America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Chapter 268: Chapter 265: Belonging to the Turtle

"I think Aniston can do it!"

At the routine production meeting, Director Danny Boyle expressed his approval, "I've discussed the female lead with the scriptwriter Bradt. The role doesn't require particularly complex acting, and Aniston's experience is more than enough to handle it."

Directors also prefer using experienced actors—it's easier and less of a hassle on set. No one wants to bother teaching newcomers who lack leading experience.

Kelly considered a more practical issue, "What about her salary? She wouldn't ask for 20 million US dollars, would she?"

Martin replied, "20 million plus is what Aniston got paid for a season of Friends. She doesn't ask for that much in movies."

It was Jessica who dealt with CAA. She said, "I inquired tentatively, and their bottom line is around 5 million US dollars."

Kelly asked, "The box office response to 'Off-track Pursuit,' where she starred, seems to be average."

Louise turned her head to look at Martin, "If Rachel's fame and appeal are handled properly, it could be a boost to the movie." Read exclusive adventures at m_v-l'-NovelBin.net

After some thought, Martin said, "My opinion is to let her go directly to the third round of auditions. That's the treatment a star of her level deserves. We'll see how the audition goes."

Boyle was the first to agree, "That's for the best."

Louise said, "Then let's handle it this way."

The brief meeting ended, and Martin prepared to go to the studio to meet the action director Chad. He planned to incorporate some of Bruce Lee's moves into the action design of the film.

After the male lead takes the smart drug, there's no need for him to learn fighting specifically—using the moves from films he has seen is more than sufficient.

Louise followed up, walking beside Martin on the pedestrian lane of Warner Bros. Studios.

Martin asked directly, "Something on your mind?"

Louise hooked her arm in his like a couple, "You haven't given me the formula in a long time."

Martin found an excuse, "I've been busy with work recently and haven't had time to experiment with new formulas. Didn't I give you a notebook last time?"

"It's almost finished," Louise reminded, "You seem to have plenty of time for parties and women."

Martin, thick-skinned, was not the least bit ashamed but instead spoke confidently, "It's all for work. How would we get Danny to direct if I didn't attend Leonardo's parties? If I weren't busy with work, how could Pacific Pictures have recovered its momentum so quickly?"

Louise smiled and shook her head, "Blake would have something to say about that."

Martin saw the bigger picture, "Every idol's halo breaks eventually."

At the crossroads, Louise said she was headed over to Warner Bros. and said, "Don't forget the new formula. I have the World Sommelier Congress during the New Year, and a master needs to have impressive work to show."

Martin responded, "I'll make time to experiment with a new formula."

They split at the intersection, each going their own way.

Louise made her way to the main conference room of Warner Bros., where she saw the current heads of Warner Bros., Barry Meyer and Ellen Horn.

The participants in today's meeting included representatives from DC Comics and Legendary Pictures, as well as Warner's top producer Charles Roven.

The latter, familiar with Louise, asked, "Has Pacific Pictures recovered?"

Louise smiled, "With the treasure boy Martin Davis, his two projects 'The Hills Have Eyes' and 'Wanted Order' not only made up for the losses from 'Alexander the Great' but will also garner a good profit. Most importantly, investors have regained confidence in Pacific Pictures."

Barry Meyer couldn't help but exclaim, "Indeed, you have unearthed a treasure from Atlanta, starting with the wax museum last year. Time and again, Martin Davis has surprised me."

Louise was well aware that Warner Bros. sat atop this industry chain. Of all these projects, Warner Bros. stands to benefit the most.

Ellen Horn asked, "How much longer do you think he'll be on fire?"

In this question lay an implication of high-level exploitation, which Louise found unpleasant. She replied specifically, "As far as I'm aware, Coca-Cola wants to take the initiative to extend their endorsement contract with Martin and sponsor all the movies he stars in that are appropriate for their brand."

For a group like Coca-Cola, which lacks the power to change the film industry's situation, concentrating resources on a single star can have a significant impact.

Ellen Horn immediately changed her tune, "Warner Bros. has always been very optimistic about Martin's future and hopes his new film continues to be a success."

Seeing everyone had arrived, Barry Meyer gently tapped his finger on the table and said, "Let's start the meeting. There's only one topic today; British Director Nolan has submitted a concept for the New Batman movie sequel with expected investments surpassing 150 million US dollars..."

With such a high investment and great risk, Warner Bros. did not wish to bear it alone.

Therefore, long-term partners like Legendary Pictures and Pacific Pictures were invited to participate in the discussion.

…

In Century City, inside a business club.

Brad Pitt awaited Aniston's agent Steve, complaining, "She changed all her contact information, moved, and didn't even give me her new address. I can't even get in touch with her."

Steve was well aware that Aniston would be very unhappy to know he was meeting with Pitt, but as an agent needed to be tactful. He asked directly, "What do you want with Jen? You know she doesn't want to see you anymore."

Pitt certainly wouldn't tell an agent he wanted to get back together. Pretending to have Aniston's interests at heart, he said, "'Off-track Pursuit' received a lukewarm response. I've found her a new project, a biopic that could be an award contender!"

Steve, who took Aniston's career very seriously and least wanted her to settle, asked, "Which project?"

Pitt opened his bag and handed over a stack of materials, "Take a look, a biopic about Beatrix Potter, the author of 'Peter Rabbit'."

Steve's glance fell on the name of the film company labeled above — Weinstein Films!

The words that Aniston had emphasized were still ringing in his ears.

Pitt plus Weinstein, Steve was very clear, if he opened his mouth to recommend again, it would be suicide.

Aniston might even ask CAA to replace her agent.

Not wanting to offend Pitt, Steve told the truth: "Jen refuses to work with Weinstein ever again."

"What?" Pitt had an uneasy association: "What did Harvey do to her?"

Steve shook his head: "Jen simply dislikes his style." He hadn't even touched the script Pitt brought: "I have other things to handle, I must go."

Pitt could only pack up the materials and as he was leaving, he passed by the newspaper stand and suddenly saw a picture of Aniston.

He quickly grabbed a copy and sat down at a nearby resting area to read it closely.

"Aniston's new romance? The man is suspected to be Martin Davis!"

Below the title was a photo of Aniston and Martin engaged in an animated conversation, with no doubt less than a safe distance between men and women.

Of course, it could also be due to the angle it was taken.

But Pitt didn't bother to discern, nor did he want to. He unconsciously touched his head, feeling somewhat heavy.

There was another photo in the back, showing Martin and Aniston walking towards the villa's gate under the night sky, seemingly about to enter the same house.

The paparazzi had chosen the photos very well, easily leading to speculation.

Pitt threw the newspaper aside, with only the name Martin Davis left in his mind!

"Fuck!" Pitt could confirm that Martin had pried Jolie away from him.

And that wasn't enough, he was also after Aniston!

How could a person be so shameless?

Pitt, seething with rage, left the club, got into his car, and instructed the driver to head home. On the way, he phoned the housekeeper: "Come to me at once, now!"

He'd vent his anger first, then figure out a way!

Not far from there, in the office of Weinstein Films.

The Weinstein brothers were a rare sight when gathered together.

Bob, the younger brother, asked, "The Potter project, are you sure about the cast? Renee Zellweger called me, she's very interested in the film."

"Let her wait," Harvey, the elder brother and the real decision-maker, said: "I've found a more suitable cast, with Aniston and Pitt playing the leads."

Although Bob wasn't directly involved in the film business, his wide experience over the years made him immediately understand: "Are you emulating the publicity stunt of 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' to create buzz for the movie?"

Harvey was ambitious: "With our traditional strength in awards campaigning, plus the publicity stunt, I'm confident that we can make the film profitable just through North American box office."

The films of Weinstein Films rarely made profits solely from box office, including Quentin's movies, which weren't known for their box office success.

Harvey's phone suddenly rang. It was a call from Pitt.

Harvey answered a few words, his face turning somewhat unsightly. He pressed the intercom on his desk, and the secretary quickly brought in several newspapers.

One of the newspapers officially disclosed that Martin Davis, in partnership with several production companies, was preparing a film adaptation of The Dark Domain novel, and the female lead was very likely to be Aniston!

Harvey slammed the newspaper down on his desk, cursing outright: "Fuck!"

Bob inquired, "What happened? Is there a problem?"

Harvey summarized, "Aniston has rejected our collaboration, choosing Martin Davis's new project 'Limitless' where she plans to play the leading lady."

Remembering past events, Bob said, "I recall this Martin had stolen Craven's 'The Hills Have Eyes' project? And took away a role from Damon?"

"Yes, that's him," Harvey nodded slightly.

Bob suggested in the way he was accustomed to, "Find a way to bring him down?"

But Harvey replied, "If he were easy to deal with, I would have taken care of him already, would I wait until now?"

He spoke with evident helplessness: "Martin is now the spokesperson for Coca-Cola. If we tackle him by improper means, do you think those capital giants will just let it go? They don't need to do anything in particular, just find an opportunity to press their finger on our head, and how could we bear it?"

"He has always worked with both Pacific Pictures and Warner Bros. The former is negotiable, but Warner Bros. we can endlessly scold. However, if we touch their investment and distribution profits, do you think they'll act as if we don't exist?"

"Moreover, he's deeply entangled with the local forces in Georgia!" Harvey thought of that female 'King Kong' and instinctively crossed his legs: "Tampering with their interests could lead to a fight to the death."

Hearing all this, Bob couldn't help saying, "What on earth is he thinking? Does he see himself as a tortoise? Wrapping himself up with so many shells."

Harvey shook his head: "That's why it's tough to deal with. Either we stand down, or we find a weak spot…"