Chapter 51

Request for recommendation votes and Three Rivers votes!

As cups of black beer flowed to dozens of tables, the aroma of grilled meat wafted through the air, and the sound of clinking glasses echoed continuously. After much hard work, the crew finally had a rare moment of relaxation, especially the satisfaction of making the boss and director bleed once, which was truly a rare pleasure for the crew members.

In their eyes, Murphy was simply the epitome of a miser.

But Bill Rosi, who was sitting at the same table as Murphy, didn't see it that way. In his eyes, Murphy was instead a very skilled planner.

The importance of planning for a director goes without saying.

They had already discussed topics related to agency business. After a satisfying meal, Murphy brought up the topic again, "Bill, to be honest, I don't need an agent right now. I'm currently shooting a film that I've fully funded."

Putting down his glass, Bill Rosi wagged his finger at Murphy, "That's true, your crew has already passed the most difficult initial stage and is now operating smoothly. An agent appearing at this point indeed wouldn't help your shooting."

He emphasized, "But Murphy, have you thought about how your film will enter the distribution channels?"

Murphy opened his mouth but said nothing. He had long considered the distribution issue, and the best method was to pitch the film to the numerous distribution companies in Hollywood.

This was a common approach that any industry insider could think of, and there was nothing much to say about it.

"With my involvement, things will be different," agents are undoubtedly skilled at persuasion, and Bill Rosi was no exception, "I'm just an ordinary entertainment agent, but I have a large company behind me, and I can access a considerable amount of resources. I'm sure you know the strength and status of my agency in the industry."

When signing with Carey Mulligan, Murphy knew that Bill Rosi came from a vast entertainment agency empire—CAA!

Bill Rosi continued, "I know many people, even without the company's resources, I have my own network of contacts. I can introduce you to some buyers from distribution companies and help you arrange screenings at independent film festivals to promote your film."

Murphy's right index finger tapped lightly on the table, clearly in deep thought.

"I'm sure you understand..." Bill Rosi pressed on, "A film that is shot but cannot enter the distribution channels has almost no meaning."

This view aligned with Murphy's own thoughts. Any brilliant film is just the foundation of success; a comprehensive promotional and distribution plan is the necessary condition for it to shine.

Not to mention the film of average quality he was shooting, even those widely recognized classic films, how many have flopped due to distribution issues, causing the investors to bleed to death?

He had no credentials, no network of contacts, and no distribution channels. If he could leverage the power of an agent, the difficulties he would face after completing the film would certainly be fewer.

Murphy wasn't naive enough to think that once the film was shot, he could find a few distribution companies, throw out a promotional plan, and they would obediently bite, signing a relatively fair distribution contract with him.

That was a notion only a kindergartener would have. The difficulty of distributing independent films in Hollywood was something even a newcomer like him knew all too well.

"Murphy, I can't guarantee how many resources CAA will allocate to you, and with my position in the company, I can't make such a guarantee."

Bill Rosi knew that to win over someone like Murphy, it was best not to exaggerate. Showing sufficient sincerity was more effective, "But I will do my best to promote this film, find it a suitable distribution channel, and make sure 'Hard Candy' truly reaches the audience, rather than being stored in a warehouse."

"Oh, that sounds really tempting," Murphy raised an eyebrow but loosened his stance, "There's one thing you need to know, I got ten thousand dollars from Kobe Bryant, and the person handling it was from your CAA."

"That's not a problem," Bill Rosi didn't seem to care at all, "We have completely different departments for sports and entertainment, and the basketball department isn't as valued within CAA."

This was an invitation from a CAA agent. Considering CAA's strength and status in the entertainment agency field, it would be a lie to say Murphy wasn't tempted. The saying "relying on a big tree for shade" wasn't without reason.

After weighing it for a while, Murphy slowly spoke, "Let me think about it. Before 'Hard Candy' is completed, I'll give you a definite answer."

Bill Rosi extended his hand, "It's a deal."

Murphy slapped his hand, "It's a deal!"

Both of them had their own thoughts. Murphy naturally wanted to leverage the resources of an agent with some experience in Hollywood like Bill Rosi; as for Bill Rosi, his words weren't entirely trustworthy. If Murphy signed with him, he would just gain another potential asset. If Murphy didn't sign, he would only have wasted some words, with no actual loss.

Entertainment agents are exceptionally shrewd; how could they do a losing business?

The "it's a deal" just now was just a verbal agreement.

Murphy, of course, knew this, but having an excellent agent would certainly help him avoid some detours in the future.

"It's getting late," Bill Rosi glanced at his watch and took the initiative to leave, "I need to get back to Los Angeles, I'll be off."

"Goodbye," Murphy didn't try to keep him, but reminded him, "Bill, get my lead actress back to me as soon as possible."

"You'll see her soon."

Bill Rosi turned and left. Before he even stepped out of the grill house, James Franco approached Murphy with a large cup of black beer. He didn't hesitate and sat down opposite him.

"Cheers!" He clinked his glass with Murphy's and took a big gulp of beer. Murphy raised his glass, "Cheers."

He also took a big sip.

Perhaps he had drunk a bit too much, James Franco's face showed a hint of drunkenness, "You know, Murphy, in this crew, the person I admire most is you."

"No..." he waved his hand, "Among the people I've met in the past two years, you are the one I admire the most."

"Huh?" Murphy was puzzled.

"Being able to make a devilish girl dance around..." James Franco, emboldened by the alcohol, lowered his voice, "And still treating you as the best person in the world, isn't that worth admiring?"

Murphy shook his head, not responding to him, but said, "You've had too much, Jim, you should go back and rest. We have shooting tomorrow."

After saying that, he stood up and clapped his hands, "Alright, everyone, that's it for tonight. Go back and rest early, we have work tomorrow!"

Page AD starts

Page AD ends