Chapter 140: Publicity

In the producer's office, Martin encountered Susan Levin, the female producer whose face radiated joy due to her close relationship with her wayward fiancé.

Martin was also privy to some news and inquired directly, "When will I be attending your wedding with Downey?"

Susan's joy increased as she spoke of the wedding plans, saying, "We've just started making arrangements. It will be in the first half of next year at the earliest."

Martin added, "Don't forget to send me an invitation."

Susan assured him, "How could I forget you? I'll send you an invitation well in advance." Susan held Martin in high regard, not just because he was another prodigal son but also for his assistance in preventing trouble on the set, especially when the kangaroo incident occurred, which could have resulted in significant financial losses.

Turning her attention, Susan inquired, "Has your new movie finished filming?"

"Just returned from Mexico," Martin replied as he presented a lucky totem and gestured toward the newspaper he held. "Lately, the entertainment media has been all about Paris. It has me a bit worried."

Susan toyed with the lucky totem and reassured him, "It's alright. She's had bigger scandals before, and this one will only increase her exposure. That might not be a bad thing for the film she's starring in." Martin grasped the implied meaning of her words. The crew hoped for more scandals surrounding Paris. He inquired further, "Has the production crew devised any publicity plans?"

Susan wore a regretful expression. "No, she's too uncontrollable." Despite having appeared in fewer than five independent films, her acting prowess was undeniable. She looked at Martin with a touch of regret. "Unfortunately, Paris is an entirely unpredictable element."

Martin, not one to beat around the bush, proposed, "What if Kardashian can be controlled?"

Susan raised an incredulous eyebrow. "Are you joking?"

Martin responded tactfully, "My manager, Bruce, as you've seen, has a very good relationship with Kin."

Susan suddenly smiled, recognizing Martin's talent for surprises. She scrutinized him more closely. "I finally understand why Louise holds you in such high regard."

Martin sidestepped her comment and instead said, "Better ths film performance is the more it would be beneficial to all of us, the main creative team."

Susan paid heed to Martin's words. "Tell me what you have in mind."

Martin explained, "I asked several acquaintances if they'd be willing to watch the film if Paris were killed in it. They were surprisingly unanimous and said they'd applaud loudly."

Susan grasped the sentiment. "Ordinary people want to see more scandals involving this wealthy heiress, aligning with their own judgment that rich individuals are undeserving. They despise these scandals so much that they wish harm upon these affluent figures."

"Exactly," Martin concurred. "Like all ordinary Americans, I think the White House is a place where even a pig could become precedent, but if that pig were to mess things up..."

Susan smiled once more. "I feel the same way." She promptly dropped the smile. "You go and contact Kardashian, and I'll initiate a sample survey."

Concerning Paris, the most recent scandal had irked the film's backers considerably. Susan had to make several phone calls to convince them of the producers' professionalism and the expected profits from the movie.

...

In Satellite City Venice, on the private beach of a seaside hotel.

Kin gracefully strode towards the sea, showcasing a physique that, while not as exaggerated as it would later become, was already quite striking among regular individuals.

Meanwhile, Bruce, dressed in a floral shirt, exuded an air of true civility.

Just as they were enjoying themselves, a phone call interrupted their seaside idyll. Bruce answered and spoke for a few moments before calling out to Kin, "Kin, come over here."

Kin sprinted back to them, took a seat beside Bruce, and inquired, "What's going on?"

Bruce, holding the key to the situation, asked, "Would you like to appear more frequently in the media and attract more attention?"

"Of course!" Jin responded enthusiastically, but her curiosity got the better of her. "But do you have something in mind again?"

Bruce wove a tale, mixing elements of truth and fiction. "A producer from the crew of 'House of Wax' contacted me, asking if I'm familiar with you. He mentioned that we grew closer during the shoot."

Kin's intuition began to piece things together. "Is that the film Paris invested in and starred in? Is the crew asking me to help promote it? But I'm at odds with Paris. We can't reconcile so quickly..."

Bruce clarified, "There's no need for reconciliation. The crew plans to collaborate with the film distributor to allocate more media resources to you. You'll strategically release news according to the crew's plan."

Kin saw the potential and agreed, "I have no problem with that."

With the crew and Warner Bros.' combined media resources, the publicity effect could be several times, if not tenfold, more potent than their current efforts.

Bruce stood up and suggested, "Let's head back and prepare. They'll send someone to discuss the details with you in a few days."

Kin playfully walked ahead of Bruce, swaying her hips, and turned to wink at him. "Bruce, you'll always have my back, won't you?"

Bruce, with his focus on one point, responded unequivocally.

Inside Warner Studios, within the post-production studio, Parker, the show's publicity executive, found himself caught in the middle of negotiations between Martin, Elesha, and Paris' agents.

The three agents were engaged in a heated dispute concerning the positioning of their respective actors' names and images in the film's opening and closing credits, promotional posters, and other materials. While the contract had certain stipulations, there was still some flexibility in determining the specific placements.

Elisha's agent insisted that promotional materials must prominently feature Elisha. They demanded a prime position, with her image being at least twice as large as that of the other main actors. Thomas, on the other hand, firmly opposed this, arguing that Martin and Elisha had equal roles, and Elisha's image could only be slightly larger than Martin's. The film's title could follow Elisha's name, but the size and color should remain consistent.

Paris's agent demanded equal treatment with Martin and initiated another dispute regarding the color, shape, and other specifics of their respective images on promotional materials.

All three agents were unwavering in their demands, and the film crew did not shy away from confrontation. In this industry, the weak and conciliatory did not fare well.

Elisha's position as the leading lady remained unchallenged, but Thomas sought to ensure that Martin received treatment in promotional materials that was as close as possible to that of the heroine.

Ultimately, the opening credits listed Martin's name separately, appearing after Elizha's, with Paris Hilton's name listed separately as well, following Martin's, and labeled as "Special Performance."

On the main poster, Elisha occupied the front and center, with Martin's head one-third smaller than hers and situated to her right, and Paris being one-third smaller and on her left.

In the poster's star list, Elisha and Martin's names were prominently displayed above their respective images, while Paris's name was placed alone to the left of her profile picture.

Additionally, special twin dueling posters were designed for Martin and Elisha.

Martin also committed to attending media events alongside the film's heroine, Elisha.

However, Paris remained incarcerated for the time being.

Parker lamented, "It's a shame that Elisha and Martin broke up. It would have been great for publicity."

Thomas and Elisha's agent, Victor, who had been at odds earlier, exchanged a knowing look. Victor promptly suggested, "Perhaps they should get back together?"

This suggestion was a conventional publicity tactic in the industry, and Thomas didn't object to it. For instance, when "Spider-Man 2" was released, the media had heavily promoted the relationship between Peter Parker and Mary Jane, even though Tobey Maguire was dating Warner CEO Barry Meyer's daughter.

Thomas emphasized one condition, though. "I can persuade Martin, as long as the woman doesn't force him to become a vegetarian."

Parker immediately dialed Susan for an update, but she dismissed the idea, saying, "Our key publicity point lies elsewhere. Parker, are you done over there? Join us for a meeting right away."

Parker concluded the meeting and, as Thomas left, Paris's manager, Steve, approached.

Steve suggested, "How about we orchestrate a romantic involvement between Martin and Paris?" He was looking out for his client. "Martin suggested that we can use Paris's notoriety to attract attention."

Thomas considered this option. "Paris could use a love story to divert attention away from her scandal, right?"

Steve knew he was dealing with professionals and admitted, "It's mutually beneficial."

However, Thomas couldn't make this decision unilaterally. "I'll need to discuss it with Martin."

Steve handed him his business card. "I'll be waiting for your good news."

...

Inside the director's office, Martin was engaged in a conversation with Jaume Serra.

After their unique art party experience, Martin and Jaume had forged a friendship, even though they couldn't discuss everything.

Zomi, feeling uneasy about directing her first film, shared, "The film is complete. Warner Bros. had an internal preview, and the response was positive. We'll be submitting it to the MPAA for rating soon. There should be a screening for theater managers in mid-September to determine the number of theaters for the premiere."

Martin smiled, reminiscing about his own debut. "You're getting better treatment than I did. My first theatrical release was only in 8 theaters on the opening weekend."

Zomi was under significant pressure. "I've been having dreams about the film's release, and I'm terrified of failure."

Martin suggested, "You need to ease the pressure. How about going out for a drink tonight? Call Wes, Ajia, and Michelle. Wes knows a place that's great for inspiration."

Jaume accepted, but she also mentioned, "A drink is fine, and it might help me sleep better. I messed up this time, and there won't be a second chance. I'll have to go back to shooting music videos and commercials."

Martin teased, "That's not stressful enough. Let me tell you how stressful it can be for a director. If their film flops at the box office, they might have to return home to inherit billions in property."

Zomi was momentarily surprised, then burst into laughter. "Martin, it's always a blast being around you."

Martin proceeded to call their friends. Michelle was attending a film festival, so she was out of town, but Wes Clay Vin and Alexander-Aga were more than happy to join for a relaxing evening.