Dreams of Stardom (Hollywood SI)

January 2005, Warner Bros HQ, Burbank, CA

"What?" I asked, surprised. I hadn't expected this at all. 

The way Barry phrased the question didn't make any sense. If he wouldn't accept this proposal, I'd simply go to Universal who gave me the second-best offer.

"I have offers from other studios as well if you won't agree with this," I said after a few moments.

"I know," Barry nodded knowingly. "I also know which of the studios offered to make this film with you. Like I know for a fact that Disney is developing something similar for next year which is why they didn't made you an offer. If we get the ball rolling soon enough we can beat them to it. I just needed to have a face-to-face chat with you about this. A chat your father would not have allowed me to have otherwise. Our offer for the musical is genuine, nonetheless. "

Dad, sitting beside me, said heatedly, "Didn't we agree to handle this matter quietly, Barry? Why did you have to involve Troy?"

"You have forced my hand, Steve," Barry retorted. "Half of the [Harry Potter] cast refuses to shoot the next film because they think they are being paid too little. If we allow the way you are handling things, the next movie will have an unrecognizable cast. And the reason for that is just one—Troy's excessive salary. We may have signed Jamie Bell and Emma Watson for four more films, but everyone else is not on the same page. Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Julie Walters, Richard Griffiths, and others are veteran actors who won't settle for less. We could have added J.K. Rowling to the list as well if you hadn't paid her from your share. If my guess is correct, Troy probably doesn't even know about this at all."

I didn't. While I knew that most of the actors had initially signed on only for four films and that Emma and Jamie had renewed their contracts for up to film number eight last year, I really had no idea that other actors were banding together to increase their pay.

"Is that why the shooting of the fifth film has been delayed again?" I asked while looking between Barry and Dad.

The joint filming of the fifth and sixth [Harry Potter] films has now been postponed to July 2005. Till now I had thought that it was done so the other kids could take their exams in June worry-free, but now I'm not so sure. Dad didn't reply, simply looked over to Barry, who nodded.

"Yes," Barry replied. "Initially, it was the lack of a director. A problem Steve solved with the suggestion of Rian Johnson. I really liked his work and would allow him to direct the next two films as long as Steve is supervising him closely. But then came the actors' union. They are all being represented by a single law firm that is negotiating on their behalf jointly. The child actors beside Emma and Jamie were not a part of this because all of them had signed a seven-picture deal, but the adults had signed on for only four pictures."

I looked over at Dad to gauge his reaction, and it was obvious he didn't like being ambushed like this. Tobias, on the other hand, was looking clueless about the meeting. It made sense because he hadn't negotiated anything [Harry Potter]-related for me.

"What do you propose then?" I asked Barry after realizing that no one else was willing to speak on this matter at the moment.

Barry steepled his fingers and said, "They are asking for $5 million each for the next four films, up from the $1 million each they had received for the fourth film. Usually, we would have argued that we aren't making that much profit to justify these high salaries, but they used your salary to argue back, saying that it is unfair for one actor to receive all the money. And given how much the media likes to publicize your salary after each movie release…"

"Okay," I said. "How many actors are part of this group?"

"Nine," he replied. "We are confident that we can bring their negotiation down to $4 million per actor per film. So here's what I'm proposing to you—you will still get your 10% share as per your contract, but it will be reduced by the additional income of those actors. Let's say your share is the same for the next film at $113 million as it was for [Goblet of Fire]. In that case, after reducing $27 million extra salary for others, you'll get $86 million."

That didn't sound too bad. Yet, I knew I couldn't make that decision without talking to Dad first. Being a producer, he knew a lot more about Warner's behind-the-scenes shenanigans than I did.

"I need to talk to Dad," I announced. "In private."

"Of course," Barry nodded genially and pressed a button in front of him. Soon, a beautiful blonde opened the door behind me.

"Kimberly, please show Troy and Steve to a private meeting room."

The three of us got up in unison and followed Kimberly to the room.

"I'll wait here," Tobias said, pointing to the couch in the hallway.

I nodded, not seeing the need to have him in on the discussion as well.

"So?" I asked Dad once it was just the two of us. "What do you think of their offer?"

"It's bullshit," Dad said bluntly. "Barry was quick to bring up your salary, yet he didn't say even once how much Warner made on the film, did he? I'll tell you. Since they're taking on only half the production, their cost for the third and fourth films was a joint $100 million, plus $200 million for the marketing and distribution of the two films. They made more than $200 million from theatrical revenue alone. If we include broadcast and home distribution rights as well, they're making a lot more money than either of us."

"Then why did they ambush me like this?" I asked.

"The problem is that with the revised salaries for these actors, you'll be earning a lot more than the studio—at least in the cinematic run. And they can't allow that at all. No big studio would. It's one of those unsaid rules of Hollywood because it sets a dangerous precedent for other actors in the future."

I could understand their sentiment. I didn't like their approach, but I certainly understood.

"They were seriously contemplating changing some cast members," Dad continued. "Only my insistence forced them to keep them on board and negotiate."

I frowned, realizing that so many iconic actors could lose their jobs in one of the most iconic film series ever, just because of my apparently high salary.

"What do you suggest we should do then?" I asked.

"Let's agree to it," Dad said after thinking it over for a few minutes. "Half of your salary is out of my profits. So if you earn $27 million less, I'll earn $13.5 million more, which I'll transfer to you later. Warner is only saving $13.5 million per film, which would be $40.5 million for three films, and $54 million for four films if we were to split one of the future books."

I chuckled as a realization hit me.

"What?" Dad asked.

"How entitled are we that we're saying 'only $13.5 million' like it's a paltry sum."

Dad cracked a smile. "True. Anyway, while we'll agree to this deal, it doesn't mean we can't milk them for everything they can give us for the musical."

I looked at him skeptically. "What exactly do you have in mind?"

"Leave the talking to me," he smiled. "I'll make them regret ever setting up this ambush for us."

(Break)

Barry looked up as the father-son duo came back in, followed by Troy's assistant.

"We will agree to your terms, but we have a few conditions, Barry," Steve said without wasting any time. From Troy's demeanor, it was easy to see that he had relinquished control of the meeting to his father.

"Go on," Barry motioned for him to continue.

"First of all, Warner will distribute Troy's seven upcoming music albums for only a 5% cut."

Barry frowned. While he mostly oversaw the movie business, Warner did have a music distribution arm and he knew enough about the music industry to recognize that 5% was not a good deal at all. Usually, big music distributors like Warner took a cut of 10-15% based on the artist's popularity. 5% was unprecedented. Yet, that loss of 5% was a small price compared to the film profits they were willing to forgo. Didn't mean he would agree to their first demand that easily.

"Three albums," Barry countered.

Steve thought about the terms for a moment before nodding, "Okay."

"What else?" Barry asked.

"You will promote the musical with a budget of at least $30 million. These promotions will include promotions for the albums as well including songs on the radio, music channels, and the like."

That was a reasonable request, all things considered. Film promotion costs were going up year by year. Even if Steve hadn't put that condition, $20 million would have gone into promoting the film regardless.

"Go on," Barry said, sensing the big demand was yet to come.

Steve continued, "After deducting marketing and distribution expenses, and a 5% commission for Warner, all proceeds from the musical will go to Troy."

Now that was an interesting proposal. Something Barry would have agreed to almost immediately if the percentage had been the industry standard of 15%. Warner would have to invest a lot of effort into promoting the film, so 5% seemed low. But musicals weren't very popular—especially original musicals. [Moulin Rouge!], which was released in 2001, didn't have huge profits to begin with. At most, the lost profits would be around $4-5 million, which was much better than the $54 million they'd save over the next few years.

"I'll agree to it," Barry said, "if you agree to bear any and all losses incurred by us because of your film. So if it turns out to be a disaster, you'll compensate us for our marketing costs from your next [Harry Potter] salary."

Barry could see Steve was about to argue, but Troy held up his hand, stopping him mid-way.

"Okay, as long as you agree with our next and last condition," Troy said. "As you know, I want to diversify my acting career, and Warner is the best studio in the world at the moment. So if there is a film being made at Warner that I want to do before HP is over, you will cast me in it in a role that I desire as long as the filming doesn't clash with [Harry Potter]. We can discuss the salary part when the opportunity arises, but you shouldn't say something like, 'It goes against your Harry Potter image'."

Barry turned to Alan Horn, the COO of Warner, who was sitting beside him. Usually, casting for in-house productions was Alan's responsibility.

"We can allow it," Alan said for the first time during the meeting. "But we will only recommend your name. The final decision about the casting will remain with the director and the team working on the film."

Troy clearly wasn't happy with that answer, but he nodded nonetheless. Some directors are too stubborn for their own good. If the studio insisted on casting someone against their wishes, it made life on set miserable for everyone. Barry had learned that the hard way over his thirty-four years at Warner.

Barry stood up and shook Troy's hand, followed closely by Steve. "I'm glad we could all come to a mutually satisfactory agreement."

(Break)

January 2005, Phoenix, Arizona

"Come on, Em," Emily's best friend Rachel gently poked her side as the two strolled casually through their local park. "You're doing much better now. Stop moping about that one incident. You have a film premiere coming soon."

Emily gave her a pointed look. "It's not just the accident, Ray. I didn't tell you, but I had cleared an audition to guest star in [Malcolm in the Middle]. But because of my accident, they gave the role to someone else."

"That's…" Rachel paused, searching for words. "...bad."

"I know," Emily said with a sad smile. "And if that wasn't enough, I just got a call from someone on the legal team of [Brick], the film I shot. They said I'd have to change my name to something else."

Rachel frowned at that. "What problem do they have with your name?"

"They don't have a problem, but when they applied to SAG on my behalf, my name was rejected because there's another actress named Emily Stone already registered with the guild."

"That's stupid," Rachel concluded immediately. "Why can't two people have the same name?"

"That's what I said!" Emily exclaimed. "But that's how things are in Hollywood, or so they told me. On-screen, I'll be Emma Stone now."

"I'm still calling you Emily," Rachel announced haughtily.

"I'll hit you if you call me Emma," Emily shot back.

"Okay, enough of that," Rachel changed the topic. "You never told me, and you know I'll never stop asking. So, how does it feel to kiss Troy?"

Emily groaned out loud. "God, not that again! Fine, it was beautiful. One moment, nothing, and the next, it just happened. He's just so damn cute that I didn't want to stop."

"Cute?" Rachel asked in disbelief. "Girl, have you seen his body in [Goblet of Fire]? It should be renamed to Harry Potter on Fire. He is sexy AF!"

Emily couldn't argue with that.

"I know, right? He's… just out of this world," Emily said wistfully.

Troy was the hottest teenager she knew. Unfortunately, he was taken. He may have denied having a relationship with Emma Watson on record, but Emily knew it was all a gimmick to fool the media—just like Emma's fake boyfriend.

Rachel turned to Emily, her eyes widening momentarily before she grinned and asked, "Where do you think Troy is at the moment?"

Emily shrugged. "God knows. Probably in London, preparing to take a flight to Utah for Sundance. Why?"

"No reason," Rachel shrugged. "Just asking... if you got a chance to be with him, like seriously, would you take it?"

Emily gave her a skeptical look. "What's gotten into you? You know how much I adore him! I'd kill a new-born baby if it meant I could feel him up close once again. It's not just about his looks, either—he's so considerate and genuine, you can't help but fall for him a little every time you're with him."

"Awww! You didn't tell me you felt that way about me, Emily."

Emily froze in her spot, recognizing that voice. She looked up to see the shit-eating grin on Rachel's face, and the realization dawned on her immediately.

'You're dead,' she mouthed to Rachel before slowly turning around to confirm her fears. 

True to her worst nightmare, Troy was standing right there. He was wearing a form-fitting white tank top that did nothing to hide his well-defined chest and arms. It was paired with light blue denim shorts, a blue baseball cap, sunglasses, and of course, his signature Crocs. An easy-going smile was fixed on his face, the kind that could melt the hearts of hundreds of girls worldwide.

"Hey, Emily," he greeted her casually.

Emily closed her eyes in mortification before turning back to her now ex-friend. "You bitch!" she hissed. "Who does that to their friend?"

"Hey, none of that," Troy stepped beside Emily, draping an arm around her shoulders. "I motioned her from behind you keep quiet."

Emily covered her face in shame. "Why did I have to embarrass myself so pathetically? How much did you hear?"

Troy hummed audibly as he rubbed his non-existent beard. "I heard that I'm hot, Harry Potter on Fire, sexy AF, out of this world, and that someone adores me and wants to kill babies. Just a suggestion, don't do that."

Emily groaned again.

"If it helps, you didn't embarrass yourself," he insisted. "I adore you too—probably much more than you adore me."

"I'll die of diabetes if you two continue…" Rachel pointed at the pair in mock confusion. "...whatever this is."

Troy placed a hand on his chest dramatically. "Don't die on me. Wait at least until I'm away. I don't want another scandal right now."

The three teenagers laughed at that joke. Troy had dealt with quite a few scandals in his career. None were truly his fault, but they sure left an impression on the public that he liked having scandals to market himself.

"Troy," he offered a handshake to Rachel.

"Rachel," she replied smartly. "Won't this cause a scandal? You meeting Emily so openly."

Troy shrugged, "Look around. You can see my guards if you look carefully. They'll warn me if some reporters are nearby. And given how basic attire I have chosen for the day, I hardly think anyone will even notice me."

Emily did a 180 spin, and true to Troy's words, she could spot at least three guards trying to look inconspicuous but failing miserably.

"I noticed you," Rachel retorted.

"Because I wanted you to notice me," Troy said with a grin. Then he turned to Emily. "I really like your friend."

Emily knew what Troy really liked—the fact that Rachel didn't go weak in the knees seeing him in person. From what she'd observed on the set of [Brick], it tended to happen a lot with young girls around him.

"As much as I'd love to chat with you about your likes," Emily said, "why are you really here? We were meant to meet in Park City in a few days for the premiere of [Brick]."

Troy shrugged. "A few reasons, I didn't have anything else to do for a few days, and my plane was free. So I thought I'd come to see my dear friend and offer her a ride to Sundance. I couldn't come to you after your accident because I was working, so I decided to come now. Hope you're doing well?"

"Yeah," Emily nodded. "I'm okay now. Mom wouldn't let me go to Sundance otherwise."

"Good then," Troy smiled. "This will be perfect. I'm doing another film, this time in London, and we need a female lead. What do you think about it? Wanna do it?"

Emily's mouth dropped open at the offer, unable to come up with words.

"You don't even have to audition," he continued. "I showed your scenes from [Brick] to the director, and he's agreed to cast you directly."

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