The pickup truck pulled into the parking lot, and Martin cast a glance at the nearby small building, where a swarm of paparazzi had gathered.
These photographers had an uncanny knack for sniffing out news.
Los Angeles boasted more actors per capita than news outlets per capita.
Bruce placed a call, reporting, "Mene's agent, Munir, and his lawyer are already inside."
Martin opened the car door, stepped out with Bruce, and paid little heed to the paparazzi reporters as they entered the building.
Upon explaining their purpose, a staff member swiftly ushered them into an office.
Inside, Munir and the lawyer awaited their arrival.
Martin inquired, "Is he alright?"
Munir assured him, "He's doing well. He can be released after posting bail."
Martin got straight to the point, asking, "How much is left?"
"I've pooled together a portion, including Mene's contribution. We're $5,000 short," Munir promptly replied.
Martin wrote a check for $5,000 and handed it to Munir, who, along with the lawyer, set out to handle the bail procedures.
After a brief interval, they emerged with Mene in tow.
When Mene spotted Martin, he hung his head and muttered, "Boss..."
"It's alright," Martin assured him, leading the way outside. "Let's get out of here."
He added a cautionary note, "Remember, there are paparazzi and reporters waiting outside."
Mene slowed his pace and suggested, "Boss, you and Bruce go ahead. I'll exit later."
"Meet us at the North Hollywood fitness center," Martin directed as he and Bruce departed.
As the two men reached their car, Mene exited the building. The paparazzi reporters swarmed him, eager to get a statement.
Bruce cynically remarked, "He's grabbed the headlines again."
Martin shook his head, stating, "I don't want this kind of publicity."
Upon arriving at the fitness club, Bruce secured a private lounge. After a short wait, Mene and Munir entered together.
Martin ordered some wine and snacks, saying, "Take a seat wherever you like."
Mene wore a somber expression, complaining, "Victoria has no professional ethics. I didn't divulge anything, but she still wants to pin me for doing business!"
Martin commented, "It's a trap."
Bruce, well-informed, chimed in, "The FBI often employs this tactic, spreading fake news to lure online traffickers or predators."
Munir interjected, "The lawyer who handled the bail mentioned that Mene's exuberance in Paris had put him on LAPD's radar."
Martin inquired, "Mene, you mentioned you didn't accept any money from her."
Mene shrugged helplessly. "She slipped $100 into my pocket without me noticing. For $100, I'm a cheap date!"
Bruce asked, "They didn't ask you anything else? Like which club you were at?"
"No," Mene replied. "I was warned not to spill the beans, as my nuclear option might turn against me for unknown reasons. I kept quiet."
Bruce advised, "Luckily, you weren't naive. Don't fall for their ruse. They play dirty."
Martin turned to Munir, asking, "What did the lawyer say?"
Munir proceeded cautiously, "Ultimately, it's likely to result in a hefty fine, probation, and community service."
Martin cautioned Mene, "Stay away from that club of yours for now. Keep a low profile, so you don't land in trouble and hurt your career."
Mene nodded, expressing remorse. "Boss, I'll follow your advice. I'll repay the money as soon as I can."
Martin waved it off. "If there are auditions, attend them normally. If not, assist with pre-production for the film."
Munir, being a small agent, jokingly threatened, "I'll keep a close eye on him. If he slips up again, I'll sell him to Mexico!"
Mene, initially tired of being played, then arrested and handed over, felt relieved, saying, "I'll report to the studio tomorrow."
Munir left first.
Mene exited the fitness center through the rear door, glancing back and muttering to himself, "I thought the boss would abandon me and leave me to fend for myself." He resolved, "I'll always stand up for Boss Martin, even if I have to face twenty fifty-year-olds. My life is at stake."
In the lounge, Martin mused, "The LAPD sure knows how to have fun."
Bruce shrugged. "They enjoy spending public funds to lighten their spirits. You don't think LAPD is a model of lawfulness and professionalism, do you?"
Martin chuckled. "Certainly not."
He recalled a news piece from his limited time reading before his demise, in which Los Angeles officials had either disclosed or leaked information about LAPD's undercover operatives, a dire situation that would leave those officers fearing for their lives.
Bruce added, "A buddy of mine in the military once said that the LAPD is the largest gang organization in Los Angeles."
The following day, with the assistance of professional organizations, Mene registered and established a separate "Wanted" studio. The studio secured a small space within Warner Studios.
Martin had invested $700,000 into the project, covering the acquisition of comic book rights, screenwriter Michael Bradt's fees, and various other expenses and reserves, all of which would be accounted for in the film's production costs. This included labor and management expenses incurred during the period, totaling at least $2 million.
In Hollywood, this was undoubtedly a conscientious investment.
Six major companies, including Warner Bros., are collaborating on a project to produce a $50 million film. They wouldn't even consider saying hello to their counterparts in Hollywood if they didn't have $5 million in management expenses.
Martin understands that he needs to establish a reputation and brand carefully in his climb to success. He realizes that even in the world of deception, having a reputable name and credibility is essential.
After announcing their search for directors and action directors, the studio received over 20 resumes. Most of the names were unfamiliar to Martin, and they lacked a track record of successful works. Given the high stakes, Martin hesitated to take risks with inexperienced directors. In this matter, he consulted with Louise.
Louise, with black-rimmed glasses, meticulously reviewed the directors' resumes that Martin had brought. She expressed her opinion, "Some directors may possess talent, capability, and dreams, but without a proven track record, their talents are virtually worthless. If the investment were only a million dollars, we could take the risk, but for a project in the tens of millions, these individuals won't make the cut."
Having experienced the transition from dreams to reality in his previous life, Martin concurred with Louise, saying, "I'd rather spend more to hire a director with a successful track record than take a chance on a talented newcomer."
He inquired, "What about John Wu? He's known for his expertise in gunfight action movies."
"John Wu from Hong Kong?" Louise contemplated and shook her head slowly. "His personal style is too distinct, especially in the gun battle genre. Do you believe he can create a fresh and innovative gunfight action movie, or would it simply be another John Woo-style film?"
Martin had seen many John Woo-style gunfight action movies, and images of flying white doves, solemn churches, romantic movements, and gun battles flashed before his eyes. He responded, "The latter is more likely."
Louise cautioned, "He's a seasoned director with a well-established style. It's challenging to change, and it's uncertain how he'd adapt if forced to do so."
Martin nodded, acknowledging, "I understand."
Nikki knocked on the door and informed them, "Thomas Lane is here."
"Thank you," Martin said, leaving Louise's office and heading to Davis's studio downstairs.
Thomas was waiting in the inner room of the office, and when he saw Martin, he mentioned, "Nothing important. I just dropped by after sending Oscar Isaac to an audition at the studio." Martin took a seat on the sofa and inquired, "Isn't he another one of your clients?"
Thomas clarified, "He's Latino, and his acting style is entirely different from yours."
Martin nodded, and at the right moment, he mentioned, "A few days ago, Mike Vogal's agent, Pinto, approached me."
Thomas interjected, "The venomous snake incident has nothing to do with you..."
He realized mid-sentence that he was getting nervous and hastily adjusted his tone, casually inquiring, "Regarding your agency contract?"
Martin confirmed, "Yes, Pinto wanted me to consider him as my exclusive agent when my current contract expires. He also promised to secure the lead role in a major Category A production from 20th Century Fox—an epic film directed by A-list director Ridley Scott."
Thomas couldn't help but grip the armrest of the sofa tightly. A lead role in a major A-level production was an opportunity that even he couldn't secure. Ridley Scott, known for his epic blockbuster "Gladiator," had turned Russell Crowe into an Oscar winner.
While Thomas's mind raced, he found himself at a loss for words. "Martin, he was merely painting a rosy picture..."
"I declined," Martin asserted. "I'll never forget that when I first arrived in Los Angeles, it was you who helped me find my footing and settle down."
Strangely, Thomas felt relieved. Martin's words resonated deeply, and he appreciated the sentiment. "Thomas Lane, we make a great team!"
Thomas suddenly felt like he owed Martin something. A leading role in an A-class production was at least within reach for Martin, whereas he struggled to find such opportunities for himself. Determined, he clenched his teeth and declared, "Martin, I promise you that within a year, even if I have to go to great lengths, I will secure you a significant role in a quasi-A-class production! I swear!"
He didn't dare to make extravagant promises, as securing an A-class role was already pushing the limits of what he could achieve.
Martin replied casually, "Do your best."
With the fire of determination kindled, Martin wasn't just using words, but also taking concrete steps. "If the 'Wanted' project succeeds, there will be roles suitable for your other clients. Just reach out."
Thomas smiled and assured, "No problem, I won't hold back."
Martin inquired further, "Is there a suitable gunfight action director in the company?"
"I've posted the inquiry, but haven't received any responses yet," Thomas explained. "The company represents numerous directors, including big names like Eastwood, Michael Bay, Mel Gibson, Tony Scott, Guillermo Del Toro, Brad Bird, and many more. I've informed their agents."
Martin understood that this matter required patience and replied, "Keep a close eye on it, especially directors with a proven track record in the same genre."