Chapter 652: Ridley Without Final Editing Rights!

At the Los Angeles Convention Center, a colossal poster adorned the main entrance, captivating passersby with its imposing presence. Martin, clad in a sharp suit and polished leather shoes, held a Samsung S5830 smartphone in a poised manner, exuding sophistication and allure.

Inside, a throng of reporters from entertainment, social, and tech spheres congregated, their cameras incessantly capturing the pivotal moment unfolding on stage—the signing of the contract between Martin and Samsung representatives.

With a flourish of his pen, Martin sealed the symbolic contract, solidifying the partnership with Samsung. Amid flashes of cameras, he exchanged handshakes and posed for snapshots, the epitome of grace and professionalism.

Jason Lee, Samsung's executive, presented Martin with a lavish gift—an array of special mobile phones adorned with gold and diamonds—symbolizing the beginning of a lucrative collaboration.

Subsequently, both parties fielded questions from the press. Martin, known for his discerning financial acumen, extolled the virtues of Samsung, endorsing the brand with fervor. Jason Lee, in turn, lauded Martin's influence and hailed the partnership as a strategic move to dominate the burgeoning smartphone market.

The contract, spanning until 2013, promised Martin a staggering annual endorsement fee of $16 million, along with quarterly provisions of flagship phones for himself and his inner circle. Additionally, Samsung pledged two exclusive global tours with all expenses covered, ensuring a touch of luxury for Martin and his companions.

As the press conference concluded, Jason Lee approached Martin with a parting query. "Mr. Davis, would your Coca-Cola Cult accept Korean members?"

Martin flashed a genial smile. "Certainly, Mr. Lee. You're welcome to join anytime."

Handing Martin a commemorative Coca-Cola logo, Jason Lee inquired, "Should I register on the website?"

Martin nodded. "Yes, it's a straightforward process."

Expressing regret over his hasty departure, Jason Lee extended an invitation. "I regret missing the opportunity to attend a Coca-Cola Cult gathering. When you visit South Korea for your film premieres this year, let Samsung host the event."

Martin graciously accepted. "I have two premieres scheduled, and I'll be sure to reach out."

After an amiable exchange, Jason Lee bid farewell and departed for the airport, leaving his confidant perplexed by his unwavering reverence for Martin.

"He's just an entertainer," the confidant remarked.

Jason Lee countered with conviction. "Martin Davis wields influence beyond the entertainment realm. He's a force to be reckoned with, even in American politics."

The deputy's astonishment lingered as he processed Jason Lee's revelation. "His influence reaches that far?"

Jason Lee affirmed with a knowing nod. "There's a reason Samsung agreed to the $16 million deal and why I cultivated this friendship."

Understanding dawned on the deputy. "I've heard he's quite the womanizer. I'll compile a list for him as soon as I return."

Jason Lee cautioned, "Ensure it's handled discreetly."

Meanwhile, Martin settled into the Escalade, retrieving a sizable handbag brimming with Samsung mobile phone boxes. He extracted two, passing them to Thomas. "For distribution."

Then, he placed two on the passenger seat. "For your sisters."

Realizing an omission, Martin added another one. "And your editor-in-chief, Joe."

Bruce examined one of the opened boxes and remarked, "Samsung is more generous than Nokia."

Martin quipped, "Well, the Finns are, at best, the godsons of the United States. Koreans, on the other hand, are the United States' favored pets."

Thomas chimed in, "It all circles back to the Coca-Cola Cult."

Bruce's comprehension was immediate.

Martin efficiently sorted the mobile phones, sending one back to Atlanta for Elena and allocating the rest to Lily, Elizabeth, Jolie, Aniston, and others.

As Thomas pocketed his phone, he mentioned, "Warner Pictures is holding an internal preview for 'Pharaohs and Gods' today."

Martin recalled, "'Green Lantern' is also slated for release this summer, right?"

Thomas confirmed, "'Green Lantern' in June, 'Pharaohs and Gods' in May, a week ahead of 'John Wick 2.'"

Martin noted, "It's shaping up to be a competitive summer."

Thanks to the success of the first film, Disney strategically positioned "John Wick 2" for a summer release, causing some contention with Marvel's "Thor."

Martin, having severed ties with Warner Bros., remained unsure of his involvement in their internal previews. Nevertheless, he anticipated a favorable reception for Ridley Scott's epic endeavor.

At Warner Studios, executives gathered in the largest screening room, led by Warner Pictures president Jon Berg and distribution director Daniel, for an internal test screening of "Pharaohs and Gods."

Ridley Scott, exuding confidence, observed from the back row. This project epitomized his filmmaking passion, a culmination of perseverance despite numerous setbacks.

With each frame, the biblical tale unfolded, culminating in Moses parting the sea—a spectacle of staggering special effects and breathtaking imagery, a testament to Scott's unwavering commitment to cinematic grandeur.

The scenes unfolded in grandeur, the special effects leaving spectators awestruck, and the narrative's momentum resonated with majesty, evoking a sense of reverence as mountains seemed to bow and seas parted.

Indeed, this film was the epitome of a super epic, a flawless visual retelling of biblical lore.

As the preview screening concluded, Jon Berg's nod of approval belied his singular concern—the film's duration.

Glancing at his watch, nearly three hours had elapsed, prompting a subtle furrow of his brow. Despite Daniel's reservations, upon reflection, the film adhered admirably to Hollywood's three-act structure, punctuating its solemn narrative with apt foreshadowing and climactic crescendos.

Directly addressing Jon Berg, Daniel inquired, "Your thoughts?"

Jon Berg's assessment was clear. "While commendable overall, the film's length poses a challenge. Nearly three hours risks testing audience patience and compromises potential box office returns."

Daniel concurred, "Agreed, it's excessive."

Proposing a solution, Jon Berg suggested, "We'll gather feedback and trim the film. We must aim for a runtime under 130 minutes."

Daniel offered a crucial reminder, "Ridley should be briefed beforehand."

Jon Berg nodded resolutely. "I'll handle it."

Meanwhile, Warner Pictures staff canvassed feedback from attendees as Jon Berg approached Ridley Scott, escorting him to a nearby reception room, signaling an impending discussion.

Ridley, astute to the producers' reservations, resignedly followed, his anticipation tempered by apprehension.

As Ridley departed, Jon Berg convened an impromptu meeting to address the film's potential refinements, mindful of Warner Pictures' newfound autonomy post-Alan Horn.

Jon Berg's proposal to condense the film's length found widespread agreement, some advocating for a runtime as brief as 110 minutes to maximize scheduling flexibility.

Soon after, Jon Berg joined Ridley in the reception room.

Commencing with praise, Jon Berg's tone shifted, broaching the sensitive topic of the film's length. Ridley, initially taken aback, defended the film's integrity, expressing concerns over narrative coherence.

Yet Jon Berg argued persuasively, emphasizing audience priorities—awe-inspiring visuals over narrative intricacies.

Reluctantly, Ridley conceded, agreeing to a shortened runtime of 150 minutes, albeit with reservations.

However, Jon Berg stood firm, vetoing any compromise beyond his prescribed limit, a testament to Hollywood's hierarchical power dynamics.

Resigned to the industry's dictates, Ridley acquiesced, his vision subject to the industry's whims, despite his masterful craftsmanship.