Chapter 151: Gossips

The mansion in Los Angeles was situated in a tranquil area with sparse traffic, few pedestrians, and a scarcity of houses.

A schoolgirl in her uniform stood alone by the roadside, her right hand extended with a raised thumb, signaling Martin as he approached.

Martin noticed her gesture, parked his car next to her, and lowered the passenger window.

The girl leaned down briefly, confirming his identity, and then greeted Martin with a wave. She said, "Hi, handsome, we've met before."

Martin cast a glance at her youthful face and asked, "Who are you? Elizabeth from the Olson family?"

Elizabeth Olson responded with a sweet smile, "That's right. Are you headed to Louise's place? Can I catch a ride for a while?"

Martin kindly opened the passenger door, saying, "Hop in."

Elizabeth got into the car and placed her schoolbag on her lap, expressing her gratitude with a "Thank you."

As Martin drove, he reassured her, "Feel free to stop the car anytime if you need to. Don't you worry about encountering any trouble."

Elizabeth playfully inquired, "Are you a troublemaker?" She turned to Martin, saying, "I recognized your car, which is why I dared to stop you."

Martin was pleasantly surprised, "We've actually only met a few times."

Elizabeth reminded him, "You often visit Louise's place, and you pass by my house every time."

Martin asked, "Are girls nowadays as sharp as you?"

Elizabeth giggled at his compliment, "Handsome, you're quite the smooth talker. By the way, I don't know your name yet."

Martin introduced himself, "I'm Martin Davis."

Elizabeth commented, "That name sounds familiar. I think I saw it in the newspaper recently. You're the male lead in a horror movie, right?"

Martin confirmed and then asked, "The few times I saw you, wasn't your sister always driving to pick you up?"

Elizabeth explained, "They're all busy today. I took a leave from school to come back here. I took the bus here, and there's no public transportation further ahead. I initially planned to walk back when I spotted your car."

Martin acknowledged, "You're lucky."

Elizabeth exuded confidence, "I've always been very lucky."

As Martin drove up the southern hillside, Elizabeth suggested, "No need to stop. Just take me directly to Louise's house. There's no one at my place."

Martin, however, called Louise before proceeding. Louise confirmed Elizabeth's visit and warmly invited her for lunch.

Ten minutes later, the three of them sat at the dining table.

Elizabeth, upon seeing the beautifully prepared barbecue, exclaimed, "I love meat the most."

Louise replied, "Help yourself. Eat as much as you like."

Martin, who was focused on the barbecue, didn't say much.

After lunch, they chatted for a while. Elizabeth mentioned she usually took a short nap after eating, so Louise arranged for her to rest in a guest room until her sister returned home to pick her up.

Then, Louise and Martin drove to Warner Studios together.

Passing by a neighboring mansion, Louise pointed it out and said, "The real wealthy lady lives there."

Martin asked curiously, "Sister Olsen? Are they richer than you?"

Louise replied, "Maybe one day I'll become a billionaire."

Martin jokingly responded, "I hope you'll support me then."

Shifting the conversation, Louise asked, "Is the promotion for the wax museum finished?"

Martin explained, "It's done. The distribution company hasn't scheduled overseas promotion. Yesterday's celebration party marked the final public event."

As they approached the studio, Louise inquired about Martin's plans.

Martin shared, "I'll be working on post-production for the 'Hills Has Eyes' crew in the coming days. Some scenes need dubbing. Originally, Jaume pitched a horror story to me. He showed me the first draft of the script at the bar last night. Unfortunately, it didn't quite fit."

Louise asked, "The dwarf murderer story you mentioned?"

Martin simply said, "The script from Jaume's friend centered on a twisted heroine with dwarfism and a supporting actress. The supporting actor wasn't particularly interesting, and he ends up being killed by the heroine."

During the filming of House of Wax, Martin would have been interested, but after playing the leading role, he wouldn't be able to play such a character again.

Louise offered some advice, "Whenever possible, pick the lead role first. Even if you opt for a supporting role, make sure it's a distinctive character, not a dull one that complements others."

Martin recalled "Alexander the Great" and said, "If you're interested, you can give it a read. I find the script quite intriguing, and Jaume's directing skills are impressive." He mentioned it to Louise because he had seen a positive response to "Orphan" in his previous life.

Louise appeared to be quite familiar with her and engaged in a brief conversation.

In the first half of the year, certain gossip media outlets had circulated rumors about Brad Pitt cheating on Jenifer Aniston with Angelina Jolie. However, these rumors hadn't garnered much attention and had yet to spark any significant controversy.

As Martin entered the post-production studio, he glanced back at Angelina Julie.

Rumors had it that this woman handled her own public relations and self-marketing without hiring professionals.

Julie epitomized one fundamental truth: no matter how good a movie might be, it paled in comparison to effective promotion.

Martin located director Ajia and proceeded to the post-dubbing studio. Many scenes filmed on location had been marred by environmental disturbances and needed rectification through post-dubbing.

He spent a productive afternoon re-dubbing over 30 scenes.

Wes Craven returned from a meeting at Warner Bros. just as Martin finished.

Together with Ajia, the three of them entered the producer's office.

Craven delved straight into the important matter: "House of Wax has received an excellent response at the box office, earning you considerable acclaim, Martin. Warner Bros. regards this film, with you as the absolute lead, as a high priority. Originally slated for an April release, it's now been rescheduled to early February, just after the Super Bowl."

Martin inquired, "Will there be a commercial for the film during the Super Bowl?"

Craven replied, "I brought it up, but it depends on Warner Bros.' decisions."

Ajia chimed in, "I've heard that Super Bowl advertising yields remarkable results."

Craven emphasized, "It's the most-watched program in the United States. I watch it every year. In terms of TV advertising alone, nothing beats the Super Bowl."

Martin pondered for a moment before saying, "I have some ideas for promoting the film."

Ajia, curious, mentioned, "I heard someone say that many of your suggestions were used in promoting the wax museum."

Martin didn't downplay his role, stating, "That's correct."

Craven, experienced in the industry, remarked, "Certainly not the typical PR approaches; those have lost their edge. So, Paris Hilton?"

Martin merely chuckled, neither confirming nor denying.

Craven continued, "In a few days, Warner Bros. will host a film announcement event. One of you is the director, and the other is acting as a part-time production manager. You'll both attend."

Martin agreed, saying, "No problem. Just let me know the time."

Craven offered advice, having given similar guidance to Thomas, "House of Wax has boosted your popularity. You should strive to maintain it. It'll be advantageous for your next film."

Ajia, ever sharp, suggested, "I could throw a party and invite some French female stars. Martin, care to join?"

Martin asserted, "Why is it always women that come to mind when we're looking to generate buzz and headlines?"

Ajia explained, "Because the public loves gossip. The easiest and most effective way to create buzz is through romantic gossip. Alright."

Martin added, "Unless you can invite Sophie Marceau."

Craven, well-versed in the industry, understood the market better than Martin and Ajia. He stated, "That wouldn't be effective. You'd be better off with a Hollywood female star."

Martin realized that Sophie Marceau, and even Monica Bellucci, wouldn't have much appeal in North America.

Afterward, the three of them proceeded to the post-editing room to review the initial cut of the film.

Craven and Ajia discussed possible secondary edits, and Martin listened attentively without interfering.

While Martin wasn't a novice in this area, his exposure had been limited compared to Craven and Ajia.

The final cut of the film rested with Craven.

He was, after all, the godfather of modern Hollywood horror films.

After spending two days at the post-production studio, Halloween was approaching. Hollywood and the entire United States were gearing up for this time of year, with all kinds of monsters and ghosts emerging.

Originally, Martin had thought of inviting Louise to the Halloween parade, but she wasn't interested.

So, he pondered for a moment and decided to call Anne Hathaway.

"I recall that your crew hasn't started filming yet. Are you free on Halloween?" Martin asked. "Let's go to the Halloween parade together."

True to his principle of responsibility and no refusals, Anne responded, "The crew will be on break then. I've taken part in the Halloween parade in Greenwich Village, but I've never been to the one in Los Angeles."

Martin eagerly replied, "My princess, may your loyal protector accompany you on this patrol?"

Anne playfully accepted, "Yes, but you'll be in charge of the princess's attire and appearance."

Martin agreed, saying, "Consider it done."