America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 592 Inspiring Nolan

The disagreements over distribution have not yet extended to other projects. "Inception," directed by Nolan, starring Martin Scorsese, and produced by Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, will be released during the Independence Day holiday this summer.

With a production cost of $1.6 million, Warner Bros. spared no effort in promotion and distribution.

From journalists to critics to cinema managers, Inception received extremely high praise at the three test screenings held.

While Martin Scorsese was filming "Gone Girl", Warner Bros. had already launched a massive publicity campaign for "Inception".

Giant posters were hung on landmark buildings in major U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. At first glance, these posters create the illusion that dream scenes from movies have come to life.

Nolan also transformed into a marketing director, constantly releasing various "real behind-the-scenes" clips from the filming process to attract the attention of the media and movie fans.

He spearheaded a viral marketing campaign, using core concepts such as the dream machine and consciousness crime to launch a series of online activities, allowing audiences to have a preliminary understanding of the film's key settings in advance, making the viewing experience much easier.

After finishing his work, Martin also joined the promotional efforts for Inception.

In the entertainment weekly's lounge, Martin was preparing for his upcoming interview.

Bruce knocked on the door, put away his phone, and seeing that no one else was there, said in a low voice, "I just received news that Warner Bros. is interested in adapting a fairy tale into a big-budget fantasy film and has already publicly recruited screenwriters and directors."

Martin was not surprised by this, as he had considered it when choosing "Jack the Giant Slayer": "Because of the huge success of 'Alice in Wonderland,' many Hollywood production companies have set their sights on classic fairy tales from the past."

"This film is almost a billion dollars at the box office." Bruce had seen it in the newspaper: "Hollywood is so prone to copying trends, how can other companies possibly stand by and do nothing?"

Martin said, "There are many advantages to adapting classic fairy tales into live-action films. Most of them have exceeded their copyright period, so there's no need to buy the rights at a high price. The story circulates throughout the city, reaching a very wide audience, and it's easy to develop derivative works..."

Some people have said that Hong Kong films are prone to copying trends, but Hollywood is even more so. When a live-action fairy tale movie becomes a big hit, multiple projects are immediately launched in the industry.

Bruce scratched his head: "Warner Bros. isn't going to make a live-action fairy tale movie that's a huge box office hit, is they?"

Martin thought for a moment and said, "Other companies might be possible, but Warner is more difficult."

Bruce asked, "The newly appointed management team?"

Martin shrugged and didn't say anything more.

As far as I can remember, in Hollywood, specifically in the film sector, Warner Bros. had its strongest performance from shortly after 2000 until 2010.

In the decade following 2010, Walt Disney not only caught up but also overtook Warner Bros.

Martin hadn't quite understood why before, but Alan Horn's departure from Warner Bros. to Disney due to a failed personnel struggle made him think it was somewhat related.

The specific cause is likely due to a variety of reasons, with Alan Horn being a major factor.

There was another knock on the lounge door. Bruce went to open the door and stepped aside.

Nolan came in from outside.

Martin rose to greet him, shook his hand, and casually asked, "I heard that filming for 'The Dark Knight Rises' has already begun?"

Nolan nodded: "It's a bit ahead of schedule. We have to consider Bale's schedule. He signed a contract with Warner Bros. for an epic production, and filming is scheduled to begin in late July."

Martin said, "I've heard of it, Ridley Scott's Exodus."

Due to scheduling conflicts and other factors, Nolan was not enthusiastic about the project, saying, "This is such a boring story that Hollywood has made it over and over again countless times, as if they're afraid the whole world won't know about it."

Martin said, "There's nothing we can do about it, that's just how they are."

Nolan still remembers what happened during the filming of Inception, saying, "They dared to do it, but they didn't dare to admit it, and they didn't dare to let anyone talk about it."

Martin echoed this sentiment: "Warner Bros. also informed me not to mention the Moroccan kidnapping incident in their publicity."

"It was supposed to be a great publicity stunt!" Nolan said, clearly unhappy, and also very dissatisfied with Warner Bros.: "Everyone talks about freedom of speech, but when it comes to those people, where's the freedom of speech? If you're not on my side, you're the enemy!"

Martin sighed. "That's just how things are in the industry."

Nolan knew he had said a bit too much, but apart from Martin, who knew the inside story, he had no one else to confide in. All he could say was, "Thank you for helping me get revenge on Harvey Weinstein."

Martin smiled and said, "It's mainly for my own sake. I'm terrified of him. Last time I was lucky; the person who got shot was a stuntman. Next time, it might be me."

Although Harvey Weinstein denied it, Brad Pitt admitted that Harvey had coerced him into hiring a set art assistant on set to do it.

Pitt became a prosecution witness, adding another criminal charge to Harvey's indictment.

The assistant came over to inform the two that the interview was about to begin.

Martin and Nolan entered the decorated room together for an interview with Grace, chief reporter for Entertainment Weekly.

The two sides had communicated in advance, and their conversations mainly revolved around movies.

Towards the end of the interview, Grace suddenly asked, "Martin, some people on the crew said you couldn't understand Nolan's script?"

Martin admits he's a poor student, but it's ridiculous to say he can't understand the script. He clarified, "Of course I can understand the script; Nolan can prove it."

Grace looked at Nolan. Although Nolan liked to create big news, Martin denied it all, so she told the truth: "Of all the actors in the crew, Martin was the one who understood the script the fastest."

Martin then dropped a bombshell, saying, "The rumors have definitely gone astray. When I was on set, there was a period when I was so immersed in the role that I couldn't distinguish between reality and dreams. It was director Nolan who helped me get out of that situation."

Nolan, true to his reputation as a director who can multitask on set and create "real behind-the-scenes footage," immediately followed up Martin's words without any pause: "I told Martin that where I am is reality, and where I am not is a dream."

Martin laughed: "Director Nolan easily solved my problem of getting too immersed in the role."

He stopped smiling and said seriously, "Director Nolan is incredibly intelligent and leads a brilliant team; all of this excites me!"

Nolan also joined in the mutual praise: "Martin is the kind of actor every director is looking for. He always understands my intentions immediately and performs even better than I imagined. I hope to continue working with him in the future!"

The two exchanged compliments, as if they were kindred spirits who had known each other for a long time.

Grace had no choice but to call a halt, ending the interview.

Nolan and Martin walked out of the magazine office together, and as they walked, Nolan said, "After The Dark Knight Rises, I will completely say goodbye to superhero movies and prepare to focus on science fiction."

Martin said, "Just give me a call if you need anything."

Nolan stopped, thought for a moment, and asked, "I heard you've had many disagreements with Warner Bros.?"

Martin had no reason to hide anything: "It's mainly about the distribution commission; Warner Bros. currently has the highest percentage in the industry."

The studio co-founded by Nolan and his wife, along with Jonathan Nolan, also participated in the production and investment of "Inception" and "The Dark Knight Rises".

Warner Bros. taking a larger cut of distribution fees actually harmed their interests as well.

Martin then revealed another fact: "Our old friend Alan Horn, now the president of Disney Studios, only takes a 27% cut of distribution in North America, and it's almost the lowest in the industry for overseas and retail distribution as well."

"Alan contacted me." Nolan considered it seriously. "Let's get together and chat sometime."

Martin said, "Okay."

The two left the magazine office and got into their respective cars.

Bruce turned onto the main road and asked, "Are you trying to persuade Nolan to leave Warner Bros.?"

"No," Martin firmly denied. "I'm just worried about my friend; he might suffer a lot of unnecessary losses in the future."

Bruce glanced at the time and said, "I'll take you home. Don't wait for me for dinner; I have an appointment."

Martin asked curiously, "Kim and Kohler?"

Bruce looked grief-stricken, as if he were heading to his execution: "Jody asked me to celebrate her winning the Pulitzer Prize for Journalism."

Martin said, "Go to the basement storage room at home and get whatever gift you need."

Bruce remained somewhat stubborn: "I'm not bringing anything."

"That's true," Martin, that bastard, said bluntly. "For Jody, Bruce is the best gift."

Bruce drove into Davis Estate, not wanting to say a word to Martin. He switched to a regular car, drove away from Beverly Hills, and arrived in front of the TMZ headquarters building.

After waiting for about ten minutes, Jody, her makeup flawless, opened the passenger door and got in. She leaned over and kissed Bruce on the lips: "Bruce, you look absolutely cool today!"

Bruce asked, "Where are you going?"

Jody's desire to celebrate was written all over her face: "Of course, we'll go to my house. Half of the Pulitzer Prize I won is yours, so of course we have to celebrate together."

"You took all the risks," Bruce said. "And all the credit is yours, nothing to do with me."

Jody said, "I understand that it has nothing to do with you externally, but in my heart, this award is half yours, but all the honor has been given to me, so I must reward you."

Bruce, with a final bit of insistence, said: "I don't need any reward. I'll come to your house for dinner to celebrate your award, and then I'll leave."

Jody smiled and said, "Alright, let's go eat first."

Not long after, the two entered Jody's house together, where Jody personally prepared a sumptuous dinner to celebrate Bruce's award.

After dinner at Davis Estate, Martin waited for a long time, but Bruce did not return.

Around 10 o'clock, I finally received a text message from Bruce.

I'm not going home tonight.

Martin finally got his chance and immediately replied: "Disloyal!"

(End of this chapter)