Chapter 82: Can't Change Others Path

After the fan meeting, Lionsgate Pictures hosted a mini reception at a nearby hotel for media reporters and entertainment bloggers.

In the film and television industry, like in any other business, production, promotion, distribution, and commentary all play crucial roles.

Martin, Benjamin, and Catherine received a $5,000 promotion fee from Lionsgate Pictures, so they cooperated with Lionsgate and attended the event. Michelle, a senior executive from Lionsgate Pictures, also joined them.

Blake introduced the three to Martin. Michelle briefly greeted Martin and Benjamin before focusing on Catherine.

Catherine hadn't spoken to Martin since their theater encounter, and it was clear she held some bias.

"Did you offend Catherine?" Benjamin asked as he sipped his wine.

Martin, aware of the tension between Catherine and Benjamin, replied, "I'm not sure. Maybe it's just a bad day for her?"

Benjamin nodded, saying, "Women's emotions can be tricky."

Martin reassured him, "Don't worry, I'm not one to hold grudges."

Benjamin's attention turned to Michelle and Catherine. Catherine seemed genuinely happy during their conversation.

Michelle, while admiring Catherine's beauty, discussed business, saying, "You have great potential. Consider coming to Los Angeles sooner."

Catherine smiled, "I've wanted to, but it's not that easy."

Michelle hinted at an opportunity, "I have a project with a role that suits you perfectly."

Excited, Catherine asked for more details, and Michelle extended an invitation to discuss it further.

Catherine accepted, and Michelle suggested they meet in the hotel lobby after the reception.

As the event concluded, Martin prepared to leave for the hotel. Benjamin suggested he ask Catherine to join him.

However, Catherine had already made her decision to explore the opportunity with Lionsgate, leaving Benjamin understanding but concerned.

In the end, Catherine left with Michelle, and Benjamin expressed his frustration.

Martin reminded him, "We can't change her path."

The two returned to the hotel in a Lionsgate car. Benjamin proposed having a drink at the hotel bar.

As they sat in the bar, Benjamin's melancholy became evident.

Martin asked, "Ben, do you still have feelings for her?"

Benjamin denied it quickly, but his discomfort was evident.

The bartender recommended a cocktail called "Louise's Penicillin" to help heal emotional wounds.

Benjamin noticed a poster of Louise, a renowned mixologist, and wondered if she was also a producer.

Martin mentioned that Louise might be working on a project in Morocco after leaving the crew of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" in Atlanta, collaborating with various studios, though the details were unclear.

The bartender remarked that Hollywood often used code names for projects. Benjamin, sipping his penicillin, found it soothing.

Martin raised his glass and playfully warned Benjamin, "Ben, be prepared. You're going to have so many beautiful women knocking on your door in the future that it'll make your head spin." Whether it was the penicillin or Martin's words, Benjamin seemed to perk up.

Benjamin chuckled, "Martin, you have quite the way with words. If I were a woman, I might just fall for you..."

Martin interrupted with a grin, "Let's not go there. I'd like to live a few more years."

Benjamin suggested, "If you don't have strong connections in LA, consider going back to Atlanta. You've already made a name for yourself there."

Martin agreed, "If I can't break through here, Atlanta is still an option."

Benjamin brought up another idea, "Do you have Jenna's contact info? The San Fernando Valley isn't far from here. With your talent, becoming a millionaire might not be a dream."

Martin admitted, "That's one of the backup plans I've considered."

After a few drinks, they both headed back to their rooms. Martin decided to hold onto the autograph book, thinking it might come in handy.

The next morning during checkout, Martin noticed Catherine hadn't returned, and a Lionsgate staff member collected her luggage.

Before leaving for Atlanta, Benjamin asked Martin about his plans.

Martin replied, "First, I'll find a place to settle down."

...

The weekend after Thanksgiving, a female film and entertainment blogger's post gained attention on a movie forum.

"I rarely watch B-level movies twice, but 'Zombie Stripper' had me hooked. The film itself has its flaws, like shoddy production and a clichéd plot. However, the male lead, Martin Davis, delivered an outstanding performance."

She posted authorized movie stickers and clips of Martin's performances in the film.

The blogger raved about Martin's dance, saying, "Martin's passionate dance in the film made my heart race. Watching him move, many female viewers couldn't help but join in. It's a physical and psychological pleasure that's impossible to resist."

This sparked interest from female viewers who wanted to see the movie themselves.

Lionsgate Pictures capitalized on this by collaborating with a blogger and a film forum moderator to post Martin's dance on a popular forum. They challenged men to replicate his moves.

While some doubted the authenticity, a video from a fan meeting confirmed Martin's incredible dance skills, sparking even more interest.

The movie's box office started to climb, reaching $3.12 million in North America with a total of $3.88 million, surpassing production costs.

Lionsgate expanded the film's screening to 787 theaters, and the North American box office exceeded $6 million.

Despite its mediocre reputation, "Zombie Stripper" gained some recognition in newspapers and film magazines, while the zombie machine gun dance trended in Strip clubs.

Meanwhile, Martin began house hunting in LA, ultimately choosing an apartment in North Hollywood for its proximity to Burbank and affordability.

He also bought a Volkswagen sedan, a laptop, and a video camera to prepare for his new life in the city.