American Fame and Fortune Chapter 388

Chapter 388 Turning passivity into initiative

 In the morning, after driving out from Louise's house, Martin was preparing to go to Century City. Thomas had just returned from Atlanta yesterday and brought some new news from the crew.

They were supposed to enjoy the weekend together, but Louise's parents had something to do and she had to rush over, so Martin came out.

Sherman Oaks is not far from Beverly, it's a quick drive away.

While passing by Rodeo Drive, he discovered a new designer store. The storefront was entirely decorated with glass, and a big apple with a bite stuck above the door.

Martin suddenly remembered that Apple's new mobile phone would be launched at the end of June.

 He parked the car, entered the store, asked around, and bought 20 new mobile phones in one go, ready to give them away.

 Martin has been increasing his holdings of Apple's individual shares in the past few years. For a long-term shareholder like him, even if Apple's stock price fluctuates, he still makes money without losing money.

 The era of smartphones will soon come.

Arrived in Century City, Martin parked the car, took out two iPhones, entered WMA, and went directly upstairs to find Thomas.

Like before, the agents I met took the initiative to say hello, and they all greeted me with smiles.

 There are so many good people.

 Martin went upstairs, put the mobile phone he was carrying on Natasha's desk, and said, "This is for you."

Natasha looked surprised, took it over, took a look at it, and said, "Thank you, Martin, this gift is great!"

 “You're welcome.” Martin entered Thomas' office.

 Thomas saw Martin and said, "It just so happens that I have something to ask you about Bell, so there's no need to call you."

 Martin handed another mobile phone to Thomas: "The phone that Apple just released."

"Thank you." Thomas put it away and said: "I have settled the deal with Bell."

 Martin sat on the sofa and asked, "What's going on over there?"

"Both Nolan and Charles Rowan put pressure on Bale," Thomas said in general: "After I pulled a few times with Bale's agent, Parker, they finally agreed to pay $1 million in emotional comfort."

There is no need to go through the brokerage company for this account. Martin said directly: "When the money arrives, you get 10%."

 Thomas smiled and said, "No problem."

 In the past two years, his extra income alone has amounted to over one hundred thousand US dollars.

Thomas added: "Because Heebie was going to sue for divorce, Bell was sent back to the UK for recuperation. His condition is a little more stable, but he will go crazy when he hears the names of you and the clown. I guess if I see it..."

 He shrugged.

 Martin understood what he meant, but Bell couldn't be provoked and asked: "What about publicity and marketing?"

Thomas said: "I asked Director Nolan privately, and what he meant was that it is not appropriate for you to appear on the same occasion as Bale at the moment. When we enter the intensive promotion period next year, a suitable time and place will be arranged for you to meet."

 Martin understands that Nolan will never pass up the opportunity to use Bale's publicity and hype.

 It would be the same for him. A US$180 million investment was thrown at him, and the consequences of failure would be so serious.

Thomas lowered his voice: "Nolan also asked me to convey that he will talk to you personally about other aspects."

Martin knew the specific plan and nodded: "Don't give up on the preparations we have made here."

“I know.” Thomas responded, and then talked about Cartier watch endorsement. As a first-line luxury brand, there are many Hollywood stars interested in endorsement.

 Thomas has sent Martin's information to the relevant person in charge of Cartier and is also negotiating with them there.

 It depends on Cartier's choice.

Thomas said one more thing: "The release date of "The Reader" has been confirmed. It will start showing on demand in November. There will be only one on-demand theater in the first two weeks."

Martin said: "I spoke to Kate on the phone and the film will be run as an awards film."

 The conversation between the two then turned to the promotion and distribution of "The Reader".

The goal of this film is very clear, it is for this awards season, and even the film's commercial income will be greatly affected by the awards during the awards season.

The Reader will be screened on-demand in November this year. In order to control word-of-mouth, it will only be released in one theater in Los Angeles in the first two weeks.

 The fewer people see a movie, the easier it is to control its reputation.

 The readers' focus during the awards season is not on Best Picture and Best Director, but Best Actress first, followed by Best Actor.

 Martin also wants to get another Oscar nomination. Whether it is to improve his status or win the final award, it will be helpful.

 After not staying long at WMA, Martin said goodbye and returned home.

On the weekend, he didn't need to go to the studio, so he simply moved a wicker chair out, made tea, sat under an umbrella by the swimming pool, took out the character script of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, and studied it carefully.

 Martin also recalled the movies he had watched from time to time to confirm each other.

 Next week, I will participate in the makeup audition of the crew.

Strictly speaking, the role of Benjamin Button is more difficult in terms of makeup and special effects. In terms of the complexity of the character alone, it is not even as good as the male protagonist of "The Reader".

 Martin read through the character script and looked at the time. It was almost noon and Old Boo hadn't come back yet. It seems that last night was not easy.

He then thought about it, Lao Bu not only has to be the leading actor, director and cameraman, but also has to be a screenwriter, lighting, costume, producer and equipment technician. Maybe he is too busy?

By the way, he should also serve as the publicity producer and be responsible for running that film.

 Martin suddenly discovered that the most versatile person in Hollywood was right next to him.

“I can't live without Bruce.” Martin picked up the tea cup and took a leisurely sip: “Just like the West cannot live without Jerusalem.”

 After reading the script, he picked up the original novel and continued reading.

 The more prepared you are, the easier it will be later on.

At noon, Martin was thinking about where to have lunch when the door opened automatically and Bruce drove in in a car.

 He waved to Martin: "I brought you lunch."

 Martin put down the novel, came to the garage, took the pizza and barbecue packed by Bruce, and twitched his nose: "It smells good."

 Bruce was not in good spirits. He got out of the car and yawned: "It's all the flavors you like."

Martin carried lunch to the poolside, went back to wash his hands and brought tableware and beer. Bruce had already packed up his books and moved a chair to sit opposite.

He picked up the pizza and ate it: "I'm starving to death."

 Martin gave him a can of beer: "Too much consumption?"

Bruce swallowed the food in his mouth: "I almost died from exhaustion. No wonder Jenna said that the most difficult thing about filming the Sacred Valley movie is the male actor."

Martin said while eating: "Now that you have experienced it, you can consider going to the Sacred Valley for development."

Bruce opened the beer tab, took a big sip, and said: "You have to shoot and act, and you have to be able to go up anytime and anywhere. It's too difficult. This kind of work is not as good as you think. It's not enjoyable at all. On the contrary, It's a kind of torture, I doubt those actors take medicine.”

 Martin pointed to the next door: "Next time you meet Jenna, you can ask her, she is the best actress and the best director."

 Bruce clinked glasses with Martin: "No, I will never do it again. This is the only time and the last time."

Martin said: "I hope so, I don't think you can get rid of Jin..."

The two had lunch and drank all their beer while Bruce picked up the trash and threw it away.

 Martin thought of the newly bought mobile phone: "You have the latest Apple smartphone in your car. It needs to be given to a few people. You can take it yourself."

Bruce went over to open the car door, took out only one for the time being, unpacked it, looked at the large screen, and said, "It looks good."

 Martin picked up the one he used and shook it: "An epoch-making new product according to Steve Jobs, a revolutionary in mobile phones."

He thought of the rumors about the kidney machine: “Maybe it's also a fighter jet in the mobile phone.”

Then I realized something was wrong. It seemed like it was an advertisement for a brand of mobile phone on the other side of the Pacific.

Bruce had seen related news and advertisements and said: "A smartphone that can smoothly surf the Internet. I saw an advertising promotion article saying that it will also provide network storage services in the future, and store personal files in the network hard drive provided by Apple."

These words reminded Martin of the Hollywood blindfold scandal, and what he had photographed yesterday. He reminded him specifically: "Just save some ordinary things. Don't store sensitive things in them. They can easily be stolen by hackers. Those cheap hackers." , will use these to blackmail you, and then expose you after you give them money.”

“I will definitely not store **** photos in it.” Bruce suddenly remembered the video taken last night and asked: “If the video I took for Jin is put in it, will it be stolen?”

Martin said: "This service has not yet been launched, and you are thinking about the video tape being leaked? Old Boo, I can see it, you have exhibitionism and a psychological problem!"

Bruce retorted: "You are the one who has psychological problems. You haven't seen the reports in the media. Martin Davis's performance as the Joker has caused psychological and mental problems, and he is about to become a mental patient."

 Martin spread his hands and said, "Okay, I'm crazy."

Bruce did not talk nonsense to Martin, but instead asked for advice: "You have always had a way of dealing with the media and public opinion. How can the video I shot last night be used to fully exert its influence? Kim can't be allowed to take advantage of Paris's popularity again. "

"Do you know why I just discussed hackers and videos with you?" Martin said directly without Bruce answering: "I'm reminding you."

Bruce thought carefully about what Martin just said and asked: "You mean the video was deliberately stolen by hackers?"

  Martin said: "I guess hackers are not so free and lazy to steal your videos."

Bruce touched his head: "What should we do specifically? Well, for the sake of the lunch I brought you at noon, give me some inspiration."

 Martin put away his impropriety and said seriously: "Continuing with the topic just now, the video of you and Jin was stolen by a hacker. The hacker contacted Jin and wanted to extort Jin. What should Jin do?"

Bruce said: "Kim's original intention was for the video to be exposed."

"That's too passive." Martin said: "In fact, there is a way to not only get rid of other people's blackmail, but also to turn passivity into initiative."

Bruce urged: "Don't be so secretive, just speak up."

Martin said: "Be ahead of the blackmailer and take the initiative to expose the stolen pictures or videos. Of course, instead of sending them out directly, you have to call the police and issue a press release to let everyone know what happened to you and how helpless you are. You have to Self-exposure of these…”

Bruce suddenly understood. After receiving the previous tip, he quickly thought of the back and said thoughtfully: "Not only will the public not criticize, but they will also sympathize with Kim. If Kim cries loudly at a press conference again, most of the media and Public opinion will be on Kim's side.”

 Martin asked: "Kim doesn't mind the video being exposed."

 (End of this chapter)

Chapter end