America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 246 New Projects, New Choices

The following morning, Martin arrived at Century City and entered WMA's office building.

As before, Bruce went to his assistant Natasha to get closer to her, while Martin went into Thomas's office alone.

Thomas had a huge stack of documents on his desk. When he saw Martin come in, he said, "I've got everything ready."

Martin took a bottle of water from the freezer and sat down on the sofa.

Thomas placed the documents on the coffee table: "I've printed out all the scripts and projects that are suitable for the company, as long as there's even a glimmer of hope."

Martin saw the first one, which featured one of Hasbro's signature toys: Optimus Prime.

He brought the script over.

Thomas said, "Hasbro, DreamWorks, and Paramount are collaborating, with DreamWorks as the adaptation producer, Spielberg himself as the producer, and Michael Bay, who just messed up 'The Island,' chosen as the director. The expected investment is over $150 million."

Without even looking at the script, Martin asked directly, "The male lead?"

Thomas took the script, turned to a page, pointed to a concept art of a soldier, and said, "The second male lead, the leader of a US special operations team."

Martin still had a vague recollection, and could vaguely remember which character it was: "Give up."

Thomas opened his mouth, but couldn't help saying, "This is Spielberg and Michael Bay's project."

Martin picked up the script, flipped through it, and said, "The real protagonists are Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. The male lead is at most number three. And what about the second male lead?"

Thomas put the document aside for the moment and picked up the second document, a few pages of paper and a book titled "The Last Man".

He handed the book to Martin: "David Heyman, the producer of the Harry Potter series under Warner Bros., plans to remake Warner Bros.' old film 'I Am Legend.' I heard that the plot is different from the original, and he intends to use the plot of 'The Last Man.'"

Martin knew that the copyright to this movie was entirely in the hands of Warner Bros.

Thomas added, "I haven't gotten my hands on the script yet. We should use the one that was written in the 90s. Warner Bros. was interested in pairing Ridley Scott and Schwarzenegger back then, but they gave up because the budget was too high."

He said, "But I'm sure the film follows the 'one man, one dog, one gun' formula you mentioned. The success of similar films probably helped Warner Bros. make that decision."

Martin asked, "What are the requirements for the male lead?"

Thomas said, "The last person, as you can imagine from the name, is someone who can carry the whole film. New actors are definitely not on Warner Bros. and David Heyman's radar. The male lead must have enough box office appeal."

Martin is able to recognize his own limitations: "I don't have enough box office appeal."

Thomas said, "If the warrant is a big success, we might be able to make a profit."

Martin said, "Keep an eye on this project, and try to get it if you can."

According to his understanding, the film was a great success, partly due to the popularity of the novel and the original film, and partly due to the appeal of the male lead.

The latter may be more crucial.

The next role comes from Zodiac Killer, which is confirmed to be directed by David Fincher.

Susan Downey, who changed her surname after getting married, has already secured a major role for Robert Downey Jr., and is currently casting for three other heavyweight roles.

This is also an adaptation.

Thomas also prepared the original novel for Martin.

Martin had a particular fondness for David Fincher's style in his previous life, having read most of his works, though Zodiac was relatively mediocre.

Martin glanced through the script and said, "The main character's role isn't prominent enough; let's move him to the back."

Thomas didn't say much, but took another document, also carrying a novel: "The director you mentioned you were focusing on, Christopher Nolan, the director of the new Batman movie, is preparing to adapt Periste's novel 'The Prestige' into a movie. Warner Bros. has already bought the rights, and Jonathan Nolan is currently writing the script."

Martin asked the crucial question: "Did Warner Bros. give the project the green light?"

Thomas nodded: "It's already been given the green light. If all goes well, we'll start preparing for filming next year and release it in 07."

Martin picked up the novel *The Prestige*: "Keep an eye on Nolan's project. If you have the chance, try to get in touch with him or his wife first."

"Emma Thomas has been serving as the production manager for the Nolan project," Thomas asked. "She seems to be over 35; should we bring in Menez...?"

Martin shook his head: "Let's figure this out first before talking about anything else."

Thomas nodded: "I understand."

Martin picked out two books, "The Last Man" and "The Prestige," and said to Thomas, "Keep your eyes on 'I Am Legend' and 'The Prestige,' and forget about the others."

Thomas actually has high hopes for Transformers, especially since he's collaborating with Spielberg.

But Martin's point is also very realistic: if you can get the lead role in a project, why play a supporting role to a robot?

"I will make appropriate contact with Warner Bros." With Martin as a client, Thomas gradually gained some confidence.

Martin took the book and said, "You continue with your work, I'm leaving."

Thomas escorted him out of the office.

Martin waved to Bruce, and they went downstairs together.

Midway through, he tossed two novels to Bruce: "New find."

Bruce glanced at the cover and said, "I haven't finished reading that book, 'Dark Realm,' and you've brought me two more."

The two left the office building and got into the Cadillac. Martin asked, "What's Alan's book about?"

Bruce started the car and slowly drove off. Once on the main road, he said, "The male protagonist is a writer, with a personality similar to yours. He daydreams all day but has no real ability; he's just a loser."

Martin nodded: "A standard loser start, any cheats?"

"Cheat code?" After Martin briefly explained the term "cheat code," Bruce said, "Of course there are cheat codes. The protagonist encounters a drug that, after taking it, can unleash a person's potential, including their stupid brain, and even allow them to learn a foreign language or master a skill in a day, such as finance or fighting."

Hearing this, Martin suddenly became serious: "Continue."

Bruce wasn't particularly good at storytelling, so he could only express it in his own way: "After taking that drug, an idiot becomes a smart person, making money is like picking up fallen leaves in the forest, and you can exude the charm of Leonardo DiCaprio, I mean Leonardo DiCaprio from Titanic."

He struggled to organize his thoughts: "His abnormality was discovered by a capitalist. I haven't read the rest yet, but I imagine the capitalist would seize the drugs, and the protagonist would fight back using the drugs' enhanced abilities."

Martin thought of a movie he had seen, a movie that was once particularly popular among losers, a representative work of wish-fulfillment movies.

The Chinese title should be "Never Ending".

He also remembered watching the movie with a fellow extra. After watching it, the extra fantasized about taking the drug for a long time, earning him the nickname "The Drug Can't Stop."

The movie is perfect for ordinary people: taking medicine turns you into a superhero, he makes a lot of money, and he also dates a lot of beautiful women.

Author Alan Grylls, who works for an entertainment magazine, truly understands what ordinary people envy most about Hollywood stars.

Isn't it just about luxury homes, fancy cars, beautiful women, and most importantly, money?

As for the original lead actor, he's probably still a nobody.

Martin asked, "Where's the novel? Did you bring it with you?"

Bruce pointed to the armrest box: "It's inside."

Martin opened the book and took out the novel Alan had given him: "Let's find a place and go read a book."

Bruce found a nearby coffee shop, parked the car, and went inside with Martin. They ordered two coffees and patiently read the novel.

Martin quickly skimmed through "The Dark Area," while Bruce started reading "The Prestige."

Both of them, who were not academically gifted, watched very attentively.

Martin isn't a great writer, but he has no problem with basic reading.

The novel and the film are very different, but the main plot and framework are largely the same as those of "Limitless".

Martin was certain that this was the original novel from which the film was based.

He took out his phone and called Thomas: "Check for me how many copies of a novel called 'Dark Realm' by Alan Grylls have been sold."

On the day of the wine tasting, Gillian said that Alan Grynn had only created this one work so far.

After waiting for more than ten minutes, Thomas called back: "Published in 2001, it has only sold less than 4 copies so far."

Martin decided it wasn't appropriate for him to personally intervene: "You and Jessica should contact the publisher and the author, and, in the name of my film studio, purchase the film and television adaptation rights to this novel."

Thomas didn't understand: "It has a limited readership and little value."

Martin replied, "That's precisely why it won't cost much to buy, and even if it can't be adapted, we won't lose much money."

Thomas thought about it and agreed, saying, "Let Jessica handle the negotiations; I'll be her assistant."

Martin said, "Okay, I'm at ease with you keeping an eye on things."

Thomas acted quickly: "I'll go to the studio right now."

Martin called Jessica first. There was nothing special going on; she and Emily would stay at Davis Studios to handle fan and online matters.

Bruce had already put down "The Prestige" and pointed to the novel: "Are you sure it's the next target?"

Martin put away the novel: "Securing the adaptation rights for this one shouldn't be a problem." He then patted the other two novels: "If we can secure the lead role for either of these, it would be a pleasant surprise."

Bruce said, "Nolan? Not that famous. I haven't heard of any of his other works except for the new Batman movie."

Martin simply stated, "He is now one of the most outstanding new directors. Warner Bros. values ​​him highly, and Legendary Pictures under its umbrella strongly supports him because he revitalized Batman."

Batman and Superman are DC and Warner Bros.' most important assets.

Martin picked up the book: "Let's go."

Bruce followed him outside: "It's a pity Batman doesn't have superpowers."

Martin casually asked, "Does having money count?"

Bruce paused for a moment: "To be as rich as him, I guess so."

Having money is the most realistic thing; it can get the whole city to play along.

(End of this chapter)