America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 400 Martin is a very good person

The first screening of "The Reader" in a single theater was naturally sold out, and the second screening was also nearly sold out. Supporters of Martin and Kate easily filled the theater seats.

In order to control word-of-mouth and do a good job of word-of-mouth marketing, the crew's preview screenings may even last for two weekends.

Kate Winslet, aiming for the Olympics, spent a large sum of money on a media blitz.

"Kate Winslet delivered the best performance of her career."

"Kate's performance was stunning, and Martin's role was equally impressive."

Compared to Kate, Martin was much more low-key and pragmatic. Coca-Cola once again sponsored the Oscar campaign funds, and Brioni and Cadillac also contributed funds.

They also wanted Martin to appear on the Oscars red carpet wearing his own brand.

"This time, our goal is a Best Actor nomination." Thomas was very realistic and said directly, "Winning it will be too difficult."

Leonardo DiCaprio, who isn't aiming for the Oscars this year, came to Martin's side to join the fun, deliberately saying: "One of the Academy's favorites moved to Los Angeles in the first half of the year to prepare for his Oscar run for Best Actor."

Martin said the name: "Daniel Day-Lewis."

Jessica flipped through the computer data and said, "His film 'There Will Be Blood' will soon have a preview screening in Los Angeles, and at the several screenings held so far, the film's reviews and Daniel Day-Lewis's performance have been absolutely phenomenal."

Martin looked at Leonardo: "No wonder you didn't have any award-winning films this year."

"There's nothing we can do, the old guys at the academy just love him." Leonardo DiCaprio, who had acted opposite Daniel Day-Lewis, said, "You know what? Compared to the average artist, Daniel Day-Lewis is much more shameless in his publicity and public relations. He'll attend all sorts of events to garner votes, much like a young Jack."

Martin nodded and said to Thomas, "You're in charge of making the connections. Getting a Best Actor nomination would be a victory."

The brief meeting ended, Leonardo went outside to answer a phone call, and Jessica returned to her office.

Thomas spoke to Martin privately, saying, "Ali specifically asked me about your contract renewal."

Martin's three-year brokerage contract with WMA is about to expire, and many people are eager to make a move.

Instead of answering, he asked Thomas, "What's your opinion?"

These words made Thomas feel valued, as if Martin was taking his advice into consideration.

Having worked with Martin for four consecutive years, Thomas knew him quite well. After thinking for a moment, he said, "If WMA can reduce the commission for agents to five percent, and also reduce the revenue from DVDs and film copyrights to a percentage that is appropriate for your status, I suggest continuing to choose WMA."

He positioned himself in the same position as Martin: "Our collaboration with WMA has always been good, without any major conflicts. It's better to work with familiar people and companies than to adapt to a new one. And WMA is also taking action, helping you to fully support your Best Actor nomination."

Having made his decision, Martin didn't hesitate: "Go talk to WMA. Don't keep them hanging. If you reach an agreement, bring your people over to sign the new contract with me."

Thomas agreed, left, returned to his agency, and went straight into Ali Emmanuel's office.

Martin checked the time, changed into a Briony bespoke suit, and went out with Leonardo to Kate's place in Los Angeles.

Kate is hosting a film review party tonight and has invited many people to attend.

As the car was parked on the side of the road and the two got out, they ran into Brian Lord, a CAA partner, who was also getting out of his car.

The latter noticed Martin and Leonardo's unusual expression, but still took the initiative to greet them, saying to Martin, "Let's talk alone."

Martin slowed his pace slightly and asked, "What is it?"

Despite some unpleasantness between CAA and Martin, Brian Lord still tried to poach him: "Your contract with WMA is about to expire, right? Interested in joining CAA?"

Seeing that Martin did not immediately object, Lord added, "The terms of the collaboration will be comparable to those of superstars in the industry, and I will personally plan your career development."

Martin didn't directly refuse, but instead shifted the pressure onto Thomas, making the agent bear the burden: "I have a very pleasant working relationship with Thomas Lane, and we are good friends in private. I have never thought about changing agents."

Lord immediately realized that Martin hadn't completely refused; he needed to win over Martin's agent first.

Martin is inclined to continue signing with WMA, but he is not adamant that WMA is the only option. He can use CAA to put pressure on WMA and negotiate better terms.

He quickened his pace and caught up with Leonardo.

The latter said, "CAA wants to poach you? There's really no need to deal with agencies. After my contract with CAA expired, I didn't sign with any other agency."

Martin asked, "The entertainment law?"

"I'm not the only one using agents to get work." Leonardo DiCaprio had a falling out with CAA for a while: "Director Scorsese doesn't have an agent either."

Martin is self-aware enough to know that he can't compare to Leonardo DiCaprio and Scorsese at the moment: "Your methods don't work for everyone."

The two entered the mansion and were greeted by Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes, who were dressed in formal attire.

After exchanging greetings, Martin and Leonardo were free to do as they pleased.

The latter's purpose is self-evident: wherever there are blonde, long-legged girls, his gaze will fall there.

Leonardo pointed to a corner of the banquet hall: "Look there, your favorite."

Martin looked over and spotted Harvey Weinstein and Georgina Chapman.

Leonardo DiCaprio said, "Early 30s, good-looking, and married—isn't that what you like?"

Martin was furious: "Don't slander me, I'm a faithful man."

Despite saying that, Martin strode over.

Leonardo DiCaprio, of course, followed behind to cheer him on and watch the excitement.

As he approached, Martin greeted her, "Hi, Georgina, long time no see."

When Georgina saw Martin, her face was full of smiles. She took the initiative to step forward and kiss Martin on the cheek, saying in a cheerful voice, "The two people you introduced, Angela Lindwall and Carolina, have helped me further penetrate the fashion industry. My brand not only covers the entertainment industry and award season, but also appeared on the New York Metropolitan Charity Night this year."

Martin smiled and replied, "Congratulations, that's a remarkable achievement."

Georgina showed some closeness to Martin: "It's because you're willing to help that KK and Angela speak highly of you."

As Martin saw Harvey Weinstein approaching, he said, "I'm glad I could help you. We're all in this together, it's not a big deal. It's best if we can help each other out."

When Harvey heard this, Martin took it as a roundabout way of showing goodwill, saying, "You've finally figured out the key point."

Martin said, "Harvey, I've always admired you. There may have been some misunderstandings between us in the past."

Georgina interjected, "Yes, misunderstandings are best cleared up face-to-face." She looked at her husband, "Harvey, Martin is a very nice man."

Harvey Weinstein looked at Martin and said, "I'll invite you and Leo to my party sometime."

Leonardo was waiting to see what would happen, because in his opinion, Martin had ulterior motives, and besides, he and Nicholson had even opened betting odds for Georgina Chapman. He preemptively replied, "I'm fine with it."

Martin smiled and nodded.

Georgina then took over the conversation, chatting with Martin about her fun experiences with KK and Angela Lindwo.

After chatting for five or six minutes, Martin took the initiative to say goodbye.

As Leonardo walked, he reminded Martin, "Don't forget our bet. When are you going to start? Do you need Jack and me to help you out? We wouldn't mind giving you a boost."

Martin's face darkened: "Do you think I'm the kind of guy who only sleeps with other people's wives or girlfriends?"

Leonardo nodded solemnly: "You are."

Martin was too lazy to say more.

Last year's Pitt incident did not involve Harvey Weinstein, and the News of the World did not report any related news. Martin believes that Harvey Weinstein's Jewish identity may have played a role.

Jews in Hollywood are treated too well.

An actor of Mel Gibson's caliber suffered a dramatic career setback after he drunkenly hurled a few insults at Jews.

Martin remained calm; it would be best if they could each go their own way.

If Harvey continues to press him, he has ways to escalate the situation.

Film analysis sessions inevitably include a screening segment, but this time it only shows highlights from the film.

Kate's performance was particularly outstanding.

Similarly, Martin is also the male lead in most of the films featuring Kate.

He also gained a lot of attention.

Leonardo stared at the image on the screen and suddenly fell silent.

The discussion continued until the film analysis session ended and everyone dispersed.

Leonardo then told Martin, "I've realized that you're better than me when it comes to acting."

Martin was anything but modest: "I'm better than you in many ways, like the 100-meter dash..."

Leonardo frowned, glared, and roared three times in quick succession: "You came here in my car, believe me or not, I'll leave you here!"

Martin promptly shut up and didn't say anything more.

On the other hand, after leaving the film club, Harvey Weinstein did not go home with Georgina, but instead went to a nightclub to participate in a foot fetish party.

In the VIP room, Quentin took out a tissue and wiped his mouth.

If only every customer were like these perverts.

Quentin picked up a tissue and threw it in the trash can. After thinking about it for a while, he said, "Harvey, I've chosen the subject matter for my new film: World War II, the assassination of Hitler."

Harvey, confident in Quentin's abilities, said, "You take care of the project planning; leave the rest to me."

Quentin added, "I had considered casting Brad Pitt as the male lead at last year's party, but given the current situation, there are still many unresolved cases in Brad Pitt's lawsuit, and no settlement has been reached. I don't dare to use him, and his appeal is also hard to say right now."

"Forget about Pete." Harvey had been following Pete's career and knew him well enough. "Let's stay away from him. As for the male lead, I might have a good candidate. Once you finish the script, I'll talk to him."

I might be feeling unwell; my fever has reached 39.7 degrees Celsius. If it subsides today, I'll update as usual tomorrow. If I can't write, I'll have to take the day off tomorrow.

(End of this chapter)