America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 632 Warner's Additional Investment

The film was a box office hit and received excellent reviews. The production team also submitted it for an Oscar, focusing on Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

Compared to Martin Scorsese and Charlize Theodore Rodriguez, both of whom have won Oscars, David Fincher's Oscar journey is much like Leonardo DiCaprio's: repeated defeats followed by repeated attempts.

This time, getting a nomination shouldn't be difficult, but winning the award would be somewhat disadvantageous due to the film's subject matter.

After all, "Gone Girl" goes against the values ​​advocated by mainstream public opinion.

Regarding the Best Actress award, Martin saw photos of Natalie Portman, who was already pregnant, appearing in numerous media outlets and frequently showing affection for her boyfriend.

On the plane, Charlize took the magazine from Martin's hand, glanced at the cover, and with her intelligence and understanding of Hollywood, she instantly understood: "The Oscars can be done this way in public relations?"

Martin picked up another newspaper and said as he read, "Pregnant women receive preferential treatment throughout society, and the college is no exception."

"Why do I find it so unpleasant to look at?" Charlize had never considered getting pregnant or having children. "Ha, is it so hard for a woman to take off her clothes and spread her legs?"

Martin looked up at her and said, "Because you're competitors in this year's class."

Charlize ignored Martin's words and instead said, "What kind of person would come up with such a terrible idea?"

Martin stated directly, "Someone like me."

"Uh..." Charlize was quite surprised: "As expected, most people wouldn't think of this method."

She suddenly thought of a possibility, placed the magazine on the table between them, pointed to Natalie's belly on the cover, and asked, "Is this also your masterpiece?"

Martin was stunned by her words, and after a moment of hesitation, he said, "How is that possible!"

Charlize shrugged: "You've given her a great idea. She can repay you and get pregnant in the process."

Martin shook his head: "Sally, you underestimate my taste. Natalie isn't pretty, and she doesn't have a great figure. Do you think my taste is that bad?"

He explained simply: "Her agent is Ari Emmanuel. During my Oscar win, Ari used a lot of personal connections. This time, Ari asked me for help, and I couldn't refuse."

Charlize said, "This kind of PR is truly eye-opening. Martin, you're a genius!"

During this period, the crew practically became frequent flyers, traveling between major cities in North America, changing locations every two days at most.

Thanks to the hard work and promotion by the main creators of the film, "Gone Girl" has achieved an exceptionally stable box office performance.

This movie is so addictive! Even though many people know it's full of twisted logic and dark humor, they still want to watch it again and again.

In its second weekend, the North American box office dropped only 36% from its opening weekend, earning another $3815 million.

Including its performance over the previous four working days, the film's North American box office has successfully surpassed $100 million, accumulating $1.22 million in ten days of release.

The box office success of "Gone Girl" has benefited all the creators.

Charlize Theron's agent reportedly offered $10 million when negotiating with Warner Bros. for Mad Max: Fury Road!

This was also the first time Charlize Theodore Rothschild was able to ask for a multi-million dollar salary after winning the lead role in "Aeon Flux" thanks to the Oscar for Best Actress.

Charlize is very famous, but she has never reached the forefront of Hollywood.

On Martin's side, the lead actor in "Argo" received a base salary of $2000 million, plus a tiered revenue share that is still under negotiation.

Gillian Flynn also benefited greatly.

Warner Bros., her agent arrived at the president's office.

"Mr. President, Ms. Flynn's work has received the most positive market feedback." The huge success of *Gone Girl* has given her agent leverage: "Now countless fans are waiting for her new book to be released, and for the film adaptation to be shown!"

Jon Berg was secretly pleased with the decision to acquire Darklands ahead of schedule, saying with a smile, "Gillian's new film Darklands has been distributed throughout North America by Warner Bros. and Random House, and will officially go on sale over Thanksgiving. We've also prepared a grand launch ceremony in Los Angeles."

He further stated, "The adaptation work has been progressing steadily, and we have brought in the brilliant director Bargate Buchner to direct."

The agent said, "We have been very satisfied with the progress of Warner Bros.' preparations. I am here today mainly to offer two suggestions on behalf of Ms. Flynn."

Jon Berger spoke highly of Gillian Flynn: "Please speak."

"First, increase the investment in 'Darklands.' Ms. Flynn hopes the budget can be increased to $7000 million to produce a film that is better made than 'Gone Girl.'" The agent felt these requests were very reasonable and in line with Gillian's current status.

He then added a second point: "The female lead had to be a top-tier actress. Ms. Flynn originally preferred Charlize Theron, but she chose another project."

The huge success of "Gone Girl" also gave Jon Berger a lot of confidence, and what his agent mentioned is also what he is considering.

So Jon Berg quickly gave a reply: "Gillian's script is not yet finished, and preparations have just begun. There's no need to rush the casting. Given the current awards season, Natalie Portman is a strong contender. If she wins the Oscar for Best Actress, we can invite her to audition."

The agent thought for a moment and said, "If she can win Best Actress, she is indeed a good candidate."

Jon Berg added, "I've submitted a report to the censorship committee, and the budget for 'Darklands' will be increased to $8000 million!"

"This is a wise decision." The agent sighed inwardly. As expected of Warner Bros., the best-performing company in Hollywood, they are financially powerful and decisive in their actions.

Jon Berg watched his agent leave when the phone on his desk rang. His assistant, McDonald, reminded him that Ridley Scott had finished filming "Owls and Gods" and led the crew back to Los Angeles, where they were already working on post-production at Warner Bros. Studios.

Ridley Scott's efficiency far surpasses that of David Fincher; from preparation to completion of filming, it only took a little over ten months.

This is the first major project personally promoted by Jon Berg after taking office, so it is naturally highly valued.

He left the office and went to the post-production studio, where he met Christian Bale at the entrance.

Jon stopped, chatted with Bale for a few moments, and asked, "How's filming going in Morocco?"

Bell smiled shyly and said, "It was a very enjoyable shoot."

Jon offered appropriate encouragement: "I have high hopes for you. This movie you star in is sure to be a box office hit!"

Bell stopped laughing and said very seriously, "I have confidence."

Jon patted him on the shoulder, went into the studio, and found Ridley Scott.

The latter had just finished editing a piece and happened to be taking a break.

Jon went over and sat down next to Ridley, glancing at Ridley's red eyes and messy beard, and asked, "I've reserved the best slots for next summer's release. Can you finish post-production before the Oscars?"

Ridley confidently stated, "The special effects production and filming are being done simultaneously. The most important thing left is editing, which I will be able to finish in February."

He had the typical style of directors of that era, making one film a year was the norm: "But it required working overtime, and post-production required additional investment."

Jon wants to finish early and start official promotion as soon as possible: "I will submit a report to the review committee on additional investment, bringing the project's production investment to $1.7 million."

He also made a request: "I need a decent GG clip before this year's Super Bowl."

Ridley assured him, "No problem, I'll submit it to you on time."

Jon extended his right hand: "It's a deal."

"It's a deal!" Ridley squeezed his hand tightly.

Ridley also wants to finish this epic production as soon as possible and then get involved in the preparation of new projects. The novel for "The Martian" has already been completed, and the script is being adapted. He hopes to start filming around June next year.

Martin Davis also promised him that Davis Studios, Pacific Films, and Disney Studios would fully cooperate.

…………

Thanksgiving is here, and the entire film crew is on holiday.

As always, Martin will spend either Thanksgiving or Christmas in Atlanta.

But this year, Harris went to Australia on a business trip, Hall was with the team for a game, and only Elena and Lily were at the Carter's house.

"Can you imagine? Sophia proposed to Scott..." Lily vividly recounted the events of the past few days to Martin.

She smugly thought, "But I ruined it. I made them both watch your movie, 'Gone Girl,' and after they watched it, they never mentioned marriage again."

Martin poured sparkling wine for Elena and Lily and asked, "Still no news from Emma?"

Elena shook her head: "After she left with the black man from the south, we lost all contact with her."

Lily said, "It's best if you never come back."

Martin nodded slightly and then asked, "Have you heard anything about Jack?"

Elena said, "The last news about Jack was that Emma was abandoned by him in Hawaii."

Martin said, "No news is good news."

Lily then asked, "Is everything alright in Los Angeles?"

Martin nodded: "The threats are all dealt with. You can go back anytime."

After dinner, the three of them went for a walk together.

In Atlanta, away from the hustle and bustle of the entertainment industry, Martin felt particularly at peace and longed to be alone with Elena.

But no matter where they went, Lily always followed.

Martin decided to go home early, and Elena gave Lily a stern warning that she would sleep on the first floor that night before following Martin upstairs.

Lily angrily picked up the sofa cushions and threw them repeatedly at the bottom of the stairs.

But having received her sister's care for many years, she didn't have the courage to follow her upstairs.

In the days following Thanksgiving, Martin stayed in Atlanta, first visiting Coca-Cola headquarters, then seeing old friends, and also meeting with Sofia and Kelly Gray.

He left Atlanta and returned to Los Angeles before December arrived, and Harvey's case entered the trial stage.

(End of this chapter)