America: Child stars start with The Shining

Michael Ovitz, clutching his briefcase, hurried through the crowd, his face grim.

He rushed to meet an artist, only to be told upon arrival that the artist had already switched to WMA.

"F***ing! This is practically driving me to my death, they're not even bothering to pretend anymore!"

Ovitz was originally an agent under WMA, but he couldn't stand the seniority-based atmosphere at all. It was too rigid and didn't give newcomers any chance to advance.

So he quit his job and started his own business, taking out a large loan to start CAA. But just as the company was starting to do well, it was immediately targeted by WMA.

As a competitor, he even received a threatening lawyer's letter from them a few days ago, and today, they snatched his client away right in front of him.

This is absolutely outrageous!

Ovitz took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and unknowingly arrived at the entrance of his own company.

Then he saw a thinly dressed child sitting on the steps, head down, dozing off in a daze.

What's going on?

Ovitz stepped forward, coughed lightly, and asked:

"Hey kid, what are you doing sitting here?"

Charles yawned and slowly raised his head; he had been waiting there for too long and was starting to feel sleepy.

The man who asked him the question was a middle-aged man in a sharp suit, with dark circles under his eyes and a strong air of arrogance; he looked like the agent for this company.

Charles considered his words carefully before speaking:

"Hello, may I ask if this is CAA...?"

"Sorry, we don't hire child laborers here."

Before he could finish speaking, Ovitz interrupted him decisively.

Charles paused for a moment.

Damn, does he really look like a child laborer? He's not wearing any work uniform!

He stood up, dusted off his trousers, and explained again:

"Uh, you misunderstood. I'm here to find myself an agent."

Ovitz raised an eyebrow slightly; this was the first time he had ever seen a child come to his door alone.

"You want to be a child star?"

Charles nodded.

Ovitz sized the guy up and down. The kid had good looks, and with a little grooming, he'd probably get some gigs, but movie auditions were another story.

So he readily brought the other person into the company. CAA was just a makeshift operation and was short of staff.

As Ovitz walked, he asked:

"How old are you? Why didn't your parents come with you?"

"I was six years old, and I had no guardian."

He stopped abruptly and turned to look at Charles, whose face was calm and showed no sign of flinching.

He sighed, roughly guessing the other person's situation, and continued:

"In that case... no problem, we also have special contracts prepared specifically for underage artists."

Ovitz led Charles to a conference room, placed his briefcase on the table, and gestured for him to sit down.

Charles pulled out a chair and suddenly noticed a faint glow emanating from the briefcase.

Ding!

[Equipable items have been found.]

【Title: The Agent's Secret Briefcase (Fine Quality)】

[Original owner: Michael Ovitz]

[Source: CAA Brokerage Firm]

[Attribute: Eloquence +15%]

[Entry: Negotiation Expert (Passive)]

[Effect Description: When you are negotiating, you will become more perceptive, able to pick up hidden information in the other party's words and expressions, and obtain additional intelligence.]

This piece of equipment arrived just in time.

While Ovitz was out printing contracts, Charles subtly reached out and touched the other man's briefcase.

[Equipped: Agent's Secret Briefcase (Excellent), Current Equipment Slots: 1/1]

A slight smile played on his lips, and the briefcase, now returned to its ordinary appearance, no longer glowing.

Although the system's equipment inventory currently has a limit on the number of slots, equipment can be obtained simply by touching it, without needing to carry it around, which is very convenient.

Otherwise, he would really be forced to become a thief.

A short while later, Ovitz returned to the conference room with a printed contract. Seeing Charles sitting obediently in his seat, he handed him the document and said:

"This is a basic brokerage agreement. Let me explain it to you briefly."

Considering that Charles was too young to understand these complex terms, he patiently explained them one by one.

As he listened, Charles quickly scanned the contents of the contract.

Under California law, 15% of the total income of underage artists is mandated to be deposited into a trust fund and returned to them upon reaching adulthood.

He looked at the line of clauses with a sense of helplessness.

American state governments are really finding all sorts of ways to squeeze the value out of these child stars.

CAA’s management model is groundbreaking and far ahead of most brokerage firms of this era, and this contract fully reflects Ovitz’s ambition.

He clearly intends to sign more directors, screenwriters, and actors through this method, and then integrate all the resources to make CAA a super agency that can independently lead project operations.

This was certainly not Charles's speculation; the later CAA did indeed achieve this, bringing this novel system to its fullest potential.

For example, the film "Rain Man," which received eight Oscar nominations and won four awards, was produced entirely by CAA.

Ovitz spoke continuously for over ten minutes, until his throat became dry. He picked up the water bottle beside him, drank it all in one gulp, and then asked:

"So, Ciel, did you understand what I just said?"

Charles looked up at him.

[Entry: Negotiation Expert (Passive) has been activated]

Suddenly, a series of previously overlooked details became exceptionally clear in his mind.

CAA is in dire need of signing new artists as they are being pressured by WMA and are facing severe cash flow problems.

Charles gently placed the contract back on the table and said:

"Uncle Ovitz, I think I understand, but there are a few things I'd like to discuss further. Could the agent's commission rate be lowered a bit?"

Ovitz frowned. The contract stated 8%, which was far below the industry standard of 10%.

He's still just a kid, completely clueless about the market.

He was just about to explain when Charles suddenly added:

"Actually, WMA contacted me before I came..."

Ovitz's expression changed, as if he realized something, and he quickly asked:

Have you participated in any photoshoots for GG magazines or other publications?

He didn't think about anything else for the time being, only assuming that the child in front of him already had some work experience, which was why he had attracted WMA's attention.

FXXX! Why does WMA not even spare a child?

Charles shook his head and continued:

"No, not at all. However, I just auditioned for The Shining yesterday and received their reply, so I came here today."

Upon hearing the name of the movie, Ovitz paused for a moment, then his eyes revealed an undisguised excitement.

WTF! The Shining!? Are you kidding me?!

That's Kubrick's new film that he's currently preparing!

What does this mean?

The little boy in front of us may very well make a name for himself by starring in this movie, and may even become a well-known child star, bringing him huge profits.

Ovitz took a deep breath. He hadn't expected that CAA would stumble upon such a windfall. He had to try his best to seize it.

He immediately said:

"No problem, child star. We can lower the agent's commission rate to 6%. Are you satisfied with that?"

Charles looked at him with a smile and said:

"In addition, I also hope that my agent will not interfere too much with my right to choose projects."

Ovitz nodded readily; the request was not unreasonable.

So he watched as Charles finally picked up the pen and signed his name on the contract.

The two stood up at the same time, one large hand grasping the other small hand, and said in unison:

"It's a pleasure working with you!"

Now that the agent's problem has been resolved, what's next...?

Joining the cast of "The Shining"!

Charles couldn't wait any longer!