Chapter 142: Mane Takes The Spotlight

On the second floor of an office near the entrance to Warner Studio, Mene nervously rubbed his hands. Peering out the window, he could see a multitude of reporters and paparazzi swarming the entrance of Warner Studio.

Mene had returned to Los Angeles just three days ago after filming "Land of the Living Dead," and his boss had gifted him the opportunity to face the media frenzy.

His agent, Munir, who was also a fellow black man, approached him and tried to reassure him. "Don't be anxious. You've always said that big events are no big deal to you."

Mene forced a smile, though it looked more like a grimace.

The publicity director, Parker, inquired about Mene's mental state, "Is he handling the pressure well?"

Martin chimed in, "Mene has great resilience, but this transition from relative obscurity to sudden media stardom takes some adjustment." Parker nodded in understanding, acknowledging that many individuals who suddenly found fame faced a challenging period of adaptation.

Martin asked Mene directly, "Mene, can you handle this? If not, there's no need to force it. We can find someone else. Remember how you faced down that kangaroo in Australia? You were more at ease then." Mene hesitated and replied, "I haven't experienced this before."

Martin gestured toward Bruce, "Bruce here has the script memorized. What's there to fear? Want him to stand by you and offer support from behind?"

Mene shook his head quickly, "No, there's no need for that. Munir can stay with me."

Martin leaned in and whispered, "Think about it, man. All those people you've served, your swollen lips and tongue, and now you're living with Bruce. Isn't this the opportunity you've been waiting for?" Mene pursed his lips and silently nodded.

Martin wasn't satisfied with the response and pushed further, "Are you afraid of those media folks, Mene? Remember, you've got nuclear weapons, don't you?" Mene inspected the back of his hands and the color of his skin, then declared, "Yes, I've got nuclear weapons." He lifted his head and stood taller, proclaiming, "I've got nuclear weapons!"

Except for Bruce, nobody present understood the significance of this declaration. Mene signaled to Munir, "Let's go out there and face those media bitches!"

Munir accompanied Mene as they exited Warner Studio. As they passed the security checkpoint, camera flashes suddenly burst to life, nearly blinding them. Munir, an agent from a small company, had never experienced such a situation and instinctively shielded his eyes with his hands.

Paparazzi reporters surrounded them, firing questions: "Are you still associated with Paris?" "Tell us about your experiences in Australia!" "Why did Paris fall for you?" One question stood out, and Mene almost let loose a nuclear weapon in response, but he managed to restrain himself.

The hesitant agent proved unreliable and was pushed to the outskirts by the persistent paparazzi. Mene regretted not having Bruce accompany him for support from behind.

Parker, the publicity director, had already made arrangements. Several hefty security guards swiftly moved in, creating a human barricade between Mene and the paparazzi reporters.

Taking a deep breath, Mene announced loudly, "It's too chaotic for me to answer your questions." The experienced paparazzi reporters began to reestablish order as they realized that continuous chaos would yield no news.

Gradually, the situation quieted down. Mene continued, "If you want to know about Paris and me, I can share it with you, no charge."

For once, Uncle Mene displayed courage. Being in front of the paparazzi media, he discovered he wasn't as nervous as he had anticipated. He proclaimed boldly, "This was an unfortunate mistake, but Paris is young and beautiful, and you all know that." The male reporters knowingly smiled, having seen the infamous tape.

Mene went on, "Paris is incredibly beautiful and sexy, and she practically threw a thick stack of money in my face." He spread his hands in a helpless gesture, adding, "What could I do? Who in their right mind would refuse?" These reporters nodded in understanding, knowing they'd do the same.

"Later on, I returned the money to her. I'm not that kind of person!" Mene patted his chest with a resounding clap, "I thought love had arrived, but it turns out it was fleeting." A female reporter asked, "Why do you think Paris chose you?" Mene chuckled, "Because during filming, Paris teased a male kangaroo, and it was quite perilous. I rushed in to... uh, attract the big kangaroo. After saving Paris, I thought a hero had rescued a damsel in distress, but that wasn't the case."

After some random questions and requests for photos, Mene struck a pose for the cameras. He then climbed into a car and departed, escorted by security personnel.

Two hours later, Mene returned to Warner Studios and sought out Martin in the studio café. "Boss, I'd give myself a perfect score for that performance!" Mene exclaimed as he approached Martin. "You were right; those folks are no match for the kangaroos in Australia." Martin added, "Keep communicating with your agent and the crew. Susan Levin is a formidable producer and will oversee more film projects in the future."

Mene nodded repeatedly, saying, "I understand, boss. If you ever need anything in the future, just let me know." Just then, Louise and Susan Levin entered the coffee shop.

Susan glanced at Mene and remarked, "I remember you from the film; you played a supporting role, and you did it well."

Mene handed over his business card and said, "Madam, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me. I'm at your service."

Susan accepted the card, and Mene winked, saying, "You ladies chat; I've got some business to attend to."

Louise pulled out a chair and sat next to Martin, commenting, "You always have so many ideas."

Susan, seated across from Louise, chuckled and said, "And they're not just ideas; they're quite feasible."

Martin asked what they'd like to drink, then added, "Susan, you made my idea come to life. Without you, it would have remained a mere fantasy."

Susan jokingly kicked Louise under the table, saying, "Did you hear that? He's quite the smooth talker, better than Downey." Louise raised an eyebrow and replied, "Well, I don't usually pick the wrong person to fancy."

After sipping her coffee, Susan announced, "I've got to get back to work." Martin and Louise continued to chat.

Louise suggested, "Let's take a walk."

They left the cafe and strolled along the palm tree-lined road. Louise asked, "Have you been planning this Paris situation for a long time?"

Martin avoided a direct answer, saying, "Do we need to plan? Isn't her behavior quite predictable?"

Louise didn't press further, but noted, "This movie has performed well at the box office. The real profit lies with the lead actress, not you."

She suddenly considered another possibility, "Is it because I was part of this arrangement? Are you trying to repay me?"

Martin teased, "Didn't I already settle that debt last time?"

Louise remained silent, walking with her head held high.

Martin inquired about "Alexander the Great," which was set to be released in November. Pacific Pictures had invested in it, and the film's success or failure would have significant consequences for them.

Martin didn't dwell on it and continued walking with Louise. After a while, Louise reminded him, "Your agent has prepared a promotional article for you, right? You're the lead actor in a successful box office film, not just a supporting role if it does well."

Martin acknowledged, "I understand." The promotional campaign for "House of Wax" continued steadily. The crew employed various strategies, including early release of promotional materials for upcoming films, TV and internet trailers, posters, road shows, and media advertisements.

The film, a remake of an old horror classic, appealed to audiences over 25. The crew's focused promotion plan regarding Paris Hilton also progressed smoothly.

Twenty days before its North American premiere, Warner Bros. organized a screening for theater managers and media, securing a significant number of theaters for the release. The film's market value score was moderate among American murder horror films, estimated at 65.

By early October, all facets of publicity were in full swing, with Kim Kardashian revealing more shocking details. She shared stories of Paris's narcissism, calling the paparazzi herself for photos, and her secret visits to reproductive health clinics, even hiding it from those close to her.

Paris's agent, Steve, expressed frustration with her behavior and considered resigning. This generated conversations online about whether Paris deserved consequences, encouraging people to watch "House of Wax" for satisfaction.

The crew released a wax figure poster, and a week before the premiere, a female anchor on Warner TV refused to report on Paris Hilton and declared her intent to watch "House of Wax" to see Paris punished.

This incident stirred controversy, leading to a legal dispute between Paris and the anchor. Mene also appeared on a TV show to discuss how he became connected to Paris Hilton through an encounter with a kangaroo.

Kim Kardashian's loyalty had spread across the United States, making her famous regardless of her reputation. On a talk show, Kardashian announced her plans to write a book titled "What Paris Hilton and I Had to Say."

Hollywood showcased its ability to capitalize on even the most unfavorable situations. Martin and Eliza's regular publicity seemed modest in comparison, but it still had its effect.

Martin's blog, managed by Thomas, updated frequently with promotional materials for "House of Wax Museum." The blog garnered hundreds of comments from people expressing their intention to support the film at the theater.