Chapter 416: Ready For Oscars

In Warner Studios, also known as the "John Wick" studio, Martin encountered a sponsor representative from Germany, a middle-aged man with brown hair named Hoffmann-Koch.

Louise introduced the two parties, emphasizing, "Hoffman represents the German company Heikohler & Koch in New York. After learning about our project, he's eager to come to Los Angeles to meet you and support our film."

Facing potential investors, Martin wore a natural smile and spoke kindly, saying, "HK company is renowned, and I'm a firearms enthusiast myself. I've used products like the MP5, USP, and HK rifles. Their weapons are superior to American-style rifles."

"Mr. Davis, you're most welcome. I've longed to meet you, and from the Burbank Middle School video a few years ago, I knew you were a firearms expert," Hoffman, who appeared more business-savvy than your typical German, said.

Martin began by sharing his perspective as a Los Angeles hero: "It's unfortunate I couldn't save more lives." Then, drawing from his background, he continued, "Growing up in an Atlanta slum surrounded by gangs, I helped establish a community defense alliance. Proficiency in firearms was essential for self-defense and protecting our loved ones."

Hoffman took the opportunity to offer a gift, "On behalf of HK Company, I'd like to express our gratitude. Please accept a complete set of civilian products from our company. We'll assist with all the necessary legal procedures."

Martin, displaying his knowledge of HK products, asked, "Do you have your company's new HK416 carbine?"

Hoffman replied, "California has strict firearm regulations, so we only offer semi-automatic civilian versions."

Louise interjected, "Hoffman is here to sponsor our film on behalf of HK Company. He's discussed the script and some scene details with me."

Hoffman got straight to the point, "The film is predominantly action-packed gunfight scenes, and the company is interested in sponsoring all the firearms used by the protagonist you portray."

Martin exchanged a glance with Louise, knowing that she had brought back a sponsor from her recent New York trip.

Martin inquired, "So, you're asking for the male protagonists I play to use HK's series of products in all the scenes where they handle firearms?"

Hoffman understood Martin's implication that the hero's primary weapon must come from HK Company and agreed, "Exactly. We'll also provide venue sponsorship fees and assistance with shooting matters in New York."

Glancing at Louise, Martin agreed, "I have no objections."

Louise assured Hoffman, "We'll discuss the specifics of our cooperation tomorrow."

With that settled, Hoffman and Martin delved into discussions about firearms. It was clear that HK had chosen this movie primarily because of Martin's growing commercial appeal and his reputation as a hero who had used guns to take down gangsters.

As they talked about firearms, Hoffman tentatively proposed the idea of Martin shooting a series of posters and videos for HK related to gun practice.

Martin swiftly declined, emphasizing that, even in the United States, cooperating with firearms manufacturers for endorsements was a decision only foolish public figures would make. While he could use them on screen, real-life endorsements were off-limits.

After negotiating a preliminary cooperation agreement with Hoffman, Martin and Louise worked out the specific terms of their collaboration. In addition to providing firearms and props to the crew, HK Company would invest $3 million in sponsoring the film.

This contract appears to have contributed to a free America.

"Our advertising revenue is projected to reach $10 million."

In her office, Louise, adjusting her black-rimmed glasses, announced, "We've successfully negotiated the sponsorship contract with Coca-Cola, and they'll be providing $4 million for advertising."

Concerned, Martin inquired, "Are there any specific requirements from Coca-Cola?"

With a smile, Louise replied, "You're Coca-Cola's cult leader, after all. They request at least one major action scene in the film where you use Coke bottles to defeat the enemy."

Martin expected this, saying, "I've already asked Chen Hu to design such scenes to make the fights more visually striking."

Louise continued, "Both you and Mene play powerful killers, and the film's costumes consist mostly of dark suits. Briony will sponsor all the suits."

She added with a grin, "We also have Cadillacs. Not just any Cadillac, but the one that triggers the male protagonist's revenge – and it must be a Cadillac. Your primary mode of transportation in the film will also be a Cadillac."

Martin straightforwardly accepted, "As long as the advertising sponsorship money covers it, these requirements are not an issue."

Martin, on the rise and enjoying significant popularity, secured multiple brand sponsorships, making the advertising sponsorship for the project remarkably smooth. Discussions with mobile phone and department store brands were also in progress.

While not on the scale of blockbuster movies like Transformers and The Dark Knight, which earned over $30 million in advertising revenue, Martin was solidifying his position in medium-sized productions, if not rising to the top tier of Hollywood.

The mobile phone sponsorship deal was sealed with Nokia, consistent with their requirements for durability and ruggedness. It would have been perfect if they could add an anti-bounce lens, but the Samsung brand bomb had not yet been released.

Martin met with directors Chad and Nolan to finalize his schedule. Following the Oscars, he would head to New York for "John Wick," slated for completion in approximately two months. This would coincide with the start of "The Dark Knight" pre-release promotions, leading into the summer season.

Preparations for publicity, involving Martin, the crew, and Christian Bale, were progressing smoothly. Before Louise's trip to New York, she met with Martin and Chad, forming the core of the "John Wick" project.

She shared some advanced information with them: "During our New York shoot, we'll have many street scenes, and we need to coordinate with New York municipal agencies. An official we're working with has recommended a friend's daughter for a significant role in our crew."

Chad had no objections, understanding that such connections were common in Hollywood. He asked, "Can she play a female killer?"

Louise suggested, "It's best if she has a positive role. I recommend her for the role of the female protagonist."

She explained that the character, though labeled the heroine, had limited screen time, mostly appearing in the male protagonist's wallet photos and cherished memories.

Martin inquired about her background, and Louise shared, "Her father has served as the federal prosecutor of New York City for over a decade, with influence and connections throughout New York. Having her in the crew will simplify location shooting."

She added, "She's also an actress herself, with a history of TV series appearances since 2002 and significant supporting roles in the film industry since 2005."

Martin entrusted Louise with the decision, saying, "You're better at handling these matters. Go ahead with what you think."

With Martin and Chad's approval, the matter was essentially settled. Louise wasn't concerned about the actress's age, as makeup and the limited role made it a non-issue.

Approaching late February, Louise and Chad led most of the crew on a chartered flight from Los Angeles to Brooklyn Studios in New York, where they made final preparations for "John Wick." Meanwhile, Martin received a call from Kate, who had shifted her focus from intense work to preparing herself for the upcoming Oscar ceremony.

The following day, the tormented man found himself once again besieged by Jolie and Aniston, a relentless onslaught continuing until the tank's ammunition was depleted.

Thankfully, Elizabeth, who was preparing for her first-ever Oscar red carpet appearance while on a diet, lacked the energy to engage in the ammunition grab.

Martin took a day to rest and recharge.

On February 24, he and Elizabeth savored a modest meal of high-calorie food, donned their respective attire, hopped into an all-black Cadillac flagship, and drove directly to the Kodak Theater.

The Academy Awards ceremony was celebrating its 80th anniversary.

As they waited in line, their Cadillac gradually neared the red carpet area.

Martin noticed Elizabeth's nervousness and gestured out the car window to ease her tension. "See that sea of red? That's the place designated for the Coca-Cola Cult. I'm the leader, and you're the saint. We'll bring some Coke and share a drink with the community."

Elizabeth spotted the red-clad Coke enthusiasts and offered a sweet smile. "I know. It's an essential ritual for you on every red carpet."

Martin returned her smile, saying, "I'll join you in the future."

Elizabeth's joy was evident, her sweet smile calming her inner anxiety. "I look forward to it."

Their car advanced as Colin Farrell left the red carpet, and Cadillac pulled up to the crimson path.

Martin exited the vehicle first, then turned to assist Elizabeth.

A multitude of flashbulbs erupted, so blinding that it was difficult to keep one's eyes open.

Hand in hand, Martin and Elizabeth made their way toward the Kodak Theater.

Reporters on both sides engaged in hushed chatter, remarking, "the HollywoodPlayboy has a new girlfriend."

"It appears to be one of the Olsen sisters' the younger siblings. Her name's Elizabeth, I believe."

"That's correct, Elizabeth Olsen, Martin's new conquest."