America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 157 Full Copyright

In the following days, Martin, with the assistance of Thomas and related companies, was busy setting up the studio.

The three-story office building housing Pacific Pictures had many vacant rooms. Martin rented an office with an inner lining as his studio, which was named Davis Film Productions.

Apart from Martin and Bruce, the company's only full-time employees are part-time operators from Pacific Films, who are shared with Gray.

Davis Studio was established quietly.

On the day of its founding, Martin solemnly invited Thomas, the man who bore the burden, to dinner.

Even the most ruthless capitalist can't just make the horse run without feeding it.

Besides, Martin is a good man with a conscience, not a capitalist.

Thomas, after hearing Martin's explanation of "Wanted," said, "Hollywood stars, once they reach a certain stage, will definitely get involved in investing in productions to gain more influence. Think of Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rachel Witherspoon, and so on. Isn't it a bit too early for you to take this step now?"

Martin listened to the sincere advice and said, "My situation is different from theirs." He had the best reason and excuse: "You forgot about Louise. This is a project that Louise favored, and she is actually in charge of the whole project."

Upon hearing this, Thomas immediately felt relieved. With Louise supporting Martin, their starting advantage was already significant.

Martin added, "As long as my performance isn't too bad, it won't be difficult for me to attract investment."

Thomas touched his shiny forehead, silently reminding himself that he couldn't look at Martin the way he looked at other actors.

He had seen it with his own eyes; Martin had a support group in Atlanta, including Kelly Gray, the owner of Georgia's largest film company, and that female superheroine—all genuinely wealthy people.

Thinking of the female warrior, Thomas looked at Martin with sympathy. It's really not easy for her to do this for her career.

Tyson and Holyfield are nothing special.

Martin suddenly noticed that his agent's gaze was a bit strange, so he decided to give him even more responsibility, since he had already treated him to a meal. He said, "Negotiation is your specialty. Go talk to Top Bull Comics and buy out the rights to 'Wanted'."

Thomas frowned: "Agents cannot be directly involved in film and television production."

Martin said, "I didn't ask you to participate because we won't be in the production stage anytime soon. I just asked you to negotiate the copyright. Thomas, look around me. Apart from people like Old Brooks who mess things up, there are unreliable people like Menez. The only truly talented one is you."

Thomas was pleased: "That's true."

Martin said very solemnly, "I can only entrust this matter to you."

"Okay, leave it to me." Thomas then asked, "What about your budget?"

Martin told the truth: "I'll cover the initial development costs. You know I'm very poor, so the lower the better."

After dinner, Thomas returned to his office alone to work overtime, collecting data on the sales and market response of "Wanted," and learning about the situation of Top Bull Comics, among other things.

He needs to be fully prepared before contacting Dingniu Comics.

Martin came out of the restaurant, got into the car, and looked through the dating plan he had drawn up for Anne Hathaway. He said, "Bruce, the 'Happiness' crew is filming a night scene tonight. Call the paparazzi, and we'll go visit the set."

Bruce said, "It's time for a date again."

Martin said, "Thomas and the crew of The Hills Have Eyes both suggested that a week-long timeframe would be most suitable."

Bruce pulled out his spare phone: "Poor love."

Martin countered, "Don't you think it's a win-win situation to be able to work and enjoy a wonderful love life at the same time?"

"Only a pervert like you would think that way." Bruce started making phone calls to inform the paparazzi.

A few minutes later, he started the car and drove Martin straight to downtown Los Angeles.

Midway through, Martin went to pick up the gift he had ordered.

Unlike Atlanta, downtown Los Angeles is a veritable slum.

For safety reasons, the crew chose to film nighttime street scenes on the main road.

When Martin arrived, Anne was filming. In stark contrast to her princess movie roles, she was wearing ripped denim with metal buckles, heavy smoky makeup, and large metal earrings and necklaces, looking like a street punk.

Youth films that rely on portraying a child's youthful appearance can't be made forever, and Annie is also seeking a career change.

If you wait until you're 25 to play teenage girls in mainstream Hollywood movies, audiences will find it hard to accept.

A whole host of young actresses are waiting to take their place, while Disney princesses are simply phased out as they get older.

Anne Hathaway is considered one of the more successful Disney princesses.

Martin got out of the car with the gifts and stood outside the film set, not wanting to disturb the crew's normal work.

During a break in filming, Annie saw Martin and waved to him.

Soon, paparazzi and entertainment reporters appeared.

There's an unwritten agreement between Hollywood and the entertainment media: when a film crew is shooting, reporters and paparazzi generally won't take photos, but the crew will provide news as appropriate.

Jody got off the motorcycle and, seeing that the film crew wasn't shooting for the time being, quickly picked up her camera. She first took a picture of Martin carrying the gifts, and then took a picture of Annie turning her head to look at Martin.

If I manage to take another photo of the two of them meeting, I can earn at least $100 tonight.

The crew filmed for a while longer before moving on to a late-night snack to replenish their energy. Martin approached Annie with a gift box in hand.

"What brings you here?" Annie smiled, pursing her lips.

Martin opened the gift box: "I called the crew and knew you were filming a night scene tonight. I was worried you wouldn't eat well, so I specially ordered golden donuts for you."

Laura and Sandy, who were nearby, came over to take a look and exclaimed when they saw the gift box Martin opened: "Queen Golden Donuts that you have to pre-order!"

Annie leaned closer: "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

Martin placed it in front of her: "Want to try some?"

Sandy was very envious: "Annie, you're so lucky, I'm so jealous."

Annie felt a surge of superiority. She picked up a donut, took a small bite, swallowed it, and said, "It tastes great, just my style."

She gestured to Laura and Sandy with her eyes.

Martin reacted quickly: "Now it's yours."

Anne pointed to the box and said to Sandy and Laura, "Make yourselves at home."

The donuts, priced at $100 each and requiring pre-ordering, attracted the attention of many members of the crew. Annie ate them in small bites, feeling particularly proud.

The film crew wasn't shooting, but the paparazzi's cameras kept flashing.

Anne noticed too, broke off a small piece of donut, and held it to Martin's lips: "You should try some too."

Martin opened his mouth and let Anne put it in.

The sound of camera shutters clicking filled the air.

Martin ate it and remarked, "It tastes like you; it's especially good."

Anne stared at Martin, increasingly pleased with him, but alas…

Martin keenly noticed the change in Anne's expression and had a vague guess, so he said, "I originally wanted to visit the set earlier, but I've been held up by work these past few days."

Hearing this, Annie felt a little dissatisfied. How could work be more important than her?

Martin continued, "I've just started a studio and am preparing to invest in a new film project involving tens of millions of dollars. I can't afford to be careless."

Anne's displeasure vanished immediately, and she asked curiously, "Your company? A multi-million dollar project?"

Martin, of course, wouldn't do something as unethical as lying, and he spoke the truth: "The total investment is likely to be over $4000 million. I have some connections in Atlanta and can secure more than half of the investment. The rest will be covered through a consolidation project. If all goes well, I will serve as the second producer and lead actor."

Anne blinked her beautiful eyes, her dissatisfaction at disappearing without a trace, and the only flaw on the other side seemingly no longer visible. Her expression was full of jubilation: "Martin, you're amazing! You're already developing into a producer."

Martin made a lasting impression on her: "Once my film crew is set up, I'll take you there for a visit."

Anne wanted to witness it with her own eyes: "Okay."

She picked up the half-eaten donut and brought it to Martin's mouth again: "You're so tired, you've worked so hard. Eat more. I've been busy filming lately and have neglected you. You must take good care of yourself."

"Don't worry, I will." Martin finished the rest of the donut and pointed to the box. "Another one?"

Annie shook her head: "I can't eat anymore, eating too much will affect my appearance on camera."

Martin took Anne's water bottle from the side and handed it to her. He then took a trash can and placed it at Anne's feet after she drank some water and rinsed her mouth.

Anne covered her mouth, spat out the mouthwash, and smiled at Martin: "Thank you."

Martin said, "Of course."

Anne tilted her head, watching Martin throw away the trash, her lips pursed into a pretty line.

He's handsome, has a great personality, a bright future, can attract millions of dollars in investment, and is so considerate...

Annie's heart began to pound.

She quickly pressed down, silently reminding herself: be reserved, maintain a high profile, and keep him hanging on.

As the crew's break was about to end, Annie glanced around and noticed that many reporters and paparazzi were staring at her and Martin.

Before going to touch up her makeup, she came up to Martin, grabbed his hand tightly, and looked at him affectionately: "Work is important, but your health is more important. Take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself."

Martin squeezed her hand back, his voice filled with deep affection: "Annie, you are my motivation for pushing this project forward. I swear, you will become a real princess!"

Not far away, female paparazzi Jody captured this scene.

She flipped through the photos on her digital camera, first smiling with satisfaction, then spitting and cursing, "You two are such a scumbag!"

If those two weren't having an affair, she'd eat the camera!

The film crew resumed work, and Martin left immediately.

As expected, the next day, gossip and entertainment newspapers were filled with gossip about him and Annie.

Maintaining a certain level of heat is sufficient.

Soon, Thomas, who was carrying a heavy burden, brought good news: after several rounds of negotiations with Top Bull Comics, he finally reached an agreement to buy out all the copyrights to "Wanted" for a total price of $35.

It includes not only film adaptation rights, but also full copyrights for comic book sequels, novel adaptations, TV series adaptations, and animation adaptations.

Martin envisions that if the film is successful, the adaptation rights to the TV series could be sold to online platforms like Netflix.

Therefore, we must make the film as successful as possible.

(End of this chapter)