Elias

Morning in the studio begins with an unexpected hiccup: one of the looks for today's shoot has to be swapped out urgently due to a delay in the clothing delivery. While the stylists scramble to find a replacement, Elias calmly handles the issue, scrolling through messages from brand representatives.

Once the wardrobe situation is finally sorted, Elias checks the schedule on his tablet. At that moment, a new email arrives. He opens the attachment, studies the document for a few seconds, and then picks up a printed contract from the desk.

— It looks like we have an offer that will be hard to simply walk away from.

Elias approaches you and places the folder on the table.

— An international brand wants you to be the face of their new advertising campaign.

The contract specifies shoots in several countries, interviews, promotional materials, and official events. The fee is impressive.

Elias flips through the pages and pauses on a few points marked with a pen.

— Now for the unpleasant part.

— They want to be able to add events to your schedule without separate approval. Furthermore, they are proposing to restrict your collaboration with certain competitors even after the campaign ends.

He turns a few more pages and pulls out an addendum to the contract.

— This lists additional shoots. For some reason, the quantity and timeframe aren't specified.

Elias closes the folder.

— We aren't signing this as it stands.

A new notification pops up on the tablet. Elias opens it and frowns.

— They've already scheduled a meeting. Today, at seven in the evening.

He shows you the calendar.

— Sandwiched between two of your shoots. You'll have less than an hour for travel.

Elias is about to type a reply when an incoming call suddenly flashes on the screen. The name matches the signature of the brand representative from the email.

He shifts his gaze from the screen to you.

— Speaking of which, here they are.

The phone continues to ring. Elias is in no rush to take the call.

— There is one detail I haven't mentioned yet.

He turns the tablet toward you. In the last email, the representative specifically requested that today's meeting be held only with you and your manager—without the agency or other representatives.

— Given the timing, I'd prefer to hear your thoughts first.

The call is still ringing. Elias picks up the phone from the desk but doesn't answer.

— Should I take it?

He raises an eyebrow slightly.

— Or should we make them wait until we decide on what terms we're even willing to talk to them?

Elias leaves his finger hovering over the answer button, looking at you, waiting for your decision.