Chapter 299: Relationships

After an intense period of post-production, Coca-Cola's latest annual advertisement made its debut on major media platforms across the United States ahead of the traditional North American summer movie schedule.

With the support of the Coca-Cola Cult, the full-length commercial short film gained an astonishingly high number of views on major internet platforms.

In core urban areas across the United States, a new image of Martin, the leader of the Coca-Cola Cult, was displayed, overseeing his followers.

The edited version of the advertisement was continuously broadcast on TV stations, reaching thousands of households.

The ad generated a strong response.

Online discussions were particularly lively.

"It's somewhat reminiscent of last year's Avalon bar brawl."

"Martin defeating the troublemaker is definitely the inspiration for the advertisement."

"Poor Brad Pitt. He was humiliated by Martin in real life, and now he's being stepped on in the ad..."

"Did you hear the news online? Rumor has it that Jolie broke up with Pitt over Martin. Later, Brad Pitt tried to pursue Aniston, but she got involved in another scandal with Martin!"

With the release of the new advertisement, Coca-Cola's sales saw an increase, Martin's fame soared, and the influence of the Coca-Cola cult expanded even further.

Even Elizabeth Olsen, who briefly appeared in the new commercial, gained fame as the red saint of the Coca-Cola cult.

After the commercial aired, Aniston sought out Martin to help him understand the limits of indulgence.

Jolie returned to Los Angeles and sought Martin's company to find more happiness.

Meanwhile, celebrity Pitt, who had no connection to the advertisement, faced relentless public criticism.

In this world, it seemed that only Brad Pitt was unscathed.

In his Beverly Hills mansion, Pitt watched the advertisement on the projection screen with a serious expression. The actor, somewhat resembling him, left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Lawyers, agents, and managers sat in various positions, appearing even more serious than Pitt.

After the commercial concluded, Pete asked the lawyer directly, "Cole, can we argue that the advertisement infringes on my legal rights and is potentially defamatory and inciting? Can you send a lawyer's letter to Coca-Cola?"

Cole analyzed the situation and replied, "No, the actor's face and attire are different from yours. It's not an exact likeness, just a similar temperament. It's like someone imitating another person's acting style in a movie..."

Brad Pitt pointed to the screen, frustrated, "The problem is that everyone thinks it's me!"

Lawyer Cole regretfully stated, "I'm sorry, but there's little we can do."

Agent Maggie Darkhill chimed in, "CAA held a special meeting to discuss this and contacted Coca-Cola, but they denied any involvement with you. If the other party refuses our request, we need to consider the long-term strategy."

What else could Pitt say? The manager, who had a closer relationship with him, advised him, "You'd better lay low for a while. The public and the media have short memories. After some time, they'll be captivated by other gossip and news and naturally forget about this."

Understanding these facts, Pitt still found it hard to swallow.

Maggie then suggested, "At this stage, let's not focus on these matters. 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' is completed. Let's hurry and push Warner Bros. to sign a distribution contract and set a release date. If the film receives a positive response, the criticism around you will eventually fade."

She followed the traditional entertainment agent perspective, saying, "Ultimately, actors need their works to speak for themselves."

Pete checked the time and decided, "Let's go out for lunch, and after that, we'll head to Warner Bros."

Both Cole and the manager breathed a sigh of relief.

What they feared most was Pete acting on impulse and insisting on confronting Martin Davis directly. This would not benefit Pitt and would only further boost Martin Davis and Coca-Cola's ad.

...

In the afternoon, in the Warner Bros. office building, during a small conference, Thomas glanced at Martin and stated, "We have just over four months until the next awards season, starting with the Toronto Film Festival. Our plans and goals are clear. While 'The Departed' has two male leads, we aim for Best Actor nominations."

Daniel, representing Warner, added, "The Toronto Film Festival marks the beginning of the awards race, and the subsequent Gotham Film Awards signals Hollywood's full entry into the awards season sprint. For the Film Critics Society Award, the four major independent film awards, the four major bellwether awards, the four major guild awards, and the prominent Guild Award, Warner will actively lobby for Martin."

Martin, understanding his role, acted as a bridge between the two parties.

During an internal meeting on behalf of Coca-Cola, Milner spoke up, saying, "Warner Brothers will also organize the film screening and canvassing meeting, and Coca-Cola will sponsor all related expenses." This financial support would alleviate the biggest concern.

Daniel swiftly replied, "No problem. I'll confirm the details and send the information directly to your office."

Raising funds, publicizing the project, canvassing for votes—the Oscars were, in essence, an entertainment version of Washington's political games. In contrast to the increased sales Coca-Cola experienced after signing Martin, this financial commitment was a minor expense. Milner assured Martin on behalf of Coca-Cola, saying, "Forge ahead boldly, and Coca-Cola will stand firmly behind you."

Daniel exchanged glances between Martin and Milner, recognizing the synergy of their partnership. The Coca-Cola Cult served as the bond between them, with the common goal of effectively boosting Coca-Cola's sales.

Time was running out, and Daniel looked at the wall clock. "We'll adjourn the meeting for today."

Martin rose from his seat and shook hands with Daniel. "We'll stay in touch."

The participants shook hands and exited the meeting room. Milner engaged in a brief conversation with Martin before heading to the parking lot.

Meanwhile, Martin and Thomas planned to meet Bruce in the studio area. They took a separate elevator to head downstairs. When they disembarked from the elevator, they coincidentally encountered three other individuals: Brad Pitt, accompanied by his manager and agent, Maggie.

Without hesitation, Martin greeted Maggie with a smile. "Good afternoon, Maggie."

Most actors wear their emotions on their sleeves, and Brad Pitt was no exception. He made no effort to hide his disdain and gave Martin a cold, penetrating stare.

Maggie Darkhill, acknowledging Martin, extended her hand to Thomas and spoke, "Martin, your new advertisement is receiving great attention. I recall that we reached an agreement..."

Martin responded earnestly, "I'm a man of my word, always true to our agreements."

Maggie, well aware that when it came to audacity, Brad Pitt couldn't match Martin, replied vaguely, "I noticed."

Pretending not to notice Peter, Martin shook hands with Maggie. "I have other matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."

As he passed by, Brad Pitt let out a snort.

The sound reached Martin's ears, and he turned around abruptly.

For a fleeting moment, the Avalon Bar incident flashed in Peter's mind, causing him to instinctively step back several paces.

Martin smiled at Peter, turned around, and continued forward.

Peter came to a sudden stop, and his already grim expression grew darker.

Maggie approached and said, "Let him be. CAA specifically consulted psychological experts to analyze Martin Davis. Several psychologists concluded that he possesses a mentally unstable nature. Beneath his calm exterior lies a sharp and confrontational personality."

Pitt grumbled, "I don't want to be an expert on lunatics!"

The manager reminded, "Let's go upstairs. The Warner team is waiting for us."

The three entered the elevator.

On the other side, Martin, Thomas, and Bruce exited the Warner Building and headed to the studio area.

Bruce brought a golf cart for transportation.

After Thomas boarded the cart, he addressed Martin, saying, "I've read the original works and novels of 'The Reader.'"

Martin inquired, "What are your thoughts?"

Thomas responded candidly, "It deviates from your current style and path, but the subject matter and characters are solid. The artistic direction is strong, which bodes well for awards and expanding your acting repertoire."

He continued, "The budget for this kind of film won't be excessively high. Did Winslet mention the production cost?"

Martin provided a detailed explanation, "Kate secured substantial investment by utilizing the German film tax rebate model. She assured me of a minimum investment of $28 million."

Thomas wanted to clarify the situation. "Your salary might not reach $5 million, and the film's box office might not be as impressive as 'Wanted.' Even if you receive recognition at the Oscars, it's unlikely that the North American box office will easily surpass $100 million like 'Wanted.'"

Thomas needed a definitive answer. "Are you taking on this role with the goal of pursuing an Oscar?"

Martin was unequivocal, "The primary motive is not related to that; it's primarily to return a favor."

This response caught Thomas by surprise, and he probed, "Return a favor?"

Martin elaborated briefly, and Thomas recognized the significance of maintaining industry relationships and repaying debts. He asserted, "Given your rapidly ascending career trajectory, the favor you return later may involve a steeper price. Winslet has a strong track record in selecting projects, and screenwriter and producer Anthony-Minghella is an Oscar winner. This project has potential."

Martin sought clarification, "Are you recommending that I take on this project?"

Thomas emphasized the importance of industry connections, especially those at the highest level. "Top-tier relationships are crucial in this industry. Unless we tarnish our reputation entirely, this favor must be repaid, and it may be more challenging in the future."

Martin's decision to return the favor exceeded Thomas's expectations. "I understand," Martin said.

Thomas knew that in Hollywood, maintaining and repaying favors played a pivotal role, and he knew that Martin's rapid ascent would only increase the value of these industry relationships.