All In
Released: 9th January 2015
Agent Help Quest
Agent Help Quest
Main Characters / Extra Characters:
My Characters
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Requirements / Rewards
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Part 1
Charles: Psst, Danny… I’ve got an insider tip on what Hunt has planned for us…
Charles: Get this. Just had a chat with a friend of a friend who T.A.’s for Professor Hunt… And word is, this week he’s teaching us the business of Hollywood.
Danny: Well, I for one could stand to learn more about the wheeling-and-dealing side of things… a lot more…
Charles: Me too. I mean, I know some stuff, but it feels like I just clawed my way out of the CAA mailroom yesterday. I don’t even have an actual client yet… and an agent’s nothing without a client.
Danny: Not to worry. We’re all just getting started. Now let’s go see what Hunt has in store for us…
Time - 1 hour
Later, you’re sitting next to Charles in class while Professor Hunt paces on stage.
Charles: Here we go, Danny. Hunt’s about to explain just how important us agents are…
Thomas Hunt: Let’s begin. The business of Hollywood is a festering cesspool of parasites leeching their 10 percent from the genius of others.
Charles: Okay, that stings a little.
Thomas Hunt: Executives, managers, and worst of all, agents… they are ruthless, cold-blooded sharks… But even they are a necessary link in the Hollywood ecosystem. Without them, art would never make it to the people.
Danny: I… guess that’s kinda a compliment?
Thomas Hunt: To survive Hollywood, all you creative majors here must learn to work with your agency brothers and sisters. This week, you will each shadow a junior agent as they sign a new client and close a deal for them by week’s end. Be warned. An agent’s life, like a sharks’s, is kill or be killed. All or nothing. So if they fail the task, they fail the class.
Charles: Gulp!
Thomas Hunt: So work together as best you can. Your partner’s fate may very well be in your hands…
Rewards
Thomas Hunt: To start, each pair will go to the film library for a preliminary test, to see where your talents are in most desperate need of practice. You’ll negotiate a pretend contract against one of the university’s more experienced agents… But after that, you’re in the real world. God help you all.
Soon, you and Charles are walking across the quad to the film library for you appointed meet-up.
Danny: Hey, Charles… I’m sorry Hunt was such a jerk back there.
Charles: It’s cool. He’s sort of right. Agents have to run in some shady circles to get things done, but it’s all so our clients don’t have to. It’s worth it.
You enter a soundproof conference room in the library and find a familiar face waiting for you.
Ethan: Hey, Danny, you’re looking like a cool mil, as always.
Danny: Ethan! What are you doing here?
Part 2
Ethan: Lemme show you two how it’s done…
Ethan: I’m your competition, of course. Professor Hunt asked me to shake down the newbie agents, and I’m all too happy to help.
Charles: I have to negotiate against you? I don’t know, Ethan… I’ve heard stories about some contracts you’ve landed.
Ethan: Oh, stop. They were nothing--
Charles: Are you kidding? They’re the stuff of legend! The CAA mailroom couldn’t stop talking about how you got Harvey Weinstein to give six figures against a million to a first-time writer! I’ve always wanted to see you in action… Obviously, I didn’t think it would be going head-to-head with me. Any pointers before we start?
Ethan: Sorry, pal, no hand-holding. Hunt wants me to see how you handle out of the gate. But relax, Charles. Danny’s a friend, and this is just for practice, so I’ll take it easy on you. Heard of the movie ‘Nocturnal’ getting made over at Universal? The mid-budget indie horror film?
Charles: I’ve heard some talk.
Ethan: Pretend I’m repping its producers, and you want to get Danny hired as director. That means I’m trying to land Danny for as little money as possible. Got it?
Charles: I think so.
Ethan: Perfect. Let’s get this show on the road.
Time - 2 hours
Ethan inhales… and in an instant, his friendly demeanor evaporates! His eyes flash with intensity.
Ethan: All right, Danny, Charles, we both want this movie to happen, so let’s make it happen, yeah? Let’s meet in the middle, everyone’s happy. Danny, what’s your going rate? Throw out a figure.
Danny: I want 100K, plus producer credit.
Ethan: Cut the laugh track, because that’s preposterous! You’re good, Danny, but you don’t get to make those kinds of absurd demands just yet.
Danny: Oh yeah? I just did.
Ethan: Fair enough. This picture can’t afford that, but I think we can settle on something fair.
Charles leans over and whispers…
Charles: Clever play, Danny! They’ll negotiate you down no matter what, so you always start high! But now it’s my turn. I’ll stop Ethan from haggling us down too much…
Ethan: Come on, Charles. Talk some sense into your client.
Charles: My client’s only asking to be treated with basic human dignity here, Ethan. Danny wants only what anyone wants… to be paid what they’re worth. If your producers can’t afford that, then good luck getting this picture made with bargain-bin talent.
Ethan pauses at Charles’s forceful words and, for a split-second, you see the gears spinning in his head…
Ethan: I wouldn’t exactly call Wes Craven ‘bargain-bin’.
Charles: Bull. No way he’s in talks for this…
Ethan: He is. And I’d bet my Porsche he’ll sign. So if you want this gig, you’re gonna have to make yourselves attractive financially. Work with me here.
Charles starts to sweat…
Charles: Okay… thirty, plus half a point on the back end.
Ethan: I thought you were gonna take this seriously--
Charles: Twenty!
Ethan: I can call Wes right now--
Charles: Eight thousand! No profit share!
Ethan: Now we’re getting somewhere… but I still think we can be more fair.
Danny: Charles, what are you doing?!
Rewards
Soon, you and Charles are leaving the conference room, stunned.
Charles: Wow… that was an utter disaster… it was like ‘Godzilla’ times ‘Armageddon’ stuffed in a ‘Sharknado’…
Danny: Look, it’s okay, it was just a dry run. You’ll do better next time.
Charles: I don’t know, Danny. I love being an agent, I do… networking, bringing the right people together… but when it comes to closing deals, I’m never going to be a shark like Ethan…
Danny: When you find the right client, I know you’ll do great. So we just need to get you one… Um… how exactly do agents find new clients?
Charles: Same way Ethan landed you… schmoozing! I’ll need to get my schmoozing skills in peak form. Come with me, I’ll show you where I like to practice…
Charles drives you to a restaurant in Century City. Inside, you find dozens of young men and women paired off at numbered, candlelit tables.
Danny: Is this… speed dating?
Charles: The best way to practice charming people rapid-fire! Come on!
Danny: You want me to do this too?
Charles: Honestly, I could definitely use your help convincing potential clients I’m what they need… And besides, everyone should know how to schmooze!
Part 3
Charles: Now THIS is more my speed…
As you and Charles sign in and find your seats…
Charles: Know what everyone in the world loves most?
Danny: Chocolate!
Charles: Well, yes… but also they love themselves! And there’s no place that’s more true than Hollywood. Just remember… the key to schmoozing is the key to any healthy relationship: being a good listener. That’s why speed dating is perfect practice. Remember: it’s all about them.
Charles sits down at a table and, in a couple minutes, chats up a business exec about the stock market… an aspiring actress about her role in a toilet paper commercial… and a sports junkie about whether the Clippers can ever make a deep playoff run.
Danny: Whoa! They all gave you their phone numbers? I guess you are good at the networking bit.
Charles: Feels good to flex my schmoozing muscles. Now you give it a shot!
Ding! The bell rings, and everyone changes seats. You find yourself sitting across from a tall, blond surfer, toned and tanned.
Danny: Hey, so do you like the weather? Yeaaaah, so, uh, how about this weather we’ve been having?
The surfer’s eyes light up! He launches into excited chatter about water temperature, tide times, and surf swells caused by atmospheric anomalies!
Danny: Never seen anyone so into small talk about the weather…
Ding! Next, you sit down with a primped, plastic-looking valley girl in a color-coordinated neon tank and ruffled skirt. She introduces herself in a nasally, high-pitched tone.
Danny: I have to say, I just love your outfit.
The valley girl giggles and winks at you.
Danny: I mean it. It’s, like, burning itself into my retinas… in a good way.
Ding! Soon, you’ve joined a table with a timid young man wearing a shirt emblazoned with a blaster and the phrase ‘Han Shot First’.
Danny: Oh, I love Star Wars!
The man eagerly delves into a shot-by-shot analysis of the Episode VII trailer!
Danny: That’s what I’ve always said! Stormtroopers are people too, you know…
As the speed dating meet-up draws to a close, you and Charles swap stories…
Charles: Wow! You scored even more numbers than I did! You’re a natural schmoozer. Ever considered joining an agency?
Danny: Maybe one day, down the road. But what about you? Feeling ready to land your first client?
Charles: I am now.
Rewards
Charles: Now I have to find some super-talented, young, untapped potential clients to schmooze…
Danny: We both have lots of friends from Hollywood U who could use you. Let’s organize a get-together.
Charles: You put the word out. Meanwhile, I’ll find a spot to host.
Danny: Just make sure it’s classy. If I’ve learned one thing from being Ethan’s client, it’s that you have to show them the life. Like that Porsche of his he loves so much. You have to go big!
Part 4
Danny: Page one from Ethan’s playbook… if you want to land a client, you’ve gotta show them the life!
That night, you drive Tegwen, Nyako, and Alexandra to the address Charles texted you.
Tegwen: So what’s this fancy event we’re going to? Is it a surprise birthday party for meeee?!
Danny: Um. No. But it should be just around the corner…
You come around the bend and see… and enormous basketball arena lit up in brilliant spotlights!
Nyako: Wait, we’re going to the Staples Center?! Epic!
You head inside, swimming through a throng of fans, and find Charles waiting there to greet you.
Danny: You got everyone tickets to the Clippers-Mavericks game tonight? This is amazing!
Charles: Not quite. Right this way…
Charles guides you into an elevator, opening it with a swipe of a keycard. The car whisks you to an upper level, directly into…
Alexandra: Oh. My. God. Is this luxury suite for us?
Charles: Open bar, reclining leather chairs, 50-inch plasmas… the works. Mark Cuban from ‘The Shark Tank’ is sitting courtside. I’ll see if he can stop by. Enjoy yourselves!
Danny: Wow, Charles, you really pulled out all the stops for this.
Charles: Pulled out all my savings too, but now with your help, I’ll definitely be able to score a client! It’s schmoozing time!
Time - 4 hours
Soon, the luxury suite is packed with friends from the industry. You chat up Tegwen, Nyako, and Alexandra…
Alexandra: This is amazing. I had no idea Charles was doing so well…
Danny: Are you kidding? He’s hot right now. Rumor has it, all the major agencies are trying to hire him. I already have an agent, but if I didn’t, let’s just say I’d be keeping my eye on Charles for sure.
Nyako: You don’t say…
Your friends gossip excitedly while you glance across the suite to where Charles is deftly charming the crowd.
Charles: Loved, loved, loved you in that pilot! Now, that’s gravitas! Television needs more performances like that. ‘A bit part’? No way, you’re what I call a scene-stealer! But if you ask me, those scene should’ve been yours to begin with…
Danny: Ethan would be proud…
Rewards
As the night goes on, you keep making rounds, sampling the refreshments, watching the game, and laughing with friends, always sure to talk up Charles… But then, as you pass by, you overhear Nyako say something… and a memory flashes through your head…
Danny: Wait, Nyako, say that again?
Nyako: Huh? I was just telling Tegwen that this movie I was gonna DP is falling through. ‘Nocturnal’. Heard of it? Wes Craven backed out of negotiations last week. His schedule’s too busy. How, I don’t know. The man hasn’t made a movie since 2011.
Alexandra: What’s up, Danny? You’re making a face.
Danny: Excuse me a minute, I have to go talk to someone!
Part 5
Danny: I have to tell Charles what I just heard!
You squeeze through the crowded luxury suite, scanning for Charles…
Danny: There you are! I just found out something that’s--
Charles: Wait, wait, wait, me first! I got a client!
Danny: Seriously? Already?! Congratulations!
Charles: Thank you, Danny. For real. I owe you. You talked me up big-time, and word spread through the party fast. She’s an up-and-coming actress, transitioning over from Broadway. Her name’s Astoria Morgan. She’s gonna be huge! And guess what? She’s already got interest from these producers of a comedy. She wants me to meet with the producers’ rep tomorrow to negotiate a real contract! It’s all happening! I just hope I don’t blow it like I did in that practice round with Ethan…
Danny: About that…
You quickly recount what you heard…
Charles: Wait, so when we were doing that test negotiation… Ethan didn’t know that Wes Craven was too busy to direct the movie?
Danny: No, nothing goes on in this town that Ethan doesn’t know about. I’m saying he was bluffing!
Time - 8 hours
In the midst of the packed luxury suite, Charles gawks at you, stunned.
Charles: I don’t understand. You mean Ethan lied to us about having a bigger name ready to take the job?
Danny: You were holding strong. He needed something to throw you off your game. And he banked on you not knowing that those negotiations had fallen through already. It’s a tactic. Bluffing was the key to the entire negotiation.
Charles: Damn, he got me… he’s even better than I thought!
Danny: You can be that good too, Charles. You just need to learn how to bluff like the best.
Charles: How?
Danny: Practice.
Charles: Okay, but how exactly are we going to practice bluffing?
You shoot Charles a smile.
Charles: We’re going to play poker, aren’t we?
Rewards
Ding dong! Soon after leaving the Staples Center, you ring a mansion’s doorbell. Chris Winters welcomes you and Charles inside.
Chris: Danny!
Charles: OMG, it’s… it’s really you. The Chris Winters.
Chris: And this must be Charles. I hear you’re in need of a quick education in the art of the bluff. My agent’s constantly bluffing. So if you want to go up against the best, you better know how to do it yourself and how to read people. I’d say my weekly poker night’s the perfect place to learn.
Charles: Thanks for offering, Chris. Any way I can pay you back? Maybe you’re in need of representation?
Chris: I’m solid, thanks. Danny, I’m guessing you haven’t talked about us much with Charles?
Danny: I’m discreet.
Charles: Wait… what do you mean, ‘us’? No… NO FREAKING WAY! You and Chris ‘Fireman’ Winters are an ‘us’?!!
Chris: Maybe we should just get started…
Part 6
Chris: An agent has to know how to bluff… and how to catch others bluffing.
You and Charles follow Chris into a warmly lit parlor room. Several people in perfectly tailored clothes sit around an exquisite wooden poker table.
Chris: Everybody, this is Charles, a young agent. And I’ve already told you all about Danny.
Chris introduces his friends as they warmly greet you, and you recognize their faces from magazine covers, SportsCenter, and the nighty news. You and Charles take your seats around the table. Chris offers you both a finely aged scotch and begins deftly dealing cards.
Chris: First tip, Charles. Poker’s about the long game. You don’t need to win it all the first round. The most important thing is that you have to be willing to lose… because that’s when you see how your opponent bluffs. And trust me. Whether it’s a scratch of their nose or a change in their laugh, everyone has a tell. Just gotta find it.
You go around, wagering on the first hand. Chris studies his cards, runs a hand through his hair, and tosses in some cash.
Chris: I raise. Two hundred. Your turn, Danny.
You check your cards and realize you have nothing better than a pair of fours. You’re tempted to fold and cut your losses, but you remember Chris’s advice about being willing to lose… You toss more poker chips into the pot.
Danny: I see your bet, Chris.
Charles: So do I.
Chris: Now things are getting interesting…
You go around the table, and soon, it’s time to show your cards! Everyone flips over their hand… One of Chris’s friends has a flush!
Charles: Aw man, we both lost, Danny.
Danny: Yeah, but so did Chris. Look, he only had a pair of sevens! That means he was bluffing when he raised!
Charles: He ran a hand through his hair during that hand… could that have been his tell?
On the next hand, Chris bites his lip while checking his cards.
Chris: Raise.
Danny: Call.
The round of betting goes around, and then it’s time to show the cards!
Chris: Full house, baby! Aces full of queens! I’ll take the pot, thank you very much…
Charles: Psst, Danny… looks like Chris actually had a great hand that time…
The game goes on, stacks of chips growing and shrinking with each lucky win and crushing loss… Soon, only you, Chris, and Charles are left in the round. You clutch your hand of three jacks tightly.
Danny: Hmmm…
Chris eyes his cards, runs a hand through his hair… and pushes all of his chips into the pot!
Chris: All in. Your turn, Danny. Either you have to put in all the chips you’ve got left, or quit the round.
Danny: I go all in!
Chris: You’re all in too?
Charles: You sure you want to risk everything?
Danny: I said… all in.
Charles: Well, I can’t do it. I fold!
Chris: Just you and me, Danny. Show ‘em.
You both flip over your cards…
Charles: Danny! You won!
Chris: You called my bluff. I’m impressed. I guess I’m not as great an actor as I thought!
After collecting the winnings and bidding Chris and his friends goodnight, you and Chris start on the road back to campus.
Charles: You did it, Danny! You figured out Chris’s tell! You called his bluff! I think I understand how to do it now.
Danny: Now that you know how to call bluffs, you’ll be able to hold your own against the other agent at tomorrow’s big negotiation…
Charles: And I’ll close my first real-life deal! I can’t wait! Bring it on, Hollywood!
Rewards
The next day, you and Charles arrive at the Galactic Pictures studio lot.
Danny: You got this, Charles.
Charles: My client wants a six-figure fee. That’s gonna be tough to get… but thanks to your help this week, I think I’m ready. Or at least, I’d better be. Otherwise, I fail the class, and my career is over before it’s even really begun!
Danny: Stop thinking like that! You’re not here for yourself, Charles. You’re here to represent your client. To protect them, to make sure they get what they deserve. And just like you said at speed dating… it’s all about them.
Charles: You’re right. Let’s do this!
You enter a small office and find the producers’ agent waiting for you.
Charles: You’ve gotta be freakin’ kidding me.
Ethan: What do you know? Danny, looking like a cool mil, as always.
Danny: Wait, no, is this another test?
Ethan: Nope. I actually represent one of the producers on this comedy… and they’re very interested in casting your new client, the lovely Miss Astoria Morgan. Which means this is for real, and I’m here representing my client’s interests. So I won’t be taking it easy on you this time…
Part 7
Ethan: It’s business. You understand.
As you and Charles follow Ethan toward a conference room, Charles turns pale.
Charles: I’m toast, Danny. There’s no way I can beat him.
You pull Charles aside…
Danny: You don’t have to beat him. You just have to hold your own. If he tries to bluff, just shut him down! Then you’ll have the upper hand.
Charles: But we don’t know what his tell is!
Ethan: Hey, you guys coming or what? I’ve got a 3 o’clock meeting after this, and I’d bet my Porsche they’ll walk if I’m even a minute late. So let’s go already.
Danny: We’re coming, it’s just--
A thought strikes you! You turn back to Charles excitedly!
Danny: That’s it! That’s his tell!
Charles: Huh?
Danny: Ethan just said he’d bet his Porsche… he said the same thing in our test run, when he bluffed that he could sign someone who’d already said no! He loves that car to death! He’d never really bet it… he just says it when he’s trying to sound certain!
Charles: My god… you’re right!
Holding back smiles, you and Charles follow Ethan into in a small, sunlit room. Ethan lays out a series of headshots from Charles’s client.
Ethan: Your client, Astoria Morgan. Got the talent, the looks, the presence. My client likes her for the role. We can offer 25 thousand and second billing.
Charles: One hundred thousand.
Ethan: Charles, pal, this is for real, remember? No games. Your client is a newcomer. She can’t pull that--
Charles: She’s not a newcomer. She’s a bankable Broadway actress with a considerable following. That’s a seven-figure splash in your box office.
Ethan: Sure, but she’s not the only up-and-comer we’re looking at.
Ethan runs a hand over his hair…
Ethan: We’ve got feelers out to ‘Doctor Who’s Karen Gillan…
You stay silent, letting Ethan talk.
Danny: …
Ethan: And if we can’t get Karen, I’d bet my Porsche we can land Margot Robbie.
Danny: Then you’d lose your Porsche.
Ethan: Huh? I mean--
Charles: You’re bluffing, Ethan. You don’t have Margot. What you do have is a shot to score my client. I suggest you take that seriously.
Rewards
Caught off-guard, Ethan stammers and stumbles, shuffling through his files as he tries to regroup…
Ethan: What I meant to say was… uh…
You lean over to Charles.
Danny: He’s on the ropes! You just have to hang on!
Part 8
Danny: We have the upper hand! Don’t let up, Charles!
Ethan: Just give me a minute here to look over figures… Okay, sure. Your client is more than just a talent. She has a name, if a small one. That’s worth something. Fifty thousand.
Charles: One hundred, or we walk.
Ethan: Sixty.
Charles: My client’s fee… is one hundred.
Ethan: I’m trying to be accommodating here, Charles. We can do seventy.
Charles: You have our figure.
Ethan: Okay, fine! Eighty. But that’s it. We’re not going any higher.
Charles leans in, confident, eyes burning intensely.
Charles: One. Hun. Dred.
Ethan: I only need one syllable. ‘No.’
Charles: Then thank you for your time.
Charles stands and heads for the door. Ethan applauds.
Ethan: Not bad. I like the bluff. You learned the tricks of the trade pretty quick.
Charles: I’m not bluffing.
Ethan: Of course you are! You’re not walking! Come on, what is this? Just take the deal. We’re classmates, remember? I know the score. If you turn this down, you fail out of Hollywood U! So just take it!
Charles: The thing is, Ethan… I’m not here for me. I’m here for my client.
And with that, you and Charles walk out.
Time - 12 hours
You and Charles step out into the bright sun baking the studio lot. A taut silence hangs over both of you. Finally…
Danny: Are you sure you want to do this, Charles? Are you sure you’re willing to give up your career at Hollywood U?
Charles: A good agent will do whatever it takes for their client. If I hadn’t done that just now, I didn’t belong at Hollywood U anyway. Mind driving the long way home? I want to see some of the sights one last time before I pack my bags.
Danny: You got it, Charles…
Ethan: Wait!
You turn around to see Ethan coming down the steps after you.
Ethan: Look. Normally, I’d never let someone push me like this… but to be perfectly honest, I gotta respect someone who goes all-in for their client. Too few agents do that these days. Too many just want to take their commission and go. So, fine, you got me to go 0 to 100 real quick. We got ourselves a deal?
He extends a hand. Charles smiles and shakes it.
Charles: We do indeed.
Rewards
Early the next day, you and Charles arrive in class, passing by Professor Hunt. He stops you both.
Thomas Hunt: Congratulations on surviving my class for another week, Charles.
Charles: Thank you, Professor. Danny actually taught me a lot too.
Thomas Hunt: Oh yeah? Maybe Danny should teach my class instead.
Danny: Don’t bluff, Professor. I’ll do it.
Thomas snorts and keeps walking… but then he pauses.
Thomas Hunt: Actually, Ethan spoke to me about your meeting. Perhaps not every agent is a talentless, soul-sucking parasite from the depths of hell… But that’s all I’m going to say about that!
Charles: Psst, Danny… I’ve got an insider tip on what Hunt has planned for us…
- Charles
Charles: Get this. Just had a chat with a friend of a friend who T.A.’s for Professor Hunt… And word is, this week he’s teaching us the business of Hollywood.
Danny: Well, I for one could stand to learn more about the wheeling-and-dealing side of things… a lot more…
Charles: Me too. I mean, I know some stuff, but it feels like I just clawed my way out of the CAA mailroom yesterday. I don’t even have an actual client yet… and an agent’s nothing without a client.
Danny: Not to worry. We’re all just getting started. Now let’s go see what Hunt has in store for us…
Time - 1 hour
Later, you’re sitting next to Charles in class while Professor Hunt paces on stage.
Charles: Here we go, Danny. Hunt’s about to explain just how important us agents are…
Thomas Hunt: Let’s begin. The business of Hollywood is a festering cesspool of parasites leeching their 10 percent from the genius of others.
Charles: Okay, that stings a little.
Thomas Hunt: Executives, managers, and worst of all, agents… they are ruthless, cold-blooded sharks… But even they are a necessary link in the Hollywood ecosystem. Without them, art would never make it to the people.
Danny: I… guess that’s kinda a compliment?
Thomas Hunt: To survive Hollywood, all you creative majors here must learn to work with your agency brothers and sisters. This week, you will each shadow a junior agent as they sign a new client and close a deal for them by week’s end. Be warned. An agent’s life, like a sharks’s, is kill or be killed. All or nothing. So if they fail the task, they fail the class.
Charles: Gulp!
Thomas Hunt: So work together as best you can. Your partner’s fate may very well be in your hands…
Rewards
- 10 Cash
Thomas Hunt: To start, each pair will go to the film library for a preliminary test, to see where your talents are in most desperate need of practice. You’ll negotiate a pretend contract against one of the university’s more experienced agents… But after that, you’re in the real world. God help you all.
Soon, you and Charles are walking across the quad to the film library for you appointed meet-up.
Danny: Hey, Charles… I’m sorry Hunt was such a jerk back there.
Charles: It’s cool. He’s sort of right. Agents have to run in some shady circles to get things done, but it’s all so our clients don’t have to. It’s worth it.
You enter a soundproof conference room in the library and find a familiar face waiting for you.
Ethan: Hey, Danny, you’re looking like a cool mil, as always.
Danny: Ethan! What are you doing here?
Part 2
Ethan: Lemme show you two how it’s done…
- Ethan
Ethan: I’m your competition, of course. Professor Hunt asked me to shake down the newbie agents, and I’m all too happy to help.
Charles: I have to negotiate against you? I don’t know, Ethan… I’ve heard stories about some contracts you’ve landed.
Ethan: Oh, stop. They were nothing--
Charles: Are you kidding? They’re the stuff of legend! The CAA mailroom couldn’t stop talking about how you got Harvey Weinstein to give six figures against a million to a first-time writer! I’ve always wanted to see you in action… Obviously, I didn’t think it would be going head-to-head with me. Any pointers before we start?
Ethan: Sorry, pal, no hand-holding. Hunt wants me to see how you handle out of the gate. But relax, Charles. Danny’s a friend, and this is just for practice, so I’ll take it easy on you. Heard of the movie ‘Nocturnal’ getting made over at Universal? The mid-budget indie horror film?
Charles: I’ve heard some talk.
Ethan: Pretend I’m repping its producers, and you want to get Danny hired as director. That means I’m trying to land Danny for as little money as possible. Got it?
Charles: I think so.
Ethan: Perfect. Let’s get this show on the road.
Time - 2 hours
Ethan inhales… and in an instant, his friendly demeanor evaporates! His eyes flash with intensity.
Ethan: All right, Danny, Charles, we both want this movie to happen, so let’s make it happen, yeah? Let’s meet in the middle, everyone’s happy. Danny, what’s your going rate? Throw out a figure.
Danny: I want 100K, plus producer credit.
Ethan: Cut the laugh track, because that’s preposterous! You’re good, Danny, but you don’t get to make those kinds of absurd demands just yet.
Danny: Oh yeah? I just did.
Ethan: Fair enough. This picture can’t afford that, but I think we can settle on something fair.
Charles leans over and whispers…
Charles: Clever play, Danny! They’ll negotiate you down no matter what, so you always start high! But now it’s my turn. I’ll stop Ethan from haggling us down too much…
Ethan: Come on, Charles. Talk some sense into your client.
Charles: My client’s only asking to be treated with basic human dignity here, Ethan. Danny wants only what anyone wants… to be paid what they’re worth. If your producers can’t afford that, then good luck getting this picture made with bargain-bin talent.
Ethan pauses at Charles’s forceful words and, for a split-second, you see the gears spinning in his head…
Ethan: I wouldn’t exactly call Wes Craven ‘bargain-bin’.
Charles: Bull. No way he’s in talks for this…
Ethan: He is. And I’d bet my Porsche he’ll sign. So if you want this gig, you’re gonna have to make yourselves attractive financially. Work with me here.
Charles starts to sweat…
Charles: Okay… thirty, plus half a point on the back end.
Ethan: I thought you were gonna take this seriously--
Charles: Twenty!
Ethan: I can call Wes right now--
Charles: Eight thousand! No profit share!
Ethan: Now we’re getting somewhere… but I still think we can be more fair.
Danny: Charles, what are you doing?!
Rewards
- 10 Cash
Soon, you and Charles are leaving the conference room, stunned.
Charles: Wow… that was an utter disaster… it was like ‘Godzilla’ times ‘Armageddon’ stuffed in a ‘Sharknado’…
Danny: Look, it’s okay, it was just a dry run. You’ll do better next time.
Charles: I don’t know, Danny. I love being an agent, I do… networking, bringing the right people together… but when it comes to closing deals, I’m never going to be a shark like Ethan…
Danny: When you find the right client, I know you’ll do great. So we just need to get you one… Um… how exactly do agents find new clients?
Charles: Same way Ethan landed you… schmoozing! I’ll need to get my schmoozing skills in peak form. Come with me, I’ll show you where I like to practice…
Charles drives you to a restaurant in Century City. Inside, you find dozens of young men and women paired off at numbered, candlelit tables.
Danny: Is this… speed dating?
Charles: The best way to practice charming people rapid-fire! Come on!
Danny: You want me to do this too?
Charles: Honestly, I could definitely use your help convincing potential clients I’m what they need… And besides, everyone should know how to schmooze!
Part 3
Charles: Now THIS is more my speed…
- Speed Date!
- Spend 750 Cash
As you and Charles sign in and find your seats…
Charles: Know what everyone in the world loves most?
Danny: Chocolate!
Charles: Well, yes… but also they love themselves! And there’s no place that’s more true than Hollywood. Just remember… the key to schmoozing is the key to any healthy relationship: being a good listener. That’s why speed dating is perfect practice. Remember: it’s all about them.
Charles sits down at a table and, in a couple minutes, chats up a business exec about the stock market… an aspiring actress about her role in a toilet paper commercial… and a sports junkie about whether the Clippers can ever make a deep playoff run.
Danny: Whoa! They all gave you their phone numbers? I guess you are good at the networking bit.
Charles: Feels good to flex my schmoozing muscles. Now you give it a shot!
Ding! The bell rings, and everyone changes seats. You find yourself sitting across from a tall, blond surfer, toned and tanned.
Danny: Hey, so do you like the weather? Yeaaaah, so, uh, how about this weather we’ve been having?
The surfer’s eyes light up! He launches into excited chatter about water temperature, tide times, and surf swells caused by atmospheric anomalies!
Danny: Never seen anyone so into small talk about the weather…
Ding! Next, you sit down with a primped, plastic-looking valley girl in a color-coordinated neon tank and ruffled skirt. She introduces herself in a nasally, high-pitched tone.
Danny: I have to say, I just love your outfit.
The valley girl giggles and winks at you.
Danny: I mean it. It’s, like, burning itself into my retinas… in a good way.
Ding! Soon, you’ve joined a table with a timid young man wearing a shirt emblazoned with a blaster and the phrase ‘Han Shot First’.
Danny: Oh, I love Star Wars!
The man eagerly delves into a shot-by-shot analysis of the Episode VII trailer!
Danny: That’s what I’ve always said! Stormtroopers are people too, you know…
As the speed dating meet-up draws to a close, you and Charles swap stories…
Charles: Wow! You scored even more numbers than I did! You’re a natural schmoozer. Ever considered joining an agency?
Danny: Maybe one day, down the road. But what about you? Feeling ready to land your first client?
Charles: I am now.
Rewards
- 2 Diamonds
Charles: Now I have to find some super-talented, young, untapped potential clients to schmooze…
Danny: We both have lots of friends from Hollywood U who could use you. Let’s organize a get-together.
Charles: You put the word out. Meanwhile, I’ll find a spot to host.
Danny: Just make sure it’s classy. If I’ve learned one thing from being Ethan’s client, it’s that you have to show them the life. Like that Porsche of his he loves so much. You have to go big!
Part 4
Danny: Page one from Ethan’s playbook… if you want to land a client, you’ve gotta show them the life!
- A Movie Star Besides Danny (Tegwen)
- A Director Besides Danny (Nyako)
- A Fashionista Besides Danny (Alexandra)
That night, you drive Tegwen, Nyako, and Alexandra to the address Charles texted you.
Tegwen: So what’s this fancy event we’re going to? Is it a surprise birthday party for meeee?!
Danny: Um. No. But it should be just around the corner…
You come around the bend and see… and enormous basketball arena lit up in brilliant spotlights!
Nyako: Wait, we’re going to the Staples Center?! Epic!
You head inside, swimming through a throng of fans, and find Charles waiting there to greet you.
Danny: You got everyone tickets to the Clippers-Mavericks game tonight? This is amazing!
Charles: Not quite. Right this way…
Charles guides you into an elevator, opening it with a swipe of a keycard. The car whisks you to an upper level, directly into…
Alexandra: Oh. My. God. Is this luxury suite for us?
Charles: Open bar, reclining leather chairs, 50-inch plasmas… the works. Mark Cuban from ‘The Shark Tank’ is sitting courtside. I’ll see if he can stop by. Enjoy yourselves!
Danny: Wow, Charles, you really pulled out all the stops for this.
Charles: Pulled out all my savings too, but now with your help, I’ll definitely be able to score a client! It’s schmoozing time!
Time - 4 hours
Soon, the luxury suite is packed with friends from the industry. You chat up Tegwen, Nyako, and Alexandra…
Alexandra: This is amazing. I had no idea Charles was doing so well…
Danny: Are you kidding? He’s hot right now. Rumor has it, all the major agencies are trying to hire him. I already have an agent, but if I didn’t, let’s just say I’d be keeping my eye on Charles for sure.
Nyako: You don’t say…
Your friends gossip excitedly while you glance across the suite to where Charles is deftly charming the crowd.
Charles: Loved, loved, loved you in that pilot! Now, that’s gravitas! Television needs more performances like that. ‘A bit part’? No way, you’re what I call a scene-stealer! But if you ask me, those scene should’ve been yours to begin with…
Danny: Ethan would be proud…
Rewards
- 10 Cash
As the night goes on, you keep making rounds, sampling the refreshments, watching the game, and laughing with friends, always sure to talk up Charles… But then, as you pass by, you overhear Nyako say something… and a memory flashes through your head…
Danny: Wait, Nyako, say that again?
Nyako: Huh? I was just telling Tegwen that this movie I was gonna DP is falling through. ‘Nocturnal’. Heard of it? Wes Craven backed out of negotiations last week. His schedule’s too busy. How, I don’t know. The man hasn’t made a movie since 2011.
Alexandra: What’s up, Danny? You’re making a face.
Danny: Excuse me a minute, I have to go talk to someone!
Part 5
Danny: I have to tell Charles what I just heard!
- Charles
You squeeze through the crowded luxury suite, scanning for Charles…
Danny: There you are! I just found out something that’s--
Charles: Wait, wait, wait, me first! I got a client!
Danny: Seriously? Already?! Congratulations!
Charles: Thank you, Danny. For real. I owe you. You talked me up big-time, and word spread through the party fast. She’s an up-and-coming actress, transitioning over from Broadway. Her name’s Astoria Morgan. She’s gonna be huge! And guess what? She’s already got interest from these producers of a comedy. She wants me to meet with the producers’ rep tomorrow to negotiate a real contract! It’s all happening! I just hope I don’t blow it like I did in that practice round with Ethan…
Danny: About that…
You quickly recount what you heard…
Charles: Wait, so when we were doing that test negotiation… Ethan didn’t know that Wes Craven was too busy to direct the movie?
Danny: No, nothing goes on in this town that Ethan doesn’t know about. I’m saying he was bluffing!
Time - 8 hours
In the midst of the packed luxury suite, Charles gawks at you, stunned.
Charles: I don’t understand. You mean Ethan lied to us about having a bigger name ready to take the job?
Danny: You were holding strong. He needed something to throw you off your game. And he banked on you not knowing that those negotiations had fallen through already. It’s a tactic. Bluffing was the key to the entire negotiation.
Charles: Damn, he got me… he’s even better than I thought!
Danny: You can be that good too, Charles. You just need to learn how to bluff like the best.
Charles: How?
Danny: Practice.
Charles: Okay, but how exactly are we going to practice bluffing?
You shoot Charles a smile.
Charles: We’re going to play poker, aren’t we?
Rewards
- 10 Cash
Ding dong! Soon after leaving the Staples Center, you ring a mansion’s doorbell. Chris Winters welcomes you and Charles inside.
Chris: Danny!
Charles: OMG, it’s… it’s really you. The Chris Winters.
Chris: And this must be Charles. I hear you’re in need of a quick education in the art of the bluff. My agent’s constantly bluffing. So if you want to go up against the best, you better know how to do it yourself and how to read people. I’d say my weekly poker night’s the perfect place to learn.
Charles: Thanks for offering, Chris. Any way I can pay you back? Maybe you’re in need of representation?
Chris: I’m solid, thanks. Danny, I’m guessing you haven’t talked about us much with Charles?
Danny: I’m discreet.
Charles: Wait… what do you mean, ‘us’? No… NO FREAKING WAY! You and Chris ‘Fireman’ Winters are an ‘us’?!!
Chris: Maybe we should just get started…
Part 6
Chris: An agent has to know how to bluff… and how to catch others bluffing.
- Play Poker!
- Spend 1000 Cash
You and Charles follow Chris into a warmly lit parlor room. Several people in perfectly tailored clothes sit around an exquisite wooden poker table.
Chris: Everybody, this is Charles, a young agent. And I’ve already told you all about Danny.
Chris introduces his friends as they warmly greet you, and you recognize their faces from magazine covers, SportsCenter, and the nighty news. You and Charles take your seats around the table. Chris offers you both a finely aged scotch and begins deftly dealing cards.
Chris: First tip, Charles. Poker’s about the long game. You don’t need to win it all the first round. The most important thing is that you have to be willing to lose… because that’s when you see how your opponent bluffs. And trust me. Whether it’s a scratch of their nose or a change in their laugh, everyone has a tell. Just gotta find it.
You go around, wagering on the first hand. Chris studies his cards, runs a hand through his hair, and tosses in some cash.
Chris: I raise. Two hundred. Your turn, Danny.
You check your cards and realize you have nothing better than a pair of fours. You’re tempted to fold and cut your losses, but you remember Chris’s advice about being willing to lose… You toss more poker chips into the pot.
Danny: I see your bet, Chris.
Charles: So do I.
Chris: Now things are getting interesting…
You go around the table, and soon, it’s time to show your cards! Everyone flips over their hand… One of Chris’s friends has a flush!
Charles: Aw man, we both lost, Danny.
Danny: Yeah, but so did Chris. Look, he only had a pair of sevens! That means he was bluffing when he raised!
Charles: He ran a hand through his hair during that hand… could that have been his tell?
On the next hand, Chris bites his lip while checking his cards.
Chris: Raise.
Danny: Call.
The round of betting goes around, and then it’s time to show the cards!
Chris: Full house, baby! Aces full of queens! I’ll take the pot, thank you very much…
Charles: Psst, Danny… looks like Chris actually had a great hand that time…
The game goes on, stacks of chips growing and shrinking with each lucky win and crushing loss… Soon, only you, Chris, and Charles are left in the round. You clutch your hand of three jacks tightly.
Danny: Hmmm…
Chris eyes his cards, runs a hand through his hair… and pushes all of his chips into the pot!
Chris: All in. Your turn, Danny. Either you have to put in all the chips you’ve got left, or quit the round.
Danny: I go all in!
Chris: You’re all in too?
Charles: You sure you want to risk everything?
Danny: I said… all in.
Charles: Well, I can’t do it. I fold!
Chris: Just you and me, Danny. Show ‘em.
You both flip over your cards…
Charles: Danny! You won!
Chris: You called my bluff. I’m impressed. I guess I’m not as great an actor as I thought!
After collecting the winnings and bidding Chris and his friends goodnight, you and Chris start on the road back to campus.
Charles: You did it, Danny! You figured out Chris’s tell! You called his bluff! I think I understand how to do it now.
Danny: Now that you know how to call bluffs, you’ll be able to hold your own against the other agent at tomorrow’s big negotiation…
Charles: And I’ll close my first real-life deal! I can’t wait! Bring it on, Hollywood!
Rewards
- 3 Diamonds
The next day, you and Charles arrive at the Galactic Pictures studio lot.
Danny: You got this, Charles.
Charles: My client wants a six-figure fee. That’s gonna be tough to get… but thanks to your help this week, I think I’m ready. Or at least, I’d better be. Otherwise, I fail the class, and my career is over before it’s even really begun!
Danny: Stop thinking like that! You’re not here for yourself, Charles. You’re here to represent your client. To protect them, to make sure they get what they deserve. And just like you said at speed dating… it’s all about them.
Charles: You’re right. Let’s do this!
You enter a small office and find the producers’ agent waiting for you.
Charles: You’ve gotta be freakin’ kidding me.
Ethan: What do you know? Danny, looking like a cool mil, as always.
Danny: Wait, no, is this another test?
Ethan: Nope. I actually represent one of the producers on this comedy… and they’re very interested in casting your new client, the lovely Miss Astoria Morgan. Which means this is for real, and I’m here representing my client’s interests. So I won’t be taking it easy on you this time…
Part 7
Ethan: It’s business. You understand.
- Level Ethan
- Level Charles
As you and Charles follow Ethan toward a conference room, Charles turns pale.
Charles: I’m toast, Danny. There’s no way I can beat him.
You pull Charles aside…
Danny: You don’t have to beat him. You just have to hold your own. If he tries to bluff, just shut him down! Then you’ll have the upper hand.
Charles: But we don’t know what his tell is!
Ethan: Hey, you guys coming or what? I’ve got a 3 o’clock meeting after this, and I’d bet my Porsche they’ll walk if I’m even a minute late. So let’s go already.
Danny: We’re coming, it’s just--
A thought strikes you! You turn back to Charles excitedly!
Danny: That’s it! That’s his tell!
Charles: Huh?
Danny: Ethan just said he’d bet his Porsche… he said the same thing in our test run, when he bluffed that he could sign someone who’d already said no! He loves that car to death! He’d never really bet it… he just says it when he’s trying to sound certain!
Charles: My god… you’re right!
Holding back smiles, you and Charles follow Ethan into in a small, sunlit room. Ethan lays out a series of headshots from Charles’s client.
Ethan: Your client, Astoria Morgan. Got the talent, the looks, the presence. My client likes her for the role. We can offer 25 thousand and second billing.
Charles: One hundred thousand.
Ethan: Charles, pal, this is for real, remember? No games. Your client is a newcomer. She can’t pull that--
Charles: She’s not a newcomer. She’s a bankable Broadway actress with a considerable following. That’s a seven-figure splash in your box office.
Ethan: Sure, but she’s not the only up-and-comer we’re looking at.
Ethan runs a hand over his hair…
Ethan: We’ve got feelers out to ‘Doctor Who’s Karen Gillan…
You stay silent, letting Ethan talk.
Danny: …
Ethan: And if we can’t get Karen, I’d bet my Porsche we can land Margot Robbie.
Danny: Then you’d lose your Porsche.
Ethan: Huh? I mean--
Charles: You’re bluffing, Ethan. You don’t have Margot. What you do have is a shot to score my client. I suggest you take that seriously.
Rewards
- 10 Cash
Caught off-guard, Ethan stammers and stumbles, shuffling through his files as he tries to regroup…
Ethan: What I meant to say was… uh…
You lean over to Charles.
Danny: He’s on the ropes! You just have to hang on!
Part 8
Danny: We have the upper hand! Don’t let up, Charles!
- Ethan
- Charles
Ethan: Just give me a minute here to look over figures… Okay, sure. Your client is more than just a talent. She has a name, if a small one. That’s worth something. Fifty thousand.
Charles: One hundred, or we walk.
Ethan: Sixty.
Charles: My client’s fee… is one hundred.
Ethan: I’m trying to be accommodating here, Charles. We can do seventy.
Charles: You have our figure.
Ethan: Okay, fine! Eighty. But that’s it. We’re not going any higher.
Charles leans in, confident, eyes burning intensely.
Charles: One. Hun. Dred.
Ethan: I only need one syllable. ‘No.’
Charles: Then thank you for your time.
Charles stands and heads for the door. Ethan applauds.
Ethan: Not bad. I like the bluff. You learned the tricks of the trade pretty quick.
Charles: I’m not bluffing.
Ethan: Of course you are! You’re not walking! Come on, what is this? Just take the deal. We’re classmates, remember? I know the score. If you turn this down, you fail out of Hollywood U! So just take it!
Charles: The thing is, Ethan… I’m not here for me. I’m here for my client.
And with that, you and Charles walk out.
Time - 12 hours
You and Charles step out into the bright sun baking the studio lot. A taut silence hangs over both of you. Finally…
Danny: Are you sure you want to do this, Charles? Are you sure you’re willing to give up your career at Hollywood U?
Charles: A good agent will do whatever it takes for their client. If I hadn’t done that just now, I didn’t belong at Hollywood U anyway. Mind driving the long way home? I want to see some of the sights one last time before I pack my bags.
Danny: You got it, Charles…
Ethan: Wait!
You turn around to see Ethan coming down the steps after you.
Ethan: Look. Normally, I’d never let someone push me like this… but to be perfectly honest, I gotta respect someone who goes all-in for their client. Too few agents do that these days. Too many just want to take their commission and go. So, fine, you got me to go 0 to 100 real quick. We got ourselves a deal?
He extends a hand. Charles smiles and shakes it.
Charles: We do indeed.
Rewards
- 5 Diamonds
Early the next day, you and Charles arrive in class, passing by Professor Hunt. He stops you both.
Thomas Hunt: Congratulations on surviving my class for another week, Charles.
Charles: Thank you, Professor. Danny actually taught me a lot too.
Thomas Hunt: Oh yeah? Maybe Danny should teach my class instead.
Danny: Don’t bluff, Professor. I’ll do it.
Thomas snorts and keeps walking… but then he pauses.
Thomas Hunt: Actually, Ethan spoke to me about your meeting. Perhaps not every agent is a talentless, soul-sucking parasite from the depths of hell… But that’s all I’m going to say about that!