When Irene finished speaking, the conference room fell silent.
The executives collectively inhaled. It had been some time since anyone addressed Jerry Nelson in that manner.
They expected the director to respond angrily to preserve his authority.
Instead, Nelson slowly raised his hand, brought the half-smoked cigarette to his lips, inhaled, and extinguished it in the crystal ashtray beside him.
His tone was even. "Of course we respect the contract. We will proceed according to Miss Coppola’s direction."
Irene raised an eyebrow slightly. He had conceded without further argument.
Two meetings, two entirely different attitudes. Mr. Nelson was difficult to read.
"Since Director Nelson understands my position, that is satisfactory. Does anyone have additional questions?"
The others exchanged glances, looking between Nelson and Irene, then shook their heads.
"Very well. I also recommend that Britney’s performance style after her official debut remain consistent with the music video. Removing unnecessary sexual elements will better support her image. What are your thoughts?"
"Thank you for the suggestion, Miss Coppola," Karl interjected, likely to prevent further tension.
"That concludes my remarks for today. The music video has been provided to you, and my responsibilities are complete. If you require my assistance in the future, please contact me." With that, Irene collected her folder and left.
As the attendees began to relax, the door opened again.
Irene leaned back in and said, "I nearly forgot to ask. May I collect the remaining payment today?"
The room became quiet again. The executives looked at one another, and no one responded immediately.
Nelson raised his hand. His tone was unchanged. "Of course. The check has been prepared and is at the front desk. It is available for Miss Coppola at any time."
"Thank you, Mr. Nelson. I appreciate your efficiency." This time, she departed without returning.
The executives remained, looking at one another.
"Do not remain seated. Proceed with your responsibilities," Nelson said. Only then did everyone exit the conference room quietly, as if relieved.
Once they had left, Nelson’s assistant closed the window, refilled his teacup, and asked quietly, "Boss, you indicated earlier that you intended to challenge her. Why concede so readily?"
Jerry Nelson lifted the teacup and inhaled the aroma of green tea. "She is correct. Continuing to obstruct her would reflect poorly on us." He paused. "What is your assessment of her?"
"Miss Coppola?"
"Obviously. Who else?"
The assistant considered the two meetings and replied, "Assertive, but clearly talented."
"Even you recognize her talent. Do you think I do not?" Nelson gave a short laugh. "Why would I oppose a director with evident potential? Moreover, her relationship with Britney is significant."
He motioned for the assistant to come closer and lowered his voice. "Shelly Ovitz has been pursuing Britney’s management contract. Arrange a meeting with him in a few days. Inform him that I am inclined to approve."
"Yes, Boss."
"Not asking for the reasoning this time?" Nelson remarked, attempting humor.
"Your decisions are usually strategic," the assistant replied, missing the joke.
"Very well. You may go. And do not prepare tea next time. You are using my best leaves."
After receiving her payment, Irene noted the time and visited a nearby bookstore to look for familiar intellectual properties.
On Hollywood’s annual box office charts, adaptations and sequels predominate. Original works are uncommon. If she had adequate funds, she would secure rights to several promising properties.
Unfortunately, she was not in that position. Were it not for the recent payment, she would still be requesting spending money from her mother.
Although earning this amount at her age was notable, it remained insufficient for her objectives.
More than a year remained before she could access her trust fund independently.
Even if she could withdraw it in full at that time, the amount would not cover a feature film. A teen comedy produced to the standard she envisioned would require an investment of at least one million dollars.
Furthermore, she intended to use the attention from Britney’s debut to advance her own career. Without that, few would invest in a first-time director.
To meet that timeline, the film would need to release in the second half of next year. Allowing three months for production, one month for pre-production, and time for marketing and distribution, she had limited time.
Funding and schedule were both substantial obstacles.
Even if her parents could provide capital, Hollywood directors did not finance their own films. That was standard practice. Her parents had worked in the industry for years and would not support such an approach.
How could she proceed to maximize her advantage?
The question remained unresolved as she returned to her rented apartment.
"Welcome back, Miss Coppola. Sophia called and asked that you return her call as soon as possible." Ophelia handed her a cold drink and placed the mobile phone in her hand.
She still had not adapted to a mobile phone with no function beyond calls and frequently forgot to carry it. She wondered when Steve Jobs would introduce more capable devices.
"Hello, Sophia. What is it?"
"Why do you never carry your phone? I cannot reach you. Are you busier than I am? Mom and Dad said you are still in Los Angeles and have not departed." Sophia’s voice conveyed exasperation.
Irene explained quickly, "I am not busier than you. I took a job recently, so I did not travel. Aren’t you preparing for your film? Why are you calling?"
"I knew you would forget. We agreed you would attend the auditions. Do you recall?"
Reminded, Irene remembered that on graduation day Sophia had invited her to observe. With her current work concluded, this was an appropriate time.
"My mistake. When is the audition? Where is it?"
"You acknowledge errors quickly but change slowly. That is consistent," Sophia said with a sigh. "The day after tomorrow at nine in the morning, West Hollywood. Call me when you arrive, and I will send someone to meet you."
"Understood. I will see you then, Sophia."
"Mm."
"Sophia, should I prepare anything for—" Before Irene finished, Sophia had ended the call.
She had intended to ask about preparation, but since Sophia provided no instructions, she decided she would attend as requested.