The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 410

The following day was a day off, and Matthew spent it on the estate. He checked on the newly transplanted trees in the private woods with Lister, who had hurried over in the morning. After lunch, he had a visitor.

"Your blog this morning said you were planning to hide away at home and be lazy," Ilana remarked. She took the coffee offered by the maid, thanked her, and then turned back to Matthew. "So, I came to check up on you."

Matthew leaned back into the plush sofa. "Really?" he asked.

Without the slightest hint of a blush, Ilana replied instantly, "No. I just wanted to see if you had any good news for me."

"Didn't you just publish a big story?" Matthew shifted into a more comfortable position. "Something about an 'epic boxing match' between the 'worst director on the planet,' our angry Uwe Boll, and the film critics."

"I heard he sent you an invitation. Are you going?" Seeing Matthew nod, Ilana pressed on, "In that case, can you take me with you?"

The invitation mentioned he could bring a guest, so Matthew replied without hesitation, "Yes."

Then he asked, "Is Uwe Boll really that bad of a director?"

"Well... you could say that." Ilana considered for a moment. "One of my reporters visited an Uwe Boll set once. He interviewed a few crew members and asked if their consciences bothered them, working so hard to create such a terrible movie. Do you know what they said?"

Before Matthew could respond, she provided the answer herself. "They said no, because they would never go watch the movie they were making."Matthew was left speechless.

Ilana added, "Two days ago, I got a tip that Uwe Boll has been in contact with Blizzard. Apparently, he wants to get the film rights for their popular game, Warcraft."

Thinking of the massive Warcraft fanbase, Matthew shrugged dryly. "The fans will be thrilled."

Ilana changed the subject. "How are the negotiations for I Am Legend coming along? When do you think you'll officially sign the contract?"

Matthew answered candidly, "Helen's still in talks with them. I think it'll be a while before we reach an agreement."

"Then you and Helen had better watch your backs," Ilana warned. "I got some inside information from CAA. Francis Lawrence, the director of I Am Legend, just fired his agent. He's about to sign with them."

"Really?" Matthew was instantly on alert. "Is your source reliable?"

Ilana, who had known Matthew for a couple of years and maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with him, said, "TMZ has sources inside CAA. We get tips from time to time."

She paused for a moment, careful not to reveal too much about her methods, before adding, "I think Francis and CAA have been working together for a while now."

Matthew's brow furrowed. Will Smith was a CAA client, and both he and his agent had been in contact with Francis recently.

"Thanks for the heads-up," Matthew said, his tone serious.

"We're old friends," Ilana said with a smile.

Matthew nodded. "I need to call Helen."

Ilana waved a dismissive hand. "Go ahead. I'll have a look around. I haven't had a chance to properly appreciate such a luxurious estate yet."

Matthew went into the next room to call Helen. It turned out Francis had fired his agent two days ago. She'd just heard the news but had no idea he was moving to CAA.

A few minutes later, Matthew hung up. He called Ilana back, and they rushed over to the Angel Agency to discuss their next move with Helen.

****

In a conference room at CAA's Century City headquarters, Francis Lawrence sat beside his lawyer, listening as he clarified a few questionable clauses in the contract. Across the table, a patiently waiting Kevin Huvane was flanked by two representatives from the Directors Guild.

He was about to sign his official agency contract with CAA, witnessed and supervised by his lawyer and the Guild representatives.

CAA's reputation and power were legendary throughout Hollywood. Fueled by the agency's own PR, many media outlets depicted it as an omnipotent star-making machine, where actors and directors alike seemed destined for success the moment they signed.

This perception influenced the choices of many, including Francis Lawrence. Even Matthew had to admit that CAA's power and the resources it commanded were unparalleled in Hollywood.

Even an old powerhouse like the William Morris Agency lagged behind.

Besides, CAA's roster boasted a long list of major stars and directors. It was a powerful lure for anyone with ambition in the industry who wanted more opportunities to advance their career.

Ever since Will Smith and Kevin Huvane had approached him, Francis had been seriously considering their offer and what it meant for his future.

After transitioning from directing commercials to the Hollywood film scene, he had stuck with his old agent. The man was part of a mid-sized agency and perfectly adequate for commercials and music videos, but he lacked the competence and connections for the film industry.

CAA, on the other hand, was on a completely different level.

Francis believed that by joining CAA, he would secure more opportunities and a brighter future for his career.

"No further questions." The lawyer's voice brought him back to the present. "It's ready to be signed."

Hearing this, Francis glanced at the two representatives from the Directors Guild. The taller of the two nodded. "The contract is fully compliant with Guild regulations."

With both his lawyer and the Guild giving the green light, Francis relaxed. He picked up the pen and signed the three copies of the contract.

After signing, he handed one copy to his lawyer, and one of the Guild representatives took another for their records. Then, Kevin Huvane stepped forward and shook his hand.

"Welcome to CAA," Kevin said warmly. "From this day forward, CAA will provide you with the best and highest-quality agency services in the world."

Francis simply smiled.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries before Kevin dismissed the others. Once they were alone in the room, he said, "You must feel more at ease now, right?"

He knew perfectly well that Francis had been hesitant to openly support Will Smith's bid for the lead role while still under his old agency contract.

"I always trusted you," Francis said, and he seemed to mean it. "The only reason I've delayed this long was to prepare and wait for the right moment."

Will Smith and Kevin Huvane had made a fine speech, but empty promises were the least reliable currency in Hollywood. It wasn't as if CAA hadn't broken faith before with fools who trusted their word.

From the moment Kevin had made the offer, Francis had been waiting for a show of good faith from Will Smith and CAA.

Hollywood ran on quid pro quo. And while Francis might privately believe that America and the entire Western world owed a debt to Black people, and while he might personally be attracted to beautiful Black women, he had no particular interest in helping a Black man like Will Smith out of the goodness of his heart. He wanted other, more substantial benefits.

Of course, he also knew that even if he were interested in Will Smith, it wouldn't matter. Compared to a superstar of Smith's caliber, he was just a minor director.

Kevin added, "Helen Herman is negotiating with Goldsman, but progress is slow on both sides."

He reminded him, "I've also been in touch with Goldsman. He's willing to hold an audition for Will."

"I know." Francis had clearly thought this through. "David Heyman, Goldsman, and I will all be at that audition. I have a say in the matter. If Will performs well, the price is right, and with me in the director's chair, we have a very good chance of securing the lead role."

Kevin noticed a change. The Francis who had previously been so cautious, always weighing the opportunities against the difficulties, now seemed like a different person. After signing the contract, he projected an air of supreme confidence.

He still believed Francis could influence the casting decision. In the vast majority of cases, a director held far more sway over a film than an actor. And according to his intel, Matthew Horner was only being considered as the lead actor; even if he secured the part, Goldsman had no intention of letting him join the producing team.

That made it easier for the director to assert his natural authority.

"There's one more thing I need to tell you in advance." Francis's ambitions were far greater than Kevin had imagined. "There's an important supporting female role in this project. If Will gets the lead, he needs to support Paula Patton's casting for that part."

The name sounded vaguely familiar. Kevin wracked his brain—a Black actress who played a small supporting role in Hitch*, which had starred Will Smith.

Francis wasn't finished. "I can't give a hundred-percent guarantee that Will will get the lead role."

"I understand." Kevin nodded.

It was the kind of thing no one could ever guarantee. Surprises happened all the time in this business; if they didn't, there would be no need to fight for the role in the first place.

Francis continued, "And even if Will doesn't get it, find a way to support Paula Patton."