Negotiation and manipulation are skills that require finesse.
If Edgar had straightforwardly exposed Mangold and Keatscher's predicament and bluntly gone straight to the point, he might have still achieved his goal. After all, the two Jameses were unlikely to refuse Edgar's olive branch. However, adopting a high-and-mighty stance while directing the conversation often leaves a sour impression—
Just like Sony Columbia.
Such an approach might sow the seeds of discord, leaving an unresolved tension that could become a ticking time bomb in future collaborations. No one would know when or how it might explode.
Yet Edgar didn't take that route.
Instead, he was amiable, engaging in light-hearted conversation, like a warm and comforting quilt.
His words set Keatscher's heart aflame with excitement and gratitude, eager to repay this act of kindness with unwavering loyalty.
At this point, it was Mangold who remained slightly rational—
Could it really be such a coincidence that a pillow would arrive just as they felt the need for one?
This was Hollywood, after all. There's no such thing as a free lunch. The more perfect something appears on the surface, the more likely it is to hide a trap.
But Mangold wasn't foolish enough to blurt out every thought.
When he spoke, it was with caution. "Isn't this a bit too sudden?"
Edgar chuckled lightly, "Sudden? Director, are you sure about that?"
The comment was dripping with hidden meaning.
Mangold's heart skipped a beat: Could today's negotiations with Sony Columbia have leaked? Impossible, right?
Keatscher shot Mangold a stern glance. "No, no, no, not at all. In fact, this is perfect timing. Our negotiations have hit a snag. Clearly, there are disagreements regarding the film's positioning and script details."
"Recently, the director and I have been discussing whether we should revise the script or start exploring other production companies that truly respect us."
"After all, like Anson, we hope to produce a great film that reintroduces the charm of Johnny Cash to the world."
Mangold was winking furiously from the side, unable to suppress his unease—
Indeed, Keatscher and Mangold had just been debating whether to approach other production companies. Now that Anson was nearing confirmation, the project's weight had increased. If Sony Columbia wasn't interested, perhaps others might be.
Edgar's offer came at just the right moment.
But what if Edgar introduced them to a disreputable company? What if it turned out to be a scam? At least Sony Columbia had its standards; switching to an unknown company was much riskier.
Mangold still found the situation strange.
However, Keatscher couldn't wait, fully under Edgar's spell.
Ignoring Mangold's warning glances, Keatscher declared, "So, of course, there's no issue. We're open to all possibilities."
Over the phone, Edgar's soft laughter echoed. "Heh, great. No problem. I'll send you their contact information shortly. You can set up a meeting yourselves."
"Oh, by the way, his name is Wood. Lucas Wood."
Before Keatscher could respond, Edgar hung up.
Keatscher looked at Mangold. Mangold looked at Keatscher. Both were stunned.
---
In Hollywood, projects are discussed every single day. Deals worth $50 million or even $100 million are casually tossed around. Names like Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise dominate conversations, exuding an aura of invincibility, as if towering above the world.
Amid this bustling environment, Walk the Line seemed almost negligible—
Low budget. Biographical film. Award-season bait.
It focused on Johnny Cash, a country music legend from the '60s and '70s, who lacked the enduring influence of icons like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, or Bob Dylan.
Truthfully, the project garnered very little attention.
A slight oversight could see it swept away in the tide, vanishing without a trace.
Yet Michael McCusker had been quietly following the project's developments.
McCusker hesitated, unsure if he should keep tracking it. Perhaps Michael Lynton, busy as he was, had already forgotten about it. Still, since this was an assignment from the CEO, McCusker decided it was better to report back.
If the boss didn't care, he could let it go. But failing to report, only for the boss to remember later, could spell trouble.
Thus, McCusker knocked on Michael Lynton's office door.
Though both shared the first name Michael, McCusker dared not address his superior so casually.
"Mr. Lynton, I just wanted to inform you that Walk the Line has been signed."
Michael Lynton paused briefly. "What?"
As expected, he didn't remember.
McCusker explained, "The Johnny Cash biographical film, with Anson cast as the lead. You'd previously said it wasn't suitable—"
Michael finally recalled. "Ah, that project. I remember now. So, it's been signed? Amy Pascal pushed for it personally?"
"No, no, no," McCusker shook his head vigorously. "Not with us."
"After the producers reviewed their options, they approached 20th Century Fox and another independent company I'd never heard of. They've been in talks with both."
"Rumor has it Fox was very interested and even entered detailed negotiations, but their team ultimately rejected it."
McCusker added as much detail as he could to highlight his diligence.
Michael tilted his head. "Oh? So they signed with the other company?"
"Yes, a new company with no experience. Rumored to have Silicon Valley funding," McCusker clarified. "Sorry, I couldn't completely stop them."
Michael waved it off nonchalantly. "No need to apologize. We have no grudge against that project, so there's no need to destroy it."
"Hollywood is vast. There's always some fool willing to invest."
"I just didn't want her using this project to further Anson's influence on the board. Honestly, I think she's grasping at straws now, desperately clinging to Anson as her last hope. So, I cut that lifeline. The rest will be easy."
McCusker nodded, pretending to understand, and offered a few flattering remarks.
Then he asked, "So, about this project… Should I keep monitoring it?"
Without even looking up, Michael said, "Ignore it. Let it sink or swim on its own."
"A Johnny Cash biopic? Anson's first attempt at a dramatic role? Haha, it might just turn into the biggest flop of the century."
Dismissive and indifferent, Michael never once took Walk the Line seriously—nor did he regard Anson highly.
To him, the real targets lay elsewhere. Why waste energy on the small fry?
With that, Michael patted McCusker on the shoulder.
"Well done."
He offered the compliment and prepared to move on.
It wasn't until a moment later that Michael realized McCusker was still standing there. Casually, he glanced up.
"You can leave now. Don't you have more important things to do?"
(End of Chapter)