Chapter 235: Warner Bros.’s Attitude

Chapter 235: Chapter 235: Warner Bros.’s Attitude

"If you’re willing, I can introduce Shelly to you. He can not only help you manage daily affairs and connect with high-quality scripts, but he’s also more skilled at awards season PR, which is crucial for your push for the Best Actress Oscar."

Irene’s words hit the mark every time, without a hint of self-interest, entirely considering things from her perspective.

She fell silent for a few seconds and nodded solemnly, "Irene, thank you. I’m willing to learn more."

After hanging up the phone with Shelly, Irene casually placed her phone on the table and didn’t mention the salary again. Since she was introducing Hilary to Shelly, it would be safer to leave the subsequent contract details to a professional agent.

The atmosphere in the studio became a bit subtle for a moment. Seeing this, Hope Leslie from Warner Bros. took over the topic, his tone carrying a perfectly measured probe: "Director Coppola, I wonder if a distribution company has been finalized for this Million Dollar Baby yet?"

Irene looked up at him. "Mr. Leslie, the movie hasn’t officially started filming yet, and even the shooting schedule has only just been drafted. Talking about distribution now is a bit too early."

"It is early indeed, but for an awards-contending project, planning ahead is actually an advantage." Hope shifted the conversation, his eyes filled with a certain conviction. "If I’m not mistaken, you plan for this film to compete in the 75th Academy Awards, right?"

The smile on Irene’s face faded slightly.

She had only mentioned her plan to aim for the 75th Academy Awards to Shelly and her father. Even Adelaide from Fox only knew she was aiming for an Oscar without knowing the specific year. How did Warner Bros. know? She asked back nonchalantly, "Oh? Why would you guess that, Mr. Leslie?"

"Guess? It’s more like a calculation." Hope smiled, his tone carrying the confidence of an industry veteran.

"The 75th Academy Awards will be awarded next February, and participating films need to complete their public screening by December 31st this year. With you preparing now, based on an 80-day shooting cycle, it’s entirely possible to release it before the end of the year. If you were aiming for the 76th, there wouldn’t be such a rush to finalize the core cast."

He paused and threw out a more persuasive bargaining chip: "Furthermore, Warner Bros. just handled Training Day last year and helped Denzel Washington win Best Actor. We have a very thorough understanding of the Oscar rules, film critic PR, and the preferences of Academy members. Your film has a deep theme, and the cast has potential. As long as we join forces, the chances of winning will be much higher."

Irene picked up her coffee cup, her fingertips rubbing against the rim as she calculated inwardly.

Denzel Washington winning Best Actor certainly had the merit of Warner Bros.’s PR, but everyone knew the Oscars had owed black actors recognition for years. That win was more like the dual result of current trends and PR operations.

However, Hope’s words weren’t wrong. Warner Bros. indeed had mature experience in Oscar campaigns. That was an indisputable fact.

In her previous life, Million Dollar Baby was distributed by Warner Bros. and eventually swept the Oscars. If they continued to cooperate in this life, it would be a familiar path. Moreover, with a distribution company involved early on, the promotional budget, release schedule, and PR strategy could be planned in advance, which was indeed much safer than finding a distributor at the last minute.

After Fox learned her new project was an Oscar contender, they hadn’t contacted her again, presumably giving up. Since she had to find a distribution company anyway, now that Warner Bros. had come to her, could she negotiate for better terms?

While she was pondering, the studio door was pushed open, and Shelly walked in looking travel-worn, carrying a briefcase: "Irene, you called me here in such a hurry, is there something urgent?"

Irene stood up and introduced with a smile: "Shelly, this is Hilary Swank, my choice for the lead actress of Million Dollar Baby. Hilary, this is the agent I told you about, Shelly Ovitz."

Shelly’s eyes lit up, and he immediately understood Irene’s meaning. As an agent, he was naturally aware of the dispute this lady had with ICM last year. Irene calling him here at this time was likely to help him land a client. So he quickly stepped forward to shake hands with Hilary:

"Ms. Swank, I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve always admired your acting skills. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to collaborate."

Hilary also stood up and politely shook back: "Mr. Ovitz, a pleasure to meet you. Irene recommended you to me, and I was just looking to learn more."

As the two exchanged simple pleasantries, Hope also chimed in at the right time, looking at Irene: "Director Coppola, regarding the distribution cooperation, you can take your time to consider. Here is my business card. If you have any thoughts, feel free to contact me anytime. Warner Bros.’s doors are always open to you."

Irene took the business card and nodded: "Thank you, Mr. Leslie. I will consider it seriously."

Shelly keenly sensed the atmosphere, looking at Irene and then at Hope, probably guessing a few things. He didn’t ask much, just smiled at Hilary and said, "Ms. Swank, why don’t we find a place to talk about the cooperation in detail? Irene should still have things to discuss with Mr. Leslie."

Irene had the same intention and immediately agreed: "Right, you two go talk in the reception room next door. Shelly, pay a bit more attention to the details of Hilary’s contract."

"Don’t worry," Shelly replied, leading Hilary, her lawyer, and her assistant toward the reception room.

Only Irene and Hope remained in the studio. Hope looked at Irene and said sincerely, "Director Coppola, I am truly optimistic about this project. You are a genius director, Hilary is a powerhouse actress, and with Warner Bros.’s Oscar experience, we will surely create a classic work."

Irene smiled and didn’t give a definite answer: "Mr. Leslie, give me a few days to think. Once the actor’s contract is finalized on my end, I’ll give you an answer."

She knew in her heart that distribution cooperation was no small matter and couldn’t be decided hastily. But Warner Bros.’s sincerity and experience indeed made her a bit tempted. After all, to push for an Oscar, a reliable distribution partner was too important.

Seeing Irene’s attitude soften, Hope Leslie didn’t push too hard and nodded with a smile: "No problem, I’ll wait for your good news." He stood up and straightened his suit. "I won’t disturb you in handling the subsequent matters. Warner Bros. is always welcome to discuss the details with you."

After seeing Hope off, Irene walked to the window and watched his car leave the studio park, still pondering the distribution cooperation.

Warner Bros.’s Oscar experience was indeed tempting. Being able to secure a distribution company in advance would reduce the workload in the future, which was also a good choice for Irene.

At this moment, the door to the reception room opened, and Shelly and Hilary walked out, both with satisfied smiles on their faces.

"How did it go?" Irene turned and asked.

Shelly spoke first: "Very smoothly! Ms. Swank has agreed to sign with CAA. I will be fully responsible for her management affairs, including the contract details for Million Dollar Baby."

Hilary also added with a smile: "Mr. Ovitz is very professional and understands my pursuit of the role. We had a very pleasant conversation. Regarding the salary, I don’t have any high demands, as long as I can fully immerse myself in the character."