Chapter 342: Car Delivery

At the Los Angeles Country Club, a sleek black Cadillac SLS smoothly glided past the club's white gate and parked alongside the flower-studded roadside.

The camera shifted its focus to the driver's seat, revealing Martin, who emerged from the car in his formal attire. Against the backdrop of the luxurious car and club, his successful style was unmistakable.

Director Joseph, stationed behind the monitor, commented, "Cut, this one's a pass."

A driver promptly maneuvered the car to the club's entrance, while the crew assembled at the door, preparing for filming.

Martin headed to the trailer for a quick wardrobe change and returned for more filming, not just for videos but print ads as well.

Despite Cadillac's status as a luxury American car brand, it aimed to catch up with the early February Super Bowl commercial and, therefore, prioritized this shoot, seeking to enhance its high-end image. Martin and Che's commercial would be showcased during the US Spring Festival Gala, providing excellent publicity for Martin himself.

After securing a generous endorsement fee of $10 million from Cadillac, Martin wholeheartedly cooperated, donning various outfits as per the photographer's directives. Between shots, he took the time for makeup touch-ups.

The Cadillac SLS stood gracefully in front of the club. Martin used a key to access the clubhouse foyer.

Director Joseph reminded everyone, "Keep an eye on the lens and the key."

Martin raised the key, signaling the crew. Joseph gave the go-ahead, and the cameras rolled once more.

Martin exited the club, produced the key, and pressed it against the car, causing the car's lights to flash. The cameraman captured a close-up shot.

Joseph shouted, "Let's do it one more time."

Martin, dedicated to his craft and his earnings, repeated the scene eight times in a row.

By around 4:30 in the afternoon, they had wrapped up all the advertising shots and promotional photos. Martin removed his makeup and changed clothes before getting into a Cadillac SLS, which he steered towards Burbank.

Among the several new cars provided by Cadillac, one was designated for Martin's personal use. It could also serve as a gift for family and friends.

Agent Thomas awaited in the car. Martin handed him a car key, saying, "The car is at the Cadillac dealership. You can pick it up."

Thomas asked in surprise, "Is this car for me?"

Martin affirmed, "You helped secure the endorsement deal. You deserve one too."

This gesture, along with the agent's commission, warmed Thomas's heart. In a world where many celebrities became difficult to work with after gaining fame, Martin proved to be a rare and appreciative client.

Thomas accepted the car key, and Bruce also had one allocated specifically for him. Martin had even arranged for a car to be kept for Mene, who was currently abroad for a film shoot and wouldn't return to Los Angeles anytime soon.

Checking his watch, Thomas informed, "The preview is starting."

Today marked the preview of "Limitless" for theater managers and media. Due to his prior commitment to the Cadillac commercial, Martin could only attend the evening's reception party.

Upon entering Burbank, Bruce navigated to the Burbank hotel. Martin opened the insulated box that came with the car and retrieved a box of pizza. He opened it, placing it on the back seat's armrest. Taking a slice, he said, "It's getting late for dinner, and there's bound to be drinking at the party. Let's eat a bit first, so we don't drink on an empty stomach."

Thomas agreed, "You're quite considerate," as he also enjoyed a slice.

Martin savored his pizza, washed it down with mineral water, spritzed some breath freshener, and adjusted his attire in front of the mirror. When dealing with discerning critics, every detail mattered. Some critics could be unforgiving, and Martin needed their support in this critical phase of his career.

The car pulled up at the hotel's entrance. Martin and Thomas exited and immediately spotted Louise in the hotel lobby.

She wore a women's suit and black-rimmed glasses and greeted Martin with a gentle wave.

Martin approached her and inquired, "How was the test screening?"

Louise, knowing the gravity of the matter, gave a serious response, "The response was excellent."

She linked her arm with Martin's and suggested, "Let's head to the banquet hall. We can chat as we walk."

Martin strolled towards the elevator. Louise shared, "Out of the 38 reporters who attended the test screening, the average score they gave was 84. The scores from theater managers were even better, averaging 94. However, their scores aren't solely based on the film's quality but also on market considerations, especially regarding the theater's support during distribution negotiations."

She elaborated on the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where quality doesn't always guarantee success.

Martin followed up, "And what about the fans?"

Louise's response filled him with delight, "They rated it A+."

Martin smiled, appreciating the positive news. As for the critics, he refrained from asking, and Louise didn't offer any comments on that matter.

Upon reaching the hotel banquet hall, Martin transitioned into socializing mode, mingling with media reporters and critics, occasionally raising a toast. He continued his tradition of showing great respect to the critics who participated in the test screenings, attentively listening to their insights and engaging in high-level discussions about art.

With the new year approaching, the Oscar nomination ballots had been distributed, and Martin recognized the importance of these critics in helping him maintain his momentum.

Taking the initiative, Martin sought out Kenneth Turan, the chief film critic of the Los Angeles Times.

A sleek black Cadillac SLS smoothly glided through the gates of the Los Angeles Country Club, finding its place alongside the roadside adorned with blooming flowers.

The camera's focus shifted to the driver's seat, unveiling Martin, impeccably dressed, as he emerged from the luxurious vehicle. Against the opulent backdrop of the car and the club, his aura of success was undeniable.

Overseeing the action from behind the monitor, Director Joseph remarked, "Kah, that one's a perfect take."

A skilled driver expertly maneuvered the car to the club's entrance, while the crew readied themselves at the door, poised for filming.

Martin made a quick trip to the trailer for a wardrobe change and returned, not just for video shoots but also print advertisements.

Cadillac, despite its status as a luxury American car brand, aimed to keep up with the Super Bowl commercial in early February. This led to the prioritization of this shoot to elevate its high-end image. The commercial featuring Martin and Che would be showcased during the US Spring Festival Gala, promising significant publicity for Martin.

With a hefty endorsement fee of $10 million from Cadillac, Martin enthusiastically cooperated, wearing a range of outfits as per the photographer's instructions, punctuated by quick makeup touch-ups.

The Cadillac SLS stood regally in front of the club. Martin, armed with a key, entered the clubhouse foyer.

Director Joseph issued a reminder, "Keep a close watch on the lens and the key."

Martin raised the key, signaling the crew. Joseph's approval prompted the cameras to roll once more.

Exiting the club, Martin unveiled the key, pressing it against the car, causing the car's lights to flash. A close-up shot captured this moment.

Joseph called out, "One more take, please."

Martin, driven by professionalism and his earnings, reenacted the scene eight times consecutively.

Around 4:30 in the afternoon, all the advertising shots and promotional images were in the bag. Martin removed his makeup, changed clothes, and hopped into a Cadillac SLS, steering it towards Burbank.

Among the several new cars provided by Cadillac, one was earmarked for Martin's personal use. It could also serve as a gift for family and friends.

Agent Thomas awaited in the car. Martin handed him a car key, saying, "The car is at the Cadillac dealership. You can pick it up."

Thomas, taken aback, inquired, "Is this car for me?"

Martin confirmed, "You played a crucial role in securing the endorsement deal. You deserve one too."

This gesture, alongside the agent's commission, warmed Thomas's heart. In a world where many celebrities became difficult to work with after gaining fame, Martin proved to be a rare and appreciative client.

Thomas accepted the car key, and Bruce also had one allocated specifically for him. Martin had even arranged for a car to be kept for Mene, who was currently abroad for a film shoot and wouldn't return to Los Angeles anytime soon.

Checking his watch, Thomas informed, "The preview is starting."

Today marked the preview of "Limitless" for theater managers and media. Due to his prior commitment to the Cadillac commercial, Martin could only attend the evening's reception party.

Upon entering Burbank, Bruce navigated to the Burbank hotel. Martin opened the insulated box that came with the car and retrieved a box of pizza. He opened it, placing it on the back seat's armrest. Taking a slice, he said, "It's getting late for dinner, and there's bound to be drinking at the party. Let's eat a bit first, so we don't drink on an empty stomach."

Thomas agreed, "You're quite considerate," as he also enjoyed a slice.

Martin savored his pizza, washed it down with mineral water, spritzed some breath freshener, and adjusted his attire in front of the mirror. When dealing with discerning critics, every detail mattered. Some critics could be unforgiving, and Martin needed their support in this critical phase of his career.

The car pulled up at the hotel's entrance. Martin and Thomas exited and immediately spotted Louise in the hotel lobby.

She wore a women's suit and black-rimmed glasses and greeted Martin with a gentle wave.

Martin approached her and inquired, "How was the test screening?"

Louise, knowing the gravity of the matter, gave a serious response, "The response was excellent."

She linked her arm with Martin's and suggested, "Let's head to the banquet hall. We can chat as we walk."

Martin strolled towards the elevator. Louise shared, "Out of the 38 reporters who attended the test screening, the average score they gave was 84. The scores from theater managers were even better, averaging 94. However, their scores aren't solely based on the film's quality but also on market considerations, especially regarding the theater's support during distribution negotiations."

She elaborated on the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where quality doesn't always guarantee success.

Martin followed up, "And what about the fans?"

Louise's response filled him with delight, "They rated it A+."

Martin smiled, appreciating the positive news. As for the critics, he refrained from asking, and Louise didn't offer any comments on that matter.

Upon reaching the hotel banquet hall, Martin transitioned into socializing mode, mingling with media reporters and critics, occasionally raising a toast. He continued his tradition of showing great respect to the critics who participated in the test screenings, attentively listening to their insights and engaging in high-level discussions about art.

With the new year approaching, the Oscar nomination ballots had been distributed, and Martin recognized the importance of these critics in helping him maintain his momentum.

Taking the initiative, Martin sought out Kenneth Turan, the chief film critic of the Los Angeles Times.