Chapter 682: Film Advertising!

In the glitzy world of Hollywood and sports stardom, fortunes come and go like a tidal wave, leaving many celebrities adrift without a solid financial plan. Michelle Bryan, a savvy entrepreneur, knows this all too well. Her hustle? Catering to the whims and desires of these high-flyers, using every trick in the book to keep them coming back for more.

Once, Michelle ran a membership website, a golden ticket to exclusive services for her clients. But when the authorities came knocking, she had to pivot, adapt, survive. Yet, despite the setbacks, her clientele remained loyal, drawn back time and again by the irresistible allure of Michelle's offerings.

"Martin Davis, he's gotta be worth a fortune now, right?" Michelle mused, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Way more than a pretty penny," Lynch chimed in, recalling the staggering figures from a recent newspaper article. "Movies alone raked in over 80 million last year. Add endorsements, and you're looking at a cool 100 mil."

Michelle's grin widened. "And yet, he's barely scratching the surface of what we could make off him, right?"

Lynch nodded knowingly. "Barely a drop in the bucket."

But Michelle wasn't one to rest on her laurels. She had her sights set on bigger fish, plotting her next move like a seasoned chess player.

"Who can reel in Martin without tipping him off?" Michelle pondered aloud, her mind racing through the possibilities.

Lynch leaned in, eager to please. "What if I could bring him to the table?"

A sly smile played on Michelle's lips. "Half a mil says you're up for the challenge. But tread carefully, Lynch. One wrong move, and we're toast."

As Lynch mulled over his next move, Michelle's mind was already several steps ahead. "Start with his inner circle," she suggested. "There's always someone with just the right amount of influence."

And just like that, a plan began to take shape. With Morgan Freeman in their sights, the promise of riches hung tantalizingly in the air.

"Freeman's been a loyal customer," Lynch recalled, his confidence growing with each passing moment. "And rumor has it, he's got a soft spot for the right kind of persuasion."

Michelle nodded approvingly. "Time to work your magic, Lynch. The clock's ticking, and we've got a fortune to chase."

After the Martian's final scene wrapped, Martin's bank account got a hefty boost with the last chunk of his $20 million paycheck. But he wasn't just sitting on his earnings; he was playing the long game, eyeing Tesla shares like a seasoned investor.

"Twenty-five million, straight into Tesla," Martin declared proudly, nodding at his smart move. "Long-term holds, just like Apple and Netflix."

Meanwhile, after a NASA conference, Elon Musk himself strutted into Disney Studios, ready to wheel and deal with Louise, the powerhouse representing the "Martian" studio. Negotiations were heating up, and Martin, ever the team player, sought Ridley Scott's advice.

"Ridley, what do you think?" Martin asked, knowing Ridley's knack for handling big-budget projects.

Ridley, with his trademark cool demeanor, saw the potential. "Why not? Let's weave some commercial magic into the film," he suggested, nodding in approval.

With Ridley's blessing, Louise and Musk struck a deal: SpaceX and Tesla would fork over $4 million each for advertising spots. But Martin's involvement with Tesla endorsements had to wait; there were other fish to fry, like Cadillac's tempting contract renewal offer.

As Martin juggled business deals, he received a surprise visit from David Fincher and Tony Mendes, the man behind the "Argo" script. Tony, a retired CIA agent battling Parkinson's, greeted Martin with a trembling hand and a twinkle in his eye.

"You're the star now, Martin," Tony quipped, reminiscing about his own heyday. "But trust me, you've got big shoes to fill."

Martin, humbled by Tony's presence, leaned in with genuine curiosity. "How did you pull off that Hollywood-worthy escape?" he asked, eager for a glimpse into Tony's daring past.

Tony, with a glint of mischief, revealed his secret: Hollywood makeup and a knack for storytelling. "We played by our own rules, Martin," he confessed, his voice tinged with memories of fear and uncertainty. "But sometimes, that's the only way to win a game with no rules at all."

Martin stood resolute, his sense of duty outweighing his fear. "Someone has to take those poor children home," he declared, a steely determination in his voice.

David Fincher frowned, disappointment evident in his tone. "Tehran's a no-go for shooting," he announced, his frustration palpable.

But Martin saw opportunity in the setback. "Actually, David, that's great news," he interjected, a spark of excitement in his eyes.

Tony Mendez chuckled, his tone lighthearted. "Tehran's not as bad as they say," he chimed in, a hint of mischief in his voice.

Curious, Martin pressed for details. "How did the rescue mission go?" he inquired, eager for insights.

"Smooth as silk," Tony replied, regaling them with tales of cunning and deception. "I pulled some strings, got the green light from the Iranian authorities, and whisked them away without a hitch."

David Fincher shook his head, skepticism written all over his face. "But that won't make for a thrilling movie," he objected, his director's instincts kicking in.

Tony, however, had a different perspective. "Conflict sells, David," he countered, his years of Hollywood know-how coming to the fore. "We need tension, drama, the works."

Graham, silent until now, saw an opportunity. "Tony, join us as a consultant," he proposed, recognizing Tony's invaluable insights into the CIA's inner workings.

After some deliberation, Tony agreed, albeit with a caveat. "I can't travel far, but I'll help however I can," he offered, his commitment unwavering.

With plans in motion, Martin ensured Tony's comfort before diving into further discussions with Graham and David Fincher. Together, they formed the core team behind "Escape from Tehran," pooling resources from GK Pictures, Davis Studio, and Pacific Pictures.

Filming locations were set, auditions scheduled, and the project aimed squarely at Oscar glory. It was Martin's baby, a passion project with a clear goal in sight.

As the meeting wrapped up, Martin received a call from Nicholson, signaling Leonardo's return and hinting at exciting developments. With Depp's wedding on the horizon, the Hollywood whirlwind showed no signs of slowing down.