Chapter 210: Intense Fimling

In the makeup trailer, Martin completed his makeup, changed into a simple T-shirt, and politely asked the makeup artist to leave.

Thomas shut the trailer door, returned, and took a seat. He began, "I've made initial contact with Coca-Cola. Given the Burbank Middle School incident and the Coca-Cola cult, they are highly interested in collaborating with you. They're inviting you to be the North American spokesperson for Coca-Cola, with a three-year contract."

Martin didn't outright decline but, being business-minded, inquired directly, "Could you share the specific terms?"

Thomas responded, "You'd need to participate in at least five events annually and film two advertisements. The total compensation for three years is $12 million. I'm also negotiating for $15 million over three years, given your rapid rise in popularity. However, I'll let you handle the negotiations."

Martin emphasized, "Remember, keep this quiet until the official announcement."

Thomas assured him, "I've reached an agreement with Coca-Cola on that front. They won't make it public until you formally sign the endorsement contract."

Martin pondered for a moment before saying, "If we can't reach an agreement on the price, $12 million is acceptable."

He acknowledged that Coca-Cola held considerable influence in Atlanta, and he aimed to maintain a good relationship with them.

Thomas assured him, "Don't worry, I'll handle it."

As it was nearly time, Martin exited the trailer and headed to the studio.

Inside the set, arranged to resemble a shooting range, Mene skillfully disassembled a pistol, portraying the role of a gunsmith and one of the actor's firearms instructors.

Bruce, who served as both Martin's assistant and manager, also assumed the role of prop master on the set. He meticulously inspected all firearms used.

Action director Chad approached Martin and offered a reminder, "Remember, shoot in an arc, swing your hand, and then fire."

Martin acknowledged, "No problem."

Julie also entered the set, attired in leather boots and tights, showcasing her impressive figure.

Noticing that makeup couldn't conceal Julie's dark circles, Martin inquired, "Aren't you accustomed to this place? Did you have trouble sleeping last night?"

Julie glanced at Martin, noting his high spirits and absence of any unusual signs. She couldn't help but marvel at his resilience. She suggested, "Shall we have lunch together?"

Martin agreed, "Certainly."

The final character, the true antagonist, Morgan Freeman, arrived last.

The distinguished elder was accompanied by two assistants, one of whom was a young Black girl.

After familiarizing themselves with their positions, filming promptly commenced.

The morning scenes primarily centered on the male lead, Wesley, practicing with firearms. The armorer taught him the fundamentals of firearm use, emphasizing arc shooting. Fox and the elder gentleman wanted Wesley to master this skill quickly, so they set up a target with a piece of pork in front of it.

Morgan Freeman was on hand to demonstrate with his vintage Mauser pistol.

The actors only needed to perform the shooting motions, as special stunts were employed for the Bullet Time effect.

The crew spent the entire morning shooting scenes at the range.

Upon finishing at noon, Martin waited for Julie for a while. Most of the crew departed, and director Leterrier led a companion to the restaurant openly.

The companion, not particularly tall but exuding strength, bore a resemblance to Statham at first glance.

Bruce pondered aloud, "I recall when I first arrived in Atlanta, Leterrier often accompanied an actress."

Martin remarked, "Two-timing is quite common in the entertainment industry."

Bruce concurred, "True, especially for those who are from places like Paris."

However, Bruce held back from sharing further due to the presence of Morgan Freeman, who had arrived with a female assistant.

The assistant's exact age couldn't be determined, as developmental maturity varies for Black girls at their specific ages.

Morgan Freeman greeted Martin politely and complimented, "You're a talented actor."

Martin reciprocated with equal warmth, "Morgan, I have plenty of questions about acting. Feel free to share your insights."

Freeman smiled, "Anytime. Oh, and this is my granddaughter, Adina. If you need anything, please take care of her."

Martin assured, "No problem."

As the grandfather and granddaughter duo departed, Bruce observed Morgan Freeman briefly squeezing Adina's buttocks before retracting his hand.

As Martin packed his belongings, Bruce reflected, "Honestly, I've had a positive impression of him." He shook his head, adding, "I misjudged one thing; you may not be the best person or actor, but your principles and moral boundaries are higher than some of them."

Martin, looking up, inquired, "In what way?"

Bruce succinctly stated, "There's still hope for you."

Jolie emerged from the restroom, took Martin's arm, and suggested, "Teacher, let's go."

Martin responded, "Certainly." He followed Jolie to the restaurant.

As they strolled, Julie broached a delicate topic, "Regarding you, Louise, and the female boss of Gray Films..."

Martin didn't see the need to deny it outright. He explained, "They helped me gain recognition. Initially, I was just an extra in Atlanta. You're aware of certain things; I couldn't refuse."

Jolie's excitement was palpable. She remarked, "Excellent! So, you have a long-term arrangement."

Martin neither confirmed nor denied it.

Jolie sensed a magnetic allure emanating from Martin that nearly overwhelmed her.

A man like him was certainly captivating!

Bruce trailed behind, still baffled by the peculiar characters within the crew and creative team.

The ensemble of characters on set was indeed unique: a sensitive male protagonist, a director with a dubious reputation, an Oscar-winning actor plotting against his granddaughter, a supporting actor specializing in courting middle-aged women, and a heroine known for seducing men in relationships. Quite the collection of eccentricities!

The Gray Film and Television Production Center had become the largest production base in Atlanta. Besides the "Wanted" crew, two other Hollywood productions were also filming there. The lunchtime crowd was bustling.

As Martin entered the restaurant, Chris Pratt waved him over, offering, "We've got room here."

Pratt had claimed two tables for himself, and Martin and Jolie joined him with their trays.

Julie, not a vegetarian in the future, had a plate loaded with meat.

Pratt, wanting to appear friendly, had given up a table and invited Mene and Bruce over. He assured them, "I don't have any ulterior motives. I just want to make an impression on Martin. I'm not trying to steal anything from you, Mene."

Mene, who had faced similar situations before, advised, "Don't overdo it."

Pratt quickly agreed, realizing that, in this industry, those at the bottom had few avenues to rise.

Pratt had done his homework when he joined the crew and knew that this group was initially formed by Martin. Someone who could assemble such a team had a good chance of doing it again.

At another table, Jolie, while forkful after forkful of meat, mentioned casually, "I've considered going vegetarian."

Martin, allergic to the word, hurriedly took a couple of bites to conceal his discomfort.

Jolie sought Martin's opinion, to which he responded, "You're free to go vegetarian. As long as it doesn't inconvenience others, it's not a problem."

Jolie understood and continued to savor her meat, remarking, "It seems you had a tough time."

Martin nodded slightly, "I was so hungry that I was shaking, and my body nearly gave out."

Jolie inquired, "Was it Louise or Kelly?"

Martin, not wanting to speak ill of Elisha, with whom he had broken up, simply shook his head, "It's unrelated to them."

They chatted while eating, and the meal extended for more than half an hour. Afterward, they returned to their trailers for a break.

Martin, somewhat fatigued from the overnight shoot, acknowledged that even a hard-working ox had to pay the price when plowing continually leaking land.

Outside the trailer, Pratt, patting his face, prepared to find a spot for a brief rest.

Suddenly, a voice called out, "Chris?"

Pratt turned and recognized a African American actor he knew from Los Angeles, Shermer. He asked, "Why are you here?"

Shermer gestured towards a nearby studio, "I'm here with a crew. Don't forget, I'm originally from Atlanta."

Pratt chuckled, "What a coincidence, so am I."

The two had attended the same acting class in Los Angeles and maintained a good relationship. Shermer invited, "My buddy owns a coffee shop nearby. Let's grab a coffee?"

Pratt accepted the invitation, and they left the film and television base together.

In the afternoon, filming continued, primarily focusing on scenes where the lead character, Wesley, practiced with firearms. Many adrenaline-pumping shots were added to these sequences.

Martin's role mainly involved performing standard actions, with the final effect achieved through high-speed slow motion and special effects.

During his last scene of the day, a real fan of frozen pork was positioned as a target.

Before starting the scene, Martin used breath freshener, but Jolie approached and playfully took the spray from his hand, using it liberally.

As she did, her eyes lingered on Martin seductively, and the gesture was highly suggestive.

After freshening up, Jolie approached him and commented, "You smell good."

The implication was clear.

Martin handed the freshener to Bruce, and the entire crew could see that Jolie was trying to seduce him. However, no one voiced their concerns or found it unusual. In Hollywood, such behavior had become the norm.

The assistant director called, "Get ready."

Martin and Jolie entered the set. The director gave the cue, and filming commenced. In the scene, the male lead struggled with arc shooting, so the female lead replaced the pork and stood between him and the target.

When the hero's bullet bypassed her and hit the bullseye, the heroine approached and, following the script, embraced Martin and kissed him passionately. Then, she took the initiative, extending her tongue without restraint.