Chapter 108: Saturn Award

Century City, the hub of Hollywood agencies, was a place where bumping into more than a dozen pairs of celebrities and their managers during a meal was anything but unusual.

Sitting across from Thomas, Martin reached into the bag he had brought, retrieved a gift box, and slid it over to his agent, saying, "This is for you."

Thomas opened the box and inquired, "Wolf teeth? No, there are no wolves in Australia. Crocodile teeth?"

Martin found a way to put it in a positive light, explaining, "These are teeth from a crocodile I personally hunted and crafted myself. Don't just regard them as precious; they're exceedingly rare."

"Thank you; it's very meaningful," Thomas replied but then asked from a professional perspective, "You're not considering a career in environmental or animal protection, are you?"

Martin was frank, saying, "I'm someone who enjoys life. When I become rich and famous in the future, I'll do whatever suits my comfort. Environmental protection is too fickle, and advocating animal protection is hypocritical when people know you still eat meat." He gestured towards Thomas, who was enjoying a hearty meat dish, and teased, "What would you do if someone asked you to become a vegetarian?"

Thomas quipped, "I'd probably slap them."

While savoring his steak, Martin inquired, "You must've been working hard for our careers during this time."

Thomas replied, "You broke up with Elisha rather hastily. I had a plan to capitalize on the attention and buzz generated by 'The Girl Next Door.' The film has been well-received, especially among teenagers, largely thanks to Elisha's popularity. My original idea was to discuss with Susan and create a buzz around the romantic relationship between the male and female leads while promoting 'House of Wax.'"

He had a more significant point to make, adding, "You acted impatiently and severed ties too quickly. You only get one first, and by kicking someone on the red carpet, you didn't fully maximize the potential value of that relationship."

Martin had no qualms about using his personal life to generate buzz, as long as it was profitable. He remarked, "I have no problem being the Truman of the real world." Then, he gestured at the meat on the table, asking, "Could you switch to a vegetarian diet?"

Thomas glanced at Martin and seemed to grasp his underlying message. He dropped the topic and said instead, "I reached out to Lionsgate. 'Zombie Stripper' DVDs have been selling well. Last week, I spoke to Lionsgate's director of publicity. During Blake's interview, it was agreed that you should apply for the Saturn Award for Best Young Actor."

Martin considered this carefully and inquired, "Is that the award presented by the Science Fiction and Horror Film Academy?"

"Yes, that's the one," Thomas confirmed. He provided more details, saying, "There are six nominations for the Best Young Actor Award. As far as I know, the films currently applying for this award include Francisco Muniz for 'Agent Cody banks,' Jenna Michelle Boyd for 'The Missing,' 'Freeky Friday,' Sōsuke Ikematsu for 'The Last Samurai' and Jeremy Sumpter for 'Peter Pan.' As for the actors, their names aren't too familiar, except for Lindsay Lohan."

Martin had heard of some of these names, including Lindsay Lohan, and asked, "Do you think I can secure a nomination?"

Thomas cautioned, "Winning an award is quite challenging. Even getting a nomination requires some strategy. The Saturn Awards have a certain style, unlike the Teen Choice Awards, where showing up at the event guarantees a nomination."

Martin expressed his willingness to cooperate, saying, "I'll do whatever it takes."

Thomas continued, "Once we secure the support of key figures at the Science Fiction and Horror Film Academy, getting the nomination should be relatively straightforward. I'll give you a call when I need your cooperation."

Martin inquired again, "Any news about the new job?"

Thomas responded, "Don't rush it. HBO has pushed back the 'Entourage' schedule, and I'm competing internally for resources that were initially leaning towards Adrian. WMA is a major company with fierce internal competition." He explained further, "Those big roles in projects financed by company aren't exposed yet, so it's challenging for you to land one."

Martin nodded in understanding, saying, "I get it. 'House of Wax' hasn't been released yet."

Despite completing filming for the horror film, post-production had yet to begin. According to the publicity and release preparations, the movie wouldn't hit theaters until the end of the year at the earliest. Given Warner Bros.' typical style, it might even be scheduled for release in the spring of the following year.

In the realm of medium-sized film projects, the entire process from pre-production to shooting and post-production typically spans a year. However, for those grand productions with hundreds of millions invested, it might extend to over two years from initial preparations to release.

Thomas continued discussing the Saturn Award, stating, "Winning the Saturn Award for Best Young Actor would undoubtedly give you a competitive edge when vying for roles in the company's future projects." Martin, always sharp and to the point, quipped, "Money? Gifts? Women?"

Thomas shook his head, replying, "How much money you have or can borrow won't impress these big players."

After their lunch meeting, Martin bid farewell and departed. Thomas lingered at the table for a while, organizing his thoughts.

Martin was the most critical client in Thomas's roster. The star clients at WMA were out of his reach, and if he wanted to advance in the company and eventually establish his own independent office, he needed at least one star client.

Becoming a partner seemed like a distant goal for now.

Back at the office, Thomas observed Adrian passing by and entering John's glass-walled office.

Inside, John looked somewhat annoyed and asked, "Why are you here? Didn't I suggest you take some time off?"

Adrian, as usual, pulled a chair and casually sat down with crossed legs, saying, "I've got something to discuss." John, noticing this casual demeanor that he had once tolerated, now found it disrespectful. He cleared his throat and pointed to Adrian's feet, remarking, "This is an office."

Adrian tilted his head, gazing at John, and obediently retracted his legs, inquiring, "I have no money left, so I sold my car and house for a pittance. What's next?"

John had lost his optimism regarding Adrian's future and felt he was in a precarious situation. He responded, "I've provided you with the contract and ticket."

Adrian had acquired lawyers and accountants through his agent's connections. He argued, "I urgently need funds to settle things with that woman and extricate myself from this mess. Even if I liquidate all my assets, I still can't come up with hundreds of thousands of Australian dollars. You approved the house sale and the car sale; is there any other way besides selling at a loss?"

Adrian then contended, "The price you sold them for is far too low."

John, feeling helpless, stated, "Am I supposed to just watch you go to jail? We're not just agent and client; we're also friends. I can't let you end up in jail. At 27, you've got plenty of good years ahead of you."

Adrian looked into getting the contract and tickets examined by legal experts and found no issues. He asked, "When is 'Entourage' going to air?"

John replied, "I've been pushing HBO to schedule it. Just be patient. Once this unusual period passes, everything will return to normal."

After a few more questions, Adrian exited John's office and headed downstairs. As soon as he left the office, he encountered a stout man named Tony.

Tony placed his baseball cap on his back and handed Adrian his car keys, explaining, "My manager called, and I can't accompany you anymore."

Adrian raised his head, locking eyes with Tony. Tony simply shook the car keys.

Adrian accepted the keys and proceeded to the parking lot. Without looking back or responding, he walked away on his own.

...

In Burbank, at Warner Studios, Kelly, who had traveled from Atlanta, had just finished touring Warner's post-production facility with Louise.

Louise, donned in a dark business suit, patted Kelly's rear playfully when no one was around, saying, "You nymph, I have to meet the crew's financial officer. You can explore Warner Studios on your own. I'll give you a call when I'm done."

Kelly retorted, "You perv! I'll settle the score with you once that scoundrel Martin arrives."

Louise playfully blinked and teased, "How are you planning to settle it and where? Are you involving me in this?"

Kelly was exasperated and didn't want to engage further with Louise. She walked out of the post-production room, her heels clicking on the pavement.

Leaning on a palm tree, Kelly enjoyed the fresh breeze and finally let out a long-held breath.

A golf cart approached and halted on the sidewalk, accompanied by a familiar voice. "Behold, the Creator's most exquisite masterpiece, the most stunning woman in all of Georgia, the embodiment of Aphrodite herself. Your chariot and chauffeur have arrived."

Kelly turned her head and recognized the handsome figure. She extended a hand in greeting.

Martin stood next to the golf cart, helping Kelly step into it.

"Let's go," Kelly said.

Martin started the vehicle and drove aimlessly around Warner Studios, asking, "What brought you to Los Angeles?"

Kelly grumbled, "The sales representative I sent never showed up, so I had no choice but to come myself for business."

Martin paid no heed to these words and pointed to the backpack at his feet, remarking, "I brought you a gift from Australia, and I mailed one to you. I didn't expect you to come. Here's another one for you."

Kelly took the bag and opened it, revealing two boxes of different colors. She asked, "Which one is mine?"

Martin responded, "The beige one."

Kelly opened it to find a polished, white, and smooth animal tusk inside.

Her gaze then fell on the other dark gray box, and she inquired, "Is this for Louise, that scoundrel?"

Martin confirmed, "It's for her too."

Kelly wanted to take a look inside, but she found it different from the previous box. In addition to the tusk, there was a note inside detailing a cocktail recipe called "Honey."

Kelly reached for the note and shook it. "For that scoundrel?"

Martin casually replied, "The latest masterpiece from bartender extraordinaire, Louise Meyer."

Kelly exclaimed, "That shameless scoundrel!" She suddenly devised a plan to get back at Louise. "I have the recipe. Take it and make Louise beg for it."

Martin asked, "Why do you need it? You're not into bartending."

Kelly smiled slyly, "Martin, don't you want Louise to be nice to both of us?"