America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 417 Heckler

At Warner Bros. Studios, in the John Wick studio, Martin meets with a middle-aged brown-haired man named Hoffmann Koch, a representative of the sponsors from Germany.

Louise introduced the two parties, emphasizing, "Hoffman is the representative of the German company Heckel & Koch in New York. After hearing about our project, he insisted on coming to Los Angeles to meet you and wanted to sponsor our film."

When faced with people who came to deliver money, Martin naturally greeted them with a smile and kept saying polite things: "The name HK is well-known. I am also a gun enthusiast and have used MP5, USP and HK rifles, which are superior to American weapons."

"Mr. Davis, you're too kind. I've always wanted to meet you, but I haven't had the chance." Hoffman didn't seem like a German; he was more like a shrewd businessman. "A few years ago, after seeing a video of Burbank High School, I knew you were an expert with guns."

Martin, speaking from the perspective of a Los Angeles city hero, said, "It's a pity we couldn't save more people."

He then began by recounting his own background: "I grew up in the slums of Atlanta, surrounded by gangs. I once started a community defense alliance. Only by becoming strong and skilled in using weapons can you protect yourself and those you care about."

Hoffman seized the opportunity to offer a gift: "On behalf of HK Company, I would like to present you with a complete set of our civilian products. Please do not refuse, and the company will handle all the legal procedures for you."

Martin feigned familiarity with HK products: "Do you have your company's new HK416 carbine?"

Hoffman said, "California has strict gun control laws, and only semi-automatic civilian versions are available."

Louise then interjected, "Hoffman came here this time to sponsor our film on behalf of HK Company."

"I've spoken with Ms. Mel about the film, and I've also read the script and some of the scene settings," Hoffman said directly. "The film is almost entirely composed of explosive gunfights and action scenes. I've spoken with the company headquarters, and they're interested in sponsoring all the firearms used by the main character you play."

Martin glanced at Louise, and their eyes met for a fleeting moment.

He had heard Louise mention on the phone before that when she went to New York on a business trip to negotiate filming locations, she didn't just sit idle; she also managed to bring back a sponsor.

Martin said, "Your requirement is that all the male lead characters I play use HK company products?" He bluntly stated, "There are many scenes in the film where the male lead picks up a gun and shoots..."

Hoffman understood Martin's meaning and said, "The main weapon that the male lead has carefully prepared will come from HK Company." He certainly understood the key to the cooperation: "In addition to the weapon, we will also assist the crew with a series of filming matters in New York and provide a sufficient amount of venue sponsorship fees."

Martin glanced at Louise: "I have no objection."

Louise told Hoffman, "We'll discuss the specifics of the collaboration tomorrow."

Hoffman stopped talking about these things and instead chatted with Martin about firearms, discovering that Martin was indeed an expert on guns.

He suggested that Hong Kong choose this film mainly because of Martin. On the one hand, Martin's commercial appeal is growing stronger, and on the other hand, Martin has killed criminals with a gun as an urban hero.

When discussing firearms, Hoffman tentatively asked Martin if he was interested in shooting a series of posters and videos of shooting practice for Hong Kong.

Martin refused without hesitation. Even in a place like the United States where guns are rampant, only an incredibly foolish public figure would do something like an endorsement deal with a gun manufacturer.

As a movie lead, it doesn't matter how you use it, but it won't work in real life.

Martin and Louise reached an agreement with Hoffman, and their team quickly finalized the specific terms of the collaboration. In addition to providing the crew with firearms and props, HK Company would also sponsor the filming with $300 million.

This contract appears to have made a certain contribution to free America.

"Our revenue from GG is expected to reach $1000 million."

In the office, Louise pushed up her black-rimmed glasses and said, "The Coca-Cola sponsorship deal is finalized; they'll provide $400 million in GG sponsorship."

Martin asked with concern, "What specific requirements do they have?"

Louise laughed and said, "You're the leader of the Coca-Cola Cult. Coca-Cola requires that at least one major action scene in the film's action sequences feature you using bottled Coke to defeat the enemy."

This was within Martin's expectations: "No problem, I'll have Chen Hu focus on designing similar scenarios to make the fights even more spectacular."

Louise continued, "Your character and Menez's character, as well as the other skilled assassins, will primarily wear dark suits in the film; Briony will sponsor all the suits."

She smiled and said, "And then there's Cadillac. What ignites the male protagonist's vengeful rage isn't just the dog, but also his car, and that car has to be a Cadillac. Besides, your main mode of transportation in the film is also a Cadillac."

Martin stated directly, "As long as GG's sponsorship fee is sufficient, none of this will be a problem."

Whether the car the male protagonist wants to get back is a classic Mustang or a Cadillac, it doesn't really make a difference to the film.

Martin is on the rise and at the height of his popularity, already having multiple brand sponsors, which made it particularly easy for the project to attract GG sponsorship.

Other brands, such as mobile phone and department store companies, are also in talks with the production team about collaborating on GG.

Of course, it pales in comparison to mega-hit blockbusters like Transformers and The Dark Knight, which earned over $3000 million in GG sponsorship alone.

But in mid-sized productions, Martin's work is arguably among the top tier, if not the absolute best in Hollywood.

In the mobile phone sector, Nokia was the final partner to reach an agreement.

2008 was nearing the end of Nokia's mobile phone glory days. Nokia's requirements for the GG were consistent: durability and ruggedness. If a bulletproof lens could be added, that would be even better.

Unfortunately, the Samsung bomb hasn't been played yet.

Martin then met with two more directors, Chad and Nolan, and basically finalized his schedule.

After the Oscars ceremony, he will head to New York to film "John Wick," which is expected to be completed in about two months. He will return just in time for the start of the summer movie season, and the pre-release promotion for "The Dark Knight" will truly begin.

The related publicity and groundwork have been continuously being laid by Martin, the production team, and Bale.

Before heading to New York again, Louise once again sought out Martin and Chad.

The three of them also formed the Big Three of the John Wick project.

There's something I want to tell you in advance.

As Martin's status and commercial appeal continued to rise, Louise gradually became more tactful in her dealings with him, and communicating with him in advance could save a lot of trouble.

She explained, "The crew is filming in New York this time, and there are many street scenes. We inevitably have to deal with New York City government agencies. One of the New York officials we are working with recommended a friend's daughter, wanting our crew to give her a role with some weight."

Chad wasn't opposed to it; Hollywood was full of connections, it was normal. He asked, "Would a female assassin work?"

Louise said, "It would be best if it were a positive role; I personally recommend casting her as the female lead."

Despite being called the female lead, she actually has very few scenes, spending most of her time in the photos in the male lead's wallet and in his cherished memories.

Martin asked, "What's her connection to?"

Louise stated directly, "Her father served as the New York City federal prosecutor for over a decade and also held a position in City Hall. He wields considerable influence and has connections across many departments in New York. If we bring her into the production team, location shooting will be much less troublesome."

She added, "The other person is an actor himself. He has appeared in many TV series since 2002 and started working in the film industry in 2005, playing many significant supporting roles."

Martin said, "You're better at handling how to give favors than I am. You make the decision."

If it weren't for the female lead, Louise wouldn't have brought it up for discussion. Seeing that Martin and Chad had no objections, the matter was basically settled.

As for the fact that the other person is a little young, that's not a problem at all in her eyes. Not only can makeup solve that, but the role itself also has limited screen time.

As February drew to a close, Louise and Chad led most of the crew on a chartered plane from Los Angeles to Brooklyn Studios in New York to make final preparations for filming "John Wick".

Martin was summoned to the hotel by Kate, and after a frantic outburst, Kate began to calm herself down and adjust her state for the Oscars ceremony.

The next day, the miserable man was once again subjected to the combined exploitation of Julie and Aniston until the tank cannon ran out of ammunition.

Fortunately, Elizabeth is dieting and drinking heavily in preparation for her first Oscars red carpet appearance, so she doesn't have the energy to rush things.

Martin regained his energy after a day's rest.

On February 24, he and Elizabeth ate a small amount of high-calorie food, changed into their respective formal attire, and rode in an all-black Cadillac flagship sedan straight to the Kodak Theatre.

The Academy Awards ceremony is now in its 80th year.

After queuing for a while, the Cadillac gradually approached the red carpet area.

Martin glanced at Elizabeth, who seemed a little nervous, and pointed out the car window, trying to put her at ease: "See that red area? That's the territory of the Cult of Cola. I'm the leader, and you're the saintess. We'll bring cola and drink with the followers later."

Elizabeth saw the sea of ​​red T-shirts and smiled sweetly: "I know, this is an indispensable ritual for you every time you walk the red carpet."

Martin laughed and said, "I'll be joining you from now on."

Elizabeth was overjoyed, her sweet smile dispelling her nervousness: "I'm kind of looking forward to it."

After the cars in front drove away and Colin Farrell walked a distance on the red carpet, the Cadillac stopped in front of the red carpet.

Martin got out of the car first, then turned around and led Elizabeth out.

Countless flashes went off, so bright that it was impossible to open one's eyes.

Martin took Elizabeth's hand and walked toward the Kodak Theatre.

Reporters on both sides were buzzing with discussion: "The playboy has a new girlfriend."

"She seems to be the Olsen sisters' younger sister; I remember her name was Elizabeth."

"That's right, Elizabeth Olsen, Martin's new prey."

(End of this chapter)