Chapter 234: Recommendation

Chapter 234: Chapter 234: Recommendation

"One is Charlize Theron, whom you’ve worked with before. You two had great chemistry in The Italian Job, and she’s currently looking to pivot and chase awards.

The other is Michelle Williams, who has solid acting skills, a good reputation in the industry, and has clearly expressed interest in this project," Shelly introduced at a steady pace.

"However, I know you didn’t plan on holding open auditions, so I haven’t given them an answer yet. I wanted to ask your opinion first."

"Are these two your clients?" Irene asked in return, her tone giving nothing away.

Shelly laughed upon hearing this, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out.

"How could they be? They’re clients of other colleagues in the company. I’m just passing along the word." He knew full well that Irene was always strong-minded. If they were his own clients, she might show a bit of professional courtesy, but since they had nothing to do with him, she likely wouldn’t be easily swayed.

"Then let’s put them off for now," Irene said without hesitation, her gaze falling back onto the script, her tone certain.

"Wait until I finish talking with Hilary the day after tomorrow. If things go smoothly, we’ll sign the contract immediately." To her, the role of Maggie had belonged to Hilary from the start. Charlize Theron’s aura was too bright and glamorous, and Michelle Williams’s presence was a bit too soft. Neither fit the character as well as the ’burn-the-boats’ resilience Hilary possessed.

Moreover, since they weren’t Shelly’s clients, she naturally saw no need to disrupt her long-finalized plans for the sake of irrelevant favors.

Hearing this answer, the smile at the corners of Shelly’s mouth was almost impossible to hide. He quickly turned his head slightly to conceal the excitement in his eyes.

Having knocked around Hollywood for so many years, he had never met a partner as decisive and independent as Irene.

Furthermore, she even considered her agent’s feelings. One had to know that employees within CAA were in a competitive relationship. He hadn’t even produced an Oscar-winning Best Actor or Actress yet. Why would he want to hand this opportunity over to his competitors?

"Alright, I know how to reply to them," Shelly responded, lightly giving the car some gas as it accelerated smoothly toward the Disney production center.

"Speaking of which, the special effects team over at Disney has been working overtime lately. They say they’ve already finished the effects for several key scenes in Pirates of the Caribbean. It should satisfy you."

Irene gave an "Mm." The visual presentation of Pirates of the Caribbean was of paramount importance. The quality of the effects directly impacted the film’s viewing experience, so she couldn’t afford not to take it seriously. But as long as the special effects were on the right track, she could let go of the post-production later.

The appointed day soon arrived. A faint scent of coffee wafted through Irene’s studio, and the storyboard for Million Dollar Baby and a boxing training schedule were spread out on the desk.

Hearing a crisp knock at the door, she looked up and replied, "Come in."

The door was pushed open, and Hilary Swank walked in, dressed simply in a black knit sweater and jeans, looking clean and sharp.

But to Irene’s surprise, she was followed by three others: a woman wearing glasses who looked like a lawyer, a young man who appeared to be an assistant, and a middle-aged man in a dark gray suit with a capable aura.

Could this middle-aged man be her agent?

Before Irene could ask, Hilary spoke first with a bit of embarrassment, "Irene, I’m sorry, I brought a few extra people along."

She stepped aside to introduce them. "This is my private lawyer, Leah, who’s responsible for handling my contracts. And this is the distribution executive from Warner Bros., Mr. Hope Leslie. Hope heard I was in contact regarding your new project and was very interested. He insisted on coming along to take a look. I hope he hasn’t disturbed you."

Hope Leslie immediately took a step forward and proactively extended his hand, his attitude humble yet retaining the confidence of a major studio.

"Director Coppola, I’ve heard so much about you. Please forgive my unannounced visit. I’ve always followed your work, especially the box office miracle created by My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which I admire greatly. I heard you’re preparing a new film, and Warner Bros. very much hopes for an opportunity to cooperate, even if it’s just participating in distribution."

Irene smiled and shook his hand, her eyes showing no sign of resentment. "Mr. Leslie, no need to be so polite. I’m very glad to meet you. The studio’s doors are always open to good partners."

After everyone was seated, the conversation quickly turned to business.

Irene pushed the drafted letter of intent directly in front of Hilary and spoke candidly about details such as salary, shooting schedule, and physical training arrangements.

Halfway through, she couldn’t help but ask curiously, "Hilary, normally these contract details are handled by an agent. Why are you here to discuss them personally today?"

As soon as she said this, a trace of helplessness crossed Hilary’s face, and she sighed softly. "To be honest with you, I’m not currently signed with any talent agency."

She explained briefly, "I was with the ICM agency before, but they always booked me for commercial appearances and high-traffic TV series, completely ignoring my desire to play good roles. They even forced me to turn down several art films I really liked. Last year, I couldn’t take it anymore and proactively terminated my contract. I’ve been working solo ever since, relying on my lawyer and assistant to handle things."

Irene suddenly understood, and the mystery in her mind was finally solved. No wonder the email she sent a week ago had gone unanswered. That email address was likely the work account ICM had set up for her, which had long since been deactivated after she left.

"So that’s how it is," Irene nodded. "But to be honest, going solo is too exhausting, especially in the acting profession."

She paused. "Hilary, I won’t hide it from you—I have great ambitions for Million Dollar Baby. It’s not just an ordinary independent film. I want to make it well, get it into awards season, and push for an Oscar."

"If we really make it to the Oscars, the PR, the red carpets, the critics’ outreach, and industry resources—all of these require a professional management team to support. You alone simply won’t be able to handle it, and you’ll easily find yourself at a disadvantage."

Hearing this, a flicker of emotion flashed in Hilary’s eyes. She knew this truth all too well. It was just that once bitten, twice shy, and she was full of wariness toward talent agencies.

Irene saw through her concerns and softened her tone, proactively suggesting, "I wonder if you’re familiar with CAA?"

Hilary thought for a moment. "I’ve heard of them. The biggest talent agency in Hollywood, with very strong resources, but I’ve also heard they’re very commercialized."

"True, CAA is massive, but there are also high-quality agents within it who focus solely on the work and don’t engage in forced marketing," Irene said bluntly.

"My agent, Shelly Ovitze, is at CAA. I can guarantee you that he won’t force his clients to take bad roles or run irrelevant events. Plus, he doesn’t have any female clients right now, so resources can be heavily tilted in your favor."