Chapter 617; Choosing Art

In the opulent seaside villa, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as crew members bustled around the expansive living room, setting up cameras and adjusting lighting.

Seated in the director's chair, Jenna Jones donned a headset, engrossed in playback recordings from earlier shoots. A satisfied smile played on her lips as she nodded to the rhythmic sound of dialogue filling the room.

Glancing up from her monitor, Jenna noticed the actor poised for action, yet the actress was notably absent.

With a furrowed brow, Jenna checked her watch impatiently. "Where's Bibi? She's ten minutes late!"

Just as tension mounted, the staccato rhythm of high heels announced the arrival of a woman. "Director, Bibi Fake won't be joining us," she announced breathlessly.

Understanding the unpredictable nature of showbiz, Jenna inquired, "Are you certain?"

The woman nodded vigorously. "I saw it firsthand."

With no time to spare, Jenna rose to the occasion, shedding her coat with determination. "I'll take her place for this scene," she declared, casting a meaningful glance at her assistant. "You're up next," she added, her tone leaving no room for argument.

In a seamless transition from director to actor, Jenna stepped onto the set, embodying the character with finesse.

As the cameras rolled, Jenna's performance captivated the room, each scene unfolding effortlessly under her direction.

After wrapping up several takes, Jenna retreated to her director's seat, draped in a cozy blanket, to review the footage meticulously.

Just as she delved into the playback, her assistant approached with a ringing phone. "Director, you've had multiple missed calls," she informed.

Taking the phone, Jenna answered, her curiosity piqued. "Hello?"

The voice on the other end delivered unexpected news. "Brad Pitt's release from prison is imminent..."

Though unfamiliar, Jenna remained composed. "Thank you for the update," she responded coolly, swiftly ending the call.

With a strategic mindset, Jenna swiftly made arrangements, leveraging her connections for potential opportunities.

Stepping onto the balcony, she dialed a number with determination. "Anderson, Brad Pitt's out. Can you arrange a meeting? I'll be waiting," she instructed, excitement tinged with ambition evident in her voice.

Despite her initial dreams of collaborating with Martin, Jenna recognized the allure of a Brad Pitt-led project, seizing the opportunity with calculated precision.

  ...

Meanwhile, in a Los Angeles dive bar, Brad savored the taste of freedom with a large beer, his recent release from prison a stark reminder of life's fragility.

Gritting his teeth against the memories of incarceration, Brad marveled at the simplicity of his current existence, grateful for every moment spent away from the confines of his past.

As Pitt pondered the serendipitous twist of fate linking him to the Affleck brothers, he couldn't help but feel like a fortunate man.

"Two glasses of golden whiskey," a man interjected, sliding onto the barstool beside Pitt and nodding towards the bartender. "I'll grab one for Brad; I'm a big fan."

Pitt flashed a grateful smile before inquiring, "What can I do for you?"

The man introduced himself, proffering a business card. "Anderson, art director at a prominent company."

As Pitt glanced at the card, he grasped the nature of the offer. He had nearly inked a deal with a similar outfit before returning to Los Angeles.

Anderson continued, "Brad, we'd like to extend a sincere invitation to join us. We'll assemble a top-notch team, with stellar scripts, costumes, and the esteemed director Jenna Jones partnering with you."

Income was Pitt's primary concern. "What's the compensation?"

Anderson responded confidently, "A base salary of $5 million annually, plus additional profits from sales."

This offer was unprecedented in the industry, setting a new benchmark for artists in the San Francisco Valley.

Pitt deliberated, recognizing the significance of financial stability in his line of work. Hollywood was his domain, and he couldn't afford to look back.

Though internally resolved, Pitt negotiated, "I'll need a base salary of $10 million, plus a fifty percent profit share."

While a hefty demand, Anderson sensed potential in Pitt's willingness to engage further.

After days of back-and-forth, the news broke: Brad Pitt, the former Hollywood luminary recently released from prison, had officially joined San Francisco Valley Art Company as a true artist.

The announcement sparked excitement nationwide, with audiences eagerly anticipating Pitt's return to the silver screen.

Jenna Jones wasted no time in planning Pitt's debut project, earmarking him for the role of Nick Dunn.

However, Pitt's official involvement hinged on his completion of testimony against Harvey Weinstein, delaying his Sacred Valley debut.

Meanwhile, Jenna secured the remake rights to nearly every hit Martin had starred in, ensuring seamless collaboration upon Pitt's availability.

  ...

In a lavish suite at New York's Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Jolie careened across the room, colliding with Martin in a whirlwind of exhilaration.

Aniston's voice echoed through the space as she exclaimed, "Are you out of your mind tonight? How much longer can you keep this up?"

Jolie's laughter rang out, infectious in its mischief. "Isn't this the perfect way to celebrate Pitt's San Francisco Valley venture?"

With another playful collision, Aniston teased, "You must be starving tonight, Angie. You're practically running on fumes."

Yet another bump, and Martin winced in jest. "Do you two ever plan on asking for my opinion?"

Jolie flashed a mischievous grin. "You're just a prop for our celebrations now. Props don't get to voice opinions."

"Are you plotting world domination?" Martin teased, playfully pulling Jolie back onto the sofa.

With one hand restraining Aniston, Martin reached for the Joker figurine nearby, a whimsical rendition of himself in clown form.

Brandishing the statue, Martin aimed to impart a playful lesson to Jolie.

Laughter filled the room as the trio engaged in a lighthearted duel.

After a spirited round of poker, the trio retreated to the bathroom for a refreshing shower before reemerging to the scent of freshly popped champagne.

Raising his glass, Martin toasted, "To the good news you've brought."

Aniston and Jolie clinked their glasses in agreement, savoring the celebratory sip.

As Martin poured another round, Aniston reflected, "Who would've thought we'd end up here, sitting together?"

Jolie interjected with playful pride, "You have me to thank for this reunion."

Aniston proposed a humorous modification to the clown statue, eliciting excitement from Jolie.

Martin, however, redirected the conversation. "You both wield significant influence in Hollywood. It's commendable."

Aniston remarked, "It can sway a crowd."

Jolie asserted confidently, "I am a leader."

Martin suggested, "For this year's Oscars, vote for Leo as Best Actor."

Aniston was taken aback. "I thought you wanted our votes for yourself."

Martin sighed, "Between the three of us, we've amassed four Oscars, but Leo remains empty-handed. It's time we rectify that."

Jolie chimed in, "Let's double down on our efforts tonight."

As the night wore on, Martin resolved to ensure Leo's victory, even if it meant sacrificing his own sleep.

In the wee hours, while Jolie and Aniston slept soundly, Martin phoned Leonardo, delivering a passionate plea for support.

The following day, Jolie and Aniston departed New York, each embarking on their respective endeavors.

As filming resumed, Martin received a lunch invitation from Warren Buffett, leading shareholder of Coca-Cola.

Over steak, the conversation centered on leveraging the Coca-Cola brand's influence.

After a lengthy chat, Martin bid farewell and returned to Los Angeles.

With filming in Rome wrapped up, Martin and Chad embarked on their journey back to Los Angeles, ready to tackle the next chapter of their cinematic endeavors.