America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 125 For the Sake of Investment (Please Subscribe)

Martin and Bruce were having breakfast at a restaurant near North Hollywood when they heard the morning news broadcast and looked at the television in front of them.

The news footage, taken by paparazzi, clearly shows Paris Hilton being taken into custody by police last night for dangerous driving.

Martin pointed at Bruce.

Old Bu said in a low voice, "I just saw him last night, I didn't expect it to be so soon."

Paris's temporary spokesperson, Kim, appeared and spoke eloquently into the reporters' microphones, defending Paris as if she had been preparing for a long time.

Bruce's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the text message and said, "A TV station and a newspaper want to interview Paris. Paris is not in the mood to face the media after being released on bail, so let Kim respond for her."

Martin said, "Borrowing fame from Paris."

"And then we'll stir things up again," Bruce said. "It's all entertainment industry tactics."

Martin pondered for a moment: "Civilized man, you've been studying and observing for so long, do me a small favor. I'll be making a movie where I'm the real lead soon, so think of some ways to promote it."

Bruce thought about it carefully for a while before saying, "I'm just like you, all I know is crooked ways."

Martin laughed: "Old Brooks, why are you being so polite with me?"

"Aren't you supposed to be fighting weirdos and deformed people? A water bottle is a must!" Bruce was full of bad ideas. He gestured and said, "Normally you use the water bottle to drink water, but when it really matters, you use it to smash the weirdo's head. Then you can publicize it through the media that you created the water bottle and the model is you. It'll definitely attract a lot of attention."

Martin sighed helplessly, "You're truly a genius!"

Bruce's skin grew thicker and thicker: "Only a little bit better than you."

Martin, however, was thinking: "No, the kettle should be used by women or Black people. I am the inventor, which is useful. The president, Caroline, said that I am somewhat famous throughout the United States because of the kettle, so perhaps that can also be useful."

He immediately took out his notepad and wrote everything down.

The normal methods wouldn't even require him to think of them; those professional marketers have wildly creative ideas.

After breakfast, Martin went to the agency to find his agent, Thomas.

Upon entering the office cubicle, I noticed that Thomas's hair on his forehead seemed to be thinning.

This is a good sign, indicating that Thomas has been carrying a heavy burden, propelling him forward.

Thomas instructed Martin, "Make sure to visit Craven and Aja often, in case anyone else takes advantage of the situation."

Martin nodded: "I go to Craven's studio every day."

Although the project was not made public, it was not a secret to some well-informed people.

Thomas added, "I've already submitted your application for 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants'. The company will give you priority in being recommended to the production team. The role is a football coach. If you can land the role, I'm confident I can negotiate a salary of over $20. The filming period will be at most one month."

Martin's focus wasn't on that: "Let me know when the audition will be; you handle the rest."

Thomas said, "No problem."

"Yes, Old Bu and I just had an idea..." Martin briefly recounted what had happened: "You're a professional, can you handle it?"

Thomas thought about the kettle he had seen before, and after a while, he said, "If it can be used, and if used well, the effect will be good. This has always been a topic of social concern and a mainstream value orientation."

Martin didn't stay at the agency for long; he soon went to Craven's studio and mentioned something similar.

Craven considered this: "Without changing the main plot of the script, we can make appropriate changes to a few characters. Sometimes, publicity is more important than the quality of the movie. Since you have this foundation, we should make use of it."

Aja exclaimed, "Hollywood films are more elaborate than European films. European films focus entirely on showcasing the dark side of human nature, neglecting marketing."

Martin believes things should be viewed from two sides: "Some movies with explicit content are still very good, and I especially like Sophie Marceau."

When watching movies starring Sophie Marceau, I basically fast-forward through the whole thing, until I get to a certain scene.

Later, with the development of the Internet, it became even simpler, with all sorts of compilations.

Three days later, Craven's team of assistants developed a preliminary budget.

The film actually involves only a few people and scenes, and a production budget of $1000 million is expected to be sufficient.

However, the production cost that can be reasonably accounted for is $1600 million.

As for later promotion, there are too many ways to manipulate it.

Martin immediately called the Atlanta support team: "Boss, it's me, Martin. Before I left Atlanta, you and Sofia asked me to keep an eye on investable projects. The one I told you about a while ago is now confirmed."

Vincent, who is in Atlanta, said, "Sofia and I have been waiting for your news. Tell us more."

Martin roughly stated, "It's a horror film. The producer and screenwriter is Wes Craven, the godfather of Hollywood horror, and the director is the famous French director Alexandre Aja. I am the male lead. Hollywood's top producer Louise Mayer's Pacific Pictures is organizing the production, and Kelly's Gray Pictures will also be involved."

Having tasted success with Vincent and Sofia last time, he said directly, "Name your investment amount."

Martin said, "I'll send you the budget later, $1600 million."

Vincent readily agreed: "Leave $1200 million for me and Sofia, and we'll head to Los Angeles as soon as possible to handle the details."

Martin readily agreed: "I've prepared the materials and will send them to you. Take a look first, and then come over."

With the support of my hometown's fan club, I feel confident in doing things.

Martin then called Kelly Gray.

Soon, a vice president from Pacific Films and an assistant from Craven Studios rented offices at Warner Bros. Studios and officially established The Hills Have Eyes Film Studio.

The studio operates with independent financial accounting and accepts pooled investment.

After Pacific Pictures and Gray Pictures received a total investment of $100 million, the production team was officially formed.

Wes Craven served as screenwriter and producer, Alexandre Aja as director and executive producer, and Martin, as the representative of Louise and Kelly on set, also held the position of co-producer in addition to being the male lead.

Martin's two jobs together brought him a total of $60 in remuneration.

All of this is predicated on the ability to genuinely attract investment.

…………

At Los Angeles International Airport, Martin and Menez were waiting at the VIP exit.

Menez asked, "Boss, why isn't Old Brooks here?"

Martin casually remarked, "Old Brooks is scared."

The reason is simple: besides Vincent, Sofia is also coming.

She is an indelible shadow on civilized people's lives.

Four people turned the corner in the distance and walked along the corridor.

Sofia, who was leading the group, was wearing a T-shirt and shorts, with her arm and leg muscles bulging high, as if she might explode at any moment.

Vincent was still wearing his cowboy hat.

Behind them was Ivan, dragging a suitcase.

To Martin's surprise, the person who was pulling Sofia's suitcase was Scott!

Martin stepped forward to greet her, "Boss, Sophia."

Vincent strode over and opened his arms to embrace Martin: "My friend, my brother, I knew you were extraordinary, and you're just as good in Los Angeles."

Martin was the same as always: "Luckily, I didn't let the boss down..." He released Vincent and shook hands with Sophia: "And thank you for your trust, madam."

Sofia's hand felt like a stone when I held it, but she was smiling: "You gave me a surprise."

Martin had Menez lead the way, and they arrived at the luxury van.

As he got into the car, Scott, who was walking with a pigeon-toed gait, came over and whispered, "Kid, you're doing pretty well."

Martin pointed to his ordinary clothes, then to Scott's Louis Vuitton brand: "You're not doing as well as me."

Scott raised his head, swayed his hips, and got into the car.

After Martin got into the car, he asked, "To the hotel first?"

Sofia couldn't wait: "Let's go to the film studio first."

Martin said to Menezes, "Warner Bros. Studios."

Vincent asked curiously, "You're working with Warner Bros."

"We've only rented office space at the studio," Martin said simply. "Currently, the studio is in talks with Warner Bros. regarding distribution. This time, we've signed a global distribution contract, and the revenue will be split based on box office receipts."

Sofia has been professionally researching the film industry for the past six months: "The box office revenue sharing is good!"

Martin added, "The studio plans to film the entire movie in Mexico, with interior scenes set up in a studio in Baja California, and they are looking for suitable locations for exterior scenes."

Sofia smiled even more broadly: "Great! Mexico is a great place to make movies."

All of this is very helpful for bookkeeping, she said to Martin with a thumbs up: "You've thought of everything very thoroughly."

Martin said, "Since you're willing to invest, I'll certainly make sure the production team gets everything ready."

Upon arriving at Warner Bros. Studios, the group transferred to two electric carts and quickly arrived at their rented office.

Martin made a phone call midway through, and Aja and Craven were waiting at the entrance of the small office building.

As soon as they got out of the car, Martin introduced them to each other.

Sophia's eyes widened when she saw Craven; the old man was incredibly stylish.

That artistic temperament is indescribable.

Then I looked at Scott, and suddenly he didn't seem so appealing anymore.

During the studio tour, Craven gave a brief overview of the project's progress.

Martin noticed that Sophia was always enthusiastically asking Craven questions, and before she and Vincent went to discuss specific investment matters with the studio manager, she even invited Craven to dinner that evening.

Once inside the conference room, Craven breathed a slight sigh of relief and quickly found Martin, asking, "What's going on with that female hyena? I had a feeling just now, like I was being watched by a female hyena."

Martin tentatively asked, "What about her?"

"What a joke," Craven said. "I'm perfectly normal. How could I possibly like a woman like that? Her arms are thicker than my legs. You really are a pervert..."

Martin could only advise, "For the sake of the dollars, avoid her."

Thinking of the multi-million dollar investment, Craven nodded: "I'll retreat first, you cover me from behind."

The old man had been through thick and thin in Hollywood for decades; he'd seen all sorts of perverts. He figured it was best to slip away first.

The investment negotiations went very smoothly, and both parties reached a preliminary agreement before the end of the workday.

Two updates today. Currently saving up for the next big chapter release.

(End of this chapter)