Chapter 144: Managing Fans

At the film's conclusion, Carly and Nick, the twins, narrowly escaped death and overcame the murderous twins with great effort. The audience responded with warm applause. Susan, filled with joy, extended her arms and encouraged the entire crew to rise to their feet. Martin and the others turned to face the audience and joined in the applause.

As Jaume approached Martin, overwhelmed by the excitement of his first movie release, Martin smiled and said, "You better believe it, Jaume. This is just the beginning! Part 2 is on the horizon!" Jamue, ecstatic, embraced the rest of the crew members.

Martin exchanged high-fives with Susan and fist-bumped Mene. Mene jokingly remarked about his character's grim fate, but Martin praised him as the most popular crew member, second only to Paris.

The cast and crew took a curtain call on the small stage in front of the screen, marking the end of the premiere. Martin and the crew headed to the adjacent lounge, where champagne awaited them. They raised their glasses in a collective toast, celebrating the film's successful premiere.

Martin noticed that Elisha abstained from alcohol, opting for pure natural juice instead. Thomas approached and mentioned they had something to discuss later, to which Martin agreed.

The crew was in high spirits, even Jaume and Susan, who had been anxious about the film's reception. While the full results wouldn't be known until the wide release, the premiere had garnered positive feedback from the audience, with no early departures and a particularly enthusiastic response to Paris's character.

Susan recognized this and wasted no time, urging Parker, the publicity manager, to continue promoting Paris as she believed that a single standout element often captivated audiences and improved box office numbers.

...

After the premiere, Martin's supporters, including Rachel, Emily, Jessica, and Phoebe, didn't disperse immediately. Jessica suggested they go for a drink to celebrate their rare gathering through Martin. Rachel cautioned against staying out too late due to recent public safety concerns, while Emily encouraged them to support Martin online through blogs and movie websites. Phoebe reminded them to rate the film on IMDB.

Others chimed in with praise for Martin's acting and looks, with some lamenting he wasn't the protagonist. Rachel urged them to leave comments on Martin's blog, write special blog posts, and promote the film to their friends and followers. Everyone agreed to rally behind Martin's success.

...

Every major movie premiere attracts reporters and paparazzi, especially in Los Angeles. The crew's main actors approached the exit, where Parker informed them of a gathering of reporters. Susan suggested that Mene should make headlines, and he humorously wondered if he'd become like Diana.

Martin reassured Mene, calling him the focus and the only star among them, and urged him to steal the limelight. Mene embraced the attention, striding out of the theater exit like a superstar as paparazzi cameras flashed.

Reporters asked provocative questions about Mene and Paris, and he played along, creating buzz. Mene got into a car surrounded by paparazzi, becoming a hot topic due to his association with Paris Hilton.

The rest of the crew left the theater, one by one, and headed home. Thomas joined Martin's car, and Bruce noted two motorcycles tailing them, identifying them as wild paparazzi.

Martin grinned and remarked, "Looks like I've started getting my fair share of followers and photographers."

Thomas, with wisdom from experience, responded, "Becoming a star means adapting to this. When you step into the public eye, don't fear the paparazzi. Remember, not only do paparazzi need stars, but stars also rely on paparazzi."

Thinking back to Kardashian's tactics, Martin shared, "Paris often has people call the paparazzi to leak information about herself."

Taking this seriously, Thomas noted, "That's a smart strategy."

Martin reassured, "Don't worry, if it's necessary, I'll cooperate fully."

Thomas explained his plan, "I'll hold off on the newspaper space until we see the first-week box office results. If it's modest, and you're just a supporting role, we'll decide how to publish. If it's strong, you're the leading actor."

Martin concurred, "No need to fret about that."

Elisha's fortunes would also ride on the film's performance, for better or worse.

Discussing another matter, Thomas mentioned, "You've seen your fan group today. It's not large yet, but they mainly gather on your blog." Martin inquired, "Rachel is leading that, right?"

Thomas confirmed, "Yes, she's quite influential. Martin, you'll need an assistant to manage the blog and communicate with the fan group. Not immediately, though."

Martin made it clear, "You're handling it for now."

Thomas couldn't refuse, saying, "I'll manage it temporarily."

Martin added more instructions, "Pay attention to the fan section on the blog and address any issues promptly."

While Thomas pondered why it was always his responsibility, he understood that if "House of Wax" and "The Hills Have Eyes" performed well, he would have an office and an assistant.

Martin continued, "We should also consider creating an official fan website. Initially, they'd handle backend maintenance, but later, we'd pass it to a professional team."

Thomas advised against it, "You're thinking too far ahead. The blog should suffice for now."

Martin, however, had a broader vision, "Let's find a suitable company. They'll propose a plan, we'll approve it, and they'll handle the development. It takes time, and if we delay, 'The Hills Have Eyes' might be out. Fans need proper management."

Thomas agreed, "I'll inquire about it."

Martin intended to involve Louise, not solely rely on Thomas's recommendations. Like the accountant, he declined Thomas's suggestions. At this stage, their interests aligned, but the future was uncertain.

Bruce drove Thomas to Century City, and Martin called Louise, who was networking with Kate Winslet. They discussed Kate's aspirations for awards, knowing that, in Hollywood, quality, acting, and roles often didn't guarantee Oscar success. The mention of "Shakespeare in Love" served as a reminder.

Paparazzi on motorcycles followed Martin to his North Hollywood apartment, even attempting to enter and snap photos. Antonio, armed with the "Gun of Friendship," guarded the entrance, making it clear that it was private property. The paparazzi left, and Martin reassured Antonio that he'd move out once his dues were paid.

Antonio jokingly threatened to raise the rent, citing Martin as the reason, but Bruce and "Bruce" were exempt. Bruce's playful look made Antonio back down. Martin reminded Antonio to keep watch.

Upstairs, Jessica and Emily greeted Martin, complimenting his looks. They claimed credit for mobilizing his fans to praise the film online. Martin thanked them, appreciating their efforts. They left to create more accounts and post positive reviews.

Bruce, rejoining Martin, commented on the growing number of good people around him. Martin quipped, "I Can't alway have a circle full of People like you."

Bruce teased Martin about becoming a big star overnight, cautioning him to wake up realizing he'd been taken advantage of. Martin reassured him that he wouldn't get carried away.