"This is Barry Meyer, CEO of Warner Bros.," Louise guided Martin through the opulent banquet hall and made formal introductions, "And this is Alan Horn, President of Warner Pictures."
Martin courteously shook hands with the two distinguished gentlemen, both of whom had held pivotal roles at Warner Brothers during its peak years.
Though Martin exchanged greetings with them, there wasn't much opportunity for substantial conversation given his own stature.
Cody Horn, Allen Horn's daughter, engaged Martin in a more extended conversation. She inquired, "I've heard you're working on a new project. I'm an actress too. Do you have any roles suitable for me?"
Martin replied promptly, "If you're interested, you'll have a role. But I can't guarantee those prominent roles."
Cody Horn handed him her business card, saying, "Feel free to send the character details to my email. If it aligns, I'll have my agent reach out to your team."
Martin accepted the business card with due solemnity and continued with Louise to another part of the room.
Louise offered a reminder, "She's just dabbling in acting for fun, don't take it too seriously."
Martin understood, "The affluent lady experiencing life, as opposed to someone like you treating it as a career?"
Louise nodded, "That's about right." She halted abruptly and gestured with her eyes toward the banquet hall's entrance, saying, "Jolie and Aniston have crossed paths; this should be interesting."
Martin observed as Julie and Aniston arrived separately, which wasn't unusual given the relatively small size of the banquet hall.
Louise, ever the provocateur, continued, "Why not play matchmaker for them? I've got a small villa with a room that has a telescope..."
Martin replied firmly, "I'm a man of principles."
Julie and Aniston's eyes met near the entrance, and neither backed down. Aniston didn't avoid the gaze, choosing to lock eyes with Jolie this time.
In characteristic Jolie fashion, she refused to yield and approached Aniston with a whisper, "Hello, loser."
Aniston resisted the urge to respond in kind, keeping her composure for the occasion. Jolie pressed further, "You've lost in every aspect."
Aniston held back her frustrations, smiled gracefully, and retorted, "The final outcome may not have been determined yet."
Jolie grabbed a bite from a nearby table and took a sip of wine before walking away on her own.
Aniston, meanwhile, collected her glass of wine and surveyed the room briefly before heading toward Martin.
She arrived and, after a slight nod to Louise, stated, "I'd like to discuss the script and the role with you."
With similar audacity, Louise opted for a quick exit, saying, "You two chat. I've spotted a friend I need to greet."
Martin knew Aniston was stretching the truth, but he cooperated nonetheless. "Is there something specific about the character?"
"Just a bit," Aniston replied. As they moved closer, she continued, "We're cast as a couple, but there's a significant age gap between us, making it challenging to establish chemistry. I believe we should cultivate some understanding beforehand."
Martin nodded in earnest agreement. Aniston extended her hand and gripped Martin's arm, remarking, "This feels somewhat out of sync."
Being the accommodating person he was, Martin took a step closer. "Is this better?"
Not far away, Jolie made her way through the crowd and spotted the two, who now resembled a couple.
Aniston's grip on Martin's arm seemed like a gesture of togetherness.
Jolie, feeling a rush of emotions and her legs trembling, struggled to maintain her composure.
At the same moment, Aniston noticed Jolie's presence. Aniston's smile grew broader, as if she had triumphed.
Near the banquet hall's entrance, Brad Pitt, dressed in a beige suit, saw Aniston holding Martin's arm. This time, he didn't act rashly; instead, he turned around and left the banquet hall.
Pitt understood the importance of avoiding conflicts in a place like this. It would be a discredit to Warner Bros. and all those present.
Mene, also in a dark suit, followed him and ran into Brad Pitt waiting for the elevator. He chose to stand before the mirror, adjusting his bow tie.
Brad Pitt boarded the elevator, descended, and exited without a word.
Mene, disappointed not to find Brad Pitt's mother, still yearned for an opportunity to vent on the boss's behalf.
Returning to the banquet hall, Mene waited for a moment and, finding no one around Martin, approached and said, "Boss."
Martin patted his arm and inquired, "You're back?"
Mene nodded, suggesting, "You can take a few days off."
Martin beckoned to him and said, "Come along. I'll introduce you to some directors."
Together, they joined Thomas and entered the circle of British actors and directors.
Christopher Nolan, with his blonde parted hair, was busy serving dessert to his wife, Emma Thomas.
Thomas took the lead, facilitating the introductions.
Nolan extended his hand to Martin, remarking, "I've watched Wanted and closely studied its action sequences. They're exceptionally well-designed."
Martin, not one to boast, responded plainly, "In the early days, we aimed to portray a person living in the real world – Batman and Bruce Wayne, not just comic book symbols."
Nolan displayed modesty, "It's not a resounding success, at best, it didn't fail."
Intrigued, Martin inquired, "I admire the film and the fresh take you brought to Batman. I've heard from Warner Bros. that you've got plans for a sequel, Director Nolan?"
Nolan replied, "I have some basic concepts, but they haven't been systematically organized yet." Suspecting Martin's interest in the Bruce Wayne role, he added, "I've already asked Bale to start preparing."
Martin inquired further, "At the end of your last film, the Joker left a calling card. I'm curious, who's the major antagonist for the sequel? The Joker?"
Nolan was forthright, "Barring any surprises, the Joker will be the primary antagonist."
Martin, who had known Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker, commented, "Jack Nicholson naturally possesses a born malevolence."
Nolan, aware of the previous buzz around the 'Bastard Trio,' replied, "Jack Nicholson's performance in 1989 was exceptional, and his version of the Joker was a rich source of inspiration."
He opted to shift the conversation, saying, "The film is still some ways off, and I have other projects to complete before that."
Not one to beat around the bush, Martin referred to "The Prestige," saying, "I've read Priest's original novel, and the concept of a duel between two heroes fascinated me."
In fact, "The Dark Knight" continued this theme, as it portrayed a duel between Batman and the Joker.
Martin's straightforwardness prompted Nolan to ask, "Are you interested in this project?"
Martin expressed his interest, saying, "I greatly enjoyed the novel and would love the opportunity to collaborate."
"You're a bit younger," Nolan noted. Nevertheless, he understood that age was just one consideration in casting decisions, not the sole determining factor, and continued, "You're welcome to audition for the role."
While Martin conversed with Nolan, Mene had struck up a lively chat with Emma Thomas not far away.
Perhaps he had a knack for disarming middle-aged women, as Emma Thomas couldn't help but laugh uncontrollably after just a few sentences with Mene.
After her laughter subsided, Emma Thomas remarked, "You're quite entertaining. It's no wonder so many people speak highly of you."
Mene was taken aback, asking, "Many people speak highly of me? Who are they?"
Emma Thomas explained, "You may not be aware, but we women behind the scenes have an informal network, and your name often crops up during our gatherings."
In Hollywood, women who wield substantial influence are a minority. These influential women naturally gravitate toward one another and form tight-knit circles.
Within this group, more than one woman had enjoyed Uncle Mene's affections.
Mene took the revelation in stride, wearing an amused expression, "So, I'm quite famous!"
Emma tilted her head and added, "In truth, many wonder if your reputation is deserved."
Mene, unfazed, lightly moistened his lower lip, saying, "Perhaps it's a natural talent, a unique gift bestowed upon me by the heavens."
Emma Thomas nodded and didn't delve deeper into the matter.
Compared to the women in the industry who were well into their forties and fifties, she had established herself as a female producer.
Most of her time was spent addressing her husband's concerns.
Observing Martin and Nolan exchanging business cards, Mene politely excused himself and left with Martin.
Thomas followed, asking Mene, "Any insights gained?"
Mene shook his head, saying, "She's quite unique."
Thomas offered some advice, saying, "In that case, don't stir the pot and focus on maintaining stability."
Spotting Will Smith, Martin inquired, "Is everything sorted for 'I Am Legend'?"
Thomas discreetly pointed toward Alan Horn, who was in conversation with Will Smith, and disclosed, "Last month, he urged Warner Pictures to sign a contract with Will Smith. The salary is reportedly upwards of $20 million, possibly with a share of post-production."
Martin acknowledged the situation with clarity, stating, "A superstar. I've got a long way to go."
This was a testament to the enormous gap in all-around appeal.
"Keep working hard, Martin," Thomas encouraged, securing a rare moment of enthusiasm from CPU Martin. "You have a lengthy journey ahead."
Turning toward CPU, Martin stated confidently, "Our objectives are clear: I will become a superstar, and you will ascend to senior partner status in your agency."
Thomas was brimming with motivation as they moved forward.