[Chapter 352: Ovitz's Demands]
"Link, what have you been busy with lately? I couldn't find a moment to talk about work with you."
In a cafe, Michael Ovitz sat with a serious expression, clearly displeased.
"There's just too much work -- setting up a new movie, editing another one, and so on. Unlike you, who just sits in your comfortable office, enjoying the air conditioning while avoiding the heat outside."
Link stirred his coffee and took a sip.
"Hmph! Can you cover that strawberry mark on your neck when you say that?"
Michael Ovitz glanced at a noticeable lipstick mark on the collar of his shirt, revealing that he hadn't been exactly diligent before the meeting.
"Strawberry?"
Link touched his neck, feeling a subtle impression that must have been a light lipstick mark. He hadn't been working before arriving here; instead, he had been preoccupied with personal matters at home.
Despite the presence of many women, Link's daily life remained centered around his significant female acquaintances like Monica Bellucci, Jennifer Connelly, Sofia Coppola, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder, and Sandra Bullock. His day-to-day schedule was tightly packed, leaving him little time to think about other matters, particularly in regard to Michael Ovitz.
Ovitz had been frequently calling him, claiming they needed to discuss collaboration to expedite a partnership between Disney and Guess Pictures. However, whenever Link asked for specifics on how they would collaborate, Ovitz failed to provide concrete ideas, merely suggesting they meet to chat.
Link preferred to limit his personal interactions with him. It was only after Ovitz had called again yesterday, insisting there was a proposal for collaboration regarding the details, that Link took a rare moment out of his busy schedule to meet.
That 'strawberry' might have come from Winona or maybe from Sofia or Sandra. It didn't matter whose it was; it was a symbol of affection that didn't require hiding.
"Michael, let's get to the point. You mentioned over the phone that you came up with a way to collaborate; what's your plan?" Link asked, taking another sip of coffee.
"From what you said last time, I choose the first and the third options."
Michael squinted, clearly contemplating Link's words. The first option involved Disney investing in Guess Pictures' movies, and the third involved Disney paying for Link to make films for them.
"I can agree to the third option right away, as long as Disney provides a quality script and a fair paycheck. I'll prioritize making films for you, but the first option isn't feasible at the moment. We currently have a contract with Columbia Pictures for ten films, with two completed and five in progress. The remaining three are expected to be finished next year. Only after we complete our major contract with Columbia will we be able to consider partnerships with other companies. I hope you understand."
Link explained methodically.
Michael frowned. "So, you're saying we won't be able to collaborate on producing films until 1997?"
"Not necessarily. If Columbia wants to renew its contract, or if another studio sees the quality of the films we produce and wants to sign a major deal with us, our collaboration might need to be pushed back for a few more years."
"But you told me that as long as I help get Jay Moloney to be president of CAA, you would collaborate with me, helping me to establish a foothold at Disney and gain real power. Are you backing out now?" Ovitz slammed his hand on the table in frustration.
"I agreed to work with Disney, isn't that helping you?" Link replied calmly.
"Of course not! I did what you asked and pushed for Jay Moloney to gain the presidency at CAA. I kept my word; in return, you should prioritize helping me to produce a few hit films with Disney so I can secure my standing there, not wait for years before we can collaborate."
Ovitz leaned over the coffee table, his gaze piercing.
Link kept his composure, responding, "Michael, you just mentioned two ways to collaborate. I accepted the third immediately; all you need to do is pay, and I will direct. There's no contract with another company that would make Guess Pictures automatically work with Disney. That's a hypothetical scenario, and I'm not backing out. As for your notion of selflessly helping out or shooting films for free, that's impossible. Getting Jay Moloney to be the CAA president was merely a suggestion from me; it doesn't impact me whether you agree or not. Secondly, Guess Pictures is not solely mine. If other companies are willing to invest millions in collaboration, we will naturally prioritize those opportunities. I cannot harm my company's interests merely to help you. Michael, you've been in this industry long enough to understand this."
Ovitz grunted dismissively, slumping back into his chair.
"You are indeed a shrewd player. Back when you wanted me to recommend Jay Moloney to be CAA's president, I did it without hesitation. Now that it's time for you to honor that promise, you're giving me the runaround. I should have never agreed to work with you."
Ovitz's displeasure was evident.
Link waved a dismissive hand, "Mike, you know the situation at CAA better than I do. Choosing Jay Moloney was the best decision for both you and CAA. Plus, prior to your recommendation of Jay Moloney, a board chairman had already been chosen, and several vice-presidents were set to undermine Jay Moloney. Now that it's mere words to replace him, you don't need to act like a victim here; that's not helpful for our collaboration."
Ovitz huffed, taking a drag from his cigar while looking at Link. "With Jay Moloney as CAA president, you benefit the most. That'll give you more power and make you a true king of Hollywood. Don't deny that this is beneficial for you."
Link smiled. "By the time you left CAA, I was already the number one player in Hollywood -- what some call the king. That had nothing to do with whether you stayed or left. Furthermore, during the summer blockbuster season, the major studios joined forces to push me down, yet Guess Pictures still performed well at the box office. My standing in the industry is secure, and I don't need the CAA president title to reinforce it, so when I say there's no impact, it's the truth."
Seeing Ovitz still wanting to continue the argument, he raised a hand to interrupt him. "Mike, I have other matters to attend to and cannot waste time arguing with you. If you truly want to collaborate, then come to Guess Pictures with a concrete film project. I won't refuse to work with you, but if you came here just to debate Jay Moloney, I'm not interested."
Ovitz begrudgingly agreed, glancing toward the door as Harvey Weinstein approached, his body visibly large and unwieldy as he stumbled into three chairs while crossing the distance of more than ten feet.
...
"What did you bring him here for?" Link asked.
"Miramax is a film company under Disney, and you've previously worked with Harvey. I'd like you two to continue that collaboration. How does that sound?" Ovitz proposed.
Link remained noncommittal; whether through a direct collaboration with Disney or working alongside Miramax, as long as they could produce sufficient funding to guarantee his interests and Guess Pictures' benefits, both were suitable partners.
Once Harvey joined them, the three discussed the details of their collaboration agreements. They included reaching at least ten film collaborations over the next five years, co-producing three or more films directed by Link, and establishing cooperative strategies among the three companies to counter any competing threats during film releases.
The first two were demands from Ovitz and Harvey; the third was Link's own requirement. Initially, Link's request was for the three companies to establish a mutual assistance relationship, providing help if one was in trouble, or it would be seen as betrayal. He aimed to reduce development friction for Guess Pictures.
However, Ovitz and Harvey resolutely disagreed, asserting that they could not represent shareholders' opinions or establish an ally relationship with Guess Pictures.
After repeated negotiations, the third requirement transformed into a cooperative approach in combating competition during film releases to ensure more box office returns.
From this perspective, Ovitz and Harvey seemed to have limited sincerity toward the partnership; they were only interested in making money with Guess Pictures, unwilling to be entangled in any of its complications.
Link didn't mind; collaborating with Ovitz was merely a strategic move for him, as any form of collaboration would benefit Guess Pictures altogether.
*****
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