Hollywood starts with a broker

Although Aaron wouldn't object to signing a few more clients, Bruce Robin, a screenwriter, really didn't pique Aaron's interest.

Therefore, Aaron directly introduced him to the newcomer, Jake Wills.

Meanwhile, the critically acclaimed family drama "Rain Man," since its release, has successfully grossed over $100 million at the North American box office, and its momentum remains strong!

At the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Aaron attended a reception with Paula Wagner. Although Aaron no longer had to do errands, he still seemed to be Paula Wagner's little follower?

"So, I heard you're trying to develop a script you came up with?" Paula Wagner asked.

Aaron nodded. "Well, when else will I get my break?"

Paula Wagner frowned. "How old are you? You're already thinking about getting ahead."

"Besides, you're an agent. Isn't this putting the cart before the horse?"

"Don't worry," Aaron smiled. "Isn't promoting film projects also part of an agent's job?"

"However, I will still sign some stars. Isn't Steven Soderbergh currently working on the exhibition and release of 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape'?"

Paula Wagner looked at Aaron. "You want to transition into a producer, right?"

"Well, doesn't Ms. Wagner want to?"

As Aaron spoke, he looked at Tom Cruise, who was surrounded like a star, not far away. "With Tom, many projects can proceed smoothly!"

Paula Wagner laughed. "I've read your script. There's no way Tom would agree to play a ghost."

"Is that so?" Aaron's lips curled up. "What if I offer him a salary of $10 million?"

You should know that the highest-paid actor currently is action superstar Sylvester Stallone, at $15 million, a tier of his own.

As for those earning over $10 million, only Harrison Ford and Arnold Schwarzenegger have received that price this year, and Clint Eastwood can also get it in certain films.

Paula Wagner clicked her tongue. "You really have a big appetite!"

Not to mention $10 million, Tom Cruise has been participating in projects as a supporting actor in recent years, but he's still short of a $10 million salary.

In the banquet hall, Aaron Anderson was just an unknown nobody, and no one would pay attention to him. The director of "Rain Man," Barry Levinson, the male lead Dustin Hoffman, and Tom Cruise were the focus!

In the evening, Aaron, returning to his home in West Hollywood, suddenly noticed a poster at the entrance of a movie theater.

"An Australian thriller, 'Dead Calm,' distributed by Warner Bros.!"

Of course, Aaron wasn't interested in the movie itself, but in the film's female lead, Australian actress Nicole Kidman.

"Isn't this an opportunity? It's not easy for foreign newcomers to make it in Hollywood..."

Three days later, at a restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills, Aaron Anderson met the Australian beauty Nicole Kidman.

Tall and graceful, with a pretty face and fair skin, she was indeed a beauty, although her red, permed hair made Aaron a little uncomfortable.

"Ms. Kidman, over here," Aaron stood up and waved to her.

Nicole Kidman walked over. It was a young and handsome man. She asked uncertainly, "Are you Aaron Anderson, the agent from CAA?"

"Have a seat," Aaron then handed her a business card. "I am Aaron Anderson!"

Nicole Kidman looked at it. The other party was indeed an agent from CAA. Although she thought he was too young, she maintained a smile on her face.

"Mr. Anderson, what can I do for you?"

"Just call me Aaron," Aaron Anderson waved his hand and called the waiter. "No rush, let's order something to eat first and chat while we eat!"

After a while, when the food was served, Aaron looked at Nicole Kidman with a smile. "My purpose in finding you is simple. I want to sign you and help you open up the market in Hollywood."

"Don't rush to refuse. Hollywood is very xenophobic. Coming from Australia, you won't get any good opportunities."

"Although I'm a newcomer, I have a lot of confidence in myself. If you've paid attention to the independent film market, 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape,' which I promoted, was at the Sundance Film Festival last month!"

Nicole Kidman smiled helplessly. "I just arrived last month. I know that movie."

"Actually, I didn't have an agent when I first came to Hollywood. How did you find me?"

Aaron ate a bite of steak, wiped his mouth, and smiled. "I accidentally saw the poster for the thriller you starred in, 'Dead Calm'."

"Your physical attributes are very good. I believe you are a promising talent, and you do need an agent to help you, don't you?"

Nicole Kidman nodded. "The initial contract for a newcomer is one year, right?"

"Yes, the term is one year. If you're not satisfied with me after a year, you can replace me at any time," Aaron said nonchalantly. "After all, I'm also a newcomer and don't have any backing!"

Nicole Kidman laughed. "There was an interview with you in the newspaper at the time. You seemed arrogant enough to shout that this year is the year of independent films because 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape' is being released."

Aaron took a sip of coffee. "That's not my arrogance, it's my confidence in 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape'!"

"You're very special," Nicole Kidman also slowly started eating...

After the two had finished eating, Aaron looked at Nicole Kidman. "So, do you want to sign with me?"

Nicole Kidman blinked. "If I refuse, will you be persistent?"

Aaron shook his head. "I don't have that much time to waste. I'll probably pay attention to other newcomers."

"Or European actors. I sign artists based on luck. My main business is in film now!"

"Film, what do you mean?"

"Film distribution agency, helping some independent films or foreign films find distributors, that's what it means!"

"But shouldn't your main job be an artist's agent?"

Aaron curled his lips. "When do you think you can get a million-dollar salary?"

"Ah, that, I don't know!" Nicole Kidman shook her head.

"You get a $1 million salary, CAA takes $100,000 from you, and it's even less for me. It's good if you shoot two movies a year," Aaron pointed.

"If the opportunity is right, I can promote several movies a year. If I'm lucky, one movie can fetch a transaction price of several million dollars, which is more profitable than signing some newcomers!"

Nicole Kidman understood. "But if that's the case, if I sign with you, wouldn't that be letting me fend for myself?"

Aaron supported his forehead. "If I could easily promote movies, do you think those directors and producers wouldn't give me face?"

"Well, okay, I'm willing," Nicole Kidman agreed, of course, because she really didn't have any connections in Hollywood and could only submit her resume and audition for roles.

At least, Aaron Anderson really is a proper agent from CAA!