Chapter 106: Paving the Way for Nat

After a week of navigating the process, the loan Dunn needed finally came through.

Dunn personally secured a $100 million loan based on his 15% share of the global box office for Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. It’s a one-year term with a 10% annual interest rate.

Meanwhile, Dunn Pictures snagged $30 million from My Big Fat Greek Wedding and $20 million from Wedding Crashers, both on one-year terms with an 8% interest rate.

Since venture capital firms seriously underestimated the future earnings of Wedding Crashers, Fox Pictures stepped in and advanced Dunn Pictures another $20 million.

Then Dunn took his $100 million and loaned it to Dunn Pictures, pushing the company’s cash flow to a whopping $170 million!

At the same time, Dunn Pictures and Marvel Studios made a big announcement to the world: the Spider-Man movie project is officially underway, with a jaw-dropping $150 million investment.

Behind the scenes, Dunn Pictures was also working with the CAA agency, reaching out to Germany’s Constantin Film and the UK’s Working Title Films to lock in tax rebate deals.

They figure it’ll take about a month and a half to finalize.

Ever since the Oscars, Dunn had been hustling to secure funding for Spider-Man’s production costs. After two and a half months of hard work, he not only hit his goal but exceeded it. With tax rebates from the UK and Germany, he even sorted out the investment for A Beautiful Mind later this year.

Tackling such a huge challenge with ease gave Dunn a lot more confidence in his future plans.

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On June 3rd, a Thursday, the daily box office for Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace had dropped below $8 million. Dunn sat down for a serious talk with Shirley Hershler.

Shirley’s a sharp one—ambitious and power-hungry, hoping to ride her daughter’s success to a better life.

But no parent wants to see their kid struggle.

Dunn didn’t even need to say much. Shirley caught on quick.

“Yeah, I get it. I don’t know much about the movie biz. Back in Israel, I was just an accountant at a law firm. When we came to the States, I was worried Nat would get eaten alive in Hollywood, so I switched gears and became her agent.”

Shirley could tell Dunn genuinely cared about her daughter. If he was just messing around like he might with other actresses, he wouldn’t bother going through all this trouble.

With Dunn paving the way for Nat’s future, Shirley was all in, hands raised in full support.

“Nat’s turning eighteen soon. She’s a grown girl now, and I think she needs her own space,” Dunn said earnestly. He really had Natalie’s future in mind—not some scenario where she marries off to France and drags her mom along.

“Hollywood… it’s a mess, especially for young girls,” Shirley said hesitantly, letting out a sigh. “We’re Jewish, and Nat got famous early. I was terrified she’d end up like Drew Barrymore, so I kept a tight leash on her. Honestly, you’re the first guy she’s ever dated.”

Dunn nodded, totally getting it. “I understand. Hollywood’s wild, but with me around, no one’s gonna mess with Nat. She’s a star. Once she’s in college, I’ll have people watching out for her quietly.”

“That’d be amazing.”

Shirley looked a little down. Her daughter’s future was set, but losing her job as Nat’s agent—and with Nat gaining control of her own finances as an adult—where was her income gonna come from?

Dunn gave her a knowing look and smiled. “Mrs. Hershler, you mentioned earlier… you used to work in finance?”

“I know a bit about legal stuff too.”

“Dunn Pictures is growing fast, but we still don’t have a proper finance department. I’ve been handling all the money myself. Thing is, I’m a director—I’m busy with films, and my energy’s stretched thin.”

Shirley’s eyes lit up. She finally got what Dunn was hinting at. “Need some help?”

Dunn grinned. “I’d be so grateful! Finance isn’t my strong suit, and we need someone like you—great with people, knowledgeable about the law. Most importantly, I trust you.”

“You trust me?”

“Of course! You’re Nat’s mom. We’re practically family already.”

That word—“family”—hit Shirley right in the heart. She couldn’t hide her excitement.

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Natalie’s agency contract was with A Agency, but since she’s still a minor, it wasn’t ironclad. CAA only had to shell out $30,000 to buy out her contract.

Hilda Quirly was so thrilled she could’ve danced.

She never imagined that the assistant she’d kicked off the Titanic set years ago—over that whole Kate Winslet underwear incident—would end up being her career savior.

Dunn had pushed Kate Winslet to an Oscar win, cementing Hilda’s status as a top agent at CAA.

But the surprises didn’t stop there!

Reese Witherspoon, a total nobody back then, suddenly became Dunn’s secretary.

With Dunn’s backing, how could Reese’s career not take off? Dunn Pictures even made a movie, Wedding Crashers, and handed her her first starring role.

And then… the biggest bombshell yet.

Dunn handed her Nicole Kidman, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars!

A few years back, Hilda was just a tagalong to Pat Kingsley, the ace agent she looked up to.

But Dunn didn’t mess around. When he made a move, it was epic—he broke up Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, then dropped Nicole right into her lap.

How is that not better than cash?

No, it’s more than that—it’s status!

Last year, UTA poached Tracy Jacobs from CAA and gave her an executive spot.

Why? Because Tracy had Johnny Depp.

Dunn giving her Nicole Kidman was like handing Hilda an executive seat at CAA on a silver platter.

Sure, the board didn’t officially appoint her, out of respect for Pat Kingsley’s ego.

But no worries—Dunn kept the gifts coming!

Next up: Natalie Portman, the star of the hottest movie right now, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

Hilda was over the moon. When Brian Lord broke the news, she was dizzy with joy.

Natalie’s not a huge name yet—just stepping into the second tier.

But who is she?

Dunn Walker’s girlfriend!

With Dunn behind her, forget first-tier status—she could climb to the A-list heights of Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson!

Natalie’s a goldmine of potential.

Hilda could already picture herself on equal footing with Brian Lord at CAA.

Naturally, she had to pay a visit to her behind-the-scenes benefactor, Dunn Walker, to say thanks.

Hilda showed up at Dunn Pictures, all humble and respectful—more so than even Dunn’s own staff.

Dunn chuckled. “Hilda, we go way back. No need to be so formal, right?”

He genuinely respected Hilda Quirly.

In all of Hollywood, among female agents, only Nancy Josephson—who launched Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz—could rival Hilda.

She’d brought up Oscar winners like Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett, and Reese Witherspoon, plus big names like Marion Cotillard, Jessica Chastain, and Michelle Williams.

Dunn wasn’t handing her Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman just because they were buddies.

“Director Walker…”

“Call me Dunn!”

“Okay, Dunn, I don’t even know what to say. Thank you so much!” Hilda stammered, overwhelmed.

“Relax, take a seat,” Dunn said, waving her toward the couch. “Hilda, you know Nat’s my girlfriend. I’ve got big hopes for her. You get what I’m saying?”

“Totally. I’ll give her the best treatment—top pick of scripts!”

Hilda owed Dunn big time, and she was ready to repay the favor.

Dunn shook his head. “That’s not necessary. Nat won’t be short on cash, and I don’t want her burning out. My ask is simple: her projects need to be few but top-notch. Artsy films? They’ve gotta win awards—at least an Oscar nod. Blockbusters? Whether it’s comedy or sci-fi, they need to rake in the box office.”

“Uh…”

Even with Hilda’s skills, Dunn’s demands felt outrageous.

Dunn smiled. “I know, it might sound over the top to you. I just don’t want anyone slapping Natalie Portman’s name on some trash movie to cash in. It’d hurt her image. She’s the real deal.”

“I get it. I’ll keep a tight leash on that—no cheap ads, I’ll turn them down flat. But movies… sorry, Dunn, no one can guarantee that,” Hilda said, looking worried.

Dunn stayed chill and grinned. “Easy fix. Run Nat’s offers by me first. If I greenlight it, she can do it!”

Hilda caught on quick. Dunn wanted full control over Natalie’s film choices.

Talk about possessive!

But with all he’d done for her, Hilda couldn’t say no.

An agent’s job is to prioritize their client’s interests, and Dunn was clearly looking out for Natalie. No conflict there.

“Got it,” Hilda nodded.

“Cool.” Dunn blinked a few times, adding with a sly tone, “Seems like all your clients are women, huh? And a few of them are tied to me, aren’t they?”

Hilda’s heart sank. She thought, Oh, you’re aware? Do you have any idea how much grief Kate and Nicole’s rumors have caused me? Wait…

She froze, catching Dunn’s smirk. Then it clicked.

This guy’s shameless!

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