Chapter 103: 103
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"Alright. Thanks. I'm going to practice." Ike said and excused himself. "Good. Oh. By the way. If anyone else in the band is approached, I'll talk to them. If a company wants to hire you as a band, not as trainees, then that's good news." Tayaw said and Ike left the room feeling lighter.
Before Ike knocked on his door to talk about the entertainment company, Tayaw was about to answer John, Strawberry Front's drummer's video call on Facebook. He doesn't know what Strawberry wants again, but he's curious so he called John back.
After a few rings, John answered. [Hello Isaac! My man, my brother, my friend!] John greeted quite excessively. John seems to be alone in the room he's in, from what Tayaw can see on his screen. "Are you drunk?" Tayaw asked.
[Well. No. I had two beers, I'm fine.] John replied. "Where's the rest of the guys?" Tayaw asked. Usually when John gives him a call, the band is always with him. [Oh. When you didn't answer, we thought you were busy so they went back to their rooms. Wait. I'll have our assistant call them. HEY Zac! … They'll be here.] John said. Tayaw chuckled at this. John has definitely had more than two beers.
"I thought you guys are touring by now? What time is it there?" Tayaw asked. [It got delayed by three weeks. I don't know when we'll start. Its… 8 at night here.] John said. "Three weeks?" Tayaw could not help but ask. A delay is usually a bad sign. [Yeah. Our agency is adding a few more dates to last until November.] John clarified. Tayaw felt relief at the information and felt proud for them.
[Hey Isaac!] The band soon joined in. "So. What's with the call, guys? I thought you were busy?" Tayaw asked directly the purpose of the call. [Man, we'll actually be on the road starting next week. First stop will be Lexington Kentucky.] Rez explained.
"I see, it's a neighbor state. So… literally 'the road' huh? You guys will be on bus trailer?" Tayaw asked. [Yeah. Thankfully, we have beds on the bus. We can sleep while the bus driver drives us around.] Bobby said.
"Well congratulations! I heard touring is tough. So good luck too." Tayaw said. [About that. Can you join us in Lexington, Saturday next week? It'd be meaningful if you perform with us.] Bobby asked. Tayaw was taken aback. "Like. For the whole tour?" Tayaw asked. [No. Just for the opening of our tour. But if you want to join us throughout, it would even be better!] Bobby said.
Tayaw was relieved. He would have things to do like practicing the piano, attending the festival at Sorrento, and some more. "Alright. I'll play with you just on Lexington." Tayaw accepted their offer.
[Great! Because the spots are already filled, headline with us!] Rez asked. Tayaw again was taken aback. He expected that he would be playing as one of the opening acts, but he didn't expect to play with Strawberry Front as a band member.
"What? Are you sure? It's your tour, man. Also, my presence might… disrupt the band." Tayaw said. [What disrupt? You wrote our songs. You know how we sound. You also know how to play like us. Don't you remember? When you were playing the songs you gave us? It's going to be great.] Aaron chimed in. Tayaw felt it made sense. While he won't be able to play with his own sound, playing as a support for Strawberry Front doesn't sound bad either. It's only for one night after all.
"Alright. Shouldn't we need to practice though?" Tayaw asked. [We'll be fine. We'll just send you what songs we will play, which parts you will sing. You'd get to do some guitar solos too. It's not like we haven't seen you improvise before. Even if you don't practice, if we just give you the signal, you'll do great.] Bobby said. Tayaw shook his head. "Jesus Christ. Next time you invite me suddenly like this, 'm not going!" Tayaw said. Sometimes, Strawberry Front puts too much trust in him. Luckily, they're right.
[Okay. Don't worry. Next time. Hey. If you have your tour, take us as well.] Rez said. "Fine. I wonder though, why call me only now?" Tayaw asked. [It's Aaron and John. They got cold feet. You being there would help. We also want to introduce you to more people. It's been a while since you put out something.] Bobby said.
"Come on. It's only been 5 months." Tayaw said. [Yeah. BUT you have no presence here in Nashville for a while now.] Rez said. Tayaw doesn't know exactly what Rez is talking about, but "Okay. I'll be there." He agreed nonetheless.
Tayaw did not resume his piano practice which what he was doing before Ike and Strawberry Front interrupted him.
It's 2pm already so Tayaw figured it's still around 5 pm in Los Angeles where Chala was the last time they talked. Unlike John who is familiar with the internet, Chala is a lot more expensive to talk to because he's not always online. *Ring Ring* [Hello. Tayaw! Your call was juuuustt timely.] Chala chuckled. "Is that right? How's it going?" Tayaw asked.
[I talked to the biggest studios and companies. Like you suggested, I asked for an upfront payment and gross revenue, yes?] Chala asked. "That's right. Did you make sure it's gross revenue, not profit right?" Tayaw replied. [Man, of course. I've done this before. Anyway. Let me summarize. The minimum I got was $14,000,000 and 0.8% gross revenue. The highest was $38,000,000 and 3% gross revenue.] Chala reported.
Tayaw shook his head at this. "What do you think of it?" Tayaw asked to test Chala's foresight. [Well. They're just the initial offers. If we start the negotiations, I think I can get a lot more. How about you?] Chala asked back. "It's smaller than I expected." Tayaw answered. It's a valid opinion.
[Why? How much do you expect?] Chala asked. "The $38 million is fair for the up front payment, but I value 'The Halfling' more than the fairy tales. I think 3% is still too small. I mean, didn't we get 8% from the fairy tales? " Tayaw said.
[But the fairy tales have more than 200 stories in it.] Chala said. "It's not about the number, man. Don't you think 'The Halfling' is a modern day epic?" Tayaw disagreed. [Well. It's still one story. Now that I think about it, I really think we should have gotten more shares in the fairy tales' movie rights?] Chala disagreed with Tayaw's disagreement. Tayaw is stuck at Chala's valid logic. "Well, we have our own opinions." Tayaw don't know what else to say.
[Hey. Speaking of the fairy tales, I have news for you.] Chala changed the subject. "Oh? What's up?" [Pixie chose Snow White and Red Riding Hood as the first films they want to adapt. They actually started animating the two films simultaneously last December. They're going to use 3D animation so it will take a lot of time. If everything goes well, they might finish production by January of next year and release it by June. ] Chala reported.
Tayaw nodded. He has no idea how animations work but from gut feeling he's getting from his filmmaking skills, he feels it makes sense. Compared to live-action films, Tayaw actually finds animated films in his world more watchable.
He finds that the theatrical movement and line delivery actually suits better in animated films than in live-action films. He feels confident that Pixie will do a good job animating the story, so he did not insist on consulting for Pixie unlike what he is intending to do with 'The Halfling' movies in the future.
"Alright. Hey, do your other authors need you now?" Tayaw asked. [I'm free. And, oh. It's just 'author'. It's you and Meggen that's left now. I quit working for the two other authors. It doesn't make sense to keep working for them when you are overpaying me to retirement.] Chala explained. "Okay. I won't be needing you for now, so do whatever." Tayaw said.
[Oh? Well alright then. Thank you.] Chala chuckled. "But please, learn how to use Facebook or other chat apps. You have a smartphone, for fcks sake. I need you to stay online all the time in case I need something." Tayaw suggested.
[I'll do that.] Chala accepted the suggestion. "Where are you by the way?" Tayaw asked. [I'm still in LA. Tomorrow, I'm returning to Teungeb. I'm gonna buy my parents a new house.] Chala said. Tayaw smiled when he heard this.
"It's been what? Six months since you visited your parents right? How are they by the way?" Tayaw asked. [Oh. They're just fine. Strong, healthy, and still sharp. They even refused my offer of hiring them a caretaker.] Chala said. "Good for them. Give them smartphones too man, it's a lot more convenient to talk to them that way." Tayaw said.
[Oh. That's a good idea. Hey, I'll also go to your house in Okuba. I promised Liboo and Kilat to visit. AND I'm bringing gifts. Don't refuse and don't tell them to refuse.] Chala said suddenly. "That's cool. They were asking about you the last time I went home. About the gifts, HAH. Good luck giving it to them." Tayaw chuckled.
Tayaw almost forgot he made Chala rich. Quickly calculating in his head, Tayaw estimated that Chala earned around 30,000,000BGC since he started working for him. Had Chala been working under an agency, he would not even have a share.
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"Alright. Thanks. I'm going to practice." Ike said and excused himself. "Good. Oh. By the way. If anyone else in the band is approached, I'll talk to them. If a company wants to hire you as a band, not as trainees, then that's good news." Tayaw said and Ike left the room feeling lighter.
Before Ike knocked on his door to talk about the entertainment company, Tayaw was about to answer John, Strawberry Front's drummer's video call on Facebook. He doesn't know what Strawberry wants again, but he's curious so he called John back.
After a few rings, John answered. [Hello Isaac! My man, my brother, my friend!] John greeted quite excessively. John seems to be alone in the room he's in, from what Tayaw can see on his screen. "Are you drunk?" Tayaw asked.
[Well. No. I had two beers, I'm fine.] John replied. "Where's the rest of the guys?" Tayaw asked. Usually when John gives him a call, the band is always with him. [Oh. When you didn't answer, we thought you were busy so they went back to their rooms. Wait. I'll have our assistant call them. HEY Zac! … They'll be here.] John said. Tayaw chuckled at this. John has definitely had more than two beers.
"I thought you guys are touring by now? What time is it there?" Tayaw asked. [It got delayed by three weeks. I don't know when we'll start. Its… 8 at night here.] John said. "Three weeks?" Tayaw could not help but ask. A delay is usually a bad sign. [Yeah. Our agency is adding a few more dates to last until November.] John clarified. Tayaw felt relief at the information and felt proud for them.
[Hey Isaac!] The band soon joined in. "So. What's with the call, guys? I thought you were busy?" Tayaw asked directly the purpose of the call. [Man, we'll actually be on the road starting next week. First stop will be Lexington Kentucky.] Rez explained.
"I see, it's a neighbor state. So… literally 'the road' huh? You guys will be on bus trailer?" Tayaw asked. [Yeah. Thankfully, we have beds on the bus. We can sleep while the bus driver drives us around.] Bobby said.
"Well congratulations! I heard touring is tough. So good luck too." Tayaw said. [About that. Can you join us in Lexington, Saturday next week? It'd be meaningful if you perform with us.] Bobby asked. Tayaw was taken aback. "Like. For the whole tour?" Tayaw asked. [No. Just for the opening of our tour. But if you want to join us throughout, it would even be better!] Bobby said.
Tayaw was relieved. He would have things to do like practicing the piano, attending the festival at Sorrento, and some more. "Alright. I'll play with you just on Lexington." Tayaw accepted their offer.
[Great! Because the spots are already filled, headline with us!] Rez asked. Tayaw again was taken aback. He expected that he would be playing as one of the opening acts, but he didn't expect to play with Strawberry Front as a band member.
"What? Are you sure? It's your tour, man. Also, my presence might… disrupt the band." Tayaw said. [What disrupt? You wrote our songs. You know how we sound. You also know how to play like us. Don't you remember? When you were playing the songs you gave us? It's going to be great.] Aaron chimed in. Tayaw felt it made sense. While he won't be able to play with his own sound, playing as a support for Strawberry Front doesn't sound bad either. It's only for one night after all.
"Alright. Shouldn't we need to practice though?" Tayaw asked. [We'll be fine. We'll just send you what songs we will play, which parts you will sing. You'd get to do some guitar solos too. It's not like we haven't seen you improvise before. Even if you don't practice, if we just give you the signal, you'll do great.] Bobby said. Tayaw shook his head. "Jesus Christ. Next time you invite me suddenly like this, 'm not going!" Tayaw said. Sometimes, Strawberry Front puts too much trust in him. Luckily, they're right.
[Okay. Don't worry. Next time. Hey. If you have your tour, take us as well.] Rez said. "Fine. I wonder though, why call me only now?" Tayaw asked. [It's Aaron and John. They got cold feet. You being there would help. We also want to introduce you to more people. It's been a while since you put out something.] Bobby said.
"Come on. It's only been 5 months." Tayaw said. [Yeah. BUT you have no presence here in Nashville for a while now.] Rez said. Tayaw doesn't know exactly what Rez is talking about, but "Okay. I'll be there." He agreed nonetheless.
Tayaw did not resume his piano practice which what he was doing before Ike and Strawberry Front interrupted him.
It's 2pm already so Tayaw figured it's still around 5 pm in Los Angeles where Chala was the last time they talked. Unlike John who is familiar with the internet, Chala is a lot more expensive to talk to because he's not always online. *Ring Ring* [Hello. Tayaw! Your call was juuuustt timely.] Chala chuckled. "Is that right? How's it going?" Tayaw asked.
[I talked to the biggest studios and companies. Like you suggested, I asked for an upfront payment and gross revenue, yes?] Chala asked. "That's right. Did you make sure it's gross revenue, not profit right?" Tayaw replied. [Man, of course. I've done this before. Anyway. Let me summarize. The minimum I got was $14,000,000 and 0.8% gross revenue. The highest was $38,000,000 and 3% gross revenue.] Chala reported.
Tayaw shook his head at this. "What do you think of it?" Tayaw asked to test Chala's foresight. [Well. They're just the initial offers. If we start the negotiations, I think I can get a lot more. How about you?] Chala asked back. "It's smaller than I expected." Tayaw answered. It's a valid opinion.
[Why? How much do you expect?] Chala asked. "The $38 million is fair for the up front payment, but I value 'The Halfling' more than the fairy tales. I think 3% is still too small. I mean, didn't we get 8% from the fairy tales? " Tayaw said.
[But the fairy tales have more than 200 stories in it.] Chala said. "It's not about the number, man. Don't you think 'The Halfling' is a modern day epic?" Tayaw disagreed. [Well. It's still one story. Now that I think about it, I really think we should have gotten more shares in the fairy tales' movie rights?] Chala disagreed with Tayaw's disagreement. Tayaw is stuck at Chala's valid logic. "Well, we have our own opinions." Tayaw don't know what else to say.
[Hey. Speaking of the fairy tales, I have news for you.] Chala changed the subject. "Oh? What's up?" [Pixie chose Snow White and Red Riding Hood as the first films they want to adapt. They actually started animating the two films simultaneously last December. They're going to use 3D animation so it will take a lot of time. If everything goes well, they might finish production by January of next year and release it by June. ] Chala reported.
Tayaw nodded. He has no idea how animations work but from gut feeling he's getting from his filmmaking skills, he feels it makes sense. Compared to live-action films, Tayaw actually finds animated films in his world more watchable.
He finds that the theatrical movement and line delivery actually suits better in animated films than in live-action films. He feels confident that Pixie will do a good job animating the story, so he did not insist on consulting for Pixie unlike what he is intending to do with 'The Halfling' movies in the future.
"Alright. Hey, do your other authors need you now?" Tayaw asked. [I'm free. And, oh. It's just 'author'. It's you and Meggen that's left now. I quit working for the two other authors. It doesn't make sense to keep working for them when you are overpaying me to retirement.] Chala explained. "Okay. I won't be needing you for now, so do whatever." Tayaw said.
[Oh? Well alright then. Thank you.] Chala chuckled. "But please, learn how to use Facebook or other chat apps. You have a smartphone, for fcks sake. I need you to stay online all the time in case I need something." Tayaw suggested.
[I'll do that.] Chala accepted the suggestion. "Where are you by the way?" Tayaw asked. [I'm still in LA. Tomorrow, I'm returning to Teungeb. I'm gonna buy my parents a new house.] Chala said. Tayaw smiled when he heard this.
"It's been what? Six months since you visited your parents right? How are they by the way?" Tayaw asked. [Oh. They're just fine. Strong, healthy, and still sharp. They even refused my offer of hiring them a caretaker.] Chala said. "Good for them. Give them smartphones too man, it's a lot more convenient to talk to them that way." Tayaw said.
[Oh. That's a good idea. Hey, I'll also go to your house in Okuba. I promised Liboo and Kilat to visit. AND I'm bringing gifts. Don't refuse and don't tell them to refuse.] Chala said suddenly. "That's cool. They were asking about you the last time I went home. About the gifts, HAH. Good luck giving it to them." Tayaw chuckled.
Tayaw almost forgot he made Chala rich. Quickly calculating in his head, Tayaw estimated that Chala earned around 30,000,000BGC since he started working for him. Had Chala been working under an agency, he would not even have a share.
"Alright. Thanks. I'm going to practice." Ike said and excused himself. "Good. Oh. By the way. If anyone else in the band is approached, I'll talk to them. If a company wants to hire you as a band, not as trainees, then that's good news." Tayaw said and Ike left the room feeling lighter. Before Ike knocked on his door to talk about the entertainment company, Tayaw was about to answer John, Strawberry Front's drummer's video call on Facebook. He doesn't know what Strawberry wants again, but he's curious so he called John back. After a few rings, John answered. Hello Isaac! My man, my brother, my friend! John greeted quite excessively. John seems to be alone in the room he's in, from what Tayaw can see on his screen. "Are you drunk?" Tayaw asked. Well. No. I had two beers, I'm fine. John replied. "Where's the rest of the guys?" Tayaw asked. Usually when John gives him a call, the band is always with him. Oh. When you didn't answer, we thought you were busy so they went back to their rooms. Wait. I'll have our assistant call them. HEY Zac! They'll be here. John said. Tayaw chuckled at this. John has definitely had more than two beers. "I thought you guys are touring by now? What time is it there?" Tayaw asked. It got delayed by three weeks. I don't know when we'll start. Its 8 at night here. John said. "Three weeks?" Tayaw could not help but ask. A delay is usually a bad sign. Yeah. Our agency is adding a few more dates to last until November. John clarified. Tayaw felt relief at the information and felt proud for them. Hey Isaac! The band soon joined in. "So. What's with the call, guys? I thought you were busy?" Tayaw asked directly the purpose of the call. Man, we'll actually be on the road starting next week. First stop will be Lexington Kentucky. Rez explained. "I see, it's a neighbor state. So literally 'the road' huh? You guys will be on bus trailer?" Tayaw asked. Yeah. Thankfully, we have beds on the bus. We can sleep while the bus driver drives us around. Bobby said. "Well congratulations! I heard touring is tough. So good luck too." Tayaw said. About that. Can you join us in Lexington, Saturday next week? It'd be meaningful if you perform with us. Bobby asked. Tayaw was taken aback. "Like. For the whole tour?" Tayaw asked. No. Just for the opening of our tour. But if you want to join us throughout, it would even be better! Bobby said. Tayaw was relieved. He would have things to do like practicing the piano, attending the festival at Sorrento, and some more. "Alright. I'll play with you just on Lexington." Tayaw accepted their offer. Great! Because the spots are already filled, headline with us! Rez asked. Tayaw again was taken aback. He expected that he would be playing as one of the opening acts, but he didn't expect to play with Strawberry Front as a band member. "What? Are you sure? It's your tour, man. Also, my presence might disrupt the band." Tayaw said. What disrupt? You wrote our songs. You know how we sound. You also know how to play like us. Don't you remember? When you were playing the songs you gave us? It's going to be great. Aaron chimed in. Tayaw felt it made sense. While he won't be able to play with his own sound, playing as a support for Strawberry Front doesn't sound bad either. It's only for one night after all. "Alright. Shouldn't we need to practice though?" Tayaw asked. We'll be fine. We'll just send you what songs we will play, which parts you will sing. You'd get to do some guitar solos too. It's not like we haven't seen you improvise before. Even if you don't practice, if we just give you the signal, you'll do great. Bobby said. Tayaw shook his head. "Jesus Christ. Next time you invite me suddenly like this, 'm not going!" Tayaw said. Sometimes, Strawberry Front puts too much trust in him. Luckily, they're right. Okay. Don't worry. Next time. Hey. If you have your tour, take us as well. Rez said. "Fine. I wonder though, why call me only now?" Tayaw asked. It's Aaron and John. They got cold feet. You being there would help. We also want to introduce you to more people. It's been a while since you put out something. Bobby said. "Come on. It's only been 5 months." Tayaw said. Yeah. BUT you have no presence here in Nashville for a while now. Rez said. Tayaw doesn't know exactly what Rez is talking about, but "Okay. I'll be there." He agreed nonetheless. Tayaw did not resume his piano practice which what he was doing before Ike and Strawberry Front interrupted him. It's 2pm already so Tayaw figured it's still around 5 pm in Los Angeles where Chala was the last time they talked. Unlike John who is familiar with the internet, Chala is a lot more expensive to talk to because he's not always online. *Ring Ring* Hello. Tayaw! Your call was juuuustt timely. Chala chuckled. "Is that right? How's it going?" Tayaw asked. I talked to the biggest studios and companies. Like you suggested, I asked for an upfront payment and gross revenue, yes? Chala asked. "That's right. Did you make sure it's gross revenue, not profit right?" Tayaw replied. Man, of course. I've done this before. Anyway. Let me summarize. The minimum I got was $14,000,000 and 0.8% gross revenue. The highest was $38,000,000 and 3% gross revenue. Chala reported. Tayaw shook his head at this. "What do you think of it?" Tayaw asked to test Chala's foresight. Well. They're just the initial offers. If we start the negotiations, I think I can get a lot more. How about you? Chala asked back. "It's smaller than I expected." Tayaw answered. It's a valid opinion. Why? How much do you expect? Chala asked. "The $38 million is fair for the up front payment, but I value 'The Halfling' more than the fairy tales. I think 3% is still too small. I mean, didn't we get 8% from the fairy tales? " Tayaw said. But the fairy tales have more than 200 stories in it. Chala said. "It's not about the number, man. Don't you think 'The Halfling' is a modern day epic?" Tayaw disagreed. Well. It's still one story. Now that I think about it, I really think we should have gotten more shares in the fairy tales' movie rights? Chala disagreed with Tayaw's disagreement. Tayaw is stuck at Chala's valid logic. "Well, we have our own opinions." Tayaw don't know what else to say. Hey. Speaking of the fairy tales, I have news for you. Chala changed the subject. "Oh? What's up?" Pixie chose Snow White and Red Riding Hood as the first films they want to adapt. They actually started animating the two films simultaneously last December. They're going to use 3D animation so it will take a lot of time. If everything goes well, they might finish production by January of next year and release it by June. Chala reported. Tayaw nodded. He has no idea how animations work but from gut feeling he's getting from his filmmaking skills, he feels it makes sense. Compared to live-action films, Tayaw actually finds animated films in his world more watchable. He finds that the theatrical movement and line delivery actually suits better in animated films than in live-action films. He feels confident that Pixie will do a good job animating the story, so he did not insist on consulting for Pixie unlike what he is intending to do with 'The Halfling' movies in the future. "Alright. Hey, do your other authors need you now?" Tayaw asked. I'm free. And, oh. It's just 'author'. It's you and Meggen that's left now. I quit working for the two other authors. It doesn't make sense to keep working for them when you are overpaying me to retirement. Chala explained. "Okay. I won't be needing you for now, so do whatever." Tayaw said. Oh? Well alright then. Thank you. Chala chuckled. "But please, learn how to use Facebook or other chat apps. You have a smartphone, for fcks sake. I need you to stay online all the time in case I need something." Tayaw suggested. I'll do that. Chala accepted the suggestion. "Where are you by the way?" Tayaw asked. I'm still in LA. Tomorrow, I'm returning to Teungeb. I'm gonna buy my parents a new house. Chala said. Tayaw smiled when he heard this. "It's been what? Six months since you visited your parents right? How are they by the way?" Tayaw asked. Oh. They're just fine. Strong, healthy, and still sharp. They even refused my offer of hiring them a caretaker. Chala said. "Good for them. Give them smartphones too man, it's a lot more convenient to talk to them that way." Tayaw said. Oh. That's a good idea. Hey, I'll also go to your house in Okuba. I promised Liboo and Kilat to visit. AND I'm bringing gifts. Don't refuse and don't tell them to refuse. Chala said suddenly. "That's cool. They were asking about you the last time I went home. About the gifts, HAH. Good luck giving it to them." Tayaw chuckled. Tayaw almost forgot he made Chala rich. Quickly calculating in his head, Tayaw estimated that Chala earned around 30,000,000BGC since he started working for him. Had Chala been working under an agency, he would not even have a share.
