AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Novak shook hands with them, then motioned at the other man. “This is our counsel, Richard Mori.”
Another round of handshakes ensued.
“We appreciate your coming all the way out here,” the lawyer said. “Carl and Rebecca both thought this would be a more comfortable setting than my stuffy office.”
“It’s a gorgeous house,” Ben said.
Novak smiled. “Thank you.”
Mori motioned to the sofas. “Shall we sit?”
Ben and Stone sat on one sofa, Novak and his lawyer on the other.
Mori appeared to be waiting for Novak to start speaking, but his client was looking at his watch, lost in thought.
“Carl?”
Novak blinked at the sound, then chuckled self-consciously. “My apologies, gentlemen. I was expecting my wife to be here. She explains everything much better than I do.” He smiled. “As you are aware, the goal of our production company is to make films that will inspire viewers. What we don’t want to do is turn out mindless movies only meant to make money. No offense intended.”
Ben shook his head. “None taken. We try not to do that also.”
“I believe that. Your list of quality films is remarkable. That’s why we made sure you would be one of the studios we met with.”
“We appreciate that.”
It was clear Novak was still distracted, but as he described his and his wife’s plans for their company in more detail, he began to settle into himself. And by the time he summed things up, all traces of his previous preoccupation had disappeared.
“We know that focusing on topics of inequality and highlighting problems such as crime and poverty and other basic inequities of life isn’t always an easy sell. But we believe that by bringing awareness to topics such as these, through well-made stories and documentaries, we will find an eager audience. And we hope our films will inspire some viewers into action.”
“That’s a refreshing change from many of the production companies we’ve met with over the years,” Ben said. “While I’m not going to lie and say profits aren’t important, we at Centurion Studios believe there should always be room for the kind of work you’re doing.” He took in both Novak and Mori. “We may not be the largest studio in Hollywood, but we feel our unmatched commitment to quality entertainment makes us the perfect fit for your plans.”
“Your recent successes at the Academy Awards speaks to your commitment. Rebecca and I were very impressed.”
The talk turned to the more concrete ways they could help each other, and how a partnership between them might work.
When all had been said, and questions asked and answered, Novak said, “Thank you, gentlemen. You have more than lived up to my expectations. I only regret Rebecca couldn’t be here. I know she wanted to be.”
“We look forward to meeting her in the future. If either of you would like to talk more, please don’t hesitate to call.”
They said their goodbyes, and Mori escorted Stone and Ben back through the house.
When they reached the front door, Mori said, “We still have a few other meetings set up. It could be a week or two before we make our decision. But I will say, Carl wasn’t lying when he said he was impressed.”
Ben held out his hand and they shook. “Whoever you go with, I’m sure it will be the right choice.”
“Thank you.”
Mori opened the door, and Ben walked outside.
Before Stone could follow, Mori touched his arm. “Mr. Barrington, I’m wondering if you might have a little time. There’s a matter I’d like to discuss with you.”
“I’ll be in town until tomorrow evening. When would you like to meet?”
“How about now?”
5
“Mind if I join you?”
