America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 620 Additional Investment

A black Hummer drove across the intersection and stopped diagonally opposite Warner Bros. Studios. Wu Maoting got out of the car, stood in front of the three-story office building, and looked up at the "Davis Film Studios" sign.

He sighed inwardly, "Martin Davis is still the most reliable!"

The funds invested in the first half of the year were recovered in just over six months, and a profit was even generated.

A romantic comedy project with a $500 million investment was sold for $800 million. Even after deducting management fees and commissions, Davis Studios still made a considerable profit.

Wu Maoting then thought of his previous investments in Warner Bros.' "Terminator Salvation," in which he had lost almost everything he had invested.

In comparison, Martin is far more reliable than the Warner Brothers.

Wu Maoting decided to continue working with Martin Davis and went straight into the studio.

The receptionist recognized him and immediately led him upstairs to Martin's office.

Upon seeing Martin Wu Maoting, he warmly stepped forward to shake hands: "We have completed another successful collaboration."

Martin always speaks kindly: "I was lucky this time. I officially reached an agreement with Netflix, and 'Romantic Troubles' not only recouped its costs but also generated some profit."

Wu Maoting said with a smile, "Martin, your projects have always had good business prospects, and I have always believed in you."

"Davis Studio will not let down any client's trust." Martin said a polite remark before getting down to business: "There are still some details to be finalized in the negotiations with Netflix, and the return of funds will also take some time, but it will be no later than this month."

Wu Maoting said, "Everything can proceed according to the studio's procedures and pace; I'm not in a hurry."

Martin asked directly, "Will the funds be transferred directly back to Mr. Wu, or will they continue to be used to invest in other projects at Davis Studio?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Maoting immediately asked, "Is the studio preparing for a new project again?"

Martin took Alexandrovich's project proposal and handed it to Wu Maoting: "It's a comedy project about Napoleon's conquest of Europe. The investment amount is similar to that of 'Romantic Troubles,' but the specific budget hasn't been finalized yet."

Wu Maoting took the proposal, glanced at the name "Napoleon's Beauty Pass," and said, "Don't transfer the profits and principal from the previous project back yet. Invest them directly in this new project."

Martin replied, "No problem."

"Isn't an investment of a few million dollars a bit too little?" Wu Maoting was not entirely satisfied with the investment amount. He had already done a project worth several million dollars once, and this time it should be at least tens of millions.

He tentatively asked, "Is there any potential for this project to grow larger? Could it become a multi-million dollar project?"

While Martin wouldn't cheat investors out of their money, he wouldn't refuse if they actively sought investment. With tens of millions of dollars, the film could be made more exquisite in terms of costumes, props, and other aspects.

Even if a film doesn't make it to theaters, Netflix can still guarantee a minimum return.

Martin said, "Our initial plan was to make a low-budget comedy. If we increase the investment, the film can certainly be made to be more sophisticated, but the risks will also increase accordingly."

Wu Maoting is not afraid of investment risks, but he is afraid of being deceived. In Los Angeles, many Hollywood companies are too good at playing the game.

He said without hesitation, "I am prepared to take the risks."

Martin nodded: "Okay, I'll talk to the main creative team first, and I'll contact you as soon as they've finalized the budget."

Wu Maoting picked up the project proposal and asked, "Can I take it with me?"

Martin said, "Of course."

Wu Maoting put away the plan and took his leave.

Martin escorted him downstairs, checked the time, and waited a little while longer.

Not long after, Alexandrovich rushed in from outside. Seeing Martin, he immediately ran over and, mimicking Menez's tone, said with a smile, "Boss, I'm here."

Martin walked upstairs: "Come with me."

Alexandrovich followed Martin into the office. Jessica brought over some tea, which he immediately took and placed on the table next to Martin.

Jessica wondered where this person came from. Not wanting to ask further, she left the office.

Alexandrovich asked, "Boss, should we add sugar and milk?"

"No need," Martin said, gesturing to the seat next to him. "Sit down and let's talk."

Alexandrovich sat facing Martin, occupying most of his rear end, looking just like a junior official waiting for orders from his superior.

Martin asked, "Are you adjusting well here?"

"Everything is fine." After Alexandrovich arrived, he signed with WMA. The agency helped him with many things, such as renting an apartment and managing his daily life, so that he could get back to work as soon as possible.

These people yearned for America, had some savings, and rented apartments in upscale middle-class communities with excellent environments, thus experiencing the best aspects of America.

His mental satisfaction and excitement naturally flowed into his work, and he was currently filled with gratitude towards Martin, who had brought them to America and Hollywood.

Alexandrovich said, "Life here is even better than I imagined. Marius and I are fully engaged in our work every day, working 15 hours a day to finish the script rewriting as soon as possible."

"You've done a good job," Martin nodded slightly. "However, things have changed a bit."

Alexandrovich's heart skipped a beat, and his voice trembled slightly: "Should this project be suspended or canceled?"

Martin smiled and said, "Of course not. I originally thought that $300 million to $500 million would be enough to complete this film."

Alexandrovich, worried about potential problems with a high investment, said, "$300 million is enough."

Martin rejected the idea outright: "No, $300 million is too little. It can only guarantee the completion of the film, but the quality of the finished product is hard to guarantee."

Since Wu Maoting wanted to increase investment, he simply made Alexandrovich feel his importance: "I have been considering your project for some time now, and I have also sent people to Ukraine to specifically inquire about you and Marius. You are both talented people, what you lack is an opportunity to shine, so I have decided to increase investment."

Alexandrovich's worries instantly turned into delight. He clearly sensed Martin's high regard for him and stood up, saying, "Boss, I definitely won't let you down!"

Martin said, "I want a masterpiece comedy, the best of the best, a $1500 million investment, to make the best comedy movie."

Upon hearing this number, Alexandrovich was overjoyed; such a single investment was unimaginable in his past acting career.

But after the initial surprise came immense pressure.

That's $1500 million!

Alexandrovich struggled to breathe for a moment, but as a future world protagonist, he possessed exceptional mental fortitude and resilience, quickly recovering and saying, "Boss, I assure you, Marius and I will fight tooth and nail for this project!"

Martin waved his hand: "What I want is your talent and the films that talent brings, not your lives."

Alexandrovich nodded emphatically and said, "Boss, I'm going back to work now."

Martin replied, "Okay."

Alexandrovich left quickly, went downstairs, got in his car, and drove straight to his residence/studio. When he got back, he ran into Marius, who was about to go out for lunch.

He grabbed Marius and pulled him back: "I sent Olina out to buy food. From now on, I won't leave the studio until the script is finished."

Marius asked in bewilderment, "Have you gone mad?"

"No, I'm full of motivation right now, but under immense pressure!" Alexandrovich recounted the additional budget Martin had requested.

Marius fell silent, rubbing his face repeatedly and breathing heavily.

He didn't know how to describe the feeling; all his emotions boiled down to one sentence: "We won't have another chance like this, let's do it!"

Alexandrovich called out to his fiancée, Olina, to go out and buy some food, then followed Marius into the study to begin rewriting the script.

…………

During lunch, Martin received a call from Ali Emmanuel and made a special trip to WMA in the afternoon.

Martin met Natalie Portman as soon as he entered the meeting room.

Compared to the last time we met, Natalie looked slightly heavier, with a slightly protruding belly, as if she were pregnant.

Natalie, one hand on her stomach, smiled happily and said, "I'm four months along."

Martin said, "Congratulations, Nat, you're going to be a mother soon."

Natalie said, "Thank you too, you made it so I became a mother so quickly."

That's as if the child were Martin's.

Martin quickly asked, "Does your boyfriend know?"

Natalie nodded: "We plan to get engaged in January."

January is a crucial time for Oscar voting, and Natalie Portman, who was heavily pregnant, got engaged to her boyfriend, which attracted a lot of attention.

Ali then said, "Our plan is finalized. The initial idea came from you. We've asked you to come here today so you can check if there's anything missing from the plan."

Natalie said, "Martin, you're a genius."

Martin took the proposal from Ali, read it carefully, and said to Ali, "You know me. I'm good at coming up with ideas and concepts, but when it comes to implementation, I'm not as good as the professionals. This plan is very well done, and I have nothing to add."

Alibaba simply stated directly: "Your and your friends' tickets..."

Not only did Martin join the Academy long ago, but Menez also joined the Academy last year and has the right to vote for Oscars.

If Natalie had said that, Martin would have just brushed it off.

But when he competed for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor last time, Ali not only used company resources but also his own network of personal connections.

Martin couldn't refuse Ali: "Within my influence, Natty is the undisputed number one in the Best Actress votes."

Natalie immediately thanked him, "Thank you, Martin."

Martin said it nicely: "Don't mention it, we're friends."

After finishing up here, Martin went to Thomas's office to ask about the two Russian actresses, especially Marina.

(End of this chapter)