Chapter 91: Amy’s Invitation
Chapter 91: Amy’s Invitation
Eric had already been planning to find a manager, but that was not an easy matter. Although he had not yet received the profit share from any of his films, no one could deny that his current net worth had already exceeded one hundred million dollars.
And only Eric himself knew that the rights to Jurassic Park in his hands, Pixar, and the future “gold mines” from later generations that he planned to acquire one after another would easily push his assets into the tens of billions of dollars in the future.
Under those circumstances, there was no way he could hand over his assets for an outsider to manage.
Things like professional ethics only existed as long as there was not enough temptation to break them.
There had been no shortage of Hollywood stars deceived by their own financial managers. In his previous life, although Nicolas Cage’s bankruptcy had much to do with his extravagant personality, Eric did not believe it could have happened so easily without his financial manager “contributing” behind the scenes.
The more chaotic an employer’s finances were, the easier it became to muddy the waters and skim from the chaos. But when accounts were clear and orderly, even if the employer’s assets appreciated, the financial manager could only receive the compensation they rightfully deserved.
After hitching a ride back to Los Angeles with Edward, Eric retrieved his own car from the Hilton Los Angeles parking lot and drove straight to Firefly’s headquarters.
While Eric had been away from Los Angeles, Jeffrey had already secured the adaptation rights to Scent of a Woman. Eric still had not found time to write the screenplay for Scent of a Woman.
Jeffrey had also brought up another issue: Firefly’s financial situation.
Filming Pretty Woman had already burned through all the money Eric had invested into the company. And as usual, they would not receive the film’s profit share until after it left theaters.
Although his relationship with Barry Diller was good, Eric was certain that if he tried appealing to friendship over this matter, Barry Diller would immediately switch the conversation to business.
As for the fifty-million-dollar loan Eric had obtained using the Home Alone contract as collateral, twenty million had been spent acquiring Pixar, another ten million had been reserved as initial funding for Toy Story, leaving only twenty million dollars remaining.
That amount was not even enough to finance his next film, let alone the several other movie projects Eric had planned.
Eric signed a twenty-million-dollar check and handed it to the company’s financial manager before turning to Jeffrey.
“In that case, start preparing Scent of a Woman first. I’ll rush out the screenplay over the next few days.”
“What about your own movie?”
Eric shrugged.
“I’ll just keep taking loans.”
Since he had already borrowed money once, it became easier to accept the idea the more he did it. In any case, he had no intention of letting other film companies interfere with his movie projects for the time being.
“Oh right, Jeffrey. This is a script I… happened to come across. The director is Herbert Ross, and the project is currently still in the casting stage. I heard the budget isn’t very generous. Contact him and see if we can secure the project. Firefly is willing to co-invest, and at the same time we can persuade Julia Roberts to join the film.”
Jeffrey glanced at the storyboard script Eric handed over. After reading a few sections, he did not notice anything particularly special about it.
Still, he voiced no objections. By now, he no longer doubted Eric’s instincts regarding movies. Just as Eric himself had said, Jeffrey was more suited to being a producer. Matters involving the actual content of films were better left entirely to Eric.
“No problem. I’ll contact Herbert Ross as soon as possible.”
After dealing with the matters that required his personal attention that morning, Eric was preparing to head home when Jeffrey knocked and entered his office.
“Eric, do you remember Amy Pascal?”
“Of course. Without her, Home Alone would never have been released so smoothly. Speaking of which, I’ve still never had the chance to thank Amy in person.”
“She called,” Jeffrey said as he gestured for Eric to follow him. “She’s still on the line. She’s looking for you.”
Eric immediately stood up and followed Jeffrey into his office.
“Amy? …Long time no see. I’ve been wanting to thank you, but you resigned so suddenly last time… Of course, no problem… Alright then, see you in a bit.”
After hanging up, Eric exchanged a glance with Jeffrey.
Jeffrey spoke first, sharing what he already knew.
“Amy’s back at Columbia. She’s temporarily serving as vice president. Blount Cohen has already left. I heard he retired early and went to France.”
“She told you that just now?”
Jeffrey nodded.
“We chatted a little before you came over. What does Amy want with you?”
“She said she wants to treat me to lunch.”
The two discussed it briefly but could not figure out her intentions. Eric checked his watch and said:
“Then I’ll head over first. Jeffrey, I’m leaving Scent of a Woman and Steel Magnolias entirely to you. I’ll be staying home over the next few days to finish the scripts, so I won’t be coming to the office. Call me if anything comes up.”
“No problem.”
Jeffrey responded, and the two walked out of the office side by side.
…
When Eric arrived at the agreed restaurant, he discovered that Amy Pascal was already waiting there.
She wore a black professional suit, and her shoulder-length blonde hair had been styled into loose waves. Rumor had it that the hairstyle of this strong-willed career woman reflected her mood, though Eric could not tell what this particular hairstyle was supposed to represent.
The two shared a light embrace.
“Sorry, Amy. Traffic was bad. I actually made you wait for me.”
“It’s alright,” Amy Pascal replied with a smile. “You’re not late. I just arrived too early.”
The two sat down together at the table. Amy Pascal handed Eric the menu.
“What would you like to eat?”
Eric accepted it, then suddenly laughed.
“This feels strange. Our roles are completely reversed. I should’ve been the one saying that line just now.”
“Oh, give it a rest, big boy. I already said this meal is my treat. Stop trying to show off your masculine pride.”
Eric shrugged without arguing.
Amy Pascal had not interacted with him much, so she did not know about the mature side of his personality. It was only natural for her to instinctively speak to him the way people usually spoke to young men his age.
Eric casually ordered a lunch set and returned the menu to Amy. She did not even look at it, smoothly stating her order from memory before handing the menu back to the waiter.
“Do you eat here often?”
“Yes. The food here tastes pretty good.”
Amy did not immediately explain why she had invited Eric. Eric was not in a hurry either. The two casually chatted about the weather, current events, and other trivial topics while eating lunch.
Only after the meal was finished and coffee had been served did Amy finally reveal the purpose of her invitation.