America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 359 Taking it Back by Stepping on Martin

Big projects can make a lot of money. Regardless of the salary, if a film becomes a huge hit, the revenue sharing agreement signed between the union and the producers' alliance alone can generate a large sum of money every year.

With many competitors, Martin focused on one person, asking, "Was Heath Ledger recommended by Bell?"

Menezes nodded: "Bale strongly recommended him. He's British and has a good relationship with director Nolan, so people he recommends are highly valued by Nolan. The casting team has already accepted the relevant information submitted by Bale and Heath Ledger's agents."

Thomas asked, "Would the production team dare to use him?"

Martin said, "Too many people use that thing. If it weren't for me and Jane being involved on set, nobody would have taken it seriously. This is a sequel. If Bale, the lead actor, strongly recommends it and Nolan insists on using it, Warner Bros. and DC Comics might compromise."

Menez proactively suggested, "How about I try to find a solution through Emma, ​​the production crew..."

"No need." Martin only asked Mene to gather information and keep abreast of the crew's activities; there was no need for him to take any other risks.

He thought for a moment and said, "This time, we will win the competition in a fair and square manner."

Menez and Thomas were fine, but Bruce, who hadn't said a word, knew immediately that Martin had another bad idea.

Whether in Hollywood or the entertainment industry across the Pacific, auditions are merely the foundation. Ever since things like the red sofa were moved out of the audition room, the key to success or failure in an audition no longer lies within the audition room.

Menez, having received instructions from Martin, left quickly.

Martin asked Thomas, "Which insurance company did the production crew purchase their completion guarantee insurance from?"

Thomas already knew: "The Firefighters Fund Insurance Company insures more than 80% of Hollywood film projects."

Martin said, "Find out exactly who's in charge of Batman-related matters."

Thomas replied, "No problem."

"Contact Bruce for anything in the next month." Martin picked up the script Louise had given him and said, "I'm planning to open a long-term suite at the Four Seasons Hotel to immerse myself in the script and the character."

Thomas said, "If you pass the audition, I'm confident I can negotiate a big contract for you."

Martin nodded slightly and said, "Go ahead and get back to work."

After Thomas left, Bruce asked, "I still have things to do here, right?"

Martin began by saying, "Remember to remind those two bastards, Leo and Jack, I'm afraid they'll get too carried away and forget."

Bruce understood: "If you've put in the effort, you have to make sure everyone, including the crew, sees it."

Martin replied matter-of-factly, "Otherwise, what's the point of working hard? If you work hard secretly, nobody will notice."

Bruce asked, "Have you made up your mind about Heath Ledger?"

Martin didn't answer; instead, he asked, "Old Brooks, how likely do you think he is to quit?"

"That requires an extremely strong will." Bruce understood what Martin meant: "Back in New York, I observed Heath Ledger closely, and he wasn't a very strong-willed person."

He mentioned a recent piece of news: "Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger have broken up."

"I've seen it," Martin concluded. "I don't think he can ever quit!"

In my past life, news about Heath Ledger dying from depression caused by the Joker was everywhere on the internet and in the media, as if he had truly dedicated his life to the role.

Therefore, Martin now wants to be a good person, after all, saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda.

After a moment's thought, he said, "The crew is based in Los Angeles, and all the auditions are also in Los Angeles. Bale recommended Heath Ledger, and Heath Ledger will definitely come to Los Angeles. Ivan hasn't returned to Atlanta yet, has he? Have Ivan keep an eye on him and keep in touch with TMZ."

Bruce said, "No problem."

Martin recalled something: "On the set in Brooklyn, New York, when Jane and I got into a fight with Heath Ledger, you filmed it, and I remember you kept a copy of it?"

Bruce roughly guessed what Martin was planning to do: "I've kept it all this time."

Martin said, "After cleaning it up, hand it over to Ivan and have Ivan give it to TMZ. At the same time, let them know that Heath Ledger is going to be involved in the Batman casting. Knowing TMZ's style, they will definitely keep a close eye on Heath Ledger."

Bruce said, "I'll do it right away."

Martin packed his things and went out with Bruce, who took him to the Four Seasons Hotel to prepare for his secluded training.

Shortly after he arrived at the hotel, Julie and Aniston, those two vixens, called him and asked him to play cards.

Refusing in this situation would be too embarrassing. Martin had given them the address, and they were waiting for good news.

Good people, in the end, bring joy to others.

Whether you go into seclusion for cultivation sooner or later doesn't really matter.

…………

Warner Bros. Pictures held auditions for the male lead in the project officially titled "Terminator Salvation".

Haggis, who served as screenwriter and producer, Joseph Nichol, the director, and Alan Horn, the production company representative, all approved of Christian Bale's audition, feeling that he was the most suitable actor for the male lead.

Not only are their acting skills and image guaranteed, but they can also leverage the influence of the Batman movies.

Subsequently, Bale's agent, Parker, negotiated with the production team, adding a condition to his salary and the usual treatment for the male lead.

Warner Bros., which wanted to invest in the Batman project, recommended Heath Ledger to play the Joker, another main character in the film.

This is nothing. In Alan Horn's eyes, what happened to Heath Ledger wasn't even a big deal.

There are far too many similar cases in Hollywood.

Even Alan Horn himself was one of them.

The conditions weren't much, but Warner Bros. wouldn't agree so easily. They told the agent and Bale that they needed to see the audition results, and Heath Ledger's level had to meet the requirements of the role.

Bell was willing to help Heath Ledger out of friendship, but Heath Ledger's own ability was also crucial.

He believes that Heath Ledger's acting skills are more than enough to carry the role of the Joker.

After settling these matters, Bell immediately went to the Santa Monica Hotel and found Heath Ledger, who had just arrived in Los Angeles.

The two went to a coffee shop together.

Heath Ledger looked radiant and energetic, a stark contrast to his dejected and listless state in New York.

It's as if that promising young Australian movie star has returned.

Bell ordered coffee and said, "As for the production team, your agent and I submitted your relevant information and also secured the support of Warner Bros., one of the investors. Warner Bros. and DC Comics already support me continuing to play Bruce Wayne. With me helping you in the process, the chances of you getting the role are very high."

Heath Ledger didn't know what to say; such friendship was so rare. He nodded emphatically: "I will be fully prepared and give 200% at the audition."

He added, "Chris, thank you. Without you, I might never have made it through."

Bell laughed and said, "There's no need for such formalities between friends. Who knows, one day I might need your help."

Heath Ledger nodded: "If that day ever comes, I will give it my all."

Bell cautioned, "You need to be careful in that regard."

Heath Ledger assured him, "Don't worry, I absolutely won't use it on set, and I won't make the same mistake as last time." He forced a smile, "Right now, all I can do is pursue my career."

Heath Ledger and his fiancée Michelle Williams argued repeatedly after he tried to persuade her, and the conflict became irreconcilable.

Michelle believed that Heath Ledger's behavior would seriously affect the children's development, so she took the initiative to break off the engagement and separate from Heath Ledger.

Even after losing his daughter and fiancée, Heath Ledger still couldn't quit.

Bell knew perfectly well about Michelle and Heath's breakup and specifically encouraged Heath to boost his morale: "I have confirmed that Martin Davis is also competing for the role and will be auditioning for the show as well."

Heath instantly became determined and said, "I must get this role."

His current predicament—his daughter leaving him, his fiancée breaking up with him—is largely due to the affair between Martin Davis and Aniston.

After a brief period of abstinence, Heath Ledger returned to his old ways, his mind increasingly influenced by the drugs: "Without Martin Davis, I wouldn't be in this situation now."

Bell shared this view; as a potential witness at the time, he always believed it was a trivial matter where both sides could easily compromise and resolve the issue.

Later, after experiencing the sponge tearing at Pinewood Studios, he became even more convinced of this.

Heath added, "What I lost before, I will take back with my own hands this time."

They can even take it back by stepping on Martin Davis.

Bell wouldn't underestimate that jerk, and specifically reminded him, "Don't be careless. Just stay in the hotel and study the script and the character, and prepare for the audition. Your agent and I will handle things outside. I'll leave you a car, but try not to go out unnecessarily and avoid being in front of the media as much as possible. Those people are used to reporting things recklessly."

Heath assured, "Before the audition, I won't leave the hotel at all, except maybe take a walk on the hotel beach."

Bell stood up, patted him on the shoulder, and left the hotel.

………………

Burbank, TMZ editor-in-chief Jody drove to an underground parking lot and met with Ivan, a news informant and freelance paparazzi he had worked with several times.

Since their last collaboration, the other party has followed the same old path, buying a car and a professional camera to shoot entertainment news for money.

They also occasionally sell TMZ a major news story.

Jody got into his car and asked, "What important news is there this time?"

Ivan opened the MP4 player in his hand: "I bought an old video online, a video of Heath Ledger, the male lead of 'Brokeback Mountain'."

The influence of "Brokeback Mountain" was so great that Jody immediately became interested and watched the video carefully.

The video is not long, only about twenty seconds long, and it's all about Heath Ledger's manic outburst, but it's impossible to tell who the person opposite him is, as the latter part was clearly cut out.

"Is the video incomplete?"

"These are all I could buy. The seller said he took the photos with his phone, but his phone ran out of battery."

Jody asked, "Heath Ledger publicly declared he would quit, could it be...?"

Ivan said, "The time on the video has been altered, but it's been a while, so we can't judge." He sounded like a real paparazzi: "You're interested in Heath Ledger news? I'll get some, you can pay a hefty price?"

Jody was slightly surprised: "You're going to New York?"

"Didn't you see the rumors in America?" Ivan said simply. "He came to Los Angeles, and someone leaked to America that Heath Ledger is preparing to audition for the Batman movie, wanting to play the Joker."

Jody realized the value of the news: "Sell me the news leads, and you can film both my people and me. If you can get the key footage, I'll give you an extra fee."

(End of this chapter)