Chapter 126: A Bet

The small studio adjacent to the office building had been temporarily rented by the crew for the early training of the actors.

Martin gripped the bat tightly with both hands, aimed it at the specialized plastic dummy before him, and swung it down forcefully. The dummy's head exploded, sending plastic fragments flying in all directions.

The action director, Walter, shouted, "That's it! That's the kind of intensity we need! When you wield a weapon like a bat, you can't afford to hesitate. Each strike must be powerful!" He encouraged Martin, "Next one!"

Martin switched to holding the bat with one hand, transitioning from a baseball-style swing to a one-handed hammer-like strike he had practiced as an alternative. The heaviest part of the bat connected with the plastic dummy's shoulder, causing it to shatter.

He then spun around, executing a baseball swing that struck the dummy across the chest, forcefully separating it.

Walter praised, "Excellent! Your movements are spot on; you've mastered the essentials."

Martin inspected the wooden bat and found it undamaged.

Walter turned to the prop master observing the training and remarked, "The training bat needs to be made of soft material to match Martin's professional movements and ensure safety."

Martin approached with the bat resting on his shoulder. Although he was confident in controlling his force, he emphasized, "Safety first."

Walter concurred, "Absolutely, safety is paramount. The crew's safety is a crucial concern that involves unions and insurance. If personal issues cause injuries to other actors, it could lead to insurance complications, union interventions, and production delays."

Martin nodded in agreement, saying, "I understand."

Walter added, "Take a break now; I'll discuss the props and weapons."

Martin handed the bat to the prop master and headed to the rest area, where his manager, Thomas, awaited.

Thomas still had the thought in mind, "With your skills, you should star in that action-packed Disneyland movie; it'd be a guaranteed hit."

However, Martin didn't entertain the idea and inquired, "What was Walter saying about insurance for the crew?"

Having heard the conversation, Thomas briefly explained, "He was referring to the insurance issues that could arise if actors cause harm to the crew due to their own actions. To give you an example, Nicole Kidman sustained an injury while filming 'Moulin Rouge,' and her insurance payout delayed the entire production and resulted in a $3 million payout."

Thomas also reminded Martin, "Nicole Kidman was initially slated to be the lead in 'Space Thriller,' but her knee injury a few weeks into production led to a temporary project halt. The insurance payout almost reached the total guaranteed amount of $54 million upon project completion. It wasn't until they convinced the crew and Jodie Foster to step in that the project moved forward. As a result, Nicole Kidman wasn't well-received by insurance companies and, consequently, Hollywood."

Martin replied, "I understand. If a stunt double can be used, we should go with that. If we can avoid risks, we should."

Thomas complimented his wise decision, "If a stunt double gets injured, it's a matter of finding a replacement. If you get injured, your career could be significantly impacted."

Martin acknowledged this, recognizing his role was to move the project forward while others handled the burden.

He was quite familiar with this routine.

Martin glanced at a folding bench in the rest area, picked one up, and went to discuss with Walter whether they could design a scene involving folding the bench to defeat the antagonist.

After a brief discussion, Martin grabbed the folding stool and swung it through the air, creating a wind-like effect reminiscent of an 18th-century bronze sculpture.

Just then, two women in jeans and casual shirts entered the studio through the door.

Kelly had flown in from Atlanta, making a stop to check out the movie project she had invested in before continuing to meet Louise, who was supervising the post-production of "Alexander the Great," and both had come together.

Louise crossed her arms and observed Martin's smashing display, commenting, "He picked the wrong role."

Kelly asked, "Why's that?"

Louise gestured toward Martin, explaining, "Just read the script. Don't you think this guy is better suited to transform into a psychotic killer?"

Her vibrant energy had returned as she continued, "Appearing sunny on the outside while harboring a killer's instincts within..."

Kelly reminded her, "Someone's coming."

Thomas stepped forward to greet them, saying with a smile, "Ms. Mayer, I'm Thomas, Martin's agent. I've always wanted to meet you, but I was hesitant not to disturb you."

Louise nodded in acknowledgment and introduced the woman beside her, "This is Kelly Gray, the president of Georgia's largest film company."

"Hello, Ms. Gray," Thomas greeted courteously.

It was at this moment that he realized there wasn't just one woman accompanying Martin; there were two.

In fact, there was also the female bodybuilder he had seen a few days ago.

Thomas couldn't help but feel fortunate to have such a high-profile client in his portfolio.

As the day's work concluded, Martin went to the dressing room to shower and change clothes. Upon his return, he embraced both Louise

Louise suggested, "Let's go to your place." She playfully winked at Kelly, saying, "It's fun there, and the chubby landlord is quite friendly."

Martin chuckled, recalling a previous visit, "You yelled so loudly last time, Anthony almost shot me."

Kelly, also enjoying her wine, chimed in, "Come on, let's go together!"

Arriving at the apartment, they spotted Antonio sitting under the sun umbrella by the door, sipping from a large bottle of Coke through a straw.

He took a deep gulp, leaving the two-liter bottle a quarter empty.

Upon seeing Martin and Louise, Antonio glanced at the latter and remarked, "You're here again!"

Louise smiled, teasing, "Don't you welcome me?"

Antonio shifted his attention to Kelly, pulled out a business card from his holder, and handed it to Martin, saying, "You can use this one."

Kelly, curious, took the card first, and her eyes widened, "Dr. Cole?"

Antonio explained, "Specializes in treating kidney failure."

Louise couldn't help but laugh heartily and leaned on Martin's shoulder.

Kelly playfully inserted the business card into Martin's pocket, quipping, "Take it; yoy might need it someday."

Martin, with a playful tone, picked up the two ladies, saying, "Alright, let's go."

Antonio reminded, "I have your mail delivery; don't forget to take it."

In the apartment's foyer, Martin retrieved the package from the mailbox. The label indicated it was from the Clayton community.

With Louise and Kelly each holding one of Martin's arms, they entered the apartment.

Martin discreetly placed the package in an inconspicuous spot, but Louise noticed, asking, "Why not open it and see what's inside? Can't you feel the curiosity?"

Kelly, who wasn't as seasoned in drinking as Martin and Louise, was a bit tipsy and added, "It was sent from Atlanta, from your old friends, right?"

Martin inquired, "You want to see it?"

Louise suggested playfully, "How about we make a little bet, related to the movie you're starring in?"

Martin was intrigued, "What are we betting on?"

Louise proposed, "If the North American box office surpasses $30 million, then Kelly and I will perform for you. But if it's less than $30 million, you'll perform for us."

Martin set a condition, "You can't hinder us."

Kelly voiced her dissatisfaction, "With tens of millions at stake, are we crazy?"

Louise provocatively asked, "So, are you in or not?"

Martin gritted his teeth and accepted, "Alright."

Louise whispered something into Kelly's ear, and Kelly nodded in agreement.

That night, lively singing emanated from the apartment building, accompanied by Antonio's roaring complaint, "Martin Davis, I'm going to raise your rent!"

The next morning, Martin allowed himself to sleep in and didn't see off Louise and Kelly. Instead, he rested and later headed to Warner Studios in the afternoon for another audition, this time for a different production.

It was an audition for the supporting male role in the film "Sisterhood Of Travelling Pants."

Martin brought Thomas along, who asked, "You didn't think I'd come with you?"

Bruce chimed in, "Man, you're getting smarter."

Martin called Robert before entering the studio, saying, "I'll be auditioning soon, old man, it's in your hands."

At the Marietta Theater, Robert followed the successful operation guide meticulously, offering congratulations and ensuring everything was in order. Then, speaking into the phone, he affirmed, "Done!"

Martin's confidence soared, and he told General Hengha, "We've got this role."

Thomas, who largely relied on commissions from films for his income, wanted Martin to be aware of the stakes, "The shooting schedule is manageable. It'll take up to twenty days, and your salary won't be less than $250,000."

Martin nodded, addressing Bruce, "Old buddy, watch my back."

They reached the audition room, where many actors were vying for the same role, most of them from WMA.

Martin spotted familiar faces, including Joe Anderson and Mike Vogel.

This marked the second time in just over a month that they were competing for the same role.

Bruce stood by Martin's side, his eyes vigilant, scanning for any potential complications.

Thomas observed the auditioning actors, reminding Martin, "Remember, the director and casting director are both clients of our agency. I've done my part for you, so you have an advantage over the others. As long as you deliver a solid performance, you'll secure this role."