America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Chapter 166: Chapter 166 Pre-A Project

Packing up the filming equipment, Jody took off her helmet, ready to head home to catch up on today's news.

A girl suddenly came over and asked, "Are you a reporter?"

Jody looked at her, finding her face familiar. After careful recollection, she remembered her, having seen her on Annie's set when she followed Martin and Annie. She seemed to be an actress as well.

She said, "Yes, what is it?"

Laura said, "I'm an actress and I know a lot of insider news, how can I contact you?"

Jody pulled out a business card and handed it to her, "Call the number on this card, and I'll pay you based on the news value."

This was an unspoken rule in the industry, and Laura understood. She put away the business card and headed towards a car where there were also paparazzi.

Laura collected contact information from more than a dozen entertainment reporters and paparazzi in one go.

Returning to the Hilton Hotel where she was staying, Laura waited for over two hours before Annie finally returned.

Her steps were light and her face was bright with joy. She kicked off her high heels as she entered the door and couldn't help but spin around dancing, her mood about to burst with happiness.

Laura reminded her, "Don't get too happy too soon – he's not your boyfriend yet."

That comment made Annie stop in her tracks, her smile fading, and a touch of worry appeared between her brows, "I thought he would confess to me today."

Laura analyzed, "Did you respond too little? Does he feel unsure and thus fears rejection?"

Annie came over and sat on the sofa, hugging her knees, feeling helpless, "I've been very responsive, and quite obvious too."

Laura said, "Maybe he is waiting until he's more certain."

"I can't keep waiting for a long time though," Annie worried, "After this film is finished, I have to go back to New York. If our relationship isn't stabilized... there are too many temptations in Hollywood, especially for someone like him, such high-quality stock."

Laura nodded, "Yes, he looks good and has a bright future. And the only flaw isn't really a flaw – he can pull in tens of millions of US dollars in investment."

She planned to be Annie's assistant, so she was anxious on behalf of Annie, "Since you've met him, Annie, why didn't you secure him sooner?"

Annie looked at her, "You mean..."

Laura said, "If he's afraid of confession failure, you can take the initiative, like you confessing to him."

"Wouldn't that be inappropriate?" Annie hesitated.

Laura asked, "Do you want to see him get snatched away by another woman?"

Annie recalled the scene in the car.

Right now, Martin was a potential stock not yet widely noticed, but once he shows his edge...

Laura pulled out a stack of business cards, "You asked me for reporters' contact information, I thought you were planning a confession ceremony."

Annie slowly nodded, remembering Maha's advice, took out her phone, and went to the balcony to call her agent, Maha.

"For this kind of thing, I can't make the decision for you," Maha said politely, though her preference was quite clear, "His future is widely regarded as promising, but the key point is, he can find funding to join in the investment – not something ordinary stars can do."

Annie made up her mind, "I've collected some entertainment media contact information."

Maha applauded, "That's good, you're making progress." She suggested, "News of you and Martin attending events has already appeared on the internet. Wait a while, and launch the next wave later."

Annie understood, "I got it."

......

The Hills Have Eyes related news with Martin later widely appeared in the media. The Horror Wax Museum had not yet finished its run, and with Annie's The Princess Diaries 2 being a big seller this year, the focus on the two of them combined easily accomplished more than the sum of their parts.

Entertainment Weekly and Hollywood Reporter also published news related to The Hills Have Eyes.

The concise 30-second trailers also gradually made their way onto various television channels.

Martin went to the studio every day, working with the promotion team and Warner Bros. marketing department to craft unconventional publicity plans.

Television, trailers, posters, and outdoor advertising all belonged to conventional marketing methods.

This time, without Paris and Kardashian to stir up publicity, there were still plenty of things to be leveraged.

Martin, if he were to actually execute the plans, might make a mess of things, but he was adept at coming up with bad ideas.

The professionals from the production team and Warner Bros. could turn Martin's ideas into workable solutions.

As December arrived, Warner Bros. organized a new round of screenings for The Hills Have Eyes, inviting not only internal staff but also some cinema managers.

Most people believed that this film would be significantly better in quality and market response than the Horror Wax Museum.

Warner Bros. also gradually invested more promotional resources, such as in their own distributed films.

Ads for The Hills Have Eyes appeared in the pre-film advertisements for Ocean's Twelve.

When Alexander the Great and Ghost Signal debuted, they too featured related ads.

On the new Monday, Martin arrived at WMA where his agent Thomas was waiting for him specifically in the lobby on the first floor.

Seeing Martin, Thomas let out a sigh of relief because Martin's first agency contract had expired, and he could choose to sign with any company or agent.

Normally, the year-long contracts of new artists at agencies would be proactively sought after for renewal upon expiration, as there's not much that can be achieved in a year in Hollywood, nor much development.

Situations like Martin's were rare.

Thomas hurried to greet him, "Shall we go upstairs?"

Martin nodded, "Let's head upstairs, the sooner we get the contract signed, the more at ease you'll be."

Thomas smiled with ease, "I trust you the most, don't forget that we are the golden duo."

The two went upstairs to the office where the contract would be signed, and Martin was surprised to find that Jim Whit, a senior partner, was there to represent WMA.

The latter shook hands with Martin, "A year has passed so quickly, we're about to start a new partnership."

Martin replied with a smile, "Without the company's help, I wouldn't be where I am now."

Jim Whit spoke directly, "After signing the new agency contract, Martin, you will become a new talent that WMA will heavily focus on developing."

Martin said, "I look forward to our cooperation becoming even closer and more enjoyable."

An assistant brought over a triple-copy set of the agency contract.

Thomas explained, "The actors' union has already reviewed and endorsed the contract."

This was a necessary procedure.

Martin sat down at the office desk, carefully read through the contract clauses, and signed his name on it.

According to regulations, an agency contract can only be signed for a maximum of three years, and an agency can take a commission of no more than ten percent.

This includes not just the film remuneration but also endorsements, profit-sharing from post-production, and rights to a share of image royalties, among others.

Of course, this does not include the client's investment income.

Lacking the qualifications to ask for more, Martin naturally signed a capped contract, three years at ten percent.

After the contract was signed, WMA sent a copy to the actors' union for the record.

Jim Whit shook hands with Martin again.

There were also assistants who came over to take photos.

Finally, Thomas's heart settled back inside his chest.

Jim Whit said a few more words of encouragement to Martin before quickly leaving the office.

After sending the assistant away, Thomas closed the door and spoke to Martin, "Yesterday, I met with Maha Dakshir from CAA."

The name sounded familiar to Martin.

Thomas explained, "Annie-Hathaway's agent. Aren't you pursuing Annie? She came to discuss with me how to push for publicity when you two get together."

Martin said, "We're not together yet."

Thomas had been paying close attention recently, "It's only a matter of time." He went on to say, "If you really get together, it's hard to say for the long term, but short-term, it would be beneficial for attracting media attention and therefore expanding your visibility."

Martin was prepared, "Discuss the specifics with her, I have no objections."

Thomas saw things clearly, "Maha coming to me means Annie has no objections either. How soon can you win her over?"

"I take relationships seriously and responsibly," Martin responded earnestly, "so I need a little time..."

Knowing Martin to be someone with clear thoughts, Thomas did not press and moved on to another topic, "I mentioned last time that I would find you an important role in a nearly A-level production."

"Do you have any leads?" Martin questioned, inwardly thinking, as expected, applying pressure could indeed yield results.

People, after all, need a bit of pressure to truly shoulder the weight.

Ever since Martin brought up Ridley Scott's big production, Thomas had proactively taken up a heavy burden, "I came across some important news. Martin Scorsese and Leonardo have made formal contact with Warner Bros."

Hearing these names, Martin could not help but speculate.

Thomas didn't stop there, "They are preparing a new project, and I am certain it's a multi-lead gangster film. If Warner Bros. decides to get involved in the consortium, and given the multiple successful collaborations between you, Louise, and Warner Bros., we might have the chance to compete for a significant role in it."

Martin directly asked, "Do you know the specifics of the project?"

"It's likely an adaptation, a gangster film for certain," Thomas had gathered much information, "It's still in the early stages, with the screenwriter and script yet to be decided, but Scorsese's gangster films are as synonymous with success as Craven's horror movies."

Martin nodded slowly, "Getting a significant role in a film by one of Hollywood's four major directors would certainly elevate my standing."

Thomas was even more forthright, "It would instantly boost your status!"

Martin asked, "Any other news?"

"It's confirmed to be a consortium project," Thomas added, "Brad Pitt's Plan B and Paramount Pictures are also interested in joining the consortium; as for Louise..."

Martin shook his head, "She can speak for me at Warner, but I can't guarantee involvement in the consortium."

Thomas said, "Then you won't have direct influence." He shared a secret, "In recent films directed by Scorsese, all have Graham King as the leading producer. He's British, and my information comes from his assistant, with whom I have a good personal relationship."

Martin then asked, "I remember Plan B was set up by Pitt and Aniston. Who's in charge of the hands-on business?"

Thomas was certain about this, "Brad Pitt. Aniston is just a shareholder and doesn't handle day-to-day operations."

Martin thought for a moment before asking, "How many resources can the company mobilize for me?"

"I'm confident I can get Jim Whit to advocate for you," Thomas said.

Martin didn't find it hard to decide, "Give it a try."

Success or not, it was worth the effort to try.

Thomas pledged solemnly, "I will use all of my connections to fight for an opportunity for you."