Chapter 247 Success And Failure

In the outdoor shooting range, Martin firmly gripped the M9 pistol with both hands, executing precise tactical movements. Gunshots reverberated as the simulated gangsters fell one by one.

In the secure area beyond the range, club owner Kane complimented, "Impressive marksmanship, definitely one of Hollywood's best." Bruce, who also had a military background, concurred, "He's got talent and is committed to practicing."

Curious, Chad inquired, "Why the dedication?"

Bruce explained succinctly, "Where we come from, having proficiency with firearms is a basic necessity for civilized living."

As the gunfire ceased, Martin switched off the safety and exited the shooting range.

Checking his stopwatch, Kane announced, "One minute and fifty-five seconds without errors. That's a commendable performance. I doubt I could do much better myself."

Martin holstered his weapon and asked, "How does it compare to the shooting competition at Community A?"

Kane shook his head, "Not even close, this was compared to fixed target shooting."

Martin proudly boasted, "That's my specialty. Whether it's a pistol or a rifle, I'm top-notch."

Kane chuckled, "Today, I've met a worthy competitor."

A staff member approached, saying, "Boss, Marcus is here, and he brought his two dogs."

Kane acknowledged this and went to attend to Marcus.

Martin, Bruce, and Chad returned indoors together.

Marcus, a burly man with a beard and two dogs in tow, had come to meet Kane.

Kane asked, "Heading back to Afghanistan?"

Squatting beside his dogs, Marcus replied, "They can stay with you."

"You guys always leave your pets here with me," Kane quipped, rubbing the dogs' heads. "Am I doubling the fee?"

Marcus simply smiled and gestured behind Kane.

Kane remarked, "I'll introduce you to some new friends. Having more connections will help you find a job more easily when you retire from the army."

He called over a staff member to take the dogs away and then brought Marcus to meet Martin and the others, introducing them one by one.

While Marcus wasn't starstruck, he still took a photo with Martin.

They all headed to the lounge area and engaged in conversation.

Marcus was currently serving in Afghanistan, and Bruce, a fellow soldier, was keen to discuss the situation there. Harold, also with military experience, joined the lively conversation.

Martin, however, interjected only occasionally.

Chad was curious about Marcus and asked numerous questions.

Marcus showed a strong interest in Chad's profession, saying, "I have a colleague who enlisted and did extra work in Hollywood. He suggested I consider this career after leaving the army."

Just as they met, Chad couldn't convey the full extent of the industry's challenges, so he vaguely commented, "Hollywood shoots many gun battle scenes every year."

Marcus responded, "I'm due to be discharged next year. When I return from Afghanistan, I'll seek your advice."

Chad assured him, "No problem. You have my contact information. Feel free to call me anytime."

Martin and Bruce exchanged glances, sensing something amiss.

Chad, a seasoned stuntman with over a decade of experience in Hollywood, also detected an issue.

In Hollywood movies, anyone expressing such interest typically had a cool role.

Marcus didn't linger and left swiftly.

Martin and the others returned to the fixed target range, resuming their shooting practice.

At noon, Thomas received a call, prompting Martin and the team to head to the studio.

Martin, with sufficient funds, had officially moved Davis Image Studio out of the Pacific Pictures office building this month. They now rented the second floor of Warner Studios, diagonally opposite, as their office space. The setup was relatively modest, mainly serving as a legal entity for investments and tax purposes.

Upon arrival, Thomas and Jessica were already waiting in the reception area.

Thomas began, "There have been some developments in the negotiations for 'Dark Fields' that I need to brief you on."

Martin had initially anticipated a straightforward acquisition of the copyright, asking, "Any competition?"

Thomas replied, "None, but it's more complicated than expected. Alan Glynn is a member of the National Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, akin to the Screen Actors Guild. They've sent representatives to be part of the negotiations. Additionally, the book's publisher is Random House, North America's largest publisher, and we can't secure adaptation rights without involving them."

Getting to the heart of the matter, Martin asked, "The copyright fee?"

Thomas revealed, "They're asking for an upfront fee of $300,000 and a later share, as per the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association's regulations."

Martin understood the situation. Joining the association and paying dues meant the organization would protect its members' interests. Their model resembled that of the Screenwriters Guild.

Hence, when the circumstances align, screenwriters and writers actively seek membership in their respective organizations.

Martin was direct, stating, "Let's minimize the upfront copyright fee and aim for the lowest percentage in the later share."

Thomas checked the time and signaled to Jessica, "Let's go, we'll negotiate again today."

These tasks were not part of a typical agent's responsibilities, but Thomas had no choice. Martin was his sole client capable of sustaining him.

Two days later, the film and television adaptation rights for "Dark Fields" were officially negotiated, with an upfront fee of $200,000 and the minimum 0.55% share of the North American box office, as stipulated by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association.

As a member of the Screen Actors Guild, Martin appreciated the benefits and rights that came with being part of unions in America. However, when he found himself on the employer's side, facing other organizations like trade unions and associations, he often wished they didn't exist.

The dynamics between these organizations were complex.

Regarding the acquisition of "Dark Fields," Martin also met with Brandt, the screenwriter who had collaborated on "Wanted." Bradt expressed that he needed to carefully read the novel before confirming his eligibility.

Screenwriters, like actors and directors, knew that if a project went awry, it could negatively impact their future prospects.

As for the director, Martin couldn't confirm a first-tier director like David Fincher for the film yet. He would have to wait until the project progressed further to select a suitable director.

However, there was bad news for the two projects, "I Am Legend" and "The Prestige."

Thomas initiated contact with producer David Heyman.

"Martin has been working with Warner Bros., including the upcoming 'Wanted,' and I'm aware of that," Heyman acknowledged.

He continued, "I saw the internal preview of 'Wanted.' It's a fantastic film, and Martin's acting and charm truly shine. With my experience in the industry, I believe this movie will be a resounding success."

Thomas chuckled, knowing that the internal previews for "Wanted" had received positive feedback.

However, there was a hidden message in Heyman's words. He added, "I'm quite optimistic about Martin's future. In a few years, he might be able to carry a movie solely with his box office appeal. But the 'I Am Legend' project, which will begin filming next year, requires a one-man show—a superstar who can carry the entire film with their personal charisma."

At this point, Thomas knew that Martin didn't stand a chance. He still smiled and attempted to compete with established producers like David Heyman to forge valuable connections in the industry.

Thomas replied, "Martin executed the 'one man, one dog, one gun' model brilliantly in 'The Hills Have Eyes.'"

Heyman agreed, "Indeed, the success of that film inspired my decision to pursue the 'I Am Legend' project."

With regret, Thomas mentioned, "We met at the wrong time, and it's unfortunate we missed the opportunity."

Heyman responded with a smile, "Opportunities for collaboration will arise in the future, and there are no more than five suitable actors in all of Hollywood."

Thomas ventured to ask, "David, do you have anyone in mind?"

Heyman considered for a moment and then admitted, "I've extended an offer to Will Smith. He's still considering it."

At this point, Thomas knew he had lost the chance. Martin couldn't compete with Will Smith, especially not after Smith's heroics in the Burbank High School and espionage incidents. Will Smith commanded a staggering $20 million salary, plus a share of post-production profits.

Thomas left Warner Pictures with a heavy heart. This time, he didn't need Martin to call him out; he had effectively dashed his own hopes.

"There's still a long way to go. Only when Martin becomes a superstar can I qualify to be a partner in the company." Thomas sighed, touching his receding hairline as he briskly headed forward with his bag in hand. "I believe in Martin. Millions of dollars are already beckoning to me."

Afterward, he found Daniel and, through Daniel's connections, met with Emma Thomas, Nolan's wife, for coffee. Emma and Nolan were a successful husband-and-wife filmmaking team, with one managing production and the other overseeing logistics on set.

Warner Bros. had given the green light for "The Conjuring" project.

After a brief conversation, Thomas decided not to pursue using the nuclear option, Mene, at this time. Emma Thomas had a good relationship with Nolan, and attempting to manipulate her would have negative consequences.

Thomas recommended Martin and provided his information to Emma Thomas for potential collaboration opportunities. With Warner Bros. revitalizing its Batman franchise, the Nolans had some influence over their own film projects.

Meanwhile, Martin was keeping busy. After more than two weeks of negotiations, Ernie Lively secured a script for a campus comedy. Once both parties signed the buyout contract, he would return to Los Angeles with his sons and daughters, including Blake.

Blake's project was gearing up for launch, and Martin's team was building momentum for the new film.

Both sides recognized the value of leveraging Martin and Blake's star power to generate buzz and promotional opportunities.

In the past few days, Martin's time had been occupied with family visiting from his hometown, requiring frequent trips to the hospital. Nevertheless, he was determined to maintain his commitment to updates, even amidst these personal challenges.