Tina sipped from her glass, unsure of where the meeting was going. Although it would make sense that Marissa would know Celine, it felt odd that their friend wouldn’t mention having been consulted. Could it be because Celine had been forthcoming about her reasons for consulting with Marissa, and maybe that influenced Marissa not to say anything? At least until Tina would mention something?

“You might be wondering why I’d want to be a part of this?” Silent nod.

“Talent is over-flogged in your business. But I have to agree with Gavin in your case, Tina. I watched a couple of films he recommended I look at. He watched all of them, I think. My husband and I were impressed. And Gavin …. well, Gavin. You must have heard from him what he thinks, right?”

Tina smiled, and looked at the man swimming laps at a furious pace now. He must be nearing the peak of his workout.

“So I think he must have mentioned that he asked around, asked his people to check around discreetly, too.   I’d been talking to him off and on for the last year about dipping our toes into your industry. He’s made a few recommendations, and we’re looking at those also. My husband is really interested in this outfit in Sweden. But Gavin … well he’s most excited about hooking up with you. And I have to say that, unlike my husband, I’m leaning your way, too, rather than with the Swedes.”

“We don’t know much about how the industry works, but we studied your studio closely, ran some analytics, and I have to say that I think you would do an excellent job if you did decide to strike out on your own.  You have the contacts, you know how to manage a studio, and you are creative, also. If we were to get in on the ground floor with you, while your investment value hasn’t been established yet, that would make tremendous sense for us.”

She sipped from her water bottle again. “If you would be open to partners, I would be glad to offer you what you may not have access to right now – sufficient financial resources to seed a film or two to start with, and attract other funders.”