Chapter 862: Nolan’s New Project!

From 2000 to 2012, the golden era of Hollywood DVDs unfolded, as studios reaped substantial profits by leveraging home entertainment. DVD sales surged, providing an additional revenue stream that rivaled even box office returns. Among the studios riding this wave was Martin Davis Studio. Their regular DVDs of hit movies were priced between $15 and $20, while the high-definition Blu-ray versions fetched around $30. Yet, the actual cost of mass production was a mere fraction, about 1% of the retail price.

Subtracting distribution expenses, the studio could easily net over $10 in profit for each DVD sold. This lucrative model dominated the industry until the arrival of Netflix and the rapid growth of streaming services. The convenience and accessibility of online streaming began to eclipse DVDs, positioning platforms like Netflix as the primary source of post-theatrical revenue.

In this shifting landscape, Davis Studio recognized the need to adapt. They engaged in high-stakes negotiations, demanding $100 million for streaming rights in the first year alone. However, these talks stalled, and tensions mounted, particularly as the future of the highly anticipated "John Wick: Chapter 3" hung in the balance. If an agreement wasn't reached soon, the film's availability could be disrupted once it left theaters.

The situation grew more complex as Martin and his crew returned from a vacation in Hawaii, only to be whisked away to Paris by Bruce for critical talks with industry figurehead Orina. Meanwhile, back in Hollywood, Lily and Elizabeth were waging their own battle. Leveraging Davis Studio's publicity machine, they launched a calculated smear campaign against Martin, aiming to tarnish his image.

The internet buzzed with a flood of scandalous headlines and articles. "Martin Davis, Hollywood's Ultimate Playboy!" blared one. These pieces meticulously chronicled Martin's romantic escapades, from his high-profile relationship with Elisha Cuthbert to his rumored affairs with other actresses. The tabloids painted a picture of a man perpetually entangled in controversy, from allegedly disturbing his Sunset Boulevard neighbors to pulling pranks with fellow stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson. There were even accusations from a small business owner in Atlanta who claimed Martin committed fraud before he became famous.

Though the negative stories posed little real harm to Martin's current status, they successfully shattered the pedestal on which some had placed him. The effort to deify him backfired, revealing instead a man driven by very human flaws and desires. The aura of invincibility around Martin began to fade, replaced by a more relatable image.

Yet, this public unraveling only seemed to solidify his fan base. Social media exploded with support for Martin. Comments ranged from "I envy Martin's life" to "He's a lovable bastard!" Others even found charm in his imperfections, affectionately calling him "a cute bastard."

Martin's fans never saw him as a divine figure; rather, they admired him for his raw authenticity. This sentiment was especially evident in the Church of the Holy Spirit, a loosely structured organization that viewed Martin more as a symbol of individuality than a messianic leader.

Meanwhile, within the opulent setting of a Malibu Hills villa, tensions simmered. Kevin Tsujihara, seated with a newspaper in hand, turned to Jon Berg, who was glued to his phone, scrolling through the latest trending topics on Twitter. "Your god-making campaign failed," Kevin remarked, setting the paper aside. "They caught on quicker than we expected."

Jon's attention shifted to the damning tweets circulating online, many exposing Martin's darker side. As a seasoned media professional, Jon could tell these leaks were deliberate. Furrowing his brow, he asked, "Do you think someone from our camp spilled the plan?"

"Impossible," Kevin replied. "Only five of us knew the full scope of this operation, including you and me. The media we reached out to had no idea of our intentions. With 'John Wick: Chapter 3' performing well and Martin at the height of his popularity, most editors assumed the buzz was generated by Disney or Davis Studio."

Jon sighed, realizing how rapidly their strategy had unraveled. "The plan was simple, elevate him to near-god status, then let the fall be dramatic when the filter breaks. But I didn't think the downfall would happen so soon."

In a cutthroat industry where image is everything, the battle to control the narrative is relentless. For Martin, navigating these treacherous waters would require more than charm, it would demand strategic brilliance and resilience against those seeking to manipulate his rise and fall for their gain.

Kevin Tsujihara leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowed as he analyzed the situation. "It's not so much that the plan was leaked. Martin Davis likely sensed the risks tied to such intense media exposure."

Jon Berg rubbed his temples, clearly exasperated. "Is that guy paranoid or just incredibly sharp? How did he catch on?"

"Let's drop the plan," Kevin replied, shaking his head. "The original idea was to build Martin up to his absolute peak, right before the release of 'Joker'. Then, once the film made enough profit, we'd orchestrate his fall. But now that he's caught wind of this, pushing forward would only backfire."

Jon, still grappling with his frustration, asked, "Are we really giving up? We could still use 'Joker' to bring him down."

Kevin let out a resigned sigh. "It's not that simple. The competition within Time Warner is fierce, and I have strong rivals on the board. If anyone catches wind of foul play, especially in a high-profile project like 'Joker', it could spell big trouble for me. The rights to 'Joker' have already been granted to Nolan and Martin, and distribution is locked in with Warner Pictures. And Daniel, the head of Warner Pictures, isn't exactly aligned with our agenda."

Jon's resentment towards Martin deepened with each word. He couldn't help but think about how differently things might've turned out if Martin hadn't pulled off that early scam. "Warner Pictures is on the verge of becoming a separate entity from Warner Bros. Can't you find a way to oust Daniel?"

"Not at this stage," Kevin said, his voice laced with frustration. "The board at the head office still doesn't fully trust me. Right now, their focus is on the Justice League movie universe. If this series becomes as successful as 'The Avengers', I'll have the leverage I need to demand more authority and take back control of Warner Pictures."

Jon understood the stakes. The Justice League franchise had the potential to generate profits that would far outpace any standalone film, thanks to its expansive merchandise and brand opportunities.

Kevin's eyes glinted with determination. "Martin thinks he's clever, setting traps for us. But two can play that game. We can use Warner Bros. to set up a trap that'll bring him down once and for all."

Jon, still stinging from his own setbacks, leaned forward with renewed determination. "I'm all in. If you need my help, just say the word."

---

Meanwhile, at Warner Bros. studios, the press event for 'Interstellar' was in full swing. Martin, Nolan, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain stood dressed in elegant formal wear in front of a sleek black backdrop. Photographers from 'Time' magazine snapped away, capturing the quartet in various poses.

This sci-fi epic was slated for a mid-July release, and the stakes were high. The film's three major backers; DreamWorks, Paramount, and Warner Bros. had invested heavily in marketing. Television ads, online promos, and a series of catchy taglines like "The Poetry of Space and Time" were flooding every corner of the media. Nolan, as usual, was pulling out all the stops with his signature promotional flair; planting hundreds of acres of corn specifically for the shoot and even using his daughter's name as the movie's code.

The 'Time' photoshoot was a crucial part of this massive campaign. The photographer gestured politely, asking Martin and Nolan to swap positions, placing them front and center. After the final clicks of the camera, it was time for the interviews. The spotlight now shifted to Martin, Nolan, Anne, and Jessica as they took their seats, ready to switch into their well-rehearsed publicity mode. They dropped just the right amount of behind-the-scenes "secrets" to keep fans intrigued.

These media circuits were second nature to stars and directors. The interviews were meticulously prepped and polished long before the cameras even started rolling. By the time the afternoon sun began to dip, the team had wrapped up their duties, giving them a brief moment to unwind.

Martin headed to the locker room to change out of his formal wear. Just as he reached the door, he heard the soft click of heels behind him. He turned to see Jessica Chastain approaching, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Are you free tonight?" Jessica Chastain's voice carried a playful edge, her tone casual, but with an underlying hint of intent. Living in Hollywood, she had long become accustomed to these little games of flirtation. "Martin, it's been ages since we spent a night together."

Martin's girlfriend was out of town, leaving him open to such invitations, especially when they came from someone as intriguing as Jessica. He smiled, leaning in slightly. "You know where I am, Ritz-Carlton, my usual suite. Where should we meet for dinner tonight?"

Jessica's fair complexion often made her cheeks appear naturally flushed, giving her an effortlessly alluring look. Her lips curved into a teasing smile. "Perfect. I'll be there before seven."

She threw Martin a wink before disappearing into her dressing room, leaving a faint trace of her perfume in the air. Martin shook his head with a smirk and turned to enter his own dressing room. He quickly changed out of his suit and into something more comfortable, wiping away the last traces of makeup from his face.

Just as he was pulling on his shoes, there was a soft knock at the door. His bodyguard opened it, revealing Anne Hathaway, elegantly dressed in a sleek suit, stockings, and heels that clicked softly against the floor as she entered.

"Come in, have a seat," Martin said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

Anne moved gracefully, her legs crossed and her posture perfect, exuding a composed elegance. Yet beneath that polished exterior, there was an undercurrent of hesitation in her eyes, a mix of regret and longing. She stole a quick glance at Martin, her thoughts spinning, making her feel almost lightheaded.

Sensing her reserved demeanor, Martin leaned forward slightly. "Annie, is there something on your mind? You seem… different."

Anne forced a smile, her lips pressing into a thin line before she spoke. "You've done so much for me over the past couple of years. I'd really like to show my appreciation. How about I take you out for dinner tonight?"

Martin's thoughts immediately flashed to his earlier encounter with Jessica. He hesitated for a moment, and Anne noticed the brief pause, quickly jumping in.

"Martin, please," she urged, her tone soft but insistent. "I owe you so much. You've given me so many opportunities, I'd feel awful if I never got the chance to say thank you properly." She emphasized her sincerity with a delicate hand gesture, her fingers brushing against her collarbone in a subtle, almost subconscious movement. "Otherwise, I'll be left feeling guilty."

Martin took a moment, weighing his options. Then he decided to be upfront. "Jesse already invited me out tonight, and I've promised to meet her at the Ritz-Carlton."

Anne's expression barely shifted, but Martin could see the flicker of understanding in her eyes. She was well aware that the Ritz-Carlton was Martin's go-to spot and that Jessica had a history with him.

The implications of tonight's "dinner" with Jessica were clear. Yet, instead of backing down, Anne simply asked, "Do you think I could join? I'll talk to Jess, I doubt she'd mind." Her gaze drifted toward the wall separating the dressing rooms, as if considering the conversation she was about to have.

Martin checked his watch. "I've got to run, Nolan's waiting for me. If you and Jess are cool with it, then we'll meet at the Ritz at seven."

Anne nodded, determination in her eyes. "I'll go talk to Jesse now." With that, she stood, her movements fluid, and headed next door.

Martin grabbed his belongings and left the dressing room, heading straight for the director's office. When he arrived, Nolan greeted him with a warm smile. "I've got some good news."

Martin dropped onto the couch beside him, curious. "Pre-sales looking strong? I'm hoping for something like $50 million, my paycheck depends on it."

Nolan's expression was measured. "Currently, we're at about $18.5 million in pre-sales," he admitted, but there was no sense of panic in his tone. "Remember, this is an original, hard science fiction film. It's not going to explode out of the gate like 'John Wick 3'."

Martin nodded in agreement. "It's the conclusion of a trilogy, the first two films did all the heavy lifting, building up the fanbase. Original films always have a steeper hill to climb."

Nolan leaned back, a thoughtful look on his face. "If we can hit half the North American box office numbers of 'John Wick 3', I'd consider that a win."

Martin grinned, ever the optimist. "I'm betting we'll clear $300 million easy. But enough of the numbers; what's this good news you've got?"

Nolan's eyes lit up, the excitement palpable. "You'll see. It's something that's going to change the game for this film and the buzz around it."

As Martin listened, he couldn't help but think ahead to the evening, where the next chapter of Hollywood's endless games of power, fame, and temptation would unfold.

Nolan leaned back in his chair, the gleam in his eyes hinting at something big. "Spielberg and I arranged a private screening with some of the industry's best; Ridley Scott, James Cameron, George Lucas, and David Fincher. Just a small, tight-knit gathering."

Martin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I would've loved to be there, but Hawaii was calling." He smirked, then asked, "So, how'd it go?"

Nolan's face softened with satisfaction. "They were impressed. Gave the film high praise. We wanted you to be there, but I figured you'd appreciate a vacation more than another screening room."

This wasn't the first time Martin and Nolan had worked together, but this felt different. The list of names alone hinted at something more ambitious. Martin caught on immediately. "Chris, you're aiming for Oscar gold, aren't you?"

Nolan didn't hesitate. "Absolutely. The studio and I have agreed to push hard for three categories: Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture."

For all the success both men had achieved, there was one glaring gap in Nolan's career: a major award. Despite his critical and commercial success, the prestigious Oscar had always eluded him. He'd been snubbed not only by the Academy but also by the British Academy Film Awards and the top European festivals. His legacy was secure, but recognition at that level would fill a void that still lingered.

Nolan leaned forward, his voice lowering slightly. "Do you have any special suggestions for handling the PR and marketing?"

Martin paused, considering it. "Nothing groundbreaking comes to mind. With the reputation we've built, getting the nomination should be straightforward. But winning… well, that's always tricky."

Nolan nodded, as if he'd already expected that answer. "This year, I'm focusing on getting those nominations. Once we've got that locked, I'll pull out all the stops for the next project."

Martin's curiosity was piqued. "You've got something lined up?"

Without a word, Nolan reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a thin folder. He handed it over, the cover revealing a single word: 'Dunkirk'.

Martin's eyes flickered with recognition. He flipped it open, skimming the contents as Nolan spoke. "It's an ensemble piece. The leads are all British, no major star power needed."

Martin quickly understood. He closed the folder and nodded. "You're right; this one isn't for me. You'll want British actors for this, to keep it authentic."

The mention of 'Dunkirk' stirred memories in Martin. The film would eventually be celebrated for its stunning cinematography and immersive experience, but he also recalled the cleaner-than-reality portrayal of the beach, which had sparked its share of criticism. To the uninitiated, it might have looked like the British had outmaneuvered the Germans and sailed home victorious. The reality of Hollywood's increasingly sanitized portrayals wasn't lost on him.

Nolan continued, "You know how it is, science fiction rarely lands Oscar wins. Films based on real events are more in line with what the Academy favors."

Martin agreed. "You're right. The Dunkirk evacuation is legendary, almost as much as the Normandy invasion. The story alone draws attention."

Nolan leaned back, his tone thoughtful. "The focus isn't on a grand military retreat but on human resilience and civilian courage."

To Martin, it still felt like a story about a strategic retreat after the failure of appeasement, a narrative that didn't quite resonate with him. In his mind, the true turning points of World War II lay in Stalingrad and the brutal battles on the Eastern Front. But history is written by the victors, and in the end, it's the stories told by the Western world that dominate the screen.

The conversation soon circled back to the Oscars, where Martin gave some final pointers on how to approach the campaign. He didn't have much to say about 'Dunkirk', keeping his thoughts to himself.

After more than an hour of discussion, Martin left Warner Studios, heading straight to the Ritz-Carlton, putting World War II, history, and awards behind him. Hollywood might be obsessed with the past, but Martin preferred to live in the now. Tonight was about indulgence, not reflection. He smiled to himself, enjoying the luxury of his present while others schemed and plotted over how to shape history's narrative.