America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 619 Nolan's Space Epic

Back in Los Angeles, Martin was busy as well, immediately joining Nolan to promote the DVD of "Inception".

Warner Bros. held a grand launch ceremony at Macy's.

When it comes to on-site marketing for DVDs, almost all the events eventually come down to one thing – autograph sessions!

At Macy's DVD section, two autograph tables were set up on either side. Before Martin and Nolan even sat down, long lines of hundreds of people had already formed on both sides.

Most people queue on one side and then queue on the other, and many of them will buy two DVDs.

The production team prepared a special gift for today's event: a spinning top just like the one worn by Dom Cobb.

Martin would personally give away a spinning top with every DVD he signed.

Throughout the entire morning, the line in front of Martin and Nolan did not shorten at all, forcing the autograph session to be extended by half an hour.

After signing the papers, the group went to have lunch.

Martin and Nolan sat down at a table, and Martin asked, "Is The Dark Knight Rises complete?"

"Post-production is underway," Nolan said, extending an invitation. "I'll call you when the test screening is finished."

Martin smiled and said, "Warner Bros. might not agree to my participation."

Nolan understood what Martin meant; sometimes even he couldn't understand the new management team.

Not wanting to put Nolan in a difficult position, Martin added, "I'm afraid that if Bell sees me, something might happen again. If he attacks me, it won't look good for either of us."

Nolan said, "I doubt he'll have time. He's currently in Morocco with Ridley Scott's crew filming that epic masterpiece."

Martin nodded: "Pharaohs and the gods."

"I'm also preparing to shoot an epic film." Nolan and Martin's two collaborations were very pleasant. He's a director who likes to use a fixed crew and wants to continue working with Martin. He revealed a little bit: "It's just a space epic."

Martin, who had read all of Nolan's works in his previous life, calculated that it should be *Interstellar*, and asked, "Is there a script yet?"

Nolan shook his head: "Not yet. I'll let you know once Jonathan finishes the script."

Martin replied, "Chris, I'm really looking forward to your space epic."

Nolan looked around and said in a low voice, "I don't quite understand Warner Bros. right now. I have reservations about whether we should collaborate with them on new projects."

Martin, being adept at handling people, said directly, "I'm currently having some disagreements with Warner Bros., so I'm bound to be biased and won't comment further."

Nolan said, "Emma and I will carefully consider working with Warner."

His reasoning was naturally because Warner Bros. affected his interests: "When Warner Bros. extends payment terms and increases distribution fees, it's all the partners who suffer."

Martin sighed: "The best part is that they're just following the contract, and there's nothing we can do about it."

Nolan, however, said, "Cooperation is more than just a contract."

He has been working with Warner for years, not only because he lacked confidence and needed to leverage Warner's resources, but also because working with Warner Bros. has been very comfortable for him.

People change to some extent as they rise in status, and Nolan felt that Warner Bros.' new management's series of measures made him feel that Warner Bros. did not respect him enough.

After lunch, Martin left the film crew and got into his car, where he asked Bruce to drive to the Angels Club.

On the way, he glanced at the data related to "Inception" again.

The film has been pulled from North American theaters, with a total box office gross of $3.35 million.

Overseas, it has been released in more than 80 countries and regions. Except for Japan, the screenings in other major box office markets have basically ended, and the global box office has reached $9.22 million.

The Dark Knight cemented Nolan's legendary status, and Inception cemented his status even further.

Martin also benefited greatly, with his starting salary for the new film at $2000 million, and the remaining profit sharing is negotiable.

Upon arriving at the Angels Club, Martin was greeted by owner Kane as soon as he entered.

He quickly explained the situation: "Director David Fincher and Netflix's Greg Peters just arrived, and Thomas is receiving them."

Martin nodded slightly and instructed, "Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Seabell will be here in a little while. Have someone wait at the door for a moment, and let me know as soon as their car arrives."

Kane replied, "I'll be waiting at the door myself."

His club, just Martin and his group alone, generates a considerable amount in membership fees each year.

Martin arrived at the screening room in the club's entertainment area.

Greg Peters stepped forward to shake his hand: "Martin, we meet again."

Martin laughed and said, "Netflix's growth is astonishingly fast."

Greg laughed and said, "The market has always been optimistic about Netflix, and Netflix's stock price has been rising continuously. Your investment in Netflix as a shareholder is definitely worthwhile."

Martin said, "I also hope Netflix will have a better future."

He then turned and greeted David Fincher.

The latter stated directly, "Gone Girl is finished. When will there be a test screening?"

Martin said, "The studio is in talks with Warner Bros., and it should be ready soon."

Warner Bros. acquired the film and television adaptation rights to Gillian Flynn's other work, "Darklands." The success or failure of "Gone Girl" directly affects the popularity of this new film, and Warner Bros. has not skimped on the promotion and distribution of "Gone Girl."

The three of them talked on the phone for a while, and Kane called Bruce. Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Seabell's car was on its way.

Martin and Greg went to the club entrance to greet them.

Upon seeing the two men get out of the car, Martin went up to them, first shaking hands with Sibel, and then said to Gavin Newsom, "Congratulations on your great victory. Soon I'll be calling you Governor, won't I?"

Gavin Newsom, brimming with confidence, specifically corrected, "Lieutenant Governor."

In the recently concluded California election, Jerry Brown, running alongside Gavin Newsom, won a landslide victory. Brown will succeed Schwarzenegger as the new governor of California after the New Year.

Gavin Newsom was appointed as Lieutenant Governor as a matter of course.

Martin introduced the Newsons: "This is Greg Peters, Netflix's Director of Product Content."

As a former mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom is no stranger to Netflix.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Martin invited them into the club's screening room and introduced David Fincher, who was waiting there.

Sibel was delighted that a director of David Fincher's caliber would come to see his new film. He even pulled David Fincher aside for a chat, tentatively exploring the possibility of appearing in David Fincher's new works in the future.

Five minutes later, the lights in the screening room went out, and Jennifer Sybil's new film, "Romantic Troubles," began to play.

There were fewer than ten audience members present, including Martin.

This film follows the romantic comedy route, and includes four explicit scenes featuring Jennifer Seabell, the former First Lady of San Francisco, who made a great sacrifice for the art of filmmaking.

But everyone has different thoughts and opinions.

Gavin Newsom didn't seem to care at all, and occasionally chatted with Jennifer Seabell, praising his wife's performance.

Sibel was all smiles. This film fulfilled her dream of becoming a movie star and also gave her a taste of being a producer.

The film is not long, only about 80 minutes long. According to the MPAA's rating rules, it is on the borderline between R and NC-17, mainly because some of Sybil's scenes are a bit too explicit.

However, Davis Studios will not submit the film for MPAA rating, and it will not be released in theaters.

Martin watched it very carefully. He thought the movie wasn't bad. According to his estimate, it would probably get a passing grade or better on IMDb.

Of course, apart from Sybil's explicit scenes, there's nothing else in the film that can be considered a surprise.

By the end of the screening, Greg had his own opinion: the film was of decent quality, better than he had imagined, especially the scenes featuring the female lead, which were quite appealing.

If placed on a video-on-demand website, with just a little effort, it will definitely attract a large number of subscribers.

Greg looked towards Sibel; the key was her.

The former wife of the mayor of San Francisco and the future wife of the Lieutenant Governor of California will pique the interest of many people.

It's even more captivating than the art films starring Hollywood A-list stars.

Greg also knows that the Harvey Weinstein case, which has garnered nationwide attention, is about to go to trial. It is currently confirmed that Jennifer Seabell will appear in court as one of the key witnesses, which will generate a lot of buzz.

Netflix is ​​all about generating buzz and traffic.

Moreover, this is not just a simple matter of film copyright transactions.

As the end credits rolled and the lights in the screening room came on, Martin was the first to stand up and walk toward Sibel, saying, "You've brought us a masterpiece, a brilliant performance."

Sibel was visibly excited, saying, "You gave me this opportunity, Martin. You helped me realize my dream of many years."

Gavin Newsom came over, and like an energetic young man, bumped fists with Martin, saying, "As her husband, I must thank you."

Martin laughed and said, "There's no need to be so polite between friends."

Gavin Newsom laughed heartily.

Greg then came over and congratulated Siebel.

"In recent years, masterpieces in romantic comedies have become increasingly rare, and 'Romantic Troubles' fills this gap and is sure to attract the attention of fans of this genre," Greg said readily. "Netflix is ​​eager for this film to appear on its streaming platform."

Having thoroughly enjoyed playing the leading lady, Sibel wasn't so concerned about which platform or channel the film would be released on. She laughed and said, "You should talk to Martin about this."

Greg stated earnestly, "I will be in discussions with Davis Studios today regarding the film's copyright."

Sibel politely replied, "Thank you for your support."

The screening then came to an end, and Gavin Newsom and the Seabells said their goodbyes and left.

David Finch and Kane went to the shooting range to play with guns.

Greg and Martin began negotiations regarding the film's copyright.

It may take several years for a film like this to become profitable after being released into theaters and including marketing and distribution costs.

Martin did not refuse to sell to Netflix.

The two sides eventually reached an agreement on a figure of $800 million.

(End of this chapter)