Chapter 618: Nolan’s Space Epic

In the bustling heart of Los Angeles, Martin wasted no time, eagerly joining forces with Nolan to ignite excitement around the DVD release of their mind-bending masterpiece, "Inception".

Under the glittering lights of Macy's Center, Warner Bros. orchestrated a lavish launch event, drawing in crowds eager for a glimpse of their favorite stars.

Amidst the whirlwind of activity, autograph signing emerged as the focal point. At Macy's Department Store, two tables awaited Martin and Nolan, flanked by endless queues of devoted fans.

With each signature, Martin personally presented a spinning top, a token of appreciation from the dream world of "Inception".

As the morning unfolded, the lines showed no signs of dwindling, prompting an impromptu extension of the autograph session.

Following the flurry of signatures, the duo retreated for a well-deserved lunch, settling into comfortable conversation.

Over their meal, Martin broached the subject of Nolan's latest endeavor: "Is The Dark Knight Rises nearing completion?"

"Post-production is underway," Nolan confirmed, extending an invitation for Martin to join the test screenings.

Martin hesitated, acknowledging the complexities of studio politics: "I fear Warner Brothers may have reservations about my involvement."

Understanding Martin's concerns, Nolan nodded knowingly, navigating the nuances of the industry's shifting landscape.

"I doubt Bale will pose a threat," Nolan reassured, shifting the conversation towards their future collaborations.

As Nolan hinted at a space epic in the works, Martin's curiosity piqued. "Do you have a script?" he inquired eagerly.

"Not yet," Nolan admitted, hinting at future developments with a secretive smile.

Expressing his anticipation, Martin offered his support: "Chris, I eagerly await your space odyssey."

However, Nolan's optimism waned as he confided his doubts about Warner Bros.' direction, prompting a candid discussion about their respective grievances.

With a heavy sigh, Martin lamented the constraints of contractual obligations, while Nolan pondered the true essence of collaboration beyond paperwork.

Despite their frustrations, the allure of their partnership remained undeniable, anchored by years of shared creative endeavors.

As lunch concluded, Martin bid farewell to the set, enlisting Bruce to chauffeur him to the Angel Club, leaving behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood momentarily.

As Martin made his way, he couldn't help but reflect on the astounding success of "Inception."

The film's North American theatrical run may have concluded, but its $335 million box office haul was nothing short of remarkable. Overseas, it had captivated audiences in over 80 countries, amassing a staggering $922 million globally.

"The Dark Knight" had elevated Nolan to legendary status, but "Inception" had propelled him even further into cinematic greatness.

For Martin, the rewards were equally substantial. His paycheck for his next project began at a cool $20 million, with potential for even greater earnings through profit sharing.

Arriving at the Angel Club, Martin was greeted warmly by owner Kane, who wasted no time in briefing him on the latest arrivals.

"David Fincher and Greg Peters from Netflix have just arrived," Kane informed him briskly, "Thomas is seeing to them."

Acknowledging the information, Martin issued instructions regarding the imminent arrival of Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel, ensuring smooth coordination.

Kane assured him, "I'll handle it personally."

In his exclusive club, where dues were substantial, Martin made his way to the screening room in the entertainment area.

As he entered, Greg Peters extended a hand in greeting. "Martin, good to see you again."

Returning the gesture, Martin remarked, "Netflix's growth has been nothing short of astounding."

Greg nodded in agreement. "Investing in Netflix was a smart move. The market's confidence in it has only been reinforced by its continuous rise."

"I share your hopes for Netflix's continued success," Martin replied earnestly.

Turning to David Fincher, Martin was met with directness. "When can we expect the preview for 'Gone Girl'?"

Martin explained the ongoing discussions with Warner Bros., aware of the implications for the film's success and its impact on future projects.

Their conversation continued until interrupted by Kane's call, signaling the arrival of the Newsoms.

Martin and Greg promptly greeted them at the club's entrance.

As they emerged from their car, Martin extended a hand to Jennifer Siebel before turning to Gavin Newsom with a congratulatory remark on his recent victory.

Gavin corrected him with a hint of ambition, "Mr Governor."

Introductions were made, and pleasantries exchanged, highlighting the familiarity between Gavin Newsom and the Netflix executive.

Once inside, Martin facilitated introductions between the Newsoms and David Fincher, setting the stage for a fruitful exchange.

Jennifer Siebel, eager for feedback on her latest project, seized the opportunity to engage Fincher in conversation, hoping to explore potential collaborations in the future.

As the lights dimmed in the screening room, Jennifer's film, "Romantic Trouble," began its presentation, showcasing her talents in a lighthearted romantic comedy.

Among the intimate gathering of less than ten spectators, diverse perspectives and opinions on the film began to emerge, reflecting the rich tapestry of the cinematic experience.

Gavin Newsom seemed casually engaged, occasionally striking up conversation with Jennifer Siebel and offering heartfelt praise for his wife's performance.

Sibel's radiant smile spoke volumes. This film wasn't just a project; it was her dream come true, a testament to her newfound passion for producing.

Clocking in at just over 80 minutes, the film skirted the line between R-rated and NC-17, primarily due to the scale of a few of Sibel's scenes. Despite this, Davis Studio opted out of MPAA classification, bypassing traditional theatrical release.

Martin watched intently, recognizing the film's potential. It wasn't groundbreaking, but it had a solid enough foundation to garner a respectable rating on IMDB.

Greg, too, shared his assessment. The film exceeded his expectations, particularly in showcasing the heroine's moments, which held undeniable appeal. With the right marketing push on an on-demand platform, it could attract a sizable subscriber base.

His gaze shifted to Sibel. She held the key to the film's success, her unique position in the public eye promising heightened interest, especially amidst the backdrop of the upcoming Harvey Weinstein trial.

For Netflix, it wasn't just about acquiring movie rights; it was about harnessing popularity and driving traffic.

As the credits rolled and the lights brightened, Martin rose first, approaching Sibel with genuine admiration. "You've brought us a masterpiece, a stellar performance."

Sibel beamed with gratitude. "You've been instrumental in making my dream a reality, Martin. I owe you so much."

Gavin joined them, exchanging a fist bump with Martin like an enthusiastic youngster. "As a husband, I have to thank you."

Martin waved off the formality with a smile. "No need for thanks among friends."

Gavin chuckled warmly.

Greg approached, extending his congratulations to Sibel. "In an era of dwindling romantic comedies, 'Romantic Trouble' fills a vital niche. Netflix is eager to bring it to our online platform."

Sibel, content with her heroine's journey, deferred to Martin regarding distribution details with a gracious smile.

Greg assured her earnestly, "I'll handle negotiations with Davis Studio today."

"Thank you for your support," Sibel replied graciously.

As Gavin Newsom and the Siebel couple departed, David Fincher and Kane retreated to the shooting range for some recreational fun.

Meanwhile, Greg and Martin delved into negotiations for the film rights. Recognizing the lengthy road to profitability through traditional channels, Martin saw the allure of selling to Netflix.

After careful deliberation, they settled on a figure of $8 million, sealing the deal with a handshake and a shared vision for the film's digital debut.