Chapter 289: Millions Of Dollars

By the sea, at an open-air bar, a waiter served wine to two customers. Martin, after paying a tip, asked the waiter to leave. Holding his glass, he quipped, "The most Hollywood way to drink is starting in the morning and going until early hours." Leonard clinked glasses with Martin and playfully advised, "Moderation, my friend. Avoid gaining weight."

Martin fixed a deliberate gaze on him, responding, "I understand."

Leonardo, in defense, inquired, "What's with that look in your eyes? Let me tell you, I'm a measured and planned person."

Martin repeated, nodding, "I know, you're playing the big game!"

Leonardo widened his eyes, protesting, "Is that my plan? Why wasn't I informed?"

Martin poured wine for both of them, and Leonardo smirked, "With my capabilities, I don't need such tactics."

Martin teased, "You're noble, you're amazing! In '98, you avoided the Oscars to prevent stealing the limelight, but you still did. Those old folks hold grudges; they can't stand others being beautiful. You can't win an Oscar unless you ruin your image." Martin exaggerated, "Leo, hurry up and turn into a greasy, fat middle-aged man!"

Leonardo pointed at Martin, "Everyone else talks behind my back, but you better say it to my face!"

With a sly smile, he added, "Let's not dwell on me. Do you know your situation? A scoundrel like you can't win an Oscar without tarnishing your image."

Martin sighed deeply, acknowledging, "What you say makes sense. It's a tough road for handsome guys like us to the Oscars."

Leonardo remarked, "Because those old and bitter folks are envious of us!"

Martin asked, "Do you plan to do it again next awards season?"

Leonardo nodded, "Of course, I'll continue. I'm not short on money, women, or film contracts. Goals are essential in life."

Martin was taken aback; this guy was something else.

Leonardo enjoyed it and mentioned, "I'm nominated for Best Actor in two films this year, 'The Departed' and 'Blood Diamond.'"

Martin prepared, "I'm ready for the Best Supporting Actor nomination."

With several Oscar nominations under his belt, Leonardo advised, "Prepare a significant budget, or it's a waste. We'll need over a million dollars."

Martin asked about the agency, considering sponsorship from Coca-Cola. His main aim was clear: "Let's make some noise during the awards season and catch the judges' attention."

Leonardo knew Martin was good at stirring things up and was eager to hear his ideas.

Martin shared, "I have a simple idea for now. Let me refine it, and then we can assemble a team to discuss it together."

Leonardo agreed, and they raised their glasses.

"Just don't rub my face," Leonardo teased, "You owe me a party!"

Martin pondered, "Is anyone from Victoria's Secret getting married this year?"

Leonardo suggested, "Alessandra Ambrosio is getting engaged at the end of the year, and they're considering you."

Remembering the last bachelorette party with Heidi Klum, Martin asked, "Carefully?"

Leonardo assured, "Wait for my news." He promptly dialed Ambrosio's number.

Ambrosio, planning a Caribbean island party for her bachelorette event, requested that Martin design a carnival theme, much like the memorable yacht party the supermodels enjoyed.

Leonardo relayed the situation to Martin, saying, "It's in your hands."

Martin nodded, "Don't worry; I've got it."

After sharing another drink, they departed. As Martin got in the car, a crucial question crossed his mind: What should Gisele Bündchen do when attending the bachelor party? Is this a common occurrence in Hollywood?

At noon, Martin met Thomas in Century City for lunch.

Thomas delivered the news, "You didn't make it past the first round for 'The Prestige.' Emma Thomas informed me, and Christopher Nolan explained that Nolan found you too young and lacking the demeanor of an English gentleman."

Martin cut to the chase, "Anything else?"

"I've heard some rumors," Thomas, who had connections on the film crew, mentioned, "Christian Bale, the lead actor, recently had an interview with the Nolans. Afterward, the Nolans decided to cast Hugh Jackman as another male protagonist."

Martin recollected events in New York, "Bale seemed to have a good relationship with Heath Ledger, and Hugh Jackman is part of the Australian circle."

Thomas added, "In Hollywood, it's not about right or wrong, only about one's position."

Martin acknowledged this reality and said, "You should keep in touch with the Nolans."

"I will," Thomas responded. He also shared some new information, "At the last Warner party, Mene had a good conversation with Emma Thomas. Ma-Thomas mentioned that among their group of female producers and directors, Mene has a solid reputation."

Bruce chimed in, saying to Martin, "Don't worry about it," and then addressing Thomas, "Let's discuss whatever happens."

Martin glanced at Bruce, and remained mostly silent.

Thomas smoothly transitioned to the next topic, "I've been in touch with Coca-Cola. They're sponsoring you to compete for prestigious awards during the upcoming awards season. They hope you can secure an Oscar nomination."

Martin smiled, "That's great news."

Thomas continued, "Ali has spoken to Warner Bros. and Pacific Pictures. Both will support your nominations, but only until the nominations are secured. 'The Departed' is my priority for Best Director and Best Picture."

Martin knew it would require a significant investment, remarking, "I'll speak with Louise this afternoon. It might cost billions."

The path to the top for a male star is indeed challenging, filled with numerous twists and interesting experiences.

Martin is fully aware that there's one thing he can't escape in a future autobiography - Martin Davis' many sleepless nights!

Thomas opened his briefcase, pulled out a thin script, and handed it to Martin, explaining, "Coca-Cola will get in touch as soon as the shooting time and director for this year's commercial are confirmed. The script is finalized and won't change much."

Martin, aware that his signing with Coca-Cola included an advertising deal, looked over the script carefully. It featured scorching sunshine, the wild west, rowdy bars, and handsome cowboys. The plot was straightforward: a Coca-Cola evangelist in the West confronts a local troublemaker. After a confrontation, the troublemaker is pinned down on a bar counter and brought to his senses with an iced Coke.

This advertisement was destined for public television and couldn't include any explosive Coke bottle scenes. Martin observed, "Isn't this an adaptation of my bar altercation with Brad Pitt?"

Thomas confirmed, "It is. Coca-Cola did some targeted research, and most people had a negative view of Brad Pitt in that incident."

He elaborated, "Aniston, America's sweetheart, was cheated on by Brad Pitt and then faced interference after their divorce."

Martin folded the script, stating, "I suppose Pete won't be thrilled to see this ad."

Thomas reassured him, "Don't worry. Coca-Cola's largest shareholder, Warren Buffett, has publicly supported you. At this point, not even CAA can object."

Martin expressed some regret, "I wish I could have met Buffett during my time in New York."

Thomas comforted him, "There's always a chance."

Checking his messages, Martin saw a text from Elizabeth Olsen asking where he was. She replied with her address in Sherman Oaks.

Martin informed Thomas, then drove home, changed, and headed to Sherman Oaks along Cotis Street. As he reached the southern hillside, he spotted Elizabeth Olsen walking her golden retriever. She recognized him and approached. Martin rolled down the passenger window and asked where she was going with the dog.

Elizabeth responded, "Just walking him." Leaning in, she remarked, "It's been a while since we've seen each other."

Martin cited his busy schedule as the reason for their infrequent meetings. Elizabeth, who was used to the celebrity lifestyle, understood this. She noticed that Martin's gaze had fallen on her collar, and she adjusted her sweatshirt.

Martin looked thoughtful and said, "I have something to attend to. I'll be at your neighbor's house. Let's catch up when we have time."

Elizabeth returned to the sidewalk and waved as Martin drove off. He headed to Louise's house to discuss potential support from Pacific Pictures and Louise for his awards campaign in the upcoming season. It was evident that a substantial financial commitment would be necessary.