In dealing with the studios, Ron and I developed an effective one-two punch. After I opened with a hard line, asking for an amount somewhere between more than we expected to get and ridiculous, execs would back-channel Ron and say, “My God, he asked for six million for Warren Beatty against ten of the gross”—meaning 10 percent. “Can you help us out?” Ron would smooth their feathers and say, “I’ll talk to him,” or “Try this.” After they called me back, I’d tell Ron where things stood for the next round. On occasion I would offer a small concession. More often I’d hold firm and close the deal
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