Life is an Act

Contractual romance, to cover up a real relationship, it's obvious there's something fishy going on; moreover, Natalie Portman is a smart person, and with the backing of her management team, proposing such a deal only makes things more complex. Of course, Renly believes that Natalie's team would offer a substantial trade-off, and Andy would certainly not lose out, potentially even benefiting Renly in the process.

But Renly can still sense something unusual. Ultimately, he is just a tool.

Even if Renly doesn't know the inside story or the details, the term "Oscar PR" reveals enough information—Natalie won the Best Actress Oscar for "Black Swan" the following year, so does this mean Renly is to be a stepping stone in this PR battle? Then, how much should he demand from Natalie to not feel shortchanged?

Renly has no interest in such deals. Rather than spending time on these calculations, he'd prefer to hone his acting skills or even spend time properly promoting the movie.

Additionally, Natalie and Benjamin are in the midst of a passionate relationship. Firstly, he has no interest in being a third wheel; secondly, he doesn't want to be a tool; thirdly, he has no interest in Natalie herself.

"Even if the deal is that Fox Searchlight promotes 'Buried' for the Best Actor race in the awards season, you're not interested?" Andy asked with a hint of excitement in his voice.

"You have that much confidence in 'Buried'?" Renly didn't answer directly but countered with a question.

Andy shrugged, looking noncommittal, "I have confidence in you."

"Then you shouldn't worry, right?" Renly was in a good mood; he enjoyed this kind of interaction.

As an agent, Andy didn't issue orders forcefully but communicated through dialogue. More importantly, Andy's words seemed to align with Renly's development trajectory, confirming that choosing Andy as his agent was a wise decision.

Andy showed a trace of surprise, not understanding the implication behind Renly's words, "Why?"

"Nominations rely on skill, winning depends on luck." This is the recognized rule of awards season, an unknown that PR can't control. "So, they can't guarantee we'll definitely get a nomination because that's based on solid skill. Once we get a nomination, their deal is done, and they won't focus on us, leaving us to rely on luck." Renly's nonchalant tone carried a hint of mockery, making Andy chuckle.

"No matter how outstanding the skill, it requires robust PR to promote. It's no longer the era of waiting for opportunities quietly. If you don't learn to shout out, you can't survive in Hollywood." Andy chuckled, shaking his head, "If Fox Searchlight buys the distribution rights for 'Buried,' the situation would be different."

Fox Searchlight, under Twentieth Century Fox, and Focus Features, under Universal Pictures, are currently the leading independent labels in Hollywood, also major players in awards season each year.

"Do you think Fox Searchlight would push two actors from different films to compete for the most significant acting awards of the season simultaneously?" Renly's question made Andy smile wryly, internally admiring Renly's intelligence.

With Fox Searchlight's resources, it's feasible to push for both Best Actor and Best Actress. Still, PR efforts would inevitably be skewed. If circumstances change and one film must be sacrificed to ensure another's success, Fox Searchlight's choice would be almost certain.

"Andy, there's no need to beat around the bush. If we want to agree, we can find countless reasons. The point is, as my agent, do you think I should agree to this contractual romance? Go along with a top-tier performance?" Renly cut to the chase, stripping away all profit calculations and hitting the core issue.

Andy, unfazed by Renly's directness, crossed his hands over his beer belly, maintaining a leisurely demeanor, "Well, the same question goes to you, Renly. Are you willing to go along with this performance?" With open and honest conversation, both had to be candid.

"No, I'm not interested." Without beating around the bush, Renly gave a straightforward answer.

Andy chuckled, nodding in agreement, "I'm not surprised." He shrugged, "And I agree with your perspective."

Indeed, winning Renly his first Best Actor Oscar nomination with "Buried" would be a dream, win or lose, and Fox Searchlight would be thrilled. 

But considering the recent online rumors about Renly's background, a scandal linking him to Natalie at this juncture would have more negative than positive effects. People might assume Renly's success is all thanks to Natalie, making it not worthwhile.

Moreover, Andy had just taken over as Renly's agent, and they were still in the adjustment phase. Understanding Renly's personality and aspirations, Andy knew he would never agree. There was no need to take such a risk for an uncertain possibility. Andy had done the calculations well.

"I'll handle the rest," Andy said decisively, not continuing the discussion, "But during the premiere later, reporters might bring this up, so be prepared."

Renly resumed reading his book, seemingly indifferent to the brief conversation, which amused Andy, who then left, pulling out his phone and getting back to work.

Soon, the premiere of "Buried" was approaching. Rodrigo Cortés arrived in Renly's hotel room, nervously rubbing his hands and pacing back and forth, his anxiety palpable, "Renly, what if no media show up at the premiere?"

Renly, though a bit nervous himself, was much calmer by comparison. He felt the tension, especially since a movie premiere is different from television, and this was the Toronto Film Festival, a highly anticipated event. To manage his emotions, he chose to read, partly to distract himself and partly to calm his nerves.

Watching Rodrigo pace incessantly, Renly teased, "Regretting not choosing Ryan Reynolds now, huh?" If it were Ryan, the media would undoubtedly flock, and the premiere would be bustling.

Rodrigo was momentarily speechless but then realized Renly was joking. He couldn't help but laugh, which eased his tension. "Don't worry, the reason we chose the film festival is that every participating film gets media coverage, it's a requirement."

Whether it's the major European festivals or the Toronto Film Festival, every film in the lineup stands under the spotlight, receiving media and public scrutiny, guaranteeing exposure. This is crucial for art and independent films. Toronto's primary aim is selling distribution rights, so each film gets a dedicated press coverage, presenting it to every audience and distributor.

Even a no-budget, no-backing, no-connection, no-hype indie film like "Buried" gets the same treatment.

As for the post-premiere reception and the buzz it generates, that depends on the film's quality.

"Yes, yes." Rodrigo nodded repeatedly, pumping his fists to motivate himself but quickly faltered, "But what if, after the journalists arrive, there's no one on the red carpet?"

The entire "Buried" crew had only two people attending the red carpet, both currently in this room. With no Hollywood connections, having friends show up for support was a long shot. The red carpet scene was bound to be lackluster. Even if the media wanted to cover it, there wouldn't be much to report.

"So, you're regretting it now?" Renly raised an eyebrow, questioning Rodrigo. Rodrigo was momentarily speechless but then saw Renly's slight smile, realizing he was joking. He couldn't help but laugh.

He was indeed overthinking. At this point, there was no turning back. So, why not relax, enjoy the festival, and wait for the audience's reaction to "Buried"?

"Step, step, step." Heavy footsteps approached, and Andy appeared in the living room, his habitual smile in place, but his eyes were peculiar, "We need to head to the main venue. The red carpet is ready, and the media is in position."

Renly stood up, buttoning his suit, looking inquisitively at Andy, sensing he had more to say.

Sure enough, Andy's mouth curved with amusement, "I just got word, Natalie Portman is heading to the sub-venue. She might be attending another film, but…" He didn't finish, but it was clear that Natalie was dressed up, and at this odd hour, there was only one film premiering in that direction.

Renly's eyebrows raised slightly. It seemed the show wasn't over yet.

Unaware of the backstory, Rodrigo was elated and excited, "Natalie Portman?"

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200 powerstones - 1 bonus chapter