Chapter 112: Invitations

Late one night, the aspiring superstar Martin Davis had a clandestine rendezvous with Jenna Jameson, the Queen of the San Francisco Valley. Surprisingly, no paparazzi trailed them, shrouding their exciting secret date in anonymity.

Martin got straight to the point, "I'm hosting a horror-themed party next week and need plenty of beautiful guests." Jenna, holding a wine glass, smiled and responded, "Beauty is paramount here. The actors from the San Francisco Valley surpass Hollywood in terms of physical appearance."

Martin concurred, "We'll need special makeup and rehearsals. I'll send people to guide us. The 30 young and beautiful actors don't need to be famous, but they must undergo a physical examination and sign a confidentiality agreement next week."

"No problem," Jenna replied thoughtfully. "Attending a party isn't too costly, but makeup, rehearsals, physical exams, and confidentiality agreements will add to the expenses."

"Alright, gather more information and send me the list," Martin instructed.

After their business discussion, Jenna, intrigued, asked, "You're doing well in Hollywood. Most people who approach me at such parties are celebrities. I always sign confidentiality agreements, so I don't reveal my name."

Martin candidly responded, "Men find it easier to connect at a party than in a regular relationship."

Jenna prepared to leave, promising, "I'll provide you with a comprehensive list tomorrow."

As she exited, Martin turned to Bruce and asked, "Is that surveillance equipment alright?"

Bruce assured him, "It's not second-hand, maybe third or fourth-hand. It'll easily handle civilian recording equipment interference."

As they drove back to Los Angeles, Martin considered his need for an acting teacher and someone to handle costume and prop rentals. Poaching Robert wasn't a good idea, so he sought a Hollywood veteran.

The next day, a Saturday, Martin attended an accent class to make up for missed lessons. Inside, Mene excitedly shared stories about Fatty beating a kangaroo with Emily and Jessica.

Mene rushed to greet Martin, asking, "Boss, it's been a while. I've missed you."

Martin whispered, "Stay after class; we need to talk."

Mene's eyes widened, "Is it good news?"

Martin noticed Emily and Jessica preparing to intervene, so he urged, "Go back to class for now."

Mene eagerly agreed and cleared the way for Martin, determined to protect his boss.

After class, Martin left with Mene in tow. He discussed the upcoming party plans with Bruce and asked if Mene could handle it.

Mene confidently replied, "Boss, I've been in LA for years. I know which companies rent costumes and which studios excel in various styles. Horror movies and their eerie creatures are my specialty, so I've got it covered."

Martin assured him, "You'll meet some influential figures at the party; I'll introduce you."

Mene eagerly agreed, promising, "Boss, just tell me who to schmooze. I've got it covered."

Martin cautioned, "Behave yourself and watch your tongue."

Then, Martin realized something and added, "Remember, at the party, you're in charge of the atmosphere, and there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to network."

Mene enthusiastically declared, "I'm your most loyal Mene."

But when Mene made a housing request to Bruce, things took an unexpected turn. Mene hastily retracted his request upon realizing it was a bad idea.

Martin directed, "Follow me and Bruce; we have an appointment with a costume studio."

For the more complex props and costumes, they planned to rent from one of the many costume rental companies scattered throughout Hollywood.

There were also some disposable supplies that needed to be procured and shipped within a few days.

Martin arrived in Burbank, near Beauvet Street, a hub for various film and television production studios, following Louise's recommendation.

"I need a sexy nurse uniform," Martin told the female designer, who was around 50 years old. "Include white stockings, a soft rubber prop, and a sharp knife. Do you have these? Great, make sure it matches every outfit. Just grab a handful."

He beckoned to Bruce, saying, "Bruce, bring over those printed pictures."

Menei took the stack of printouts from Bruce and hurried to Martin.

Pointing to the top one, Martin explained, "This is a screenshot from the video game 'Silent Hill.' Have you seen those creepy nurses? Base it on them." The female designer cautioned, "Don't use it in public; it's copyrighted."

Martin assured her, "I'm using it for a private costume party." He took the first printout and went through the others one by one. "This is a succubus. The tail doesn't have to be triangular. Ever seen a pink water bottle? That could work. And the tip of the tail should resemble a smaller kettle."

As he continued to describe each costume, Menei stood nearby, admiring, "Boss, you're a genius."

"I think so too," Martin replied without modesty. "Look at this, the female werewolf, the key parts must be exposed. She and the female vampire should complement each other for fun. The female zombie is straightforward. As for the female snake woman, it's based on Hayek in 'From Dawn til Dawn.' Use soft materials to make a three-point snake suit, making it look like a python is emerging from underneath."

He continued explaining, "And the Sadako, you know her, right? From 'The Ring' with Naomi Watts? She's the focus. These two, the female versions of Freddy and Jason, they'll need live performances. We'll modify their weapons. For instance, Freddy's claws should resemble the bottle, and Jason's machete can be..."

The female designer was left astounded, saying, "You shouldn't be in Hollywood; you should venture into the erotic design industry. Seriously, that's my sincere suggestion."

Martin, not seeking credit, pointed to Mene, "He came up with all of this."

The female designer took the printed pictures from Martin's hand and said, "You can go now." She then grabbed Mene, saying, "Let's go upstairs to discuss the details."

Martin waved his hand, signaling Mene to follow her.

Suddenly, Mene noticed the female designer scratching her palm and asked, "Are you around fifty?"

"It's impolite to ask a lady her age," she replied with a smile. "Don't worry; I'm not even forty yet."

Menei followed her upstairs, where they delved into business discussions that were certainly not suitable for children.

Thomas called Martin to inform him about a fax he had received.

As Martin lacked a fax machine and office setup, he had Jenna Jameson send the information to Thomas.

The list contained over 70 names with varying characteristics, including hair color and skin tone. The entertainment industry in the Sacred Valley had a hierarchical structure, with limited earning potential for newcomers. Jenna Jameson had carefully curated a list of relatively new talents.

Martin recognized a few names, such as Kayden Cross and two individuals from the blockbuster "Fire Fighting."

Carefully selecting 30 individuals based on role requirements, Martin rented Jenna's venue for preliminary training.

On Monday, Martin personally delivered invitations to Wes Craven and others. While David Arquette and Courteney Cox declined, Wes Craven accepted, expressing his desire for a lively party with more guests.

Old-fashioned yet vibrant, the horror movie maestro believed that more people meant more fun.

Kate and Louise decided not to attend. Martin then sent invitations to Robert Patrick, reached out to Benjamin Calvin in Atlanta, contacted Jaume Serra, and even brought director Michel Gondry back from France.

With a mix of directors and established actors, the party atmosphere kicked into high gear.

The advertising, modeling, and film circles all eagerly anticipated the horror-themed party.

Parties provided an excellent opportunity for networking, so Martin wanted to invite Blanco from Europa Pictures, the buyer of "Zombie Stripper."

Michel Gondry mentioned, "Blanco is busy preparing for the Cannes Film Festival in France and can't make it. But I have a friend, Alexandre Aga, another director who recently arrived in Los Angeles. Can I invite him?"

Martin promptly sent an invitation: "Of course, no problem."

Over the next few days, Martin arranged for the venue, hired a party company, trained the staff, and ensured that everyone underwent necessary physical examinations.

Martin was fully prepared.