America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 156 Attempting to Organize a Game

After reviewing all the script outlines, Martin rejected them all. Original films are not valued in Hollywood, and the chances of finding a script that has left a successful impression among the piles of original scripts submitted by ordinary screenwriters are naturally very low.

After all, the kind of films that would leave an impression on him wouldn't be ordinary ones.

Martin then went to review the project plans submitted to Pacific Film Studio.

These are mostly adaptations. Screenwriters or small producers discover literary works or true stories worth adapting, recommend them to production companies, and often secure investment before buying the copyrights.

Martin quickly recognized the familiar story outline.

If I remember correctly, the adaptation about the Black stockbroker is "The Pursuit of Happyness".

The project was definitely not suitable for him; Black people would be a no-go from the start, and Will Smith's personal appeal was key to the film's success.

In this day and age, Will Smith could make money even if he played a piece of shit. Martin's most memorable role was in "Superman Hancock." That terrible movie might have flopped if the lead actor had been someone with less star power.

Martin still made a call to ask, after all, this was Louise's project library.

He has little conscience, but he still has some.

When I called, I was disappointed to find that Relativity Media had already obtained the authorization in the first half of the year.

Martin then saw Frank Miller's Sin City and, after inquiring, discovered that the adaptation rights to the illustrated novel had been acquired by Weinstein's Dimension Films as early as last year.

Don't expect that fat man to spit out what he swallowed.

Martin found today was not going well. Could it be that Robert's ritual only worked when auditioning for roles?

He thought for a moment, then dialed Bruce's number: "Bruce, go buy me a bottle of Coke, it has to be from 03."

Bruce was baffled: "There are less than two months left until 05, and you want me to buy a bottle of 03 Coke?"

Martin nodded: "Remember, it has to be from 03."

Bruce agreed.

Martin will look at the project library for now, he'll do it later.

Nearly half an hour later, Bruce arrived carrying a case of canned Coke. He opened the case, took out a can, and tossed it to Martin: "It was hard to find; I got it from a discount store."

Martin gestured for Bruce to be quiet, placed the Coke in front of the keyboard, mouse, and monitor, waited a moment, then opened it and drank it all in one gulp.

He then continued browsing the project database.

When Martin turned to the last page of the database, he saw a comic book adaptation project.

The sender was a screenwriter named Michael Bradett, who had worked on the scripts for "The Little Thief" and "Fast & Furious 2." He wanted to adapt a niche, obscure comic book from Top Bull into a screenplay.

The comic is called "Wanted".

Martin had just met with Julie, so he naturally thought of the movie adaptation of the same name.

According to the project plan, the comic is a short story that Top Cow Company released last year, consisting of only six episodes, and the original author is Mark Miller.

Martin's name sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. In his past life, like most people, he had watched many movies adapted from American comics, but he had never read the comics themselves, let alone known the authors.

The only American comic book author I know is Stan Lee, because he often makes cameo appearances in Marvel movies.

Martin looked up Mark Miller online; he's an author who has worked on DC Comics many times.

Among his numerous works, "Wanted" has received only moderate fame and acclaim.

Perhaps for these reasons, when Martin called Top Bull Comics, they confirmed that the adaptation rights were still valid.

Martin thought back carefully and concluded that the film was a success. James McAvoy went on to play Professor X, and Jolie continued her meteoric rise after her affair with Pitt, seemingly even entering the $2000 million club at one point.

After quickly browsing the remaining items in the database, Martin shut down the computer and called out, "Let's go, Old Brooks."

Bruce followed Martin, tossing the can into the trash can, wondering, "The 03 Coke doesn't taste anything special."

Martin greeted the custodian and headed out of Pacific Film Studio to find the comic book store.

There's one near Warner Bros. Studios.

Martin went inside and asked the shop owner, who turned out that the store didn't sell the obscure and niche item, "Wanted."

The boss called several colleagues before finally finding all six issues of Dingniu Comics that featured the "Wanted" notice.

The wanted poster has not yet been published as a standalone book...

Martin went to the coffee shop next door and carefully looked through "Wanted." As expected, the comic book and the movie were completely different things.

The comic is a self-deprecating extravaganza, utterly devoid of any moral compass, filled with all sorts of lewd jokes. The protagonist, Wesley, transforms from an ordinary person into a supervillain, reaching the pinnacle of life, highlighting the realistic fantasy of good triumphing over evil.

The male protagonist is a perpetrator on the side of evil, not a protector on the side of heroism.

Another important character, Fox, is a Black man in the comics.

If the movie were adapted from the comic book, with the villainous protagonist going on a killing spree, it might become a niche phenomenon for certain groups, but it would definitely be a flop.

Martin was self-aware enough to realize that, as a terrible student, he lacked the ability to adapt a screenplay.

He's alright at acting, he can come up with some crooked ideas for publicity, and he also has a relatively strong fan base that trusts him quite a bit.

The others are far inferior.

Martin thought for a moment, found the number he had written down, dialed Michael Bradett's number, and claimed that he had seen his project plan, was interested in making the film project a success, and wanted to ask him about the specifics of the adaptation.

Bradett didn't go into details, but said roughly, "If I were to write the script, I would definitely have to make major changes. There would be a good vs. evil dichotomy, with the male protagonist being righteous and Sloan's subordinates naturally being on the evil side."

Because of the lack of copyright and the fear of being kicked out, Bradley simply mentioned it briefly and then stopped discussing the script adaptation.

Martin chatted with him for a few more minutes. The reason the other person submitted the project was not only because he wanted to be a screenwriter, but also because he hoped to develop in the direction of a producer.

There's no way around it; without the title of producer, screenwriters have no rights.

Martin wasn't very familiar with Hollywood comic book copyright prices, but according to Bradt's estimate, this kind of niche comic could be acquired for under $50.

Then there are the various pre-development costs, such as screenwriting, directing, producing, and finding investors.

After Madame Tussauds, The Hills Have Eyes, and Jeans, Martin also wanted to set up his own project, but he faced enormous pressure in terms of ability, experience, and funding.

After arriving in Hollywood, he earned a total of $100 million in film fees for three movies. Combined with his savings in Atlanta, and after deducting various expenses, he had at least a million dollars at his disposal.

Martin remembered something else: he needed to set aside money for taxes.

However, investing in the film and television industry can partially offset taxes.

He can't throw all his money into a movie project, and besides, this amount of money is far from enough.

Martin discovered that seeking a wealthy woman to be his sugar daddy was the safest option.

Louise's experience and abilities are not a problem.

The project came from Pacific Films' inventory; it would be unfair not to include Louise.

Martin couldn't have managed this kind of project on his own, so it was most appropriate for him to collaborate with Louise.

Martin immediately called Thomas. In Hollywood, where every star is a film and television production company, setting up a studio is very simple, with professional companies providing a one-stop service.

After drinking a cup of coffee and making a few phone calls, Martin realized that he still had to continue down the path of being kept by a rich woman.

Before Louise drains us dry, let's act quickly.

Martin left the coffee shop and went to Pacific Film Studios, where he found Louise in the president's office.

Louise, dressed in business attire and wearing black-rimmed glasses, was handling official business, a stark contrast to her promiscuous demeanor in private.

She glanced at Martin: "Did you find anything?"

Martin pulled out a chair and sat down opposite her: "The comic book adaptation recommendation project number 040717 is Top Bull Comics' 'Wanted'."

Louise opened the database and quickly found it. She had seen this project before and had some impression of it: "The comics are relatively niche, and the style is dark and cultish."

She recalled more details: "Michael Bradett called me, and I chatted with him for a bit. According to his plan, the production cost would be at least $3500 million, and if star actors were invited, the budget would increase significantly."

Martin said, "I just called Bradett and we talked about the script adaptation. I think this project has potential."

Louise shook her head, reminding him, "Martin, you've been in Los Angeles for less than a year."

Martin knew he had no persuasive power and didn't dwell on the film's prospects—that was all nonsense—so he simply said, "I'm going to set up a studio, buy the rights to this work, and then have a detailed discussion with Bradett. If it's suitable, he can write the script."

Louise understood what he meant: "You invest first, and then pool the rest of the funds?"

Martin said, "This project will definitely have to wait until after 'The Hills Have Eyes' is released. If 'The Hills Have Eyes' is successful, I'm 90% confident I can convince Vincent and Sofia to continue investing. That would cover half or even more of the funding. We'll have to figure out the rest of the co-production funding. Could you and Pacific Pictures participate?"

Louise, however, became wary and asked, "Martin, what are you plotting?"

"Me?" Martin couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm trying to become a superstar as soon as possible so I can earn more money to support you."

Louise scoffed: "Do I need to remind you? Your heart is black."

Martin knew that words weren't enough to convince him: "You help me this time, with five brand new cocktails, not modified recipes."

"As expected, your heart is black," Louise confirmed. "You've been secretly keeping so many things to yourself."

In Los Angeles and Hollywood, she wasn't afraid of Martin's antics. After a moment's thought, she decided to stick to business: "Pacific Films can help you organize the production, but I can't take less of my share. If the film fails, Pacific Films will have priority in taking the funds, and the same applies if it's profitable."

She is invincible.

Martin had no connections, and being a complete assembler for the first time, he had no experience whatsoever. He needed a veteran like Louise, so he immediately replied, "No problem."

Since it's a mixed platter, the production funds definitely need to come from other people.

Louise suddenly laughed: "This project requires tens of millions of dollars in investment. If you mess it up, your career is basically over. Idiot, didn't you want me to take care of you? I'll lock you in my wine cellar and keep you as a slave, making you research new cocktail recipes for me every day."

Martin, thick-skinned as ever, deliberately said, "I know you're trying to protect me from getting my head smashed by the support group."

The two have finalized their initial agreement, but there's still a lot of work to be done.

(End of this chapter)