him succeed; they'll look for chances to retaliate against him.

Sam, you're his agent, and you should be figuring out how to protect this valuable client instead of standing here praising him to me." Jennifer Connelly smirked.

"Ha! Jennifer, you think that way because you don't understand the game in Hollywood. When a director starts making money, the major studios just want to bring him on board to make more films and share in the profits. They won't crush him and lose out on those earnings. If collaborating makes money, why would they want to sabotage him?"

Sam Haskel chuckled.

"Plus, the major studios are seven different companies, and the competition is fierce. Pushing Link down would just allow competitors to take advantage. No studio would do that."

Sam smiled.

Jennifer blinked and looked up at Sam Haskel.

"Alright, I admit Link's talented. I'll write him a card congratulating him on his big box office success. Is that alright?"

"That's entirely up to you. You and Link are both my clients; if you support each other, it can only help both your careers -- especially yours. Last time Link said he could consider you for the leading role in his new movie. You're close in age, so picking up the phone to connect could lead to some common ground."

"Okay, I'm calling him now, begging the great director Link for a movie role."

Jennifer sniffed and left the office, clutching a couple of fashion magazines.

...

Sam Haskel watched her go, chuckling to himself. Although Jennifer pretended to be critical of Link, she clearly cared about his success and admired his talent. She just had a naturally proud personality that wouldn't let her show it.

Once Jennifer left, Sam continued to peruse the newspaper. As he scanned through the articles about Link and saw his photo, he sighed, feeling the weight of the situation.

When he signed Link on, he was a budding director with some recognition in Hollywood but far from the stardom he now enjoyed. Back then, he envisioned partnering with Link on a major project and earning a significant commission as his agent.

Reality, however, unfolded differently than he had hoped.

Link grew faster than anyone could have anticipated. In less than six months at WMA, he morphed from a newcomer into a box office heavyweight, his worth exceeding $100 million. Working with a small director allowed Sam to offer advice, help him secure jobs, and organize film crews, all from which he could earn his commission.

That was a partnership. But working with a multi-millionaire director meant he couldn't offer advice and was no longer in a position to collaborate. Their dynamic shifted from partnership to a more subordinate role.

He needed to manage Link's responsibilities outside directing effectively. That was a tougher job.

Yet having a top-tier director as a client raised his standing within the agency. He went from a junior agent to a mid-level agent with a pay increase and an office that now boasted a meeting room. Things were looking up.

...

Knock, knock, knock!

"Come in!"

The person who entered was Barbara Korman, a stunning and capable fellow agent. Barbara was also a mid-level agent at WMA, representing three star clients, with Tim Robbins being the most notable, and a rising star in the form of actress Madchen Amick, thanks to Twin Peaks.

"Ha! Barbara, what brings you here?"

Sam asked enthusiastically as he got up.

"Do you have time to grab a coffee together?"

"Sure, but first, spill the beans. I've heard you're pretty selective about who gets to enjoy your coffee."

"Hmph. Tim has a lot of respect for Link and hopes to meet him. Could you introduce them?"

"This? If that's your aim, I think I deserve a cup of that coffee," Sam joked.

She shot him a sideways glance before swaying her way back out.

Sam laughed and hurried to catch up with her.

...

Across the street in a cafe, Jennifer Connelly watched Sam smile as he followed Barbara Korman with exaggerated enthusiasm. She rolled her eyes and muttered, "what a kiss-up."

Glancing at Link's photo in the magazine, she hesitated before picking up the phone to call him.

*****

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