I did it! I made it! I’m back!
It may feel like it’s only been a week since my last column but in my world, it’s been an eternity.
Remember “Groundhog Day,” the movie with Bill Murray? It’s the one where he plays an arrogant weatherman who finds himself trapped in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over until he learns how to be a better person.
There are two things you need to know: One—it’s a very entertaining film. And two—time loops are real!
The nightmare began when one of my favorite clients, a kid named Scott, left me for a bigger agency. This is an actor I signed right out of college. My company helped develop his career and got him to the point where he booked his first substantial role in a studio film.
For what it’s worth, the little traitor had the balls to come in and drop us in person. After the initial shock wore off, I chased him down to the parking lot and starting screaming threats at him. Security had to restrain me as my former client drove off to his new home at CAA.
Feeling like crap, I went home early and spent the rest of the day drowning my sorrows in Grey Goose vodka. I passed out wondering if I could’ve handled the situation better.
The next day I woke up without a hangover, which was odd considering how much alcohol I’d consumed. I went to work and the whole morning felt off. It was as if the events of the previous day were repeating. I was getting the same calls and emails, my assistant spilled her coffee—little moments like that. The sense of déjà vu was overwhelming.
And then Scott walked in and told me he was leaving.
I realized what was going on. I had to find the right response to my client’s betrayal or I would be trapped in the loop forever. So I burst into tears and begged him to stay.
Scott laughed. “See? This is why I’m going to CAA. The agents there are tough. They’re real men, not like you.”
And on that note, the little bastard took off. Again.
Feeling like crap, I went home early and spent the rest of the day drowning my sorrows in Grey Goose vodka.
The next day, I tried to reason with Scott. The day after that, I kidnapped his mother and held her hostage. A week later, I offered him everything I own if he agreed to stay. None of that worked.
Another 528 days passed and I was still trapped. I had tried everything. What else was left?
And that’s when the cloud lifted from my eyes.
The next day, I responded by telling Scott the truth: “I’m sorry to hear that, Scott. I think you’re a great actor and you’re destined for amazing things. I wish you the best but if things don’t work out, I want you to know my door is always open.”
Scott burst into tears. He thanked me for all my hard work and promised to stay in touch.
The next day, time rebooted and my life went back to normal, but with a clear understanding that sometimes it’s best to be honest and not burn any bridges. Would Scott come back? I don’t know. Maybe, but at least now, the option was there.
Happy Groundhog Day!
Like this advice? Check out more from Secret Agent Man!
