Hollywood Art: System of sunnys

February 1990.

Jim Wiatt expressed the opinions given to him by James Cameron to closely follow Billy Carson through the request to sign Billy for his respective work with his company, Lux Comics. Among everything, he wants to give him special attention. For some time now, reports have been flooding his desk. The young man has a fruitful relationship with Nike. Secondly, there are rumors about a collaboration between Lux Comics and Warner Media. There have been several developments gathered through the information chain and some have been represented. Another animated battle may enter the battle for ratings on cable television.

The question on everyone's mind in the company is, how talented is this boy? Some are skeptical of his insistence on adding the boy to the prestigious roster of Creative Associative Arts. But more than anyone, after four years of working with James Cameron, Jim knows the director's demand for excellence and his disdain for anything mediocre. Cameron is a perfectionist and very demanding of himself as well as others. That speaks volumes, as someone as difficult as James is a good benchmark, and he has had astonishing films. He is a talented individual who holds Billy in high regard.

That's why Jim Wiatt called Billy's father and asked if he should follow his hunch... after all, he's a mentor. And he has never given a bad recommendation. The response didn't take long to arrive. Hire him now!

Among the first things Jim did was to read his works... well, he assigned some famous writers from the agency to read his works, and they were amazed by the graphic, literary, and visual talent in the novels. They mentioned the lack of publicity for t, competence works, otherwise, they would indeed compete with Marvel and DC. Secondly, Jim conducted extensive research gathering all possible information he could find. He found copyright records dating back three years, which means Billy started drawing at the age of eleven. He always remembers a comment from his father, a retired successful agent, "There are people who are born with golden stars at their birth."

Therefore, he decided to become the agent of young Billy Carson, a relationship that could catapult him to become a star agent and eventually a partner in the agency. Everyone desires a superstar in the world of entertainment, if there is a good relationship between agent and client. Only the weight of a superstar can secure him a prominent position in the company.

taking risks and searching among the sea of possibilities for one that leads to success. Such opportunities are either created or connected through the world of favors that constitutes everyday life. It's a common story for those who have industry connections, like Jim, who had a well-connected father who still could help him. However, winning ess through his means is what he desires. His father provided him with a starting point that he has worked on for 15 years, and he hopes to climb higher in the next 10 years.

On many occasions, he has missed out on opportunities because he doesn't belong to the network of favors among the big players. He stumbled upon James Cameron as a coincidence, but he even senses that this relationship will end in two years when his contract expires. He doesn't have the exit strategy that other agents can provide. Even though he has made significant sums of money with James, he can't compete with other top agents who can fulfill all their needs.

-Good morning, this is Jim Wiatt speaking, - he said.

-Good morning, this is Lux Comics. How can I assist you? - Anne replied, surprised by the call. Not many people can directly reach the company. The recent callers were regional sales management from Nike, Warner Media, and James Cameron himself.

-Good afternoon, this s is Jim Wiatt from the CAA agency. I would like to schedule a meeting with Billy Carson regarding a potential partnership, - the agent mentioned the other end.

-Oh, I can call him in the evenings. He's usually available during that time, - Anne said from the background.

-I would prefer to meet in person and discuss this matter personally with Billy and the relevant parties, - Jim said.

-Ohhh, alright. It can be in two days at the North San Jose address at 3:00 PM, - Anne said. - Is that possible for you?"

-It's not possible for me, but it can be on Tuesday of next week, - Jim Wiatt said.

-Oh, that's possible, sir. I will schedule the appointment for Tuesday of next week, - Anne said.

In the following days, Jim was caught up in a flurry of activities regarding production and James Cameron's preferences for the development of the film. Many technical aspects of the science fiction movie, such as the visual effects, still needed to be discussed and agreed upon.

Due to Cameron's complete distrust of CGI effects after the failure of the film Tron in 1982, the inclusion of both digital and practical effects in the movie has become a novel and complicated idea to implement. It has been a headache for this science fiction film.

He prefers quality over quantity, but that doesn't mean he has fewer responsibilities. Press conferences, sponsorships, covering up scandals, and managing egos among his clients and various celebrities in the industry are part of his daily tasks. The numerous challenges that can arise in Hollywood due to misinterpretation or words taken out of context are an everyday occurrence, from tabloid journalism to relationships with the entire team. Today, on Tuesday, he was attending a meeting with a potential star in his eyes.

Therefore, Jim Wiatt arrived at the company on Tuesday completely exhausted from the numerous items on his agenda for the week, as well as the delayed two-hour flight, which only added to his headache. He was once again running behind schedule.

He arrived at the company half an hour late.

-Good afternoon, my apologies for the delay, -  said Jim Wiatt, an inconvenience by the inconvenience. He looked sweaty, busy, and a little disheveled.

The meeting room at Lux Comics had an artistic ambiance, resembling a university lecture hall or a photography studio.

-Please come this way, - Anne said. The renovations at Lere are a testament to their prosperous times. The walls had been replaced with glass in the conference room, the floor was smooth, white, and shiny, and the newly purchased furniture had beautiful upholstery. Paintings adorned some walls, filling the blank spaces.

Young Billy was in the meeting room, sipping a Coca-Cola and sketching on blank sheets of paper with a pencil, perhaps working on a new piece. A new comic.

-Good afternoon, I'm Jim Wiatt. It's a pleasure to meet you, - the agent said.

-Pleasure to meet you too, Jim. Come this way, - Billy said. He was completely alone, a trust placed in him by his father. He was organizing his future autonomously, with the finer details to be worked out with the lawyers, "his father," and Anne.

The two individuals looked at each other in the meeting room with a sense of curiosity.

-We're waiting for someone... - Jim said.

-Not at all, sir. The finer details of the contract are being handled by my lawyer, - Billy said.

Jim was surprised by Billy's response. How old is he? Could there be any issues? But he decided to continue... he would try to present his points. In a way, it's good not to have a lawyer involved who can generate hypothetical impossibilities in the clients' future thoughts.

-Well, starting this meeting, I represent CAA. As an agent, my goal is to seek sincerity in our relationships and maximize the benefits for your interests as a creator. The more specific I can connect you with Hollywood, the more your works will be valued and respected, - Jim said.

-How would you achieve that? My goal is to prioritize respect for my creations and maintain ownership of them, - Billy said. - How can I be sure that, in moments of pressure from a company regarding my work or when you must fulfill a political favor, you won't prioritize money over my interests? The concern lies in the pros and cons of having an agent. -

-Well, you can see my work. Currently, I represent five individuals, and my success is based on the relationships I have with each of them. Money can be earned unexpectedly. I understand the distrust toward agencies, as there have been many cases where an agent has disregarded their client's future for personal interests. If you can support your decisions with logic and coherence, I am willing to fight alongside you, - Jim Waitt said.

-Decisions based on logic and coherence. What are your criteria for making decisions? Considering that my choices will be illogical according to common standards, - Billy said.

-Of course, but a person with your abilities has goals. I can sense your ambition, - Jim said. -We'll work with assumptions. You're talking to someone who deals with numerous individuals with unique tendencies, egos, minds troubled by fame, women, and money. Eccentricity is often encountered, and I can assure you that, through logical events, the spectrum is wider than in business relationships. -

-Well, in that case, you must understand that I want to be an actor. I have no interest in being a director. I have a strong passion for animation and nothing could be further from that, -  Billy said.

-An actor... direct skill, could direct be just around the corner? -  Jim asked.

-Although it may be the logical step, being an actor is my main priority. I have never been interested in directing, -  Billy said.

-Well, that can be resolved... You could venture into directing in your later years. There's plenty of time and reasons that could eventually lead you down the path of directing, - Jim said.

-That's true, we can't predict our futures, -  Billy said cynically.

-I can help you get into the best acting academy in San Jose, as early as tomorrow, - Jim said.

-Can you? - Billy asked, curious.

-Oh, yes, it's not difficult at all, - Jim mentioned. - Have you ever reviewed for? Once I have reviewed your profile, it's easy for me to submit it to the acting academy. -

-In theater productions, I've been competing since I was six years old, -  Billy proudly mentioned. -But I don't want to use my real name as an actor. It would be fine to use a stage name. -

-You can work with that. However, it ultimately depends on your talent, and from what I gather, your talent as a playwright is exceptional. It could be a stepping stone toward directing, -  Jim said.  - As for your stage name, sure. Have you thought of one? -

-I haven't thought of one yet, but simply changing my last name would be fine, - Billy said.

-Well, I'll think of one that would be useful, - Jim replied.

He pondered for a moment and looked at Billy.

-Regarding your desire to retain your copyrights, you'll have to make many concessions. Sometimes selling the rights to your work can provide excellent guarantees. What are your reasons? -  Jim asked.

This was the critical question in the conversation. If he didn't want to be a director, he could consider being a screenwriter. However, young Billy's strong point was solely his work. He hadn't showcased his acting talent, nor demonstrated his skills, and his Hollywood career was non-existent. His value lay in his creations, creativity, and potential.

-Well, it's a personal reason. I don't want to give away anything of mine. But it's also because I want to have my animation studio. If I have the rights to my works, it's easier to develop potential shows, - Billy said.

-It's reasonable, Billy. It's all very reasonable. One could even say it's more than what 70% of the industry wants, -  Jim said.

-thank you, - Billy responded.

-Now, let's move on to the most important part: your payment. As you know, I don't need an agent. I'm here to improve my situation as a future actor and be part of the industry, - Billy said.

-Well, it varies depending on each person. But the CAA agency typically takes a 5% commission from all contracts I secure under my name. I keep another 5%, but given the limited prospects for new talents, that percentage often increases to 10%. It's challenging to secure roles, contracts, and deals when we're talking about a complete rookie, - Jim said. - However, for you, I can accept the 5% that established or regular actors receive. -  Jim said.

-That's acceptable. Those agreements only apply to relationships established by you and CAA. They won't interfere with pre-existing relationships, - Billy said.

-Well, as an agent, I need to be aware of all your relationships. It's difficult for me to fulfill my job if I'm not well-informed about your obligations to different brands to avoid potential conflicts, - Jim said.

-Oh, well, I'm referring to contracts made on behalf of Lux Comics, even if they are in my name, the company is under my father's care, - Billy said.

-No problem, as long as the contract doesn't personally obligate you, I have no concerns, - Jim Wiatt said.  -However, I need to be aware or have an idea of anything that may impact your image, - he added.

-Agreed, - Billy said.

-Furthermore, if you ever need CAA to initiate a relationship, the agency will take the agreed-upon 10%, even if it's your own company as the principal, - Jim said.

-I understand. Does CAA ever lower those fees? - Billy asked.

-It's not the usual practice, - Jim replied.

-Well, as long as the contract doesn't have any conflicting terms according to my lawyer, it's possible to close a deal with you, Mr. Waitt, - Billy said.

-Well, Billy, our future is within reach. I hope our relationship will be mutually beneficial, - Jim said.

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