Chapter 35: Joey Goes to Buy a New Table
Bruce woke up close to ten the next morning. The night before, after hanging up with Gwen, he'd gone back to his desk and finished the ending of the script for Crazy Clerk Part Two.
Once he was up, Bruce called Ruby and said he was ready to drive the finished script over.
Ruby said on the phone, "Bruce, no need to make the trip. I can come get it, or you can mail it. We're still way before the contractual deadline."
Bruce replied, "I'll still come by. Oh, and could you pull together every film I've written that your company sells on video?"
Ruby asked, "Sure, but why? You never watch the stuff you write."
Bruce said, "They're not for me. I'm giving them to someone."
Ruby said, "You're giving someone a gift, so you choose these videos instead of flowers or jewelry? That's... different."
Bruce answered, "Think of it as her being curious about my work. Anyway, Ruby, have the tapes ready and we'll talk when I get there."
After talking with Ruby, Bruce called Estelle. "Hey, Estelle, have you heard from Miramax?"
Estelle replied, "Yes, Bruce. Gwen called last night and set up a meeting for this afternoon. Aren't you coming with me?"
Bruce said, "No need, Estelle. Leave the business stuff to the professional. I'm just calling to ask—since Miramax wants all three scripts—do you have a target price in mind?"
Just then, someone knocked on the door. Bruce asked Estelle to hold on, went over and opened it—Joey was standing there.
Joey said, "Hey Bruce, Chandler and I need to go buy a new table today. Can I borrow your car?"
Bruce answered, "I was planning to drive over to Ruby's with the script. Let's see if we're going the same direction. I'm on the phone with Estelle right now—if it's not urgent, could you wait inside while I finish?"
Bruce returned to the living room. Joey stepped in, closed the door, and sat on the couch to wait.
Bruce picked up the phone again. "Estelle, sorry about that. Joey just stopped by. Where were we—oh right, what's your opening number for Miramax?"
Estelle said, "I'm asking for nine hundred thousand."
Bruce's eyes widened. "That's three hundred per script. A price that high—won't they think you're crazy and walk away?"
The comment immediately caught Joey's attention. He leaned closer, trying to hear the other side of the conversation.
Estelle replied, "Don't you know you always start high so you have room to negotiate? Besides, Miramax is also in talks with New Line about buying Django Unchained. Know what they're asking? Four hundred grand. Suddenly three hundred doesn't sound so crazy, does it?"
Bruce asked, "Gwen only called you last night—how do you already know Miramax is talking to New Line, and their asking price?"
Estelle said with confidence, "Bruce, honey, you don't survive thirty years in this business without having some connections."
She continued, "And here's another thing: word is Quentin Tarantino's recommendation is what convinced Harvey to buy all your scripts. I'm still amazed by how much he likes your writing. After Pulp Fiction made Miramax over a hundred million last year, Harvey would do just about anything Quentin suggested. That's exactly why we need to aim high—opportunities like this don't come around every day."
Bruce said, "Alright, good luck, Estelle. Are you bringing a lawyer to the negotiation?"
Estelle replied, "Not yet. Once we agree on a price, there'll still be back-and-forth over contract details. Then I'll bring in my company's attorney."
Bruce hung up and turned to Joey. "How about this: we drive the script over to Ruby first—he's waiting for it—then I'll go with you to pick out the table. Sound good?"
Joey said, "Perfect. I'll call Chandler and tell him not to bother leaving work at lunch. Just the two of us will handle it. He was planning to meet me at the furniture store."
Joey picked up the phone and called Chandler.
After the call, Bruce grabbed his keys and they headed downstairs. Bruce stopped at Central Perk for breakfast and coffee, then ate while Joey drove.
"So Quentin got Miramax interested in your scripts, and Estelle's negotiating for you this afternoon?" Joey asked as he drove.
"Exactly. She's meeting with them this afternoon," Bruce confirmed.
Joey thought for a moment. "You mentioned Miramax starts shooting Inglourious Basterds after New Year. Think I could get the role of Donny Donowitz if Quentin recommends me? His word carries a lot of weight there."
Bruce said, "Let me check with Gwen at Miramax first and see where the project is. If they've started casting, I can get you an audition without even bothering Quentin."
"But an audition doesn't guarantee I'll get the part," Joey said.
"Joey, I believe in your acting so much that I know you'll nail it once you're in the room. You could even go for a bigger role if you want. Don't you have more faith in yourself than I do?"
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