Chapter 358: Stepping On Martin

You can earn a lot of money in big projects, not just from your salary. Once a film becomes a huge hit, the agreement signed by the labor union and the Producers Alliance can split a significant sum every year.

In the midst of fierce competition, Martin honed in on one Mane and inquired, "Did Bale recommend Heath Ledger?"

Mene nodded, saying, "Christain Bale strongly recommended him. Being British and having a good relationship with Director Nolan, his recommendation holds weight with Nolan and the casting team accepted information from Bale and Heath Ledger's agents."

Thomas asked, "Are the crew willing to cast him?"

Martin responded, "Many people are discussing it. If Jane and I weren't involved on the set, no one would take it seriously. It's a sequel, and with Bale's strong recommendation, Nolan is determined to use him. Warner Bros. and DC Comics might compromise."

Mene offered, "Shall I find something from Emma and the crew?"

"No need," Martin instructed Mene to keep tabs on crew developments. It wasn't worth taking unnecessary risks.

After some thought, he declared, "We'll use a straightforward approach to win this competition."

Mene and Thomas had nothing more to add. Bruce, who hadn't spoken, knew Martin had another one of his unusual ideas.

In Hollywood and the entertainment industry, auditions are the foundation. Red sofas aside, the key to audition success no longer lies within the audition room.

Mene received her instructions from Martin and promptly left.

Martin turned to Thomas, asking, "Which insurance company provided the completion guarantee insurance for the crew?"

Thomas replied, "It's Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. They handle over 80% of Hollywood film projects."

Martin continued, "Find out who's responsible for Batman-related business."

Thomas agreed, "No problem."

"If you need anything in the next month, contact Bruce," Martin told Thomas. He picked up the script provided by Louise, saying, "I'm going to book a private room at the Four Seasons Hotel and focus on studying the script and characters."

Thomas assured him, "I'm sure I can negotiate a big contract for you if you pass the audition."

Martin nodded and said, "Go and do your work."

After Thomas left, Bruce inquired, "Is there anything else I need to do here?"

Martin reminded him, "Make sure Leo and Jack stay focused, so they don't get carried away."

Bruce understood, "You want everyone, including the crew, to see their hard work."

Martin stated matter-of-factly, "What's the point of working hard if no one notices your efforts?"

Bruce questioned, "Have you thought about Heath Ledger's side?"

Martin didn't answer directly but asked, "What do you think are the chances of him quitting?"

Bruce understood the implication, "It would take strong willpower. I observed Heath Ledger in New York, and he isn't particularly strong-willed."

He added, "By the way, Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger broke up."

Martin commented, "I've noticed. I doubt he'll quit."

In a previous life, there were countless reports about Heath Ledger's dedication to the Joker role and its tragic consequences. Martin wanted to be a better person this time, considering that saving a life is more valuable than any achievement.

After some thought, he suggested, "The crew is based in Los Angeles, and all auditions are held there. With Bale recommending Heath Ledger, he'll likely come to Los Angeles. Ivan is in Atlanta, right? Let Ivan keep an eye on him and stay in touch with TMZ."

Bruce confirmed, "No problem."

Martin remembered something important, "You recorded the confrontation between Jen, me, and Heath Ledger on the set in Brooklyn, New York. You kept that video, right?"

Bruce understood what Martin had in mind, "I still have it."

Martin instructed, "Edit it and give it to Ivan. Ask him to share it with TMZ. Simultaneously, let it slip that Heath Ledger is interested in the Batman casting. With TMZ's style, they'll surely focus on him."

Bruce said, "I'll take care of it right away."

Martin packed up and, with Bruce's help, left for the Four Seasons Hotel to prepare for his seclusion and practice.

Not long after his arrival at the hotel, two women, Jolie and Aniston, contacted him, seeking a friendly game of cards.

Martin couldn't refuse such an invitation. He shared his address with them and waited for their response. A good person ultimately focuses on the happiness of others. Starting his seclusion and practice one day earlier or later wouldn't make a significant difference.

Warner Pictures held auditions for the lead role in the project officially named "Terminator 2018." Christian Bale's audition impressed the screenwriter, producer Haggis, the director Joseph Nitcher, and Warner Pictures' representative Alan Horn. They saw Bale as the perfect fit for the lead role due to his acting skills and image, plus the added benefit of his association with the Batman movie.

Bale's agent Parker started negotiations with the crew. Besides standard terms, Warner Pictures recommended Heath Ledger for the role of the Joker, given their investment in the Batman project.

For Alan Horn, this wasn't a major concern. Such situations were common in Hollywood, including his own career.

Warner Pictures wouldn't readily agree to the conditions. They made it clear to the agent and Bale that the results of the audition and Heath Ledger's suitability for the role were essential.

Bale was willing to support Heath Ledger due to their friendship, but Heath Ledger's own abilities were critical.

Bale believed that Heath Ledger's acting skills made him more than capable of handling the role of the Joker.

After finalizing these terms, Bale hurried to the Santa Monica Hotel to meet Heath Ledger, who had just arrived in Los Angeles.

The two decided to meet at a coffee shop.

Heath Ledger, once desolate and depressed in New York, appeared entirely different now. His cheeks were rosy, and he exuded energy, reminiscent of the promising Australian movie star he used to be.

Bale ordered coffee and said, "We've submitted your information to the crew, and Warner Pictures, one of the investors, supports your audition. Warner Bros. and DC Comics back me to continue as Bruce Wayne, and with my support, your chances of landing the role are high."

Heath Ledger was moved by this rare friendship and nodded fervently, "I'll give it my all, prepare diligently, and deliver a performance that's 200% in the audition."

He added, "Chris, I can't thank you enough. I might never have made it without your help."

Bale smiled and replied, "Friends don't need thanks; these are just words. Maybe one day, I'll need your help."

Heath Ledger nodded in agreement, "If that day comes, I'll do my best."

Bale cautioned, "In that regard, you still need to be cautious."

Heath Ledger assured him, "Don't worry. I won't use it on set, let alone repeat the same mistake as before. I'm solely focused on my career now."

Due to repeated conflicts, Heath Ledger and his fiancée Michelle Williams had quarrels that couldn't be resolved. Michelle believed his behavior would negatively impact her children, so she took the initiative to end the engagement and break up with Heath Ledger.

Despite losing his daughter and fiancée, Heath Ledger remained determined not to give up.

Bale was aware of Heath's breakup with Michelle and dedicated himself to encouraging Heath and boosting his fighting spirit. He said, "I've received reliable information that Martin Davis is also vying for this role and will audition for the crew."

This fired up Heath Ledger, and he declared, "I must secure this role."

Despite his challenging circumstances, losing his daughter, fiancée, and Martin Davis and Aniston's brief encounter followed by their breakup, Heath Ledger was back on his feet. Unfortunately, he was increasingly influenced by drugs.

Heath Ledger admitted, "Without Martin Davis, I wouldn't be in this situation."

Bale shared his perspective, having witnessed the challenging journey, "Every setback is a stepping stone to a brighter future."

Heath added determinedly, "I want to reclaim what I lost with my own hands this time."

Heath Ledger also believed he could do it by surpassing Martin Davis.

Bale emphasized, "Don't let your guard down. You can study the script and the role in the hotel and prepare for the audition. Your agent and I will handle the rest. I'll leave you a car, but stay inside when you don't have any pressing matters, and avoid media exposure. Reporters are known for sensationalism."

Heath promised, "I won't leave the hotel until the audition. I might take a walk on the hotel beach at most."

Bale stood up, patted Heath Ledger on the shoulder, and left the hotel.

...

In Burbank, Judy, the editor-in-chief of TMZ, met with Ivan, a freelance paparazzi who had become a reliable source of news.

Since their previous collaboration, Ivan had invested in equipment and was now capturing entertainment news to make money.

Judy got into his car and inquired, "What's the big news this time?"

Ivan revealed, "I acquired an old video from the internet. It features Heath Ledger, the actor from 'Brokeback Mountain.'"

Given the impact of "Brokeback Mountain," Judy was immediately interested and carefully watched the video.

The video was brief, around 20 seconds long, showing an agitated Heath Ledger. However, the identity of the person opposite him was unclear, and the latter part of the video had been edited.

Jody asked, "Is the video incomplete?"

Ivan explained, "This is all I got. The seller filmed it on a mobile phone, and it conveniently ran out of battery."

Judy pondered, "Could it be related to Heath Ledger's public announcement of quitting?"

Ivan stated, "The timestamp on the video has been altered, so I can't tell for sure. But did you see the American Rumors? It reported that Heath Ledger is in Los Angeles, preparing for a Batman crew audition, aiming to play the Joker."

Judy recognized the news's value, "Sell me the leads, and my team and you can capture them. If you get the crucial shots, I'll offer a bonus."