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raid someone will overhear us.
“I’m dead serious. You haven’t read the book.” I respond in a tone that’s calmer than how I feel.
“I don’t need to read the book. We don’t make movies like this. We chase box office dollars, not critical acclaim.” He slams his fist on the table.
Zev’s worked here longer than I have. I know resented my promotion to Studio President last year. I’ve been sensitive to that since and have treated him with respect that I believe he’s earned. But no matter how he feels, I’m his boss and he clearly needs to be reminded of that.
I raise an eyebrow at him. “Since when did you decide the creative or financial strategies of this movie studio?” I ask him, my tone quiet, but my anger not disguised.
He pales a little, and when he speaks again, his tone is less combative.
“Fine. But you’re going to have to explain this to the writing team. You’re going to have to get legal to sign off on it and you’ll also have to explain to the board when we dump money into it and don’t make it back at the box office.”
I sigh. I don’t want to alienate Zev, I respect him. And I know he’s got the conventional wisdom right, but I know this movie will be a success. I won’t let it be anything else.
“I want to tell this story. I’m willing to take a risk. If it does well, it will be great for the studio. Yeah, we chase box office success over critical acclaim. This is our chance to have both. And I think Ms. Vega’s got real star power. She’ll be great when we start doing promo for it.”
And all of the sudden his expression loses his some of its hardness, and a conspiratorial grin spreads across his face.
“You want to fuck her, right? I get it, she gorgeous. I mean, I’m married and I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on that hot little body.” He slaps my shoulder as he stands up and starts toward the door. “ But, Reece, there are cheaper ways to get some ass. I bet she’d be on her knees for you if you just asked.”
I close my eyes and exhale. This is the movie business. The casting couch is real. People use sex as currency all the time, and this sort of banter is common. But not at Artemis Media. My father and I are two of only four male Chief Executives across the entire organization. We’ve worked hard to create a culture that rewards creativity and hard work. This is where the brightest people want to work because they know that nothing but their effort and attitude counts.
I pick up the contract and start to flip through it, letting Zev know that I’m done talking. Just as he reaches the door, I call his name. When he stops I look him straight in the eyes. “I’ll only say this one time. Consider it your warning.” He frowns in confusion. “If I hear you talking about anyone who works for or with us, like that again, I don’t care how long you’ve known my father. You’ll be gone.”
And then I look back at the contract and I flip to the next page. He doesn’t say anything as he leaves, but the door closes with a tiny slam. I don’t really care how he feels. I meant every word.
I pick up my pen and add a few provisions to the contract. Lucia Vega is asking for a lot. And I’m going to give it to her.
* * *
