Chapter 93: Biggest Competitior

Shortly before the New Year, Warner Bros. organized a press conference to officially announce a collaborative effort involving several companies for the remake of "House of Wax" allocating a hefty production budget of $40 million.

Those familiar with the script found this figure to be rather exaggerated, prompting speculation about the actual investment and potential money laundering behind the scenes.

The production was under the guidance of producers Robert Zemeckis and Joel Silver, with Susan Levin handling the specific tasks.

Warner Bros. had a well-established process for film preparations, ensuring that key personnel, from directors to cinematographers to casting directors, all signed contracts on the same day.

Before Louise's departure for Morocco, she had arranged a meeting with Susan Levin for a drink. Martin accompanied her to the meeting, acting as her driver.

Louise shared the latest information she had acquired, "The lead role has been cast. Elisha Cuthbert, a former child star, has accepted an exclusive interview with the White House, which has significantly boosted her popularity."

Martin chimed in, "I'm competing for the role of her twin brother."

Louise, being one of the investors, was well-informed, "Your main competition is Jason Shaw, Paris Hilton's current boyfriend, who is both a model and actor."

She cautioned, "Don't underestimate the competition. At least five audition participants have strong investor support."

Martin, gripping the steering wheel, acknowledged, "The competition is fierce, and it's tough to secure an audition, let alone the role itself."

Louise's words got straight to the point, "To succeed, you need the appeal of a superstar, the right fit for the role, and favorable terms from the production team."

Upon arriving at the nightclub, Martin escorted Louise to a reserved private room.

Susan had already arrived, and when she saw Martin, her gaze lingered on his attractive and sun-kissed tan face for a moment. She inquired through Louise, "Who's this?"

"Martin Davis, my driver and an actor," Louise introduced, adding humorously, "If you overindulge, just give a call, and Downey Jr. will come running. I can only bring Martin, the driver, to meet the producer."

Susan understood the situation and shook Martin's hand with a friendly smile. Not giving him a chance to speak, she quipped, "Handsome man, can you leave us some private space?"

Martin didn't need further prompting. "Call me if you need anything," he said and exited the room.

Louise signaled the bartender in the private room for two "screwdriver" cocktails.

Susan complimented, "A true masterpiece by the bartender, Louise."

As the drinks arrived, Louise commented, "He has an excellent image."

Both veterans of Hollywood, Susan was candid, "Seeing him, I understand why you came to meet me personally. You've got an eye for talent."

Louise was equally candid, "Do you like unattractive ones? In Hollywood, men and women alike appreciate good-looking people."

She went on, "Martin Davis is quite the find. I plucked him from the muck of Atlanta with my own hands. What's valuable about him is his determination and willingness to rise above his circumstances."

Susan, intrigued, probed, "Tell me more."

Louise briefly outlined Martin's life story, from his misguided youth working with smugglers to his entry into the world of Hollywood extras. She emphasized Martin's resilience, saying, "He's experienced the ups and downs of life but maintains an optimistic outlook."

Susan raised her glass, "To our treasure boy."

Louise clinked her glass with Susan's.

Nearly an hour later, Martin re-entered the private room and assisted Louise in leaving.

As they got into the car, Martin commented, "Drinking like this won't do your body any favors."

Louise waved it off, "I'm young and healthy. Besides, I don't think you deliberately used wine to seduce me."

Martin patted her leg, "Sit tight and behave."

The car departed from Sunset Boulevard and returned to Louise's villa.

The following morning, Martin saw Louise off at the airport, then drove to Century City and entered the WMA office lobby.

Thomas, his agent, sat partitioned off, engaged in numerous phone conversations. Recent work had clearly taken a toll, as he appeared stressed and sported under-eye bags.

Taking a seat nearby, Martin encouraged him, "Hang in there, Thomas. The production crew just announced the actor recruitment notice, and this is a critical moment."

Thomas retrieved a bottle of vitamins from his bag, chewed one, and said, "How's it going on your end?"

Martin replied, "I've done everything I can, and Susan also dropped some important hints." He inquired, "How about your side?"

Thomas divulged, "The casting director is Mary Gale. She dislikes men with long hair and prefers young actors with light brown hair."

Martin touched his hair, "I'll get it cut shorter and dyed."

Thomas leaned in, speaking softly, "There are also contenders for this role within our agency. Keep the information we have between us, alright?"

Martin, with a touch of aggression, vowed, "Anyone who dares to pry, I'll give them a piece of my mind."

Thomas reminded, "Remember Adrian, the male lead in the series you filmed."

Martin lowered his voice, "Louise mentioned that my biggest competition is Jason Sean, Paris Hilton's current boyfriend."

Thomas nodded thoughtfully, "He's indeed a formidable rival."

Martin playfully quipped, "Should I hand you a gun to take care of him?"

Thomas was momentarily taken aback by the suggestion.

Martin lightly tapped the table, saying, "I can see you're quite on edge. Relax."

After finishing his work on "Entourage," Adrian exited his agent John's glass cubicle office and walked outside with his short and less attractive associate, Tony.

Tony inquired, "Do you have high hopes for this one?"

Adrian exuded confidence, "Considering the budget constraints, the production was planning to cast newcomers. But I have better qualifications and acting skills. John even reached out to Robert Downey Jr., so I'm banking on some connections."

Tony, well-versed in industry gossip, chimed in, "I recall that Downey proposed to Susan Levin last month."

Adrian grinned, "Exactly. So, my prospects are looking up. Worst-case scenario, I'll have a go with Donnie."

Tony assured, "I'll get what we need if it comes to that."

Adrian mentioned, "There are two other actors from our agency interested in this role. John, with his higher rank, has dug up some information. And Martin Davis, the guy from last time, is one of them."

The two of them made their way to the ground floor, where Tony went to retrieve the car while Adrian waited.

Before the car arrived, Adrian spotted Martin descending the stairs.

His eyes lit up, and he waved enthusiastically, "Hey, Martin! Long time no see."

Seeing the spirited Adrian, Martin responded with an equally bright smile, "Man, when does your episode air? You're practically a college kid now. You've really become a star."

Adrian shrugged modestly, "Don't mention it. I've been grinding for years, and I'm finally getting my shot." Shifting the conversation, he asked, "Rumor has it there's a competition at our agency for the lead role in Warner's horror film. Are you in on it?"

Martin clarified, "Not exactly the lead, just a supporting role as the heroine's twin brother. I'm curious about the auditions more than anything. It's tough to secure the role with the competition we've got."

Adrian sensed that Martin possessed some insider knowledge, "Why's that? Your acting skills are top-notch."

Martin sighed, "It's the Hilton family's wild child who made a video. She's joined the cast and confirmed for the supporting actress."

Adrian acknowledged, "I heard about that."

Martin explained, "Her boyfriend, Jason Shaw, is both a model and actor, and she recommended him to the production. In this scenario, can anyone else really stand a chance?"

Adrian waved goodbye, "Well, I've got to run. Class awaits."

Martin waved back, showing little interest, "Good luck with that. Catch you later."

Seeing Martin's disinterest, Adrian couldn't help but feel threatened. He immediately called his agent, John.

Tony pulled up in the car, and Adrian got in. Before long, John returned his call, advising, "I've inquired with several sources, and it seems the news is true. He'll be your main competition. You need to be well-prepared. We'll discuss it further at one o'clock when I have more information."

Adrian couldn't hold back his frustration, "Damn nepotism!"

Tony inquired, "What happened?"

Adrian cautiously explained, "Luckily, I managed to extract some information from that clueless Martin Davis."

Tony hadn't regarded Martin seriously, given his limited role on the "Entourage" set a while back.

Tony asked again, "How much do you think our chances will be affected?"

Adrian pondered and replied, "At least cut in half." He tapped the car seat, adding, "Auditions are starting soon, and time is running out. We need to come up with a plan."

Tony couldn't help but vent, "Doesn't Jason Shaw care about that video? Is he as scandalous as Paris Hilton?"

Adrian responded, "He's wealthy!" He raised a hand, signaling Tony to hold off on further comments as they brainstormed.

Entering 2004, shortly after the New Year holiday, the crew of the film officially titled "House of Wax" announced the audition schedule and sent audition notices and brief character descriptions to selected actors.

The leading character's name was Nick Jones, the twin brother of the heroine.

Among those selected, including Martin, over 20 actors were vying for this role.

For those who made it past the initial screening, basic acting skills, talent, and appearance were not in question.