Chapter 55: Ambitious Plot

In the morning, Andrew came to Grey Company to report the latest updates of the film crew to Kelly Grey.

Kelly Grey was not in; she had gone to Washington with Senator Erica and Chairwoman Julia.

Andrew tried calling Ella to explain the situation and then went to Benjamin Garvin's office.

Benjamin was budgeting for the new film. Seeing Andrew, he went to the outer reception room and asked, "Why do you have time to come back today?"

Andrew handed the newspaper to Benjamin. "The film crew ran into some trouble. Adam Smith was caught by the DEA, red-handed. Thankfully, he was only a minor character there, so the impact is minimal."

Benjamin, who had collaborated with Adam Smith on several projects, hurriedly took the newspaper to read. "Is the news confirmed?"

Andrew nodded. "The DEA officially notified the film crew. I just reported it to the boss, and she already knows."

After quickly reading through the report, Benjamin said, "I was considering having Adam continue as the lead. His fee isn't high, and he has some draw in Georgia... now there's no need."

Andrew mentioned, "Is it for that film 'Zombie Strippers'? Director, isn't the background a stripper club where Martin works?"

Benjamin had considered Martin and now remembered his better looks and decent acting skills compared to Adam Smith.

Lowering his voice, Andrew said, "As far as I know, Martin has a very good relationship with the boss."

Benjamin nodded slowly. "Without needing to consider Adam Smith, Martin seems to be the best fit." Perhaps this could increase the likelihood of the boss giving the green light for the project. He continued, "I'm trying to compress the budget as much as possible. We can't afford to hire stars."

Andrew replied, "We can only make the best use of our existing resources. Adam can't return in the short term, so I suggest choosing Martin."

Benjamin decided quickly, "Arrange a meeting with Martin for me."

Andrew said, "I'll call him right away."

Benjamin glanced around the office. "No rush, I won't be free until the afternoon."

Andrew noted the time and immediately called Martin to arrange a meeting at a nearby cafe.

A little before 4 PM, Martin arrived early at Louie's Cafe.

After waiting for about ten minutes, Benjamin entered.

Martin greeted him, "Director, the horse ride you designed last time made me famous. Everyone around me knows who I am now."

This statement both flattered Benjamin and closed the distance between them. Benjamin smiled without mentioning Adam Smith had once been his first choice, saying instead, "This time I've designed a role even more suited for you."

Martin looked delighted. "Really? Director, you've personally designed another role for me? I'm one step closer to being a star."

The two sat in a booth, slowly chatting over coffee.

Benjamin took a script out of his briefcase and handed it to Martin. "Take a look. I wrote this script based on you. It's practically tailor-made."

Martin had already seen the script at Kelly Grey's place, but he still acted like it was his first time. His initial calmness gave way to increasing excitement as he read on.

After reading dozens of pages, he took a sip of coffee and said excitedly, "Director, the setting is where I used to work!"

Benjamin smiled, "When we wrote this script, the main character's looks and background were all based on you. You have to be the lead."

Martin asked, "When does the company start filming?"

Benjamin asked, "Haven't you heard Kelly mention this project? She hasn't given the green light yet."

Martin knocked his head lightly. "A few nights ago, I was drinking with Kelly. She mentioned a script but didn't go into details. She only said the investment was high and needed careful consideration."

Benjamin immediately caught the key detail in Martin's words: drinking together at night!

He wondered in his mind where and how they drank, while saying out loud, "Many of us at the company are working hard to push this project. Unlike past indie films, the investment is indeed higher because our goal is to get it into theaters! Both in Georgia and across the United States."

Martin pretended to think carefully.

Benjamin encouraged, "You're undoubtedly the lead. Would you want to join early and help push this project?"

"Of course I want to!" Martin subtly shifted the conversation. "That night, Kelly mentioned that funding is the biggest issue."

He asked Benjamin, "Director, how much funding is needed?"

Benjamin hesitated briefly before saying, "At least $1 million, minimum."

Martin automatically added $500,000 in his mind and asked, "Director, can you secure other investments?"

Benjamin shook his head. "I've always worked with Grey Company. Atlanta's film industry is just starting, so finding investors isn't easy."

Martin thought for a moment and said, "Kelly is in Washington. I'll ask her when she gets back."

He decided to consult a professional first. After Benjamin left, Martin called Louise Meyer, who was preparing to see off Kate Winslet.

Kate had to leave Atlanta due to an urgent family matter.

Louise teasingly asked, "Are you coming? This is the last chance."

Martin replied, "Of course, I'll go. I'm a gentleman. Kate just got married last month, and I never ruin other people's families."

Before heading to the airport, he bought a crystal Atlanta peach from a souvenir shop. Atlanta's nickname is "The Peach City."

Understanding the importance of connections, Martin knew that Kate Winslet had just entered her second marriage in May, with her husband, Sam Mendes, an Oscar-winning director.

Over half an hour later, Martin waited at the international airport for Kate Winslet and Louise Meyer.

In the VIP lounge, Kate gently hugged Martin. "Thank you for seeing me off. I love the gift you gave me."

The artificial crystal peach in the transparent box was beautiful, with the words "To my dear Rose Dawson" engraved on the base.

The signature read Martin Davis.

According to Louise, although Kate outwardly claimed she didn't care about the success of "Titanic" and was only pursuing artistic achievements, she secretly regarded it as one of her proudest moments.

Kate sincerely invited, "Come to London sometime and be my guest."

Martin replied, "If you don't host me, I'll come knocking on your door."

Boarding began, and Kate Winslet got on the plane, leaving Atlanta.

Louise did not return to the set but took Martin to a hotel.

In the suite, Louise kicked off her high heels, walked to the bar in her stockings, poured two drinks, and took a big gulp before Martin could even approach.

Martin, concerned, said, "Slow down."

Louise pushed the other drink towards him. "I'll be returning to Los Angeles soon to prepare for widespread distribution of the Penicillin formula. I plan to call it 'Louise and Martin's Penicillin.'"

"It should just be called 'Louise's Penicillin,'" Martin said, not caring about giving Louise all the credit. He traced a finger over her lips. "Since it heals the soul of the alcoholic and lecherous Louise."

Based on other alcoholic beverages, the cocktail couldn't be patented, and the formula was worth little. Anyone who enjoyed it could quickly replicate it.

Louise leaned against the bar, her shoulders uneven. "You've got grand ambitions."

"I have something to ask you," Martin asked appropriately. "Kelly's new script, 'Zombie Strippers.'" He briefly summarized the details.

Louise clinked glasses with Martin, downing her drink. "Kelly's concerns are valid. In the industry, the percentage of films that can quickly turn a profit is astonishingly low. Remember how Carolco, who produced 'Terminator,' was once doing amazingly well but went bankrupt after one film, 'Cutthroat Island.'"

She poured more drinks for both herself and Martin. "But for you personally, there are many benefits."

Martin listened intently.

Louise gently touched Martin's handsome face. "You gave me Penicillin. I promised to provide advice and help. Let's start now."

She suddenly asked, "Are you really prepared? This industry is ten, maybe a hundred times more chaotic than the darkest, most despicable, and dirtiest media portrayals. It's second only to New York's financial sector and Washington's political circle!"

*****

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