America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 145 Fans Need to Be Managed

At the end of the film, Carly and Nick, the twins, have narrowly escaped death and barely managed to defeat the serial killer twins.

The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Susan opened her arms, gesturing for everyone on the set to stand.

Martin and his group turned around and applauded the audience.

Jaume Coleman was incredibly excited about the release of his first film. He rushed over and hugged Martin Scorsese, saying, "I still can't believe it's real!"

Martin laughed and said, "Dude, if there's a first one, there's bound to be a second!"

Jumi was very happy and turned around to hug the rest of the crew.

Martin high-fived Susan and then fist-bumped Menez.

Menez said, "I died a terrible death, stabbed to death by a pair of large scissors, and there wasn't even a shot of me from the front when I died."

Martin tightened his grip and punched him hard in the fist: "You're the most popular person in the whole crew besides Paris."

Menez chuckled. Regardless of his acting career, his market value at the club would certainly increase significantly.

Susan led the cast and crew onto a small stage in front of the screen for a curtain call.

The premiere has now ended.

Martin followed the crew through a side door into the adjacent lounge.

The crew prepared champagne.

Everyone raised their glasses in a toast to celebrate the film's successful premiere.

Martin glanced at Eliza; she wasn't drinking alcohol, but rather pure natural fruit juice.

Thomas then came over and reminded them, "We'll go together later."

Martin knew he had something to say: "No problem."

The atmosphere on set was quite good; even Jaume Coleman and Susan, who were worried about the results, had smiles on their faces.

Specific results will only be known after the film's wide release, but the premiere tonight was met with a positive response.

Not only did no one laugh or leave early, but the atmosphere became incredibly lively when Paris was made into a wax figure.

Susan also keenly noticed this, and without waiting until tomorrow, she spoke to Parker, the production manager in charge of publicity, and said, "Continue to focus on Paris."

Many films can achieve significant box office success if they hit just one note that appeals to the audience.

…………

After the premiere, supporters of Martin Scorsese, including Rachel, Emily, Jessica, and Phoebe, emerged from the theater but did not immediately disperse.

Jessica suggested, "It's not easy for us to get together through Martin, how about we grab a drink?"

Rachel checked the time: "It's best not to go back too late; the neighborhood's been acting up lately."

Emily said, "Martin's character is great, isn't he? Everyone should go back and say lots of good things about Martin on blogs and movie websites!"

Phoebe pointed out, "IMDb can give ratings."

The freckled boy said, "Martin acted well and is good-looking too. The only pity is that he's not the lead actor."

Another person said, "The male lead, second only to the female lead."

Rachel raised her voice: "Don't forget to rate it and leave a comment on Martin's blog. If you have a blog, remember to write a blog post about it. Also, everyone, please spread the word about this movie to the people around you."

The others readily agreed.

Fans are a very peculiar phenomenon. Even if they don't benefit themselves and outsiders can't understand it, they will still do it enthusiastically.

Emily and Jessica shouted, "Let's cheer for Martin!"

Rachel and the others shouted, "Go for it!"

…………

Every large-scale film premiere is inevitably accompanied by reporters and paparazzi.

Especially in places like Los Angeles, in addition to reporters working for various media companies, there are also a large number of paparazzi who love to chase after trending topics.

The main cast members arrived near the exit. Parker left first and then made a phone call, saying that a large group of reporters had gathered outside.

Susan turned to Menez and said, "Go ahead, make some more news."

Menez walked towards the front door, turning back every few steps: "Will I end up like Diana?"

Martin encouraged him, "You're the star now, the only one among us. Go on, take all the firepower."

"I'm here!" Menez opened his arms, walked out of the theater exit, and shouted, "Where are the flashlights? Turn them on!"

At that moment, the entrance was as bright as day, and Menez looked like a superstar.

Then a reporter asked loudly, "Menez, there are rumors that you and Paris filmed that kind of video, is that true?"

Under the protection of theater security, Menez squeezed towards the vehicle, saying ambiguously, "What video? I don't remember."

Another reporter asked, "When Paris is released from prison, will you go to pick her up?"

Menezes declared passionately, "I will go see her, I love her!"

Both sides have mutual needs and are very cooperative.

Menez got into the car, and a large group of paparazzi followed him.

Throughout Los Angeles, Menez is definitely a hot topic due to his close relationship with Paris Hilton.

The others gradually emerged from the theater, got into their cars, and left.

Thomas got into Martin's car.

Bruce pulled up at an intersection and warned, "There are two motorcycles following us."

Thomas glanced back and said, "It's nothing, just some wild paparazzi."

Martin laughed: "I've started getting followed and photographed too."

"Being a celebrity means getting used to this," Thomas said. "Once you step out and become a public figure, don't be afraid of paparazzi. It's not just paparazzi who need celebrities; celebrities need paparazzi too."

Martin recalled what Kardashian had revealed: "Paris often had people call the paparazzi to leak information about herself."

Thomas said earnestly, "That's something worth learning."

Martin readily agreed: "Don't worry, I'll cooperate fully if needed."

"We'll decide how to publish the news based on the first week's box office results after we get the newspaper space we bought." Thomas followed Martin's instructions and made two preparations: "If the box office is low, you'll just be a supporting actor. If the box office is good, you'll be the lead actor."

Martin said, "There's no rush."

As far as actors are concerned, Elizabeth benefits the most from success, and the same goes for failure.

Thomas then mentioned something else: "You met your fan group today. There aren't many people yet; they mainly gather around your blog."

Martin nodded: "Rachel is the leader and organizer?"

Thomas remembers this person: "She has a certain appeal. Martin, you need an assistant. Someone specifically to manage the blog and communicate with the fan base, but certainly not right now."

Martin said matter-of-factly, "You'll be in charge for now."

Thomas opened his mouth, but could only reply, "I'll handle that for now."

Martin thought more deeply: "Pay close attention to the fan section on the blog, and communicate promptly if there are any issues..."

Thomas thought to himself, "How did this all become my problem?" But then he thought, "If Martin does well at the box office for 'House of Wax' and 'The Hills Have Eyes,' he'll get a private office, and the mailroom will send an assistant."

Martin continued, "Are there any suitable companies? I'd like to build an official fan website, with them handling the backend maintenance for now, and then handing it over to a professional team later."

Thomas replied, "You're thinking far ahead. A blog is enough for now."

Martin smiled and said, "We find a suitable company, the company provides a plan, we finalize the plan, and then they produce it. It all takes time. If it's a little slow, maybe 'The Hills Have Eyes' will be released."

Fans need to be nurtured.

Thomas said, "I'll ask around."

Martin won't rely solely on his agent; he'll ask Louise about it later.

Like the accountant, he declined Thomas's recommendation.

At this stage, Martin and Thomas share common interests and are basically able to work together towards a common goal.

Who can guarantee what the future holds?

Bruce drove to Century City and dropped Thomas off.

Martin called Louise, who was going to have a late-night talk with Kate Winslet, and sent Brooks back to North Hollywood.

Kate is aiming for an award, while Louise has been a producer in Hollywood for many years and naturally has connections and influence.

Martin is well aware that film quality, acting skills, and characters are often not the deciding factors for Oscar winners.

The most recent tragedy was just a few years ago. Shakespeare in Love was alright, but the subsequent floods cost us a lot of money.

The paparazzi on two motorcycles followed Martin all the way to his North Hollywood apartment.

They even wanted to go inside and take pictures.

As soon as they arrived at the door, they saw a dark, imposing mountain of flesh.

Antonio, holding the "Friendship Gun," stood in the first-floor lobby, keeping a close eye on the paparazzi outside, and warned, "This is private property; no entry."

Martin and Bruce stepped aside because the criteria for judging the Friendship Gun were strange.

Those who can't be hit are friends; those who get hit are definitely not friends.

With a click, the gun of friendship was cocked.

The paparazzi turned and left.

Antonio wiped his sweat, took a few unsteady steps, sat down in a chair, and said, "It will be hard for me to have peace and quiet here from now on."

Martin went to the vending machine next door, bought a can of beer, and tossed it to Antonio: "I'll move out once my full paycheck arrives."

Antonio replied, "Don't leave yet. I'm raising the rent soon, and you're the perfect excuse."

Martin spread his hands: "What's in it for me?"

Antonio looked at Bruce: "Your rent and Bruce's rent aren't going up."

Bruce deliberately gave Antonio a strange look.

The chubby landlord shrank back: "Old Bu, what do you want to do?"

Bruce went up the stairs: "Going back to rest."

Martin followed up and reminded Antonio, "Keep an eye on the goal."

"Uh-huh," Antonio responded instinctively, then realized, "How did I become the goalkeeper?"

The two went upstairs.

The door diagonally opposite opened, and Jessica and Emily came out.

The latter said, "Martin, you're so handsome."

Jessica boasted, "We mobilized your fans to give the video high ratings and positive reviews online."

Martin hadn't specifically mentioned it, but he hadn't expected the other party to be so understanding. He immediately smiled and said, "Amy, Jesse, thank you."

Jessica quickly pulled Emily back: "Come on, let's register a few more accounts and go to the forums and IMDb to get good reviews."

Emily thought to herself, "I was the one who brought it up, but you beat me to it." She quickly stepped back and said, "Martin, if you need our help, just call us."

Martin replied, "I will."

After the door closed, Bruce followed Martin back to his apartment and said, "You're not even a star yet, and already nice people are popping up around you."

Martin said, "I can't have a bunch of jerks like you around me."

Bruce returned to his apartment: "Get some rest. Dream of being a big star. You'll wake up tomorrow to find yourself sold off and penniless."

Martin knew Old Brooks was reminding him, "Don't worry, I won't lose my mind."

(End of this chapter)