Chapter 165: A-List Project

After wrapping up the shooting equipment, Judy removed his helmet and prepared to head home to catch up on the day's news.

Suddenly, a young woman approached him, asking, "Are you a reporter?"

Judy looked at her, feeling a sense of familiarity. After a moment of thought, he remembered encountering her on Annie's set while filming Martin. She appeared to be an actress.

She inquired further, "I have something to discuss."

Introducing herself as Laura, she explained, "I'm an actress, and I'm privy to a lot of industry news. How can I get in touch with you?"

Judy handed her his business card, saying, "You can reach me at the number on this card. If it's news-worthy, I'll compensate you."

This was the standard practice in the industry, and Laura understood it. She took the business card and walked away towards a group of paparazzi near a car.

Laura efficiently collected contact information from over ten entertainment reporters and paparazzi.

Returning to her Hilton Hotel room, Laura waited for over two hours until Annie returned.

Annie's steps were brisk, and her face radiated happiness. She kicked off her high heels upon entering the room and twirled, dancing with unbridled joy. She was in such high spirits that she could hardly contain herself.

Laura offered a reminder, "Don't get too excited; he's not your boyfriend yet."

Annie came to a halt, her smile fading, replaced by a hint of sadness in her expression. She sighed, "I thought he might confess to me today."

Laura analyzed, "Did you give him mixed signals? Maybe he's unsure and afraid of rejection."

Sitting on the sofa and hugging her knees, Annie replied, "I gave plenty of signals, and they were quite clear."

Laura suggested, "Perhaps he wants to be more certain."

Annie fretted, "I can't wait too long, can I? After we finish this movie, I'll be heading back to New York, and our relationship won't stabilize... Hollywood is full of temptations, especially someone like him."

Laura agreed, "You're right. He's got looks, talent, and a bright future. His only 'flaw' is not really a flaw; he can attract tens of millions in investment. Since we met, Annie, why didn't you make a move earlier?"

Annie glanced at Laura and asked, "What do you mean?"

Laura proposed, "If he's afraid to confess, why don't you take the initiative? You could confess to him."

Annie hesitated, "Wouldn't that be too forward?"

Laura questioned, "Do you want to see him end up with someone else?"

Annie recalled her experience in the car. Now that Martin was an emerging star on the rise, once he truly started to shine...

Laura produced a stack of business cards, teasing, "I thought you were collecting reporters' contact info because you were planning a confession ceremony."

Annie nodded slowly, heeding Maha's advice. She picked up her phone, stepped out onto the balcony, and called her agent, Maha.

Maha responded, "I can't make this decision for you. He looks promising for the future. The key is able to secure the funding for the project. Not every celebrity can pull that off."

Annie made up her mind, "I've gathered some contact information from entertainment media."

Maha praised her, "That's excellent progress." She offered a suggestion, "The news of you and Martin attending the event is already online. Wait for the next wave of news before making your move."

Annie understood, "I will."

...

News about "The Hills Have Eyes" and Martin began to make waves in the media, even before the release of the House of Wax film. Annie's "The Princess Diaries 2" had already been a success earlier that year. Combining their attention, it was clear that 1+1 equaled more than 2.

Entertainment Weekly and The Hollywood Reporter featured stories related to "The Hills Have Eyes."

The 30-second trailer, shorter than the promotional event, found its way to various television stations.

Martin visited the studio daily, collaborating with the show's publicists and Warner Bros.'s publicity department to devise innovative promotional strategies.

While conventional methods like television, trailers, posters, and outdoor advertising were part of the campaign, Martin's creative ideas added a unique twist.

As December arrived, Warner Bros. hosted new screening parties for "The Hills Have Eyes." Theater managers joined the company insiders in attendance.

Many believed that this film would surpass the quality and audience response of the previous horror film, "House of Wax."

Warner Bros. gradually increased its investment in promotional resources, including self-distributed movies.

Advertisements for "The Hills Have Eyes" appeared during the opening of films like "Ocean's Twelve" and continued with subsequent releases.

One Monday, Martin arrived at WMA, and his manager, Thomas, awaited him in the lobby.

Thomas was relieved to see Martin because his initial one-year agency contract had expired, and Martin was free to sign with any agency or agent.

Usually, after a new artist's one-year contract expires, agencies actively seek renewals, as there's not much progress to be made in Hollywood within a year. Martin was a rare exception.

Thomas greeted him, saying, "Shall we head upstairs?"

Martin agreed, "Let's go upstairs and sign the contract quickly for your peace of mind."

Thomas smiled, "I'm most at ease with you. Don't forget, we're golden partners."

The two made their way upstairs to the signing office, where Martin was surprised to see senior partner Jim Witt signing the contract on behalf of WMA.

The latter extended his hand to Martin, remarking, "A year has flown by, and we're about to embark on a new collaboration."

Martin responded with a smile, expressing his gratitude, "Without the company's support, I wouldn't have come this far."

Jim Witt got straight to the point, saying, "Once you sign this new agency contract, Martin, WMA will focus on grooming you as a newcomer."

Martin enthusiastically replied, "I'm looking forward to a closer and more fruitful partnership."

An assistant arrived with the agency contract, provided in triplicate.

Thomas explained, "The Screen Actors Guild has reviewed and approved the contract."

This step was essential.

Martin took a seat at his desk, meticulously perused the contract's terms, and signed it.

In accordance with regulations, a talent agency contract could not exceed three years, and the agency's commission was capped at 10%.

This covered compensation, endorsement deals, profit sharing from post-production, and image rights. However, it did not include the client's earnings from investments.

Martin didn't have the clout to negotiate for more favorable terms, so he signed a standard three-year contract with a 10% commission.

After signing, WMA would forward a copy to the Screen Actors Guild for filing.

Jim Witt shook Martin's hand, and an assistant snapped a few photos.

Thomas, who had been on edge, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Jim Witt added a few words of encouragement to Martin and promptly exited the office.

Once the assistant left, Thomas closed the door and broached a different topic with Martin, "Yesterday, I met Maha Daksheel from CAA."

Martin recognized the name.

Thomas clarified, "She's Anne Hathaway's agent. You've been pursuing Anne, haven't you? She and I discussed how to handle publicity once you two become official."

Martin clarified, "We're not officially together yet."

Thomas observed, "It's only a matter of time." He continued, "If you do decide to get together, it might be a good short-term move to attract media attention and boost your reputation."

Martin was prepared for this, stating, "Feel free to discuss the details with her."

Thomas had read Martin correctly, "Maha reaching out to me suggests that Anne has no objections. How long do you think it'll take to win her over?"

Martin replied earnestly, "I take my feelings seriously, so it might take some time."

Thomas knew that Martin was a thoughtful individual and didn't rush him. Shifting gears, he mentioned, "I mentioned earlier that I'd find you a significant role in an almost A-list production."

Martin had a feeling about this.

This individual needed more pressure to bring out his best.

Thomas continued, "I have some significant news. Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio are in talks with Warner Bros., making it official soon."

When Martin heard these names, he couldn't help but speculate.

Without pausing, Thomas revealed more details, "They're working on a new project, a multi-protagonist gangster film. If Warner Bros agrees to co-produce it, and if 'The Hills Have Eyes' will be a huge success. You and Louise will have multiple opportunities to secure important roles due to your strong ties with Warner Bros."

Martin asked directly, "Do you know anything about the project's content?"

Thomas informed him, "It's a movie adaptation with a definite gangster theme. Currently, only the basic idea exists; the screenwriter and script haven't been finalized yet. But with Scorsese's reputation for gangster films, much like Craven's reputation for horror, it's practically a guarantee of success."

Martin nodded thoughtfully, "Becoming involved in a project like this with one of Hollywood's top directors would certainly raise my profile."

Thomas was more emphatic, "You should aim for a prominent role!"

Martin inquired further, "Any other insights?"

"Of course. I'm certain this project is high-profile," Thomas added, "Brad Pitt's Plan B and Paramount Pictures are also interested in co-producing. As for Louise..." Martin interrupted, "She might assist with Warner's project, but I can't guarantee she'll participate in this one."

Thomas responded, "In that case, my influence might not be as direct." He emphasized, "Scorsese's recent films have all been produced by Graham King. As the primary producer, he's British. I received this information from his assistant. I have a strong rapport with his assistant."

Martin followed up with another question, "I recall that Plan B was founded by Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Who handles their day-to-day operations?"

Thomas affirmed, "Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston are shareholders, but they aren't directly involved in daily operations."

Martin pondered for a moment and then asked, "What resources can the company allocate for me?"

Thomas replied confidently, "I'm certain that Jim Witt will advocate for you."

Martin made a decision without hesitation, "Go ahead and work on it."

Success would require determined efforts.

Thomas pledged, "I'll leverage all my connections to secure opportunities for you."