Chapter 426: Plot Against Martin

Both parties showed interest in cooperation, and Martin and Chuck Hogan swiftly reached a cooperation agreement. After Martin's agent and lawyer joined the discussion with Thomas, they quickly initialed the agreement, making it one of the fastest negotiations.

Chuck Hogan, not particularly concerned about the copyright fee, had just one precondition: Martin had to play the leading role. This condition posed no problem.

The agreement outlined that the following day, under the supervision of Writers Association representatives, Thomas and Chuck Hogan would discuss specific terms in detail. After finalizing the agreement, the three Martins left the building.

Exiting the main entrance, Bruce hurriedly approached Martin. Meanwhile, next to their parked Escalade, Ben and Casey Affleck stepped out of the Volvo SUV.

Ben remarked, "Don't you follow any rules in doing things? Everything has to be first-come, first-served, right?"

Cassie added bluntly, "You are robbing us, so don't blame us for robbing you."

Martin, uninterested in a confrontation, explained, "Chuck sent 'Prince of Thieves' to me a few days ago under Graham's introduction." Ben shrugged, saying, "A few years ago, Chuck Hogan submitted the novel to Weinstein Pictures."

Martin clarified, "The choice is in Chuck Hogan's hands."

Cassie, sternly, asserted, "You lack basic respect for us. This matter will not end like this."

Ben, holding Cassie's shoulders, accused Martin, "Man, you are deliberately provoking conflicts."

Martin, acknowledging the conflict, admitted there was little he could do about the other side's selective deafness.

Big Ben nodded to Martin and got into the co-pilot of the Volvo. Cassie pointed to Martin and the others and got into the driver's seat.

The Volvo roared to life. Cassie grinned sinisterly at Martin, as if attempting to hit him with the car.

Martin, aware of the gun licenses, subtly prepared for any escalation. Bruce, quicker, brandished a pistol, intending to deter them.

Seeing the guns, Cassie's smile froze, realizing the seriousness of the situation. Bruce swung his gun toward the middle of the road, and Cassie, panicked, drove away.

Once they turned an intersection, Cassie, still shaken, said to Ben, "We called the police, thatt they are openly carrying guns in New York!"

Ben, aware of strict gun regulations, replied, "If they took out guns, they must have licenses. Wait before you speak."

Daben dialed Chuck Hogan, who promptly refused the copyright adaptation without negotiation, leaving them unhappy.

Cassie lamented, "He took away the copyright that should have been ours."

Big Ben acknowledged Martin's growing influence and popularity. Cassie questioned, "You can just bear it?"

Ben sighed, "Even Harvey can't do anything to him. What can we do?"

Daben suggested caution, reminding them of Pitt's current situation.

Cassie inquired, "Is it related to Martin Davis?"

"I don't know," Ben pondered and said, "But Martin Davis at least pushed him from behind. Without Martin to lubricate the middle, how could Aniston and Jolie reconcile? They all targeted Brad Pitt. Did Martin push hard from behind?"

The car fell into silence.

After a while, Cassie said, "Brad Pitt is indeed a bit miserable. In order to get cash, he sold off fixed assets and hired a lawyer. He was almost ruined." Then a thought crossed her mind:

"Martin from Brad Pitt: 'I thought of a way; it's best to find women to entice Martin. We will quietly take action together to turn Martin into the second Brad Pitt.'"

Ben considered and replied, "Try it for a little bit, but if it doesn't work, withdraw immediately and don't attract anyone's attention."

Cassie, frustrated, grinned, "I'll think about it carefully and find a suitable method and approach. I won't mess around."

Two days later, Thomas and Chuck Hogan's agent negotiated the copyright issues related to "Prince of Thieves," and Jessica represented Davis Film and Television Studio, signing a licensing agreement with Chuck.

Chuck transferred all the film and television rights to "Prince of Thieves" for US$700,000, along with the share amount mandated by the Writers Guild.

This Hollywood rights agreement included additional conditions: Martin would play the leading role, and Chuck Hogan, although unqualified in film and television adaptation, would participate in script adaptation as an auxiliary.

Martin discussed this with Graham King, who mentioned Chuck Hogan's aspiration to become a film and television producer. If the movie adaptation succeeded, Chuck would gain significant fame.

The specific adaptation wouldn't commence until the following year at the earliest. After handling these matters, Martin's focus returned to shooting.

Disputes arose among the crew and creatives. Director Chad proposed a new idea, conflicting with screenwriter Bradt's refusal to change the script.

Martin called the creative team together, and Bradt explained, "Chad, please take a look at your new idea, let the protagonist be captured by the villain."

Chad defended his twist for a more intense conflict. Martin carefully examined Chad's concept and added his own, emphasizing the crisp and clean style, rejecting the idea of the protagonist sparing the villain.

Bradt intervened, pointing out the common problems in traditional Hollywood action movies. He suggested that, as a gang boss, the villain would eliminate the threat immediately.

Chad, influenced by the traditional model, acknowledged the mistake and apologized to Bradt.

Despite this work disagreement, Bradt reassured him, "It doesn't matter. Have you forgotten? In the process of writing the script, you pulled me out more than once."

Chad smiled at Martin, saying, "My past experiences have given me not only abilities and experience but also shackles."

Martin replied, "As long as you can think clearly."

He avoided using his power to forcefully suppress a director unless absolutely necessary, considering it the worst option.

Chad took a break to wash his face and returned, stating, "There is no problem here; let's continue filming."

The team returned to the set, and Martin, donning his suit jacket, approached the camera.

Mene, his co-star, sat alone in a box, savoring wine with the demeanor befitting the owner of the Continental Hotel in New York.

Today's scene focused on the literary interaction between the male protagonist and Winston. Martin and Menet exchanged a few words, checked their lines, and began filming as scene notes were recorded.

In a straight black suit, Martin walked through the crowded bar, reaching the box and sitting beside Menet.

"Jonathan," Menet's voice, deep and magnetic, promised a box office appeal to middle-aged and older women.

He poured Martin a glass of wine, remarking, "You look very tired and haggard."

Martin responded with a straight face, devoid of expression, "Because something happened, I had to come back."

The role didn't demand an extensive emotional performance from him.

Menet, equally expressionless, commented, "You know the rules of the Continental Hotel well. Fighting at the high table is strictly prohibited, or membership will be revoked."

Martin stood up without touching the glass, stating, "I won't cause you any trouble."

He left alone and headed to the bar of the Continental Hotel.

Director Chad called for a stop, announcing the shot had passed, and shifted scenes to continue filming the interaction between Jonathan and Winston.

Compared to The Dark Knight and Benjamin crews, this film required less character development, making it relatively easy for both Martin and Menet to handle.

Even Alexandra Daddario, with mediocre acting skills, stood out in a few shots. After all, once she moved, she easily attracted attention.