Ovitz’s Hollywood Friends Sought Keys to Magic Kingdom

When a powerful Hollywood agent puts the squeeze on a studio boss, it’s usually to get more money or perks for a star client.

Creative Artists Agency partner Bryan Lourd wanted something more personal: A free birthday celebration for his daughter at Disneyland.

In a July 1996 fax to then-Walt Disney Co. President Michael Ovitz, he asked for 40 tickets and VIP passes to celebrate daughter Billie’s fourth birthday.

“I know this is a big request -- any help you can give me would be deeply appreciated,” Lourd wrote Disney’s No. 2 executive, a co-founder of CAA.

That memo and others contained in newly released court documents provide a glimpse into Hollywood’s back-scratching ways, where millionaire deal makers can spend an inordinate amount of time on mundane favors.

The documents were filed in connection with a lawsuit in Delaware brought by Disney shareholders. They allege that Chief Executive Michael Eisner and company directors squandered company assets by agreeing to a no-fault termination clause that eventually netted Ovitz $109 million in cash and stock.

Ovitz, Eisner and the directors have said they acted properly.

Disney executives turned up the documents from Ovitz’s work files last month -- a last-minute discovery that angered lawyers representing stockholders. Although the trial was scheduled to start Monday, the plaintiffs have asked for a postponement until February to study the papers. A decision is expected today. Ovitz, who left Disney eight years ago, has opposed any delay.

The recently disclosed documents show that Ovitz not only obliged Lourd, his former CAA subordinate, but threw in tour guides for the birthday group, as well as lunch and a photo session with a Disney character.

Also included in the documents was a note from Ovitz passing along a request from actor Dustin Hoffman, who wanted to be considered for a movie with underworld cartoon characters.

Also among the papers was a note from TV producer Tony Thomas thanking Ovitz for a birthday gift of Mickey Mouse golf balls. Thomas added that Disney’s ABC network could provide “my Christmas gift” by picking up one of his shows.