On a seemingly ordinary Monday morning, Ellen DeGeneres was busy preparing for her show's new episode. While styling her hair, she grew bored and picked up the "Hollywood Report" from nearby to pass the time.
The newspaper, specializing in Hollywood news, always featured the North American box office rankings in a prominent position every Monday. With a quick glance, Ellen noticed that the top film was "The Hills Have Eyes," and the related picture prominently featured Martin Davis, the movie's lead.
Annoyed, she immediately lost interest in reading the newspaper and tossed it onto the floor. When her assistant came over to pick it up, Ellen exclaimed, "Get all those entertainment newspapers away from me and toss them in the trash!"
Like many entertainment star, she had a reputation for being two-faced, causing others to tread carefully around her, fearing they might upset the boss.
Ellen's expression remained sour as she thought about that actor who refused to cooperate with her yet managed to top the North American box office chart.
The guests scheduled for her show that day faced her wrath as she made things difficult for them in various ways.
Afterward, the guest went on and complained to other media outlets, branding Ellen DeGeneres as malicious and petty.
In the entertainment room of her villa, Angelina Jolie sat on the floor, playing with building blocks with her son. Each time she constructed a tower, her son gleefully knocked it down with a larger block.
As they continued their playful game, the nanny gently knocked on the door and reminded Angelina that her agent, Mr. Gaye, had arrived.
Julie temporarily left her son with the nanny and joined Mr. Gaye in the living room. He handed her a document and informed her, "The second adoption procedure has been completed, and you can bring the child home at any time."
Julie briefly scanned the document, set it aside, and inquired, "I've been spending time with my son, and I haven't had a chance to check the latest updates on 'The Hills Have Eyes.' How did it perform in its first week at the box office?"
Gaye provided an enthusiastic response, "It's a big hit! It secured the top spot on the box office chart last week, with individual theaters grossing over $10,000 and a total box office of $34.15 million."
He added, "The film has received excellent reviews within the horror genre, with an average Cinema Score of A- from the audience and a 7.5 user score on IMDB."
Julie had been monitoring certain public data closely. She knew that the production cost of "The Hills Have Eyes" was $16 million, and marketing and distribution would require a similar amount. Based on its recent box office performance and reputation, it seemed likely that the film would recoup its costs in North America.
Julie's next question was about Martin, and Gaye handed her a newspaper clipping prepared by his assistant. "Most of the media outlets are praising his acting skills. Warner Bros. and WMA have undoubtedly played a role, but he delivered a remarkable performance in the film, and critics are quite positive."
Julie quickly scanned the article, and as she did, she commented, "The box office seems to be quite impressive. Including 'Zombie Stripper,' Martin has succeeded as the lead actor in three consecutive films."
Gaye added, "I've been monitoring online feedback as well, and not only has the film been a box office success, but Martin has also garnered a significant fan following."
In Hollywood, everyone chases after winners, and Julie was no exception. After a moment of thought, she expressed her intentions, "Considering the chances of success for 'Wanted,' have you had a opportunity to review the first draft of the script? What are your thoughts?"
Aware of Julie's strong opinions, Gaye didn't mince words, "The plot is decent, but it could use a bit more refinement. In this genre, the focus is primarily on the action design."
Julie, remembering her past role as Lara Croft in "Tomb Raider," commented, "I've heard Martin talk about the action design, and it sounds promising. Martin has a knack for selecting films and understanding marketing and hype. I'm ready to collaborate with him."
Gaye agreed, "Although 'Alexander the Great' faced setbacks, Louise Meyer has done well with medium-sized projects. You have a strong relationship with Louise, and she's willing to..."
There were unspoken words in Gaye's sentence, and Julie quickly grasped his meaning, saying, "I know that Louise has been supportive during my tough times. That's rare, and I appreciate it."
Gaye understood Julie's current situation well. With her recent film choices leading to poor box office results, she had slipped down to the third tier of Hollywood actresses, likely to take on supporting or antagonist roles.
Julie added a condition, "I'm willing to accept a $5 million salary, but the production should cover the nanny's salary and provide me with time to spend with my son. Other than that, that's it."
In the past, Julie had earned a hefty $10 million salary for her role in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." However, following the subsequent box office disappointments, her pay had been halved.
Gaye informed her, "I'll be meeting with Pacific Pictures today."
Julie, preparing to rejoin her son, requested, "Once the negotiations are complete, let me know so I can sign the contract."
Inside the bustling offices of Pacific Pictures, the company's small team of employees were hard at work. Ever since Louise took charge of the "Wanted" project, nearly half of the company's staff had thrown themselves into this exciting new venture.
Earlier that morning, Martin had paid a visit to Pacific Pictures. He was there to meet with Wu Maoting, who had arrived to discuss potential investment.
Wu Maoting entered the reception area, exchanged pleasantries with Louise, and then extended his hand to shake Martin's, all smiles. He congratulated Martin, saying, "Congratulations on the film becoming a box office sensation and taking the top spot!"
Martin replied with a grin, "It's been a year of hard work finally paying off."
Wu Maoting chuckled, "I heard this is your second box office champion; that's quite impressive."
Without false modesty, Martin responded, "I believe there will be a third, fourth, and more champions in the future."
Wu Maoting signaled for someone to bring over a photo album, which he handed to Martin. He explained, "These are from my inventory—nothing too extravagant. High-end products have become scarce in recent years. Just pick what you like, and I'll offer them to you at cost price, shipping them directly to Los Angeles."
Martin accepted the photo album with gratitude, remarking, "I appreciate that."
His choices leaned toward practical items, as most of them would be sent back to Atlanta for Lily's practice.
Turning his attention to Louise, Wu Maoting said, "Ms. Meyer, let's discuss the investment. Over this period, I've witnessed Hollywood's global dominance in film production and the vast market potential for Hollywood movies. I've also observed how you manage a film."
He added, recalling Hong Kong City's film industry, "I must admit that Hong Kong City's film industry is lagging behind in various aspects, with little hope of catching up. I've decided to also invest in your 'Wanted' project."
Louise took a step forward, adjusting her black-rimmed glasses, and said, "Pacific Pictures and Warner Bros. are already long-term partners, and we've reached a substantial cooperation agreement. Oh, by the way, Scorsese and Leonardo's adaptation project has been named 'The Departed.'"
She got straight to the point, asking, "I'd like to know the amount of Mr. Wu's planned investment."
Wu Maoting replied, "I intend to invest $15 million, which will be delivered gradually over the course of two months."
With the deal essentially sealed, Louise stood up and extended her hand to Wu Maoting, who rose as well. They shook hands as Louise said, "It's a pleasure to collaborate with you."
The specifics of the agreement would be left to the professionals to handle.
Wu Maoting then brought up another matter, saying, "I have a small request. My daughter, Danni, who has recently adopted an English name, will be based in Los Angeles from now on. I'd like to request that Ms. Meyer take care of her. She'll be pursuing college preparatory courses with the goal of entering the film school at the University of Southern California."
Louise assured him, "I'll personally write a letter of recommendation for Danni."
Wu Maoting expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you."
He waved to his assistants, and they brought forward two gift boxes. "Please accept these tokens of my appreciation," Wu Maoting insisted.
With such warmth and generosity, neither Martin nor Louise had the heart to decline. In return, Louise gifted commemorative posters of all the films Pacific Pictures had invested in.
Martin, too, prepared a gift—a crocodile tooth pendant he had hunted himself and a clown carving in his likeness. While not extravagant, they were heartfelt tokens.
The exchange of gifts among friends was often about courtesy and affection.
Once Wu Maoting and his daughter bid their farewells and departed, Martin opened his gift box to find a green jade plaque inside, noticeably of higher quality than the last time. Louise's gift was a pendant.
Martin casually handed the box to Bruce, then turned to Louise and inquired, "Is $15 million enough for me to secure the role?"
Louise explained, "I've also secured some investment from Cambodia," withholding the exact amount but revealing, "I'll make up the difference. We've raised $20 million for Martin Scorsese's project fund."
It was a smart move, borrowing funds to lay the foundation for profit through management fees and profit commissions. Louise was no philanthropist, and her primary goal was not solely to assist Martin.
With a beaming smile, Martin was in high spirits. Following Louise into her office, he fetched a bottle of wine and glasses from the cabinet. After pouring a glass for each of them, he toasted, "I'll rely on you to negotiate with the crew."
Thomas didn't hold enough sway, and Louise's involvement was necessary to propel the negotiations. After all, the $20 million belonged to Pacific Pictures as an investment.
Louise, having finished her glass, reminded Martin, "You're in debt again."
Understanding the implication, Martin agreed, "I'll settle the debt tonight in Sherman Oaks."
Louise was pleased with Martin's proactive approach to settling his debts and said, "Make sure to come over before dinner."
As a rancher, she knew to feed the cattle first so they would have the strength needed.
At that moment, Nikki entered the room and announced, "Angelina Jolie's agent is here and wants to discuss collaboration."
Louise greeted Gaye in the reception area, and soon after, the negotiations would be left to the studio's associate producer assigned to the "Wanted" project.
Martin had no doubt that Angelina Jolie would readily join the cast of "Wanted." The success of a film could profoundly influence the choices of many in Hollywood. Success allowed for better opportunities, and only those who were successful had the capital to make the best choices.
Louise mentioned, "Her bottom line is a $5 million salary." When it came to business, she didn't let friendship cloud her judgment. "I'll give her two months. If Jolie and Pitt haven't come to terms by then, I'll find replacements."
Thinking of the past love triangle, Martin couldn't help but comment, "That would be quite the spectacle."
Louise had a mischievous thought, "Don't you want to be part of it? Julie has a crush on you, and then we could have a love quadrangle... No, you seducing both Jolie and Aniston at the same time, now that would be exciting!"
As Martin's phone rang, he moved to the window to answer it. The call was from Thomas, who was clearly excited. "Man, we've clinched the box office championship again!"
Martin quipped, "Aren't you going to celebrate for me?"
Thomas replied, "Join us for lunch at the office. Come over quickly."
Martin agreed, "I'll be there right away," and hung up. He then informed Louise of his plans and left Pacific Pictures, heading towards WMA.