Hollywood Enigma: Hollywood Name Game Book 5
Page 9
Scarlett wanted him here from now on—as the other half of a couple. Her other half.
CHAPTER 9
Wynn had come to the Corrigans’ home with both trepidation and excitement. He wasn’t as much of a hermit as Howard Hughes had been but he rarely left home, especially not to socialize. Though he knew part of tonight would involve a business meeting with Cassie Corrigan and Breck O’Dell regarding the script they currently worked on, he’d seen how carefree and happy this group was in a social situation last weekend at Rhett’s casino night and wondered if he would be able to fit in. He told himself he was an actor. A damn good one. Even if he felt uncomfortable, he could certainly act like he fit in.
The other part of him was eager to see Scarlett again. She’d refused to share whatever her idea was about getting him out of his ironclad contract with Rylon, practically pushing him out of her office Monday afternoon by saying she had research to do. She’d also mentioned wanting to run some things by Cassie and Breck, which piqued his curiosity. She’d told him to sit tight and she’d tell him more when they met again on Wednesday evening.
Right now, excitement swirled within him. For the first time in more than a dozen years, he felt a part of something. Not the way as he did on a film. He came to the set totally prepared, never making anyone wait on him, treating his fellow cast mates and the crew politely—yet he never really experienced being a part of them. He was always aware he was a cog in the production. A major one, now that he was Carbon Man, but strictly there to perform a job and move on. No one got to know him between takes and, consequently, he kept to himself. Tonight was totally different. The people gathered around him now had just bestowed a gift upon him. No strings attached. Something precious that had been missing in his life for over a decade.
Friendship.
Emotion overwhelmed Wynn, as strong as when he’d lost his parents and Payne. He looked over the group seated around this table, some of the biggest names in Hollywood, and was struck by the sincerity and openness on their faces. From deep within, Wynn longed to break free and allow himself to be happy, as he once had many years ago. Making friends and forging bonds with these people would be life changing.
He released Dash’s hand but held fast to Scarlett’s. If anything, he owed them honesty.
“A long time ago, I was the most outgoing person you’d ever met. A lot of shit went down that changed me. I lost my parents and brother. Was betrayed by someone I loved. I withdrew deep into myself and came out stronger—but since then I’ve always held back when it came to getting to know others.” Wynn hesitated and then finally said, “Seeing you open your hearts to me makes me want to be a new man. Maybe discover the one I used to be long ago and see if he can emerge and give back as much as I’ve been given tonight.”
Breck extended his hand and Wynn shook it. “I’m all about getting a new brother and friend, Wynn.” He grinned. “Especially one that might help me gang up on Rhett and beat him at cards.”
Rhett Corrigan’s poker nights were legendary in Hollywood, with his tight circle of friends playing monthly. Wynn had fantasized about being invited to take part in one, getting to know the man he idolized.
Rhett grasped his hand. “Breck has too many tells to ever win at poker,” he revealed. “If you’re going to side with someone, it better be me. Let me reiterate what’s already been said, Wynn. The offer of friendship stands whether you do a picture with RCDS or not. We have plenty of projects going on and can afford to bide our time until if or when you decide to work with us.”
Scarlett spoke up. “If I have anything to do with it, it may be sooner than later.”
Wynn turned to her. Those steady, gray eyes brimmed with confidence. Their entwined fingers remained joined in solidarity.
“What’s your strategy?” he asked.
She finally released his hand. In a way, Wynn was glad because holding it made it hard for him to think of anything else. He needed a little space so that his focus was on her words and not on the feel of her skin against his.
“I want to run a few ideas by everyone first and get your input,” she continued. “As background, Wynn’s filmed three movies as Carbon Man and two other ensembles as a part of the superhero universe of Alpha Tharra. He was actively involved in the contracts that Del drew up with Rylon Pictures. Not only is his salary higher than any of the other actors’ solo movies, but it’s also increased substantially with each new release as part of a tiered action. As far as the combined movies, Wynn was paid nearly double what any other actor received, reflected in his above the title billing. On top of that, he has a back end deal involving points. Once more, the points have increased with each film.”
“How many movies left on the current contract?” Dash asked.
“One solo—which begins production this coming Monday—and one combo. It’ll start almost immediately after the first one finishes.” Scarlett turned to him. “Do you know if they have a script completed for it yet?”
“The last I heard, the writing team had started outlining about a month ago,” he told her.
“Wynn and Del were also smart enough to go after the merchandising angle,” Scarlett told the group. “Though the studio owns the rights to the Carbon Man image, Wynn gets a percentage of all merch. Action figures. Lunchboxes. PJs. Backpacks. T-shirts.”
“That was a smart move,” Rhett commented. “I’m sure you’ve made really good money off that deal. I think Kyle and Cadence own everything Carbon Man that’s out on the market.”
Wynn nodded. “Del’s a bit of a nerd. Always collected Star Wars memorabilia as a kid and teen and then even as an adult. He could probably open a decent-sized museum with everything he’s accumulated over the years. It was his idea to go after the merch. As far as I know, none of the other actors in Alpha Tharra were given that option. We weren’t—but we asked for it.” He turned back to Scarlett. “So, what are you thinking? The studio has been adamant that all current contracts stand. No room for negotiating a better deal with any of the lead actors. How do you think you can get me out of two films when I’m their main hero?”
“By killing you off.”
A buzz erupted at the table as everyone starting speaking at once. Scarlett held up a hand and said, “Hear me out.”
Everyone quieted and gave Scarlett their full attention.
“The language studio heads understand most is that of money. How they can make more of it is inevitably their bottom line. I have a way to save them a ton and relaunch the franchise.”
She stood and began pacing. Wynn believed she must do the same thing when she addressed a jury.
“My idea is to make it attractive for Rylon to want to get out of the contract as much as Wynn does. I want to run a few story ideas by Cassie and Breck to flesh out my approach to the studio but my idea is to alter the script of this last solo film. Have some accident happen to Carbon Man. He goes up early in the film—say a third of the way through—against some awful, evil fiend. He’s catastrophically injured. Disfigured. Maybe in a coma.
“When he emerges, ready to do battle and seek justice, he’s a different actor. With a different face.”
Excitement poured through Wynn. He could already tell where Scarlett headed.
“I’ll pitch to Rylon execs that Wynn has gotten more expensive with each film and that’s under the structure of the current contract. They’re wanting to exercise options for future films, and he intends to demand an outrageous amount. Other Alpha Tharra actors, as the franchise increases in popularity, will automatically follow Wynn’s lead because audiences want their Alpha Tharra heroes. It gives the actors all the power, not the bosses. But what if they replaced him? Found a talented unknown and paid him a pittance of what Wynn’s earning. Rylon could sign that new actor to a three, four, or five picture deal at a substantially lower investment, saving millions on what they would have to pay out to Wynn.”
Scarlett reached for her water and took a long pull from the bottle.
“Not only would they save a tremendous amount on his salary, but if any future Alpha Tharra actor got a big head and wanted to play highway robber with them?”
“They could threaten to do what they did with Wynn. Replace them with a lower-salaried player through a change in the script,” Sydney said, interest sparking in her eyes.
“Exactly,” Scarlett confirmed. “It would give the studio leverage. What film company doesn’t want the upper hand regarding their actors? The screenwriters would have a field day. They could reinvent Carbon Man. Let him go through angst at being a different guy. Looking and feeling different. Being ostracized before being embraced. Maybe whatever event occurred could affect his superpowers. Take them away and he could discover new ones. They could even give him a different name. Whatever. The point is, Wynn would have the chance to walk away. Even better? Carbon Man merch would go through the roof.”
“That’s what happened when Elvis and Michael Jackson died,” Breck said. “Their estates were in trouble. Cash poor. After their deaths, the licensing for their images and all the items produced went through the roof, not to mention their song catalogues exploding. Even Prince, who was in decent financial shape before he passed, had skyrocketing sales that continued for months. Why do you think so many heirs came out of the woodwork to fight over his estate?”
“Wynn would still own his percentage of that merch,” Scarlett said. “It could wind up making him a fortune as fans snapped up anything with the original Carbon Man on it.”
Scarlett looked to the RCDS team. “That’s the short version of my pitch to the Rylon executives. What I need from you now is to help me find holes in my arguments. Any insight you can provide would be helpful.”
“You hit the nail on the head regarding salaries,” Rhett said. “Wynn is already expensive and will only grow more so as the franchise continues, especially when it’s time to renegotiate for future sequels. He balks? The whole series could be put on an indefinite hold, costing Rylon millions of dollars. No studio execs want that kind of power placed in an actor’s hands.”
“They would also be afraid of Wynn talking to the other superhero actors once contracts expire and extensions need to be put into place,” Sydney noted. “Everyone in town learned that lesson years ago when the cast of Friends banded together during negotiations. They said each one would be paid the same—one million per half-hour episode—or they all walked from a hit show. The only other TV cast that has been able to pull that off was The Big Bang Theory. And that was years later.”
“Having a new actor as Carbon Man—one they could pay peanuts to—would really appeal to them,” Breck said. “And they would be smart enough not to give him any points as they did Wynn.”
“As a writer, the idea of being able to develop a whole new character within an established character would appeal to me,” Cassie said. “That would fire my creativity to the max and lead to countless other storylines. If any of the Alpha Tharra screenwriters can sit in on your meeting, they would point that out.”
“Being a numbers guy, I still go back to the merch,” Dash said. “The boost from losing Wynn as Carbon Man would make items fly off the shelves. Yes, it puts money in Wynn’s pocket—but also in the studio’s, as well. And then they get to introduce an entire new line of Carbon Man goods with a new face so, in a way, they’re selling two lunchboxes for a single character. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
“Except the poor sap who is an unknown and signs on for pennies just to get to be in Alpha Tharra movies,” Rhett said. He looked to Scarlett. “Keeping the other actors on a tight leash by having a way to cut them lose if their demands get out of line is also a strong point.” He grinned at his sister. “I don’t see any holes in your arguments, Scarlett. You don’t have only one point to entice them into letting Wynn go. You’re spreading breadcrumbs all around for them to nibble on.”
“Good.”
She slipped back into her seat next to Wynn who, along with those seated around the table, couldn’t think of a single weakness in her scheme to make him a free man.
“What do you think, Wynn?” she asked.
“I think you’re absolutely brilliant.”
“Good to know,” Scarlett replied. “Because you and I have a meeting with the head of Rylon Pictures at eleven tomorrow morning.”
◆◆◆
Scarlett led Wynn around the Lymon McGraw offices, introducing him to attorneys, paralegals, and assistants, as well as a few clients. He gamely shook hands and took pictures with several people before she brought him to the conference room where the three generations of Lymons awaited them. She’d promised all the Lymons that she would have their new client visit the office. Today seemed perfect because they could leave from here and go straight to the Rylon meeting. Scarlett thought arriving together would show a unified front to the top brass and their multitude of attorneys.
Wynn opened the glass door for her and she walked in. Old Man Lymon used his cane to push to his feet and she went to him. He greeted her with a kiss to the cheek. The co-founder of Lymon McGraw only came into the offices once a week now. Though in his late seventies, he remained sharp and inquisitive. She’d already briefed those present on her strategy but wanted them to meet Wynn. Bringing a client of his magnitude on board had already earned her praise during the partners’ meeting.
Scarlett introduced Wynn to all three Lymons and watched the interaction between them. The old man scrutinized Wynn but was cordial as he sized up the actor. Little Lymon, her nickname for the youngest Lymon who’d graduated from law school a few months ago, appeared starstruck. Henry Lymon, the son of the old man and father to Little Lymon, fawned over Wynn.
She didn’t like Henry—but the same could be said for his feelings regarding her.
Old Man Lymon had hired Scarlett immediately after she’d graduated at the top of her class from UCLA Law. The son had disagreed with his father’s decision, which made her and Henry get off to a rocky start. Henry Lymon never bothered hiding his feelings, especially where women were concerned. He had to be the most sexist man she’d ever met, thinking women were good for two things—making and having babies. When Scarlett settled a complicated case after only two weeks at Lymon McGraw, saving the firm’s client millions of dollars, she’d been fast-tracked. The old man handpicked her cases as Scarlett racked up win after win. After three years of success, she’d begun to receive offers from top firms in the city and went to the old man to discuss her future at Lymon McGraw. She’d wanted to know where she stood and if staying or jumping ship made sense for her future.
Old Man Lymon cut her a deal. He doubled her already generous salary and revealed he would make her a partner at the end of another year. She’d be able to choose whatever clients and cases she wanted in the meantime. Scarlett stayed, grateful for the opportunity to forge her own path and make partner so quickly. Office gossip got back to her how unhappy Henry Lymon was about the handshake agreement. The old man had made his son toil for seven, long years before he earned partner status. Every time Henry looked at Scarlett, she saw a mixture of resentment and distaste in his eyes.
Her phone buzzed. She touched Wynn’s sleeve. “I’ve got to take this and then we’ll need to be off. Be right back.”
Scarlett slipped out of the conference room. “Cassie. What have you got for me?”
“A full treatment. I just emailed it to you. It’s almost five pages long.”
“What? You’re kidding me.”
“Nope. Breck and I stayed up until four this morning hammering it out. Slept a couple of hours and then after he devoured everything in our fridge, we polished it up.”
Before she left Rhett’s last night, she’d asked Cassie and Breck to kick a few ideas around on how Carbon Man might undergo his miraculous change. She’d hoped to toss some of them out to the execs this morning, tempting them even further with solid ideas so Wynn might be released from his contract.
“I never expected a full treatment from you two.”
“I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You can get Wynn freed up to work with us, Scarlett. That’s thanks enough. Already, Breck can’t wait to drive back to Vegas because he does his best thinking on the open road. We kicked around a few things and I believe the script we’d started on will take shape pretty quickly now. Actually, it’ll diverge from what we’d originally planned but meeting Wynn has given us some firm direction. Plus, neither of us has ever thought about writing superhero, big action stuff. This might be our in-road into that genre.” Cassie paused. “I think the treatment is strong enough that by the end of the day, Breck and I will receive an offer from Rylon to write the screenplay.”
“That’s fantastic. You’re fantastic. Kiss Breck right on the mouth for me. I owe you.”
“Glad to do it for family, Scarlett.” Cassie’s tone changed. “You do realize Wynn is going to become family.”
“I know.”
“Are you all right with that?”
“Honestly, Cassie, I think it’s great for him. For me? I don’t know. I’m crazy about him but don’t think we should get involved. He’s my client. I don’t like to mix personal with professional.”
“Don’t make any rash decisions. Give it time.”
“Right now, I need to focus on this meeting. I’ll go print out the treatment.”
“Call me the minute the meeting ends and let me know what happened.”