Jim Waitt witnessed the evolution of the Lux Comics company. He had confirmed three negotiations with Warner regarding the drawings of young Billy Carson. He saw the company expanding to multiple locations, and though nothing was confirmed yet, there seemed to be an interesting connection with Pixar, one of the more complex fronts for the company's development.
What stood out the most were the relationships with the video game company Capcom and their collaboration with Nike. The NBA's team collectible cards had caused a sensation with their artistic designs and unique approach. It was no wonder that the NBA recently hired some designers to release their cards next year.
-James, I've done everything possible to deal with the compensation conflict with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He's demanding a salary of $10 million, seeing the potential to make money from your enthusiasm for making movies. The production of the film has already started, and they insist on a high salary, - said Jim Waitt.
-How strong is the negotiation? What exactly is International Creative Management (ICM) proposing for Arnold's participation in the movie? - asked James.
The battle between CAA and ICM has been quite intense. Both agencies want to get a share of the market, and the recruitment and poaching of big stars is nothing new in talent representation companies.
-Yes, apparently, they are still finalizing the new movie, Kínder Corp. They are aiming to release it in early 1991 or late 1990. The exact date hasn't been agreed upon, but I believe it will be part of the Christmas box office, - Jim Waitt replied.
-So, it's a busy schedule. I can't wait any longer. Contact Dolph Lundgren. The tall European has the right features for the T-800 model. It will be beneficial to have him, and his salary should be relatively low. $2 million should be enough for his involvement, provided he performs his stunts. He can use a double, but you know I prefer when they do their takes, - said James.
-I've already contacted him, negotiated for a price of one and a half million dollars,- said Jim Waitt. -Although I'll ask him about the stunt scenes.-
-Ah, Jim, I wasn't aware you had moved ahead with that. Well, I need him by the end of next month. Let's abandon the negotiations; we already have most of the cast chosen, and Dolph Lundgren can fill Arnold's role,- said James Cameron.
Inside, he lamented losing the cast he had in mind. Arnold is a good friend and a fantastic action star, but the movie comes first. Regarding the interests at stake in Hollywood, ICM, and CAA have a certain rivalry, fighting for every bit of money. With Arnold committed to the film until winter, only money could tempt him to do the movie.
-Very well, any news about the screenwriter? - James asked.
-You mean young Billy Carson, - Jim said, tapping his fingers.
-Yes, the kid,- replied James.
-Now, he's part of CAA's roster, as one of our company members. I'm representing him myself. Due to his age, I haven't actively pursued some roles for him, but in two or three years, he should be ready to enter the field,- said Jim.
-You signed him,- exclaimed James Cameron, raising his voice over the phone. The intern poked his head out of his office. The building was located at the Fox studio, due to James Cameron's connections with the company.
-That's right. He's a magnificent young talent with a lot of potential. Believe it or not, he's quite an actor. I spoke with his father about his acting abilities, and he said that Billy's skills are impressive and improving every day. At first, I didn't believe him, but Mr. Carson and his son are not people who joke around,- said Jim Waitt, feeling somewhat nostalgic about the conversations he has had with the Carsons.
-If you have a cameo for Terminator, that would be nice, - Jim Waitt said jokingly.
-Unfortunately, I don't have one, but I can get him some with my good friends at Fox. I have a longstanding relationship with the company, - James Cameron replied with laughter in his voice.
-I'd have to discuss it with Billy. Right now, he's focused on finishing high school and working on publications with his company Lux Comics, so I can't interfere with his decisions. But it would be good for him to participate in some cameos to hone his on-camera skills, - said Jim, speaking on behalf of both James Cameron and Billy Carson.
-Ah, Jim, I'm still surprised by your decision to sign the boy. Now I'm even more curious about his acting abilities, - said James. - Take him to film some commercials where they need extras. Let him immerse himself in the world of production images. -
-All good ideas. He's currently taking acting and accent classes. I hope that when he's done, he'll come to Los Angeles and attend a proper acting academy, - said Jim.
-That's probably the best course of action. I don't see many promising young actors. There are some good ones, but none seem to have the potential to become great actors,- said James.
-Give them time, James. Acting is not easy, and I believe there are hidden talents out there; it just takes a few years to discover them,- replied Jim.
-You could ask Michael Orvitz to help. He has a great relationship with Universal, even better than my relationship with Fox. Getting some auditions wouldn't be a big problem for him,- suggested James, thinking about one of the most powerful agents in all of Hollywood, with numerous influential friends in the industry. He has strong connections in the Golden Circle.
-I thought about that. He recently asked me about your movie. Spending $90 million is no joke for anyone. It's breaking all records with the hefty sum of money they've invested in this film. Caralco Films is taking a big risk, - said Jim.
-Don't be surprised, Jim. After all, it's my movie that will take center stage, and I'll break the box office when it's released, - said James Cameron, with pride in his voice.
-With the value of that box office, you'll need at least $200 million for it not to be a total loss, - said Jim.
-Oh, I'll surpass that. I already have everything perfectly detailed in my head. The storyline of the movie will be sensational. Although I'll need some help later on with advertising, I feel rejuvenated. If you've got everything sorted with Dolph, send it to me next week. He has to prepare properly for the film, - said James.
-I'll close the deal later; I might arrive early to say hello, - said Jim. - There have been rumors about your encounter with Linda Hamilton. Is there anything I should be concerned about? - Jim asked.
-Darn... the press is detestable. We had a fling, but nothing extravagant. I'm not twenty anymore; I'm not up for rebellious romances, - said James.
-Alright, I'll arrange some things to cover any rumors. A reporter from Variety owes me a few favors, - said Jim.
-For now, it's not necessary. I don't mind some rumors circulating. The press needs something to make a living, save those favors for when they have some real trouble, - James replied, covering the microphone.
-Kid, connect me with the producers when you're done. Tell them I have a perfect replacement for Arnold's role, - said James Cameron.
-Yes, sir. I'll start right away, - murmured James Cameron's young secretary.
-Let it be so, - said Jim. - I've got some things to take care of. I'll let you know as soon as Dolph's agent responds. -
-Sure, have a good day, Jim, - said James.