America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 143 Conscience

On the second floor of an office near the entrance of Warner Bros. Studios, Menez was nervously rubbing his hands. Looking out the window, he could see many reporters and paparazzi blocking the entrance to Warner Bros. Studios.

He returned to Los Angeles three days after finishing filming "Land of the Dead," and his boss gave him the big gift of appearing in front of the media.

The agent, Munir, who was also Black, came over and said, "Don't be nervous. You always say that big events are a piece of cake for you."

Menez forced a smile, which looked worse than a grimace.

Public relations director Parker asked Martin, "Is he mentally unstable?"

Martin said, "He has a very good mental fortitude; he just hasn't adjusted yet. Going from obscurity to becoming a media celebrity requires an adjustment period."

Parker understands this; many people suddenly become famous, their mentality collapses, and they fall off a cliff.

Martin then said, "Mene, are you sure you can handle it? If not, don't force yourself. I'll send someone else. The kangaroo you beat up in Australia was much more relaxed than you are now."

Menez came over: "I've been through this before, haven't I?"

Martin pointed at Bruce: "You've already memorized the script, what are you afraid of? Do you want Bruce to come with you? Let him back you up?"

"No need, no need," Mene quickly shook his head. "Munir can stay with me."

Martin lowered his voice: "Buddy, think back to all the people you've served, your swollen lips and tongue, how you were so poor you had to live with Old Brooks—wasn't this the kind of opportunity you were waiting for?"

Menez pursed his lips and nodded silently.

These weren't very effective, Martin frowned, then suddenly realized something: "You're afraid of those bitches in the media? Dude, do I have to remind you before you remember you have nuclear weapons!"

Menez looked at the back of his hand and his skin, and said, "Yes, I have nuclear weapons."

He raised his head and straightened up: "I fucking have nuclear weapons!"

Apart from Bruce, no one else present understood what he meant.

Menez called to Munir, "Let's go out and fuck those media bitches!"

Munir followed Menez out of Warner Bros. Studios.

Just as I left the security post, a sudden burst of flashing lights almost blinded me.

Munir was just a small agent at a small company and had never experienced anything like this before. He instinctively raised his hand to cover his eyes.

Paparazzi swarmed around.

"Are you still in a relationship with Paris?"

"Tell us about your trip to Australia!"

Why would Paris be interested in you?

When Menez heard this question, he almost detonated a nuclear weapon on the spot, but he kept it to himself, as nuclear weapons were his last resort.

That cowardly agent is unreliable; he was even pushed to the periphery by the paparazzi.

Menez regretted not having brought Old Brod along.

It would be good to support him later.

Parker, the production's publicity director, had made prior arrangements. Several burly security guards rushed out and formed a human wall between Menez and the paparazzi.

Menez caught his breath and shouted, "I can't answer you all, you're making such a ruckus!"

The paparazzi present were experienced; once they got past the initial rush, they began to adjust the order, because if things continued in chaos, no one would get any news.

The area gradually quieted down.

"You want to know about me and Paris? I can tell you, for free, no money required."

Mr. Menez, after his outspoken display, found himself less nervous than he had imagined when he actually faced the paparazzi. He exclaimed, "This was a mistake that shouldn't have happened, but Paris is young and beautiful, as you all know."

The male reporters at the scene exchanged knowing smiles.

It's very obvious that they watched all the videotapes.

Menez continued, "Paris is so beautiful and sexy, and she threw a thick wad of cash at my face." He spread his hands, utterly helpless: "What could I do? What normal person could refuse?"

These guys nodded slowly, indicating their understanding. They would charge forward even without being paid.

"I gave the money back to her later. I'm not that kind of person!" Mene thumped his chest. "I thought I was in love, but love comes and goes quickly."

One female reporter, indignant, asked, "Why did Paris choose you?"

Menez laughed and said, "Because during filming, Paris was flirting with a male kangaroo. Anyway, it was very dangerous at the time, so I rushed over to seduce... no, to lure the kangaroo away and save Paris. I thought I was playing the hero and love was about to blossom, but it wasn't like that."

He asked a bunch of random questions, and when a reporter shouted for photos, Menez struck a pose and let the reporters take as many pictures as they wanted.

They then got into a car and left under the escort of security personnel.

Two hours later, Menez returned to Warner Bros. Studios and found Martin in the studio's coffee shop.

"Boss, I give myself a perfect score for my performance!" Menne came in and ran to the opposite side of Martin: "You're absolutely right, those guys aren't even as tough as Australian kangaroos."

Martin added, "Keep your agent in touch with the production team. Susan Levine is a great producer and will be producing more film projects in the future."

Menez nodded repeatedly: "I understand, I understand, boss. If you ever need anything, just say the word."

As they were talking, Louise and Susan Levine entered the coffee shop.

Susan glanced at Mennet: "I remember you. You played a supporting role in the film, and you did a good job."

Menez pulled out his business card and handed it to her: "Madam, if you need anything, just give me a call. I'll be there anytime."

Susan put it away.

Menezes, sensing the situation, said, "You guys chat, I have something to take care of."

Louise pulled out a chair, sat down next to Martin, and said, "You have so many ideas."

Susan sat opposite Louise and chuckled, "It's quite feasible too."

Martin asked the two what they wanted to drink, and then said, "Susan, you made my idea feasible. Without you, it would just be wishful thinking."

Susan nudged Louise: "Did you hear that? You talk so nicely, even better than Donnie."

Louise raised her long eyebrows: "Would I be wrong about the person I've chosen?"

After finishing her coffee, Susan said, "I have to go to work."

Martin and Louise sat for a while.

Louise said, "Walk with me."

The two left the coffee shop and walked along the road with the most palm trees.

Louise asked, "Have you been planning Paris's affair for a long time?"

Martin, of course, wouldn't admit it: "Why would she need to plan this? Isn't it perfectly normal for her to do all this?"

Louise didn't press further: "Actually, if this movie does well at the box office, the actress who benefits the most is the female lead; you won't get much of a share."

She suddenly thought of a possibility: "Because I participated in the platter? You want to repay me?"

Martin simply said, "I don't have as many advantages as the female lead, but I still have some. I play the second lead role. If the film does well at the box office, other production teams won't refuse to use me because of commercial failure."

Louise said, "If the film does well at the box office, consider it as you paying back another debt you owe me."

Martin asked deliberately, "Didn't you pay it all back last time?"

Louise remained silent, holding her head high and walking forward with her chest out.

Martin had inquired about Alexander the Great from elsewhere; it was scheduled for release in November.

Pacific Films is involved in co-production investment. Although the funds for co-productions mostly come from various foundations, he estimates that if the film is a flop, it will have a significant negative impact on Pacific Films.

If "House of Wax" does well, the drunkard should fare better.

Martin didn't say much and accompanied Louise for a walk.

After a while, Louise reminded her, "Your agent has prepared promotional articles for you, right? If the film is a box office success, you'll be the male lead. If it fails, you'll just be a minor supporting character."

Martin said, "I understand."

The promotion of "House of Wax" has been progressing steadily, with trailers placed before screenings of some newly released films to generate buzz in the market.

Promotional videos on television and the internet were also released one after another.

Posters, roadshows, trailers, various media outlets and outdoor advertising—all the usual promotional methods were used.

This film is a remake of an old horror movie, and it has some appeal to people over 25.

The production team's key promotional plan for Paris is also progressing steadily.

Twenty days before the North American premiere, Warner Bros., the distributor, held a screening for theater managers and media.

The former received a market value prediction score of 65, which is considered average among traditional American slasher horror films.

Warner Bros. easily secured 3220 theaters in North America for the film.

This is considered a relatively high opening theater rating for an R-rated horror film.

By early October, publicity efforts intensified, especially with Kim Kardashian dropping more bombshells, such as Paris being extremely narcissistic and deliberately calling paparazzi while traveling to have them follow her.

She also went to see a reproductive specialist several times, keeping it a secret from those around her, who suspected that she had some kind of disease because of blue glue.

Paris's agent, Steve, also stepped forward, declaring that he had had enough of Paris's outrageous behavior and would resign from his position as her agent.

Gradually, a voice emerged on the internet: "Do you want Paris Hilton to get the punishment she deserves? Go to the cinema to watch 'House of Wax'."

The wax figure posters released by the production team followed.

A week before the premiere, the production team dropped a bombshell.

A WarnerMedia anchorwoman launched a scathing attack on the media’s obsession with Paris Hilton, refusing to read any news articles about her during her show and even threatening to burn the press releases with a lighter before being stopped by her colleagues.

She later said on the show, "I will definitely go see 'House of Wax' and see how that lawless woman is executed in the movie! That will make me feel better for a lot of days."

The next day, Paris's lawyer sent her a lawyer's letter.

This matter has been brought up again and hyped up.

Menez was also invited to a television program to tell the story of how he and Paris Hilton met through a kangaroo.

Kim Kardashian's unwavering loyalty has spread throughout America; whether for good or bad, she's already famous.

In an interview, Kardashian announced that she was preparing to publish a book, and she even had a title in mind: "What I Had to Say About Paris Hilton".

As long as the right publicity and marketing methods are found, there is no need to doubt Hollywood's ability to execute.

Even the dead can be dragged out and monetized.

In comparison, the usual publicity surrounding Martin and Elizabeth was much less extensive.

But it does have some effect.

Thomas has been managing Martin's blog, updating it two to three times a week.

After the promotional materials for "House of Wax" were posted on the blog, at least several hundred comments said they would go to the cinema to support it.

(End of this chapter)