America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 160 The Liar

The Hollywood awards season has begun, with stars, directors, and producers generously spending money to compete for the Oscars.

"A quote from European professional football is most fitting for the Oscars."

On the lawn of the luxurious villa, Kate was talking to Louise and Martin: "Those who spend money don't necessarily win, but those who don't spend money definitely can't win."

Louise said with a smile, "You have multiple brand sponsors behind you who are willing to pay for your sponsorship."

Kate said, "This time is fine, and next time is fine too, but if it happens too many times, the sponsors will abandon me."

Martin gleaned a lot of information from their conversation: when actors are vying for major awards, their sponsors also play a crucial role.

It seems to be similar to how Adidas and Nike operate in the sports world.

Seeing that no one was around, Louise whispered, "Who's the main competitor this time? I'll send Martin to take her down."

Kate laughed and said, "Great idea."

"Hey! Hey!" Martin reminded them, "The person in question is standing right here. Aren't you going to ask for their opinion?"

Kate winked at Martin: "Louise always calls you a macho man. If you can really help me take down my rivals, I'll thank you properly."

Martin stepped back, saying, "I can't handle this."

He's been reading the newspapers a lot these days; the movie "Million Dollar Baby," starring the old cowboy and the tomboy, has already had a preview screening in Los Angeles.

Suddenly, Leonardo DiCaprio, sporting slicked-back hair, appeared and greeted her from afar, "Kate!"

Kate strode over to Leonardo, ignoring Gisele Bündchen beside him, and gave him a tight hug.

After they separated, Leonardo said, "Kate, this time I have to speak up for you! That Oscar should have been yours back in '98!"

Kate was blunt with Leonardo: "If you stand up, some of the votes that were cast for me will go to someone else."

Leonardo said, "What you're saying hurts me deeply."

Kate called him and Giselle over: "Let me introduce you to two friends."

He introduced Martin and Louise.

Leonardo recognized Louise and shook her hand politely, while giving Martin only a perfunctory nod.

As more and more guests arrived, Martin and Louise went elsewhere.

Most of the people attending the film analysis meeting tonight are from the industry or media commentary. Martin has met quite a few people through Louise.

Many well-known British actors and directors from Hollywood also came.

Rachel Weisz stopped specifically to chat with Louise for a few minutes.

She is currently working with Warner Bros. on "Constantine," and the two often see each other at the Warner Bros. studio.

When Martin was with Louise, he became much more restrained than when he was alone.

There was no other way; I couldn't embarrass the rich woman.

A tall, thin man then came over and greeted Rachel. Like Martin, he was probably at the party looking to meet more people and expand his network.

Rachel, who had a good relationship with him, took the initiative to introduce him: "Martin, Louise, this is Chad Stahlsky, a stuntman and an action director from my crew."

She then introduced Martin and Louise.

Martin shook his hand and said, "I feel like I've seen you in many movies."

Chad laughed and said, "I started out as a stuntman. Starting with Justice in '92, I've frequently appeared in various film and television works, and I even played Buffy the vampire hunter."

Martin understood; this was a stuntman turned action director: "I personally love action movies, and strictly speaking, the two films I've released are also action films."

"I've seen both Zombie Dancer and House of Wax." Chad recognized the minor celebrity who often appeared in gossip media with Anne Hathaway: "The action choreography in Zombie Dancer was really great, the creativity was particularly good, especially the flying fight."

Martin made no attempt at modesty: "Those action scenes originally came from me."

Chad exclaimed in surprise, "You know about action design too?"

Martin nodded: "I know a little, but I'm not very professional. I've trained in combat, I know how to use knives, guns, bows and arrows, and I also studied martial arts for a while."

In fact, he had also trained specifically for horseback riding. In his previous life, he had really racked his brains for even the slightest chance.

However, fewer and fewer production crews filmed actual scenes later on, and martial arts gradually turned into dance-style fighting.

Chad seemed to have found a kindred spirit: "I've also practiced various martial arts, know a lot of routines, and even went to the Matrix crew to learn. I have to say, the action directors from Hong Kong are much better than the traditional Hollywood action style."

In Martin's view, the action design of Hong Kong films of this era still completely surpasses Hollywood: "The action is sharp, the impact is explosive, and it looks great when filmed."

Chad said, "A large group of our action directors approached the production company and filmed their training scenes with high-speed cameras, analyzing them frame by frame, and we learned a lot."

He seemed quite impressed: "Their gunfights combined with action choreography are truly unique."

The two of them started chatting and completely ignored Louise and Rachel Weisz.

The latter two specifically took people elsewhere to leave room for chatting.

Martin nodded to Louise and continued the previous topic: "Besides professional combat sports, you're also involved in gunfights?"

"Of course!" Chad is a commercial filmmaker: "Pure action and fighting has a narrow audience, but adding modern firearms makes all the difference. Bullets flying, heads exploding and blood spurting, close-quarters combat—these action scenes are more likely to stimulate the audience's hormones."

He took two steps forward and patted the small palm tree: "For example, if this is an enemy, what would you prioritize if you had a gun?"

Martin said, "Shoot him!"

"Yes, with guns! This is America, guns are everywhere!" Chad clenched his fist and placed it in front of the tree trunk: "The tree is the enemy's body, my fist is the enemy's head, the enemy is moving at high speed, how do we take him down?"

Martin said without hesitation, "Shoot the target's largest part, the torso, to incapacitate him, then finish him off."

He deeply resented the idiotic designs in many action-packed gunfight movies: "You have to finish off the enemy with a follow-up shot, leaving them no chance to retaliate."

"Yes, that's it." Chad's thoughts were clearly in line with Martin's: "Cut it out cleanly and leave no room for future problems."

The two continued discussing action choreography until the latter half of the party.

As guests began to leave, Martin said directly, "I'm planning a gunfight action movie and want to design some really cool action scenes. If you're interested, we can discuss it together once I have some ideas."

Chad nodded. "I'll have to finish my work with Constantine." He then asked a crucial question: "What about the project budget? The action scenes are very expensive."

Martin gave a more conservative figure: "No less than $4000 million."

Chad was one of the action directors on the Constantine set, so naturally he didn't want to work on a bad set, even if the other party's philosophy suited him.

Ideals are a matter of interest, while work is about making a living and securing a future.

Louise then came over and said, "We should go."

Martin nodded: "I didn't expect time to fly by so quickly."

After saying goodbye to Chad, the two walked leisurely toward Kate.

The guests were saying goodbye one by one, and each departing guest received a gift from Kate.

This is an open secret in the Oscar race.

Martin and Louise each received a handbag.

There was no one around, so Kate chatted with them for a few more minutes.

"I estimate my chances of getting a nomination are very high." Kate wasn't so optimistic: "Winning is almost impossible."

Louise comforted her, saying, "You're still young, you'll have plenty of opportunities."

Kate laughed, "Should I start preparing for next time?"

Martin replied, "Sounds like you're already prepared?"

Kate nodded slightly: "Someone recommended a novel to me about that fragile thing. I'm reading it now, and it's quite good."

Martin sincerely said, "Kate, good luck."

Someone else came over, and Louise said, "I'll ask you out for drinks another day."

She and Martin got into their car outside the villa and left Beverly Hills.

"Shall I take you back to North Hollywood?" Louise asked.

Martin asked, "Can't I come to your place?"

Louise said to Nikki, who was driving, "Let's go home."

Martin thought of Kelly and said, "If the initial planning for the arrest warrant goes smoothly, I plan to film it in Atlanta, where there are tax breaks."

Louise knew immediately: "You spoke to Kelly on the phone?"

"That's right." Martin gradually had an idea: "Kelly told me she has a surprise for you."

Louise became interested: "A surprise? Is she plotting against me?"

…………

Los Angeles, Pasanadi.

In a suite, Menez lay sprawled on the sofa, panting heavily, his face, which had been washed clean, was covered in sweat.

He grabbed a tissue from the coffee table and vigorously wiped his numb lips, which were almost completely numb.

very tired.

Menez struggled to her feet, grabbed the Red Bull she had prepared earlier, and downed it in one gulp. Turning to the bathroom, she asked, "Honey, is it ready yet?"

Victoria, who is over forty, said, "I'm touching up my makeup, wait a moment."

Menez muttered, "Women are such strange creatures."

"What did you say?" Victoria vaguely heard the voice.

Menez said loudly, "Darling, you said you would help me find roles and production crews."

Victoria smiled and replied, "You need to be patient."

Hearing this excuse, Menne couldn't help but recall Martin and Old Brooks' words: Could this woman really be a liar?

The problem is, she didn't lie about anything; she always paid for the hotel rooms.

Sexual advances?

The thought flashed through Mene's mind, but the other person was a good-looking woman, even though she was over forty.

Even if she's enjoyed it many times, it seems like he wouldn't lose out if she dumped him now.

The bathroom door creaked open, and Victoria, dressed in her gown and having touched up her makeup, looked elegant, shrewd, and capable.

Menez looked at her strangely: "Wasn't it supposed to be tomorrow morning?"

Victoria smiled and said, "Let's stop here. I'm gradually losing feelings for you. It's time to end this."

Mei thought to herself, "Just as I thought."

But he didn't intend to dwell on it; he was ready to let it end.

Victoria, however, thought differently. She pulled an identification document from inside her clothes and held it out in front of Menne: "LAPD, you are suspected of engaging in illegal transactions..."

Menez was completely dumbfounded; he hadn't heard a single word the other person was saying.

I'm going out today, so there will only be two updates.

(End of this chapter)