America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

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In the morning, Andrew came to Gray Company to report the latest developments of the crew to Kelly Gray.

Kelly Gray was not there, she had gone to Washington with Congresswoman Erica and Julia.

Andrew tried calling Ella to explain the situation, then he went to Benjamin-Calvin's office.

Benjamin was leading a budgeting session for a new play when Andrew arrived. Seeing him, Benjamin stepped out to a reception room and asked, "What brings you back today?"

Andrew handed Benjamin the newspaper in his hands: "There has been an issue with the crew. Adam Smith was caught by the DEA, and they have everything they need to prosecute. Fortunately, he was only a minor character, a passerby, so the impact isn't significant."

Having collaborated with Adam Smith on several projects, Benjamin quickly took the newspaper and asked, "Are you sure about the news?"

Andrew nodded: "DEA has officially notified the crew, and I've just reported it to the boss, who has already received the news."

After skimming the newspaper report, Benjamin said, "I was considering keeping Adam as the lead since he's not expensive and has some clout in Georgia... but there's no need to consider that now."

On hearing this, Andrew asked, "You mean 'Zombie Dancer?' Director, isn't that the strip club where Martin works?"

Benjamin had thought about Martin, and now reminded, he realized Martin was even more good-looking than Adam Smith and not a bad actor either.

Andrew looked around, closed the door, and lowered his voice: "As far as I know, Martin has a very good relationship with the boss."

Benjamin nodded slowly: "Without considering Adam Smith's situation, Martin seems the most suitable." Could this increase the boss's likelihood of green-lighting the project? He added, "I'm working on the budget, trying to cut costs as much as possible. We don't have the money for big stars."

Andrew suggested: "We'll have to dig within our existing resources. Since Adam won't be returning anytime soon, I propose we choose Martin."

Benjamin made a decision: "Help me arrange a meeting with Martin."

Andrew responded: "I'll call him right now."

Benjamin glanced at his office: "No rush, I'm only free in the afternoon."

Andrew asked about the time and immediately called Martin, arranging to meet at a coffee shop near Gray Company.

Before four o'clock, Martin arrived early at Louis Cafe.

About ten minutes later, Benjamin entered.

Martin greeted him: "Director, that circus act you designed last time has made me famous; everyone around now recognizes me."

With one sentence, he hit on Benjamin's pride and bridged the distance between them. Benjamin, smiling, did not mention that Adam Smith had initially been his first choice and said, "I've designed a role that suits you even better this time."

Martin showed surprise: "Really? Director, you've personally designed a play for me again, and I'm another step closer to being a star."

The two sat down in a booth, each ordering a coffee and chatting leisurely.

Benjamin took out a script from his briefcase and handed it to Martin: "Take a look. I wrote this script with you in mind, it's practically tailor-made."

Martin had already seen the script at Kelly Gray's, but he reacted as if it was his first time seeing it. At first, he was calm, but as he read, his face showed increasing surprise.

After going through dozens of pages, he took a sip of his coffee, slightly excited: "Director, the setting is actually where I used to work!"

Benjamin smiled softly: "While writing this script, I envisioned you in the lead role, from appearance to background. You must be the leading man."

Martin asked, "When does the company plan to start shooting?"

Benjamin inquired, "Didn't Kelly mention this project to you? She hasn't given the go-ahead yet."

Martin tapped his head: "A few nights ago, I was drinking with Kelly, and she mentioned a script but didn't go into details, just that the investment was high and needed careful consideration."

Benjamin immediately latched onto the key piece of information in Martin's words—at night, drinking together!

Where did they drink? How did they drink? He pondered silently but said: "Many of us at the company are working hard to drive this project. Compared with our usual late-night plays, the investment is indeed higher, but our goal is to get the film into theaters—to be screened across Georgia and the whole of the US."

Martin appeared thoughtful.

Benjamin encouraged him: "You are the ultimate leading man. Do you want to join early and help push this project forward?"

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"Of course, I do!" Martin quietly changed the subject, "That night, Kelly mentioned when she brought up the script that the biggest problem was still funding."

He asked Benjamin, "Director, how much funding do we need?"

Benjamin hesitated slightly before saying, "1 million US dollars, at the very least."

Martin automatically added an extra half million and asked, "Director, can you pull in any other investors?"

Benjamin shook his head, "I've always worked with Gray Company, and the film industry in Atlanta is just starting out. It's not easy to find investors."

After a moment of thought, Martin said, "Kelly has gone to Washington. When she gets back, I'll ask her about it."

This matter could be first consulted with professionals. After Benjamin left, Martin called Louise Mel, who was about to take Kate Winslet to the airport.

She had a sudden family matter and had to leave Atlanta early.

Louise asked deliberately, "Are you coming? It's your last chance, you know."

Martin certainly was going, "I'm a civilized person. Kate just got married last month, and I, being the good person I am, never ruin other people's families."

Before heading to the airport, he specially went to a souvenir shop and bought an artificial crystal peach of Atlanta, nicknamed the Peach City.

Martin was aware of the importance of personal connections. Kate Winslet had just entered her second marriage in May, to a man named Sam Mendes.

An Oscar-winning director.

Over half an hour later, Martin met Kate Winslet and Louise Mel at the international airport.

In the VIP room, Kate gently hugged Martin, "Thank you for coming to see me off. I really liked the gift you brought."

The artificial crystal peach in the transparent box was very beautiful, and on the base, there was an inscription — "To dear Rose Dawson."

From Martin Davis.

According to Louise, Kate might say she doesn't care about the success of "Titanic," that she only seeks artistic achievement, but in her heart, she considers it one of her proudest achievements in life.

Kate sincerely invited him, "When you come to London, you must visit my home."

Martin replied, "Even if you don't invite me, I'll show up anyway."

When it was time to board, Kate Winslet got on the plane and left Atlanta.

Louise didn't return to the set but called Martin to join her at the hotel instead.

Entering the suite, she kicked off her high heels and, still in stockings, walked over to the bar to pour two glasses of wine. Without waiting for Martin to come over, she took a big gulp of her drink.

Martin voiced his concern, "Take it slow with the drinking."

Louise pushed the other glass towards him, "I'll be heading back to Los Angeles very soon, ready to widely distribute the formula for Penicillin. I'm planning to name it Louise and Martin's Penicillin."

"Just Louise's Penicillin would be more appropriate," Martin said, not minding if Louise took all the credit. He traced his finger over Louise's lips, "Because it cures the soul of the drunk and lustful Louise."

As a cocktail based on other spirits, it couldn't be patented, and the formula wasn't worth much. Connoisseurs of fine drinks could quickly replicate the mix after tasting it.

Louise leaned her uneven shoulders against the bar and said, "You've got big plans, I see."

"I have a question to ask you about the new script Kelly mentioned, Zombie Dancer," Martin said, explaining the situation in a fitting manner.

Louise clinked glasses with Martin, drained hers, and said, "Kelly's concerns are valid. In terms of the entire industry, the proportion of movies that turn a profit in the short term is frustratingly low. Carolco, once the darling of the industry for investing in the Terminator, messed up with a movie called Cutthroat Island and went under."

She poured more wine for both herself and Martin, "But for you personally, there are many advantages."

Martin showed he was all ears.

Louise reached out and gently caressed Martin's handsome face, "You gave Penicillin to me, and I said I'd offer you some advice and help. Let's do that today."

Then she suddenly asked, "Are you really ready? This industry is ten times, even a hundred times more chaotic than the darkest, most despicable depiction by the media. It's second only to New York's financial district and Washington's political circle!"