After the whirlwind of filming Ferris Bueller's Day Off Alex Hayes finally arrived back in Los Angeles. The gleaming Ferrari purred into the expansive garage of his new Hollywood Hills mansion, a sanctuary he was eager to truly inhabit. To mark the occasion Alex decided to throw a housewarming party.
The guest list was a mix of close family, friends, and a few industry acquaintances. Nancy, his aunt and the capable head of Alex Hayes Productions, arrived early with Janet and Uncle Edward, ready to help with the final preparations. Robert Downey Jr. and Sarah Jessica Parker, inseparable and beaming, were among the first to arrive, followed closely by Diane Lane. Cameron Crowe made the trip, eager to catch up with Alex and discuss their upcoming project. John Hughes, unfortunately, was tied up with post-production in Chicago and sent his regrets. From his past films, Alex also invited acquaintances like Elisabeth Shue, John Cusack, and Matt Dillon, creating a lively, star-studded, yet intimate gathering.
The party was in full swing. The swimming pool shimmered under the setting sun, reflecting the glittering expanse of Los Angeles below. Guests mingled, drinks in hand, marveling at the breathtaking views and the stunning architecture of the house.
"Can you believe this place?" Elisabeth Shue whispered to John Cusack, gesturing subtly with her glass. "I heard it cost him a fortune."
Cusack nodded, taking a sip of his drink. "Yeah, word on the street is over three million. For a house that's insane. But then again, it's Alex. He's probably already made it back from his salary of 'Catch Me If You Can'."
"Three million?" Matt Dillon overheard, raising an eyebrow. "Seriously? Kid's practically printing money."
Meanwhile, Nancy, ever the gracious hostess, moved through the crowd, ensuring everyone had a drink and felt comfortable. She had a natural ease about her, making even the most reserved guests feel at home.
Alex was by the edge of the pool, chatting with Diane Lane, Robert, Sarah, and Janet.
"This house is amazing, Alex," Janet said, her eyes wide as she looked out at the city lights twinkling below. "It's like a castle!"
Alex chuckled, putting an arm around her shoulder. "Glad you like it, kiddo. Plenty of room for you to visit."
"It truly is beautiful, Alex," Diane added, her voice soft. "A perfect place to unwind after those intense shoots."
"Unwind?" Robert Downey Jr. scoffed playfully. "He's probably already planning his next project that giant brain of his." He nudged Alex playfully.
Alex just smiled enigmatically. "Always Rob, always."
Just then, the murmurs near the entrance grew slightly louder, and Michael Ovitz and Paula Wagner, looking impeccably sharp, entered the party. Ovitz, ever the consummate power broker, immediately spotted Alex and began making his way over, Paula a step behind him.
"Alex! Congratulations on the new place," Ovitz boomed, extending a hand as he reached them. "It's magnificent."
Paula Wagner stepped forward, her smile equally warm. "Yes, Alex, it's absolutely stunning. A true reflection of your success. Congratulations!"
Alex smiled, genuinely pleased. "Thank you both. It's good to finally be settled in."
Ovitz, seizing the opening, continued, "We were just discussing your next project, actually. With 'Ferris' wrapped, we should really sit down and start mapping out the strategy for—"
Alex, seeing the group of friends around him, and knowing Ovitz's tendency to dive straight into business, cut him off politely but firmly. He clapped Ovitz on the shoulder, a warm smile on his face. "Michael, Paula, it's great to see you both. But please, no business talk tonight. We have guests here, and as a host, I'd be rude to dive into work. Let's just enjoy the party. We can talk later, I promise."
Ovitz, momentarily taken aback by the gentle but firm redirection, quickly recovered, a slight smile touching his lips. "Of course, Alex. My apologies. You're absolutely right. Enjoy the evening." He exchanged a brief, knowing glance with Paula, a silent acknowledgment that Alex Hayes, even off-screen, was very much in control. They moved off to mingle, leaving Alex to enjoy the party with his friends and family.
*****
It was almost 10 PM before the last of the general guests began to depart. Janet, yawning, had already excused herself and gone to bed. Uncle Edward was settled in the hall, watching television. In the spacious study, a more intimate group remained: Michael Ovitz, Paula Wagner, Nancy, Cameron Crowe, and Alex. Glasses of whiskey and coffee sat on the polished mahogany table, the remnants of the party a quiet hum in the background.
"Alex," Michael began, leaning forward, his voice a low rumble that still carried authority even in this relaxed setting, "all the studios are absolutely eager to produce your next film. The phones haven't stopped ringing since Catch Me If You Can's numbers came in. Everyone wants a piece of that action."
Paula nodded in agreement. "He's not exaggerating, Alex. The demand is unprecedented. They're practically throwing money at us."
Alex took a sip of his whiskey, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Well, it's going to be my last film as a high school teenager, so I suppose everybody wants a piece of that pie before it's all gone."
A ripple of laughter went around the room, acknowledging the truth in his jest. The film Alex and Cameron Crowe were developing together, the one about Lloyd and Diane, was indeed slated to be his final project playing a high school teen before he fully transitioned into more mature roles. The industry, and his team, were keenly aware of the significance of this next step.
"So, who gave the best conditions for the film?" Alex asked, turning his attention to the business at hand.
"Paramount and Universal both presented very strong offers," Paula replied, taking over. "Both are ready to offer you 15% of domestic box office first-dollar gross with a $2 million upfront salary. The budget of the film is set to $8 million, with your salary included in that figure."
"What about Cameron?" Nancy interjected, her concern for the director evident. "What are they offering him?"
Paula's expression grew slightly more complex. "That's been the primary sticking point, Nancy. Alex and Cameron wanted him to have a percentage of the domestic gross, but as you know, Cameron is a relatively new director. This film's most focal point is undeniably Alex Hayes. So, initially, they were reluctant to offer a percentage to a first-time director."
Michael Ovitz picked up the thread. "But seeing that it was a non-negotiable condition that Alex put forth, they ultimately agreed, though with different percentages. Universal offered 2% of the gross, along with a $200,000 salary for Cameron. Paramount, however, is willing to offer 3% of the gross, if Cameron is willing to forego the upfront salary entirely."
All eyes turned to Cameron Crowe, who had been listening intently. Cameron met Alex's gaze, then shrugged, a relaxed smile on his face. "I'm okay with it. Really, I am."
"Really?" Nancy asked, her skepticism evident.
"Yeah, really," Cameron affirmed. "Come on, if it wasn't for Alex Hayes starring in it, I wouldn't even be getting that much for my first film. With his participation, I have enough leverage to make the film I want to make. And if, going by Alex's track record, the movie is successful, I'll be making millions. So, no complaints from my side."
Everyone in the study nodded, acknowledging the undeniable truth in Cameron's assessment. His reasoning was sound and indicative of a director who understood the realities of Hollywood, and the unparalleled value Alex brought to a project.
"So," Paula asked, a triumphant note in her voice, "can I call Paramount to finalize the deal?"
Alex nodded. "Let's finalize the deal as soon as possible. And for the record, Paula, I want to make sure the marketing campaign highlights the fact that this will be my last high school teen film. Let's make that a key advertising point to really drive audience interest."
"Sure, I will convey that," Paula replied, making a note.
The meeting concluded shortly after.
The deal with Paramount was finalized soon, and true to Alex's request, Paramount's advertising campaign prominently featured the tagline: "Alex Hayes's Last High School Film."
This marketing angle made Say Anything..., the working title of the film, the immediate talk of the town, generating immense anticipation.