Behind The Spotlight Chapter 51
--Henry Greyson
--Crisis Management (White)
Collin had been using his superpower for more than ten months since it first mysteriously awakened. He had gradually learned how it worked and how to activate it, at least, he believed so.
If a person did something related to their talent, whether consciously or subconsciously, words would form above their head like a glowing label that only Collin could see.
Aside from that, if Collin initiated a conversation with someone and the topic involved the person's talent, words would also appear above their head, even if they weren't actively demonstrating their skill at that moment. He had only recently discovered this through trial and error and was still unsure of the exact mechanics, as the power didn't come with an instruction manual.
This explained why, when he and Wyatt discussed comedy scripts, Wyatt's two golden talents shone brightly almost as if basking in divine light.
Collin had also used this method when interviewing members of the production crew for The Accidental Wedding Crashers. These professionals didn't have the opportunity to showcase their talent in action, yet Collin still saw the glowing words hovering above them like nameplates, revealing their hidden potential. He hired the useful ones.
Now, he was using the same trick to determine Henry Greyson's talent while carefully steering their conversation.
'A white talent related to crisis management, not bad at all.' Collin quietly nodded to himself.
That explained how Henry had swiftly resolved the issue with the casting director who assaulted an actress, all without sparking a public scandal.
Collin had experienced firsthand the stress and complexity of being a producer, and he had no intention of taking on that role again. It was too mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. Collin had already found his own way to earn a good living through talent representation and industry deals. Producing movies, with its delayed payoffs and high stakes, just didn't appeal to him at all.
His current methods were more direct and yielded faster returns. While commissions might be smaller than profit shares, they came quicker and didn't involve the nerve-wracking uncertainty of a movie's performance. Films could take years to pay off and sometimes flopped without warning.
"I heard you helped Wyatt as a producer and that you have a share in the profits. The Accidental Wedding Crashers grossed over $140 million, your share must be worth millions. Are you sure you don't want to keep producing movies?" Henry asked, half-curious, half-amused.
"Nah. I don't want to deal with that kind of load again. The work is too much, and I like breathing freely."
"Then why me?" Henry asked, still puzzled.
"Because we're friends, and I value loyalty. I can entrust Wyatt to you without worrying about betrayal or incompetence. Unlike the other producers, who are just greedy, you're one of the few I know with a conscience and a working moral compass. Wyatt needs someone who can manage a project without stabbing him in the back. He's still new in this industry, and you're a veteran. You have better connections to investors and distribution studios, resources that can elevate his next film. If you choose to work with Wyatt, you won't regret it. I promise you that."
"Wow, you're that confident in Wyatt?" Henry chuckled and took a gulp of his drink, slightly overwhelmed by Collin's unwavering faith. Truthfully, the only reason he'd even come to the party was because Collin invited him and because he didn't have any current projects.
"Of course. He's my client, and I believe in his talent completely. I wouldn't have signed him if I didn't believe in him from the very beginning."
"Fair enough," Henry muttered, now genuinely considering the offer.
He weighed the proposal seriously. His standard pay ranged from $500,000 to $1 million per project, depending on the film's scale. On top of that, he had a profit-sharing clause tied to the box office, though it was determined by the investors, who held real control.
If a movie didn't gross at least $50 million, Henry only received his base salary. But if the box office crossed that benchmark, he earned a 3% cut of the profits as a reward for success. It wasn't much, considering he was just a B-list producer in an industry obsessed with A-listers.
Yes, even producers had tiers, just like actors, agents, and directors. Henry primarily worked on small to mid-budget films where both risks and rewards were moderate.
As for copyrights, he had no stake unless specifically outlined in a separate legal agreement with investors.
"You think Wyatt's going to be a superstar director?"
"I believe in him with everything I've got," Collin repeated firmly, his voice resolute.
"Well… let's see where this takes us. I've got no projects lined up at the moment, so I might as well take the opportunity before someone else does."
Henry extended his hand with a smile. Collin grinned as the two shook hands in mutual understanding. Tonight's party had become a success just from securing this new partnership.
Collin didn't want Wyatt to be tainted by Hollywood's dark side, at least, not yet, while he still had some innocence left. A strict and principled person like Henry was the perfect guardian for that goal.
Henry was also clearly better than the producers Collin had approached a few months ago when nobody gave Wyatt a chance. The only reason he'd even spoken to those people was because they had open schedules and the project needed someone to manage, not because they were the best choices.
'Their rejections helped me make money, though, so I guess I should thank them too.'
Collin and Henry clinked their glasses again as they soaked in the party's buzz, full of success and potential.
The celebration continued late into the night, with laughter echoing and most guests already gone, off to nurse their hangovers. Collin had successfully expanded his network after conversing with executives from multiple studios and agents who now recognized his name. He'd even handed out business cards to several attending directors, including a few notable ones who showed interest.
Axel and Wyatt had both left long before midnight. Collin had seen Wyatt sneaking away with a young actress, the two giggling as they vanished together, never to return, that suggested something.
Axel, meanwhile, had a gloomier expression and gave Collin a weak, half-hearted smile before saying his goodbyes.
Henry had also left.
Only Lawrence and Jennifer remained from the original group. Jennifer looked completely sober despite drinking all night, alcohol didn't seem to affect her. Collin already knew she had an absurdly high tolerance.
As for Lawrence… well, the actor was wobbling across the street like a baby learning to walk.
"Collin, you might want to call a taxi for Lawrence before he faceplants into a fire hydrant. He lives near this building, but he probably can't walk straight without zigzagging into traffic. He might get into an accident or worse. You don't want your promising client to get his brain matter splattered everywhere while his intestines and organs are—"
"Okay, hit the brakes, Jennifer. You might want to control your mouth before someone throws a drink at you."
"Shut your bitch ass up and let me say what I want. You, a depressed agent with a failed romantic relationship."
"Okay, fine, I give up. I'll talk to Lawrence. I know his address, and it's not far. If it weren't in the opposite direction from my place, I'd drive him home myself. Still, taking care of a drunk person is such a hassle."
Collin walked over to Lawrence, who was mumbling something nonsensical and emotionally loaded. The actor was leaning against the wall of a closed storefront.
"Hehe… what do you think, Uncle? You said I'd never succeed as an actor, well, look at me now! Say it to my face again! Instead of judging me, why don't you educate your daughter who had eight kids with different men!"
…Damn.
Collin blinked. Apparently, Lawrence's female cousin had her own chaotic drama. What a juicy drop of backstory from a drunken rant.
"Hey, Lawrence, just stay there. Please don't move. I'm calling a taxi to take you home before you try to fly."
"Hm? Apartment? Ah, yes yes! I can drive. I bought a brand new car, and I want to drive it! Broom! Broom!" he exclaimed, mimicking a steering wheel with dramatic flair.
"No, that's not safe—"
Collin's words were cut short when Jennifer suddenly appeared between them like a thundercloud. She glared coldly at Lawrence's drunken state, looking like she was about to pass judgment with zero mercy.