From Hollywood to Media Empire

CARPE Films' script for My Big Fat Greek Wedding had also been recommended by Evelyn to several independent production companies but was likely gathering dust.

Talent agencies marketed actors and also pushed a series of things related to film and TV. Especially in the early '90s, CAA's package deals, bundling directors, actors, and screenwriters, significantly increased CAA's influence, expanding it into a behemoth.

The studios' profits were thinned out, and one of the big seven, MGM, was on the decline and limited by these package deals. Meanwhile, CAA managed to aggravate the other six major studios.

Ultimately, the top tier of Hollywood remained the "Big Six," who collectively suppressed CAA. Back then, Michael Ovitz, the CAA chairman, had topped Hollywood power lists for three consecutive years before switching to Disney in '95 to serve as president.

Within just a year, Disney chairman and CEO Michael Eisner ousted him directly at a board meeting.

Michael Eisner had been the king of Disney for almost twenty years, growing the company from a market value of just over $2 billion to $40 billion.

Who dared to defy him? Michael Ovitz, despite having been his childhood neighbor and long-time acquaintance, was shown the door when he failed to impress Eisner.

The "Big Six" studios were now part of large conglomerates, powerful and wealthy!

Last year's tech bubble turned the merger of Time Warner and AOL into a joke, but the combined Time Warner AOL Group remained a giant.

However, Time Warner and AOL had since split into independent companies.

By September, Nia Vardalos was simultaneously adapting the movie script and performing onstage at a Los Angeles theater.

One day, the performance proceeded as usual, with the actors on stage unaware of a particularly enthusiastic audience member.

Rita Wilson, age 51, of Greek descent, resonated deeply with the performer's experience, having struggled in the US entertainment industry herself.

However, she had another important identity: she was the wife of Tom Hanks, the Oscar-winning actor loved by the nation. After the show, she went backstage for a chat with Nia Vardalos.

"I think this story would make a great movie. It could introduce more people to Greek customs and traditions. I bet Tom would love it too!"

Nia Vardalos was a bit taken aback. "Someone already approached me and bought the script. They're seeking investment to develop it into a film!"

"Oh really, who was it?"

"Mrs. Evelyn Caper, an agent from ETA."

That evening, Evelyn entered her son's rented apartment beaming with joy.

"Charles," Evelyn knocked on the door.

"What's up?" Charles asked, opening the door while holding several newspapers, his mind preoccupied with money.

"Nia Vardalos called me; Tom Hanks' wife is interested. She will convince Tom Hanks to lead the film!"

"Mom, we can't sell the script. I want to be involved in the movie. Tom Hanks can lead it, but I also want to be one of the producers and get my share of the earnings," Charles quickly pulled his mom inside.

"Mom, you don't understand the value of this movie. It will be bigger than you can imagine!"

"Alright, they only expressed interest; nothing's agreed upon yet. When they contact me, you can come along and meet Tom Hanks," Evelyn, although envious of celebrities, still loved the idea of meeting one in person.

"That sounds good!" Charles was relieved. Celebrities didn't excite him; it was their resources and capital that did.

"Wait for further notice. Since you've got no work lately, join me at the office mailroom tomorrow!"

"Uh, okay!"

In September, Los Angeles remained warm as usual. With California's ample sunshine, it was indeed the best place for convertibles.

ETA Agency headquarters was located at the end of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Dressed in a suit, Charles arrived at the company. The receptionist checked his information and led him to the mailroom.

The mailroom of a talent agency was notoriously famous; many industry giants had started there.

However, 95% couldn't persist.

The first day of work started soon enough. Charles quickly understood why many couldn't handle it.

"Charles, grab a coffee for Charlie and some fries and nuggets for Lina."

"Oh, and then pick up the custom suit for Shawn from the tailor, and don't get it dirty."

Fetching coffee, fries, suits, printing documents, moving boxes...

In the afternoon, driving to deliver checks to a big star's yacht party, and booking dinner reservations in the evening...

Charles was a bit overwhelmed; he felt like a mere assistant! ETA, being relatively new, only six years old, had drawn many stars and agents upon its founding.

After working diligently at ETA for a few days without hearing from Tom Hanks and his wife, a major event from New York caught up.

Everyone was frightened. Notably, many Hollywood stars stopped traveling on commercial flights and switched to private planes.

Charles ran errands, answered phone calls, printed documents - a whirlwind of activity. At least, he kept himself in the loop with Hollywood news, right?

*****

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