America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 265 Belongs to the Tortoise

"I think Aniston can!"

During a routine meeting with the production team, director Danny Boyle expressed his agreement: "I discussed the female lead with screenwriter Bradley. The role itself doesn't require particularly complex acting, and Aniston's experience is sufficient to handle it."

Directors prefer to use experienced actors, as it makes filming easier and less stressful. Who would want to spend time and effort teaching new actors who have no experience as lead actors?

Kelly considered a more practical question: "What about the salary? She's not asking for $2000 million, is she?"

Martin replied, "2000 million+ is Aniston's salary for one season of Friends; she didn't earn that much for movies."

Jessica, who was in charge of liaising with the CAA, said, "I tentatively inquired, and their bottom line is around $500 million."

Kelly asked, "Her movie 'Derailment' seems to have had a lukewarm box office performance."

Louise turned to Martin: "If Rachel's fame and appeal are used properly, it will be a good thing for the film."

Martin thought for a moment and said, "My opinion is to let her go directly to the third round of auditions. This is the treatment that a star of her caliber deserves. We'll see how she does in the auditions."

Boyle was the first to agree: "That's for the best."

Louise said, "Then let's do it this way."

After the brief meeting, Martin prepared to go to the studio to meet with action director Chad, who planned to borrow some of Bruce Lee's action routines for the film's action design.

After the male protagonist takes the smart drug, he doesn't need to specifically learn martial arts; he can simply use the moves from the movies he's watched.

Louise followed and walked alongside Martin on the sidewalk at Warner Bros. Studios.

Martin asked directly, "Is something the matter?"

Louise, like a lover, reached out and took his arm: "You haven't given me a recipe in a long time."

Martin made up an excuse: "I've been busy with work lately and haven't had time to experiment with new formulas. Didn't I give you a notebook last time?"

"You're almost out," Louise reminded her. "You have plenty of time for parties and picking up girls."

Martin, shameless as ever, showed not a shred of embarrassment but instead argued vehemently: "It's all for work! How could I have hired Danny as director if I hadn't attended Leonardo's party? How could Pacific Pictures have recovered so quickly if I hadn't been busy with work?"

Louise smiled and shook her head: "Blake will have a problem with that."

Martin takes it in stride: "The halo of an idol will always fade eventually."

At the fork in the road, Louise, heading towards Warner Bros., said, "Don't forget the new recipe. I'm going to the World Sommelier Congress during the New Year period, and the masters need to have some impressive creations."

Martin said, "I will take the time to test the new formula."

The two parted ways at the intersection and went their separate ways.

Louise made her way to the Warner Bros. conference room, where she met Barry Mayer and Alan Horn, the current heads of Warner Bros.

Also participating in today's meeting were representatives from DC Comics and Legendary Pictures, as well as Warner Bros.' top producer Charles Roven.

The latter, who was acquainted with Louise, asked, "Has Pacific Pictures recovered?"

Louise smiled: "I have a treasure boy, Martin Davis. His projects, The Hills Have Eyes and Wanted, not only helped me make up for the losses of Alexander the Great, but also brought me considerable profits. Most importantly, investors have regained their confidence in Pacific Pictures."

Barry Mayer, standing nearby, couldn't help but exclaim, "You've truly unearthed a treasure trove in Atlanta. Starting with last year's wax museum, Martin Davis has amazed me time and time again."

Louise knew very well that Warner Bros. was at the very top of their industry chain, and that Warner Bros. was the biggest beneficiary of all these projects.

Alan Horn asked, "How long do you think he'll stay popular?"

These words carried a connotation of extreme exploitation by a powerful figure, which made Louise uncomfortable. She specifically stated, "As far as I know, Coca-Cola wants to proactively extend its endorsement contract with Martin and sponsor all the films he stars in with suitable backgrounds."

A large corporation like Coca-Cola may not be able to change the state of the film industry, but when resources are focused on a single star, the effect is extraordinary.

Alan Horn immediately changed his tune: "Warner Bros. has always been very optimistic about Martin's future and hopes his new film will continue to be successful."

Once everyone was present, Barry Mayer tapped the table lightly with his fingers: "Let's begin the meeting. Today's topic is singular: British director Christopher Nolan has submitted his vision for a new Batman sequel, with a projected budget exceeding $1.5 million..."

Warner Bros. was unwilling to bear such a high investment and such a great risk alone.

Therefore, long-term partners like Legendary Pictures and Pacific Pictures were invited by Warner Bros. to participate in the discussion meeting.

…………

Century City, inside a business club.

Brad Pitt was approached by Aniston's agent, Steve, who complained, "She changed all her contact information, moved without telling me her address, and I can't reach her at all."

Steve knew perfectly well that Aniston would be very unhappy if she knew he had come to see Pete, but an agent needs to be diplomatic, so he asked directly, "What do you want with Jane? You know she doesn't want to see you again."

Pitt, of course, wouldn't tell an agent about his desire to reconcile. Instead, in a tone that seemed to be looking out for Aniston, he said, "The reception of 'Derailment' was lukewarm. I've found her a new project, a biopic, that could run for awards!"

Steve valued Aniston's career highly, and he was the last person who wanted her to give up: "What project?"

Pete opened his bag and took out a large stack of documents for him: "Take a look at this, a biographical film about Miss Potter, the author of 'Peter Rabbit'."

What Steve immediately noticed was the name of the film company listed above—The Weinstein Company!

Aniston's words, which she had specifically emphasized, still echoed in his ears.

Steve knew very well that if he were to recommend Peter and Weinstein again, he would be committing suicide.

Aniston might even ask CAA to change her agent.

Steve didn't want to offend Pitt, so he told the truth: "Jane refuses to work with Weinstein again." He didn't even touch the script Pitt brought: "I have to go."

Pete could only put the documents away. As he was leaving, he passed by the newspaper rack and suddenly saw a picture of Aniston.

He quickly took a copy down and sat down at a nearby rest area to examine it closely.

"Anniston in a new relationship? The man is suspected to be Martin Davis!"

The picture below the title shows Aniston and Martin having a lively conversation, definitely crossing the line between male and female social distancing.

Of course, it could also be due to the filming process.

But Pete was too lazy to argue, nor did he want to. He unconsciously touched his head, feeling that it was a little heavy.

The accompanying picture shows Martin and Aniston walking together towards the villa gate at night, seemingly about to enter the same house.

The photos chosen by the gossip media are excellent; they easily spark the imagination.

Pete tossed the newspaper aside, his mind completely occupied by the name Martin Davis!

"Fuck!" Pete could confirm that Martin had snatched Julie away from him.

That's not enough, they also want to get Aniston!

How can a person be so shameless?

Pete, his body ablaze, left the club, got into his car, and told the driver to go home first. Midway through the drive, he called the housekeeper: "Get to my place right now!"

Go back and cool off first, then we'll think of a solution!

Not far from here, in the Weinstein Company offices.

It's rare for the Weinstein brothers to get together.

Bob, the younger brother, asked, "Have you finalized the casting for Miss Potter's project? Renée Zellweger called me; she's very interested in the show."

"Let her wait." Harvey, the brother, was the real decision-maker: "I found more suitable actors, with Aniston and Pitt playing the male and female leads."

Although Bob wasn't actually involved in the film business, his extensive experience over the years allowed him to understand immediately: "Learning from Mr. & Mrs. Smith's publicity stunts to generate buzz for the film?"

Harvey is ambitious: "With our expertise in awards and the added boost of publicity, I'm confident the film can be profitable from North American box office alone."

Few Weinstein films are profitable solely through box office revenue, including Quentin Tarantino's films, which are not known for their box office success.

The phone rang suddenly; it was Pete calling.

Harvey answered the call and said a few words, his face looking rather grim. He pressed the intercom on his desk, and his secretary quickly brought in several newspapers.

One of the newspapers officially revealed that Martin Davis, in collaboration with several production companies, is preparing a film adaptation of the novel "Dark Fields," and that Jennifer Aniston is highly likely to play the lead role!

Harvey slammed the newspaper on his desk and yelled, "Bitch!"

Bob asked, "What happened? Was there an accident?"

Harvey roughly stated, "Aniston declined to work with us and chose Martin Davis's new project, 'Limitless,' intending to play the lead role."

Bob recalled, "I remember this Martin snatched Craven's project, 'The Mountain Has Eyes,' and even stole a role from Damon?"

"Yes, it's him." Harvey nodded slightly.

Bob replied in his most familiar way, "How about we take him down?"

Harvey retorted, "If it were easy, I would have done it long ago. Why would I have waited until now?"

He said with considerable helplessness, "Martin is now a Coca-Cola spokesperson. If they get rid of him through unfair means, do you think those capitalists will let it go? They don't need to do anything special; they just need to find an opportunity to put a finger on our heads. How are we supposed to withstand that?"

"He's always worked with Pacific Films and Warner Bros. The former is fine, and we can criticize Warner Bros. all we want, but when it comes to their investment and distribution profits, do you think they'll just ignore us?"

"Furthermore, he's deeply entangled with the local forces in Georgia!" Harvey thought of that female warrior and subconsciously squeezed his legs together: "If you touch their interests, it could be a life-or-death struggle."

Hearing this, Bob couldn't help but say, "What is this guy thinking? Does he think of himself as a turtle? Dragging on so many shells to wrap himself up!"

Harvey shook his head: "That's why it's so difficult. We either need to stay put, or we need to find the vital point..."

(End of this chapter)