Once Alex was settled at her house, Nancy took him to CAA the following day to officially sign him as a client. Upon entering the CAA office, Alex looked around in excitement.
"Well, kiddo, here we are. Creative Artists Agency. Pretty impressive, huh?" she said, a hopeful lilt in her voice as she observed his expression.
"Yeah," Alex breathed, his gaze sweeping across the walls. They weren't just covered in pictures; they were adorned with iconic movie posters, signed headshots of stars he recognized instantly, and framed magazine covers celebrating massive hits. Each one felt like a testament to the power wielded within these walls. "It's… way bigger than I imagined, Aunt Nancy. All these faces… they're everywhere." It felt less like an office and more like a gallery of success, a world away from anything he knew.
"They represent some of the biggest stars and most successful projects in the business," Nancy explained, her eyes sparkling not just with anticipation for him, but with the reflected glamour surrounding them, and maybe a touch of maternal hope. "These walls tell stories, Alex. And one day, I truly believe your picture will be up here too." She paused, letting the weight of the possibility – both professional and personal – settle. "Remember what I told you – take a deep breath, be yourself, be polite, answer honestly. You belong here just as much as anyone."
Just then, a professionally crisp voice called out, "Nancy Jones?" An assistant beckoned them forward. Nancy straightened her jacket, a subtle squaring of her shoulders betraying none of the underlying familial investment, and placed a reassuring hand on Alex's arm.
"Alright, that's our cue," she murmured, giving his arm a gentle squeeze that felt both like an agent's encouragement and an aunt's support. "Deep breath. We've got this."
Nancy led Alex through a set of imposing frosted glass doors, the quiet hum intensifying slightly as they entered a more private corridor lined with offices. At the end stood a solid wood door with a simple brass plate: Bill Haber. Nancy gave a confident knock.
A voice called, "Come in!"
Nancy pushed the door open, revealing a comfortably furnished office. It felt less overtly corporate than the lobby, warmer, more focused.
power than the movie star lobby. Behind a large, neatly organized desk sat BILL HABER. He looked sharp, mid-forties perhaps, with intelligent eyes and an air of relaxed authority. He rose immediately as they entered, a welcoming smile creasing the corners of his eyes, and extended a hand towards Alex.
"Alex, welcome. Bill Haber. A pleasure to meet you," he said, his voice calm and resonant. His handshake was firm, brief, and professional.
Alex shook his hand, a polite smile on his face. Pleasure to meet you? he thought. He probably says that to everyone who walks in here. It felt like the kind of practiced line adults used. Still, the fact that the head of the TV department at CAA was even meeting him, a complete nobody, was surreal.
"Bill, thank you so much for taking the time," she replied with a smile on her face.
"Thank you, sir," he managed, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Please, have a seat. So, Alex," he began, leaning back slightly, his eyes appraising but kind. "Nancy showed me some of your work. You've got a natural talent, kid. A real spark. In this business, that's the foundation."
"That's the most important thing. Passion. We can work with passion. CAA, as you know, is a younger agency compared to some of the old guard," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "But what we lack in years, we make up for in drive and a fresh perspective. While we have clients across film, television is a huge part of our focus, and it's where a lot of exciting opportunities are right now, especially for young talent."
Alex sensed the genuine encouragement in Bill's tone. He knew that at some of the older, more established agencies like WMA, a complete newcomer wouldn't get within ten feet of the head of a department. But he'd heard whispers about CAA's different approach – a culture of leveraging all their resources for their clients, no matter how new. It was about making everyone feel like they had the entire agency behind them, a strategy to foster loyalty and success.
Nodding in agreement Nancy said, "That's what we were hoping, Bill."
"Nancy believes in you, Alex. And frankly, so do I, based on what I've seen. So, here's the deal," he said, picking up a document from his desk. "We'd like to bring you on board, represent you here at CAA. Nancy will be your primary agent, guiding you through the process, setting up auditions, and helping you navigate this crazy world." He slid the document across the desk towards Alex. "This is just the standard agreement. Have a read through when you have a moment. But welcome to the CAA family, Alex."
"Wow! Thank you so much, Mr. Haber! And thank you, Nancy! This is… this is amazing." He reached for the document, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
"Just 'Bill' is fine, Alex. And the amazing part is just beginning. With Nancy in your corner and your talent, you've got a real shot. Now, the hard work starts. But we'll be here to support you every step of the way."
Alex looked down at the contract in his hands. A wide smile breaking through his initial nervousness, his eyes shining with a mixture of elation at this incredible opportunity and a newfound determination to prove himself worthy of it.