In the office of Warner Pictures' president, Alan Horn wore a visibly concerned expression as he listened to Thomas on the phone. Despite a well-thought-out and tactful approach, their personally extended invitation had been declined. Thomas cited his preparations for roles in projects by Nolan and Fincher as the reason, leaving Allen Horn uneasy. This situation was a direct blow to his Plan A.
A knock at the office door interrupted their thoughts, and Paul Haggis entered, taking a seat across from Allen. He inquired, "I heard something unexpected happened?"
Martin Davis provided a reply, mentioning unsuitable schedules and their invitation's rejection. Allen narrated the situation with little emotion, as if he were presenting facts from a bystander's perspective. "The day before yesterday, Louise Meyer called me and informed me that Pacific Pictures would confirm its investment in Warner Bros for another major project, leaving us without any funds."
Paul Haggis swiftly grasped the current predicament. The departure of an actor with strong market appeal implied the loss of Atlanta and Asian funds supporting him.
There had been numerous industry rumors about Louise Meyer and Martin Davis, so their refusals were expected. Alan Horn tapped his finger lightly on the table and commented, "Our plans are going to change."
Paul Haggis expressed reluctance to take risks in such a significant investment project, noting that the new actors didn't meet their requirements. Using a newcomer as the leading actor was deemed too expensive.
Allen nodded in agreement, emphasizing the need for a top-tier star. He also pointed out that the key issue lay in funding. While Hollywood had once attracted plenty of investment, the influx of hot money into the industry had sharply decreased since the end of the previous year. Even Spielberg had gone to India to seek investments.
Although known for his filmmaking prowess, Allen's years in high positions had given him a keen sense of economic shifts. Most notably, Wall Street's enthusiasm for investing in Hollywood had plummeted.
Paul Haggis, a relatively pure filmmaker, couldn't comprehend this change. He asked if they could bypass Martin Davis and reach out to the Atlanta and Asian funds behind him. Allen, decisive as ever, assured him, "I'll have someone attempt it."
After Paul Haggis left, Allen called his subordinate, Lauren, instructing her to contact individuals in Atlanta and Asia.
Paul Haggis exited the office and met Jon, the creative director of Legendary Pictures, in the lobby. They engaged in a brief exchange, with Haggis inquiring about potential investment in his new project.
Although Warner Pictures and Legendary Pictures were both under Warner Bros., they operated independently. Jon revealed that Legendary Pictures' focus for the next year was the Batman sequel and nothing else.
Haggis was surprised and asked about their lack of funding from Wall Street private shareholders and hedge companies. Jon explained that even small investors on Wall Street were experiencing financial constraints.
Amid their conversation, Christian Bale from Warner Brothers approached, leading to a discussion about their shared interest in securing funding for projects.
Jon and Haggis quickly left, and as Bale was about to leave as well, Haggis remembered Allen's recent remarks. He stopped Bale and suggested a private conversation, leading them to a secluded area. There, Haggis informed Bale about their collaboration on a new installment of the Terminator series with a $200 million investment and an as-yet-undetermined leading actor.
Bale expressed his interest and mentioned his role as Bruce Wayne. Haggis checked for any scheduling conflicts, which seemed non-existent.
Haggis, considering the success of the first "Battle Hour" movie, pondered how the upcoming Batman film could serve as a springboard. He assured Bale that the budget was not a problem and that they aimed to attract A-list celebrities.
Christian Bale, adhering to industry regulations, refrained from making a commitment without his agent present. Haggis agreed to contact Bale's agent and handed him a script and plan.
Christain Bale expressed gratitude for the consideration and invitation, and then he left for his car, where his agent, Patrick, was waiting outside.
Inside the car, Bale shared the information with Patrick, who had heard about the project and its connection to Martin Davis. The mention of Martin Davis piqued Bale's interest, and Patrick emphasized that the budget for the new Terminator project wouldn't be less than $180 million. If Bale secured the role, he could negotiate a salary of at least $15 million.
Such numbers naturally intrigued Bale, who recognized the financial opportunities. He encouraged Patrick to contact Warner Pictures, citing discussions with Legendary Pictures and their non-conflicting schedules.
Upon receiving instructions from her boss, Alan Horn, Lauren wasted no time and delved into researching all the film projects featuring Martin Davis. She swiftly pinpointed the four primary sources of investment supporting Martin.
These crucial backers included Pacific Pictures in the Hollywood industry, Gray Films, the largest film company in Atlanta, Beast House Entertainment, also based in Atlanta, and wealthy Asian businessman Wu Maoting.
While the first two sources, headed by Louise Meyer and Kelly Gray, had close ties with Martin, Lauren realized that contacting Wu Maoting in Asia would take more time. She decided to prioritize reaching out to Beast House Entertainment in Atlanta, which also had an office in Los Angeles.
After inquiring, she discovered that one of the owners of Beast House had recently arrived in Los Angeles. Lauren made her way to South Botswana Street, located the Beast House office, and expressed her purpose to the person who greeted her, saying, "I am Lauren Kohner from Warner Pictures. I am here to visit Ms. Sophia."
After a brief wait, a middle-aged man emerged and instructed Lauren to follow him. As they entered a reception room, Lauren noticed the man's peculiar gait, but she chose not to react.
A commanding woman, who seemed to be a female version of King Kong due to her muscular physique, addressed Lauren, leaving her momentarily stunned. Lauren composed herself and introduced herself as Lauren Kohner from Warner Pictures.
Sophia got straight to the point, asking, "Do you have something to say?"
Lauren had prepared for this meeting and quickly presented Warner Pictures' projects and their genuine intentions. Sophia listened attentively, though she didn't provide much feedback.
...
On Rodeo Drive, in Brioni's renowned store, Martin, after finishing a new season's commercial shoot, tried on a tailored formal dress. It was a specially handmade Brioni Oscar jersey based on his body measurements.
The store manager, Critia, carefully examined Martin and complimented his impeccable proportions. Martin, not particularly fashion-savvy, appreciated the simplicity of men's formal attire, especially for public occasions, where dark colors were the preferred choice.
In the store's lounge, Bruce held Martin's phone and answered a call from Sophia. Hearing her voice, he felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest and trembling legs. But Sophia's message was serious. He listened attentively, quickly hung up, and found Martin to deliver the news: "Sofia wants to see you."
Martin inquired, "Is there an issue?"
Bruce explained, "People from Warner Pictures are looking for you. Sophia wants to discuss attracting investment."
Martin agreed, "Tell her I'll be there soon," and proceeded to change into his attire.
Bruce considered calling Sophia but opted for a text message, reluctant to hear her voice. Martin finished changing, bid farewell to Claudia, and headed downstairs with Bruce, setting off for Burbank.
Bruce inquired about Martin's recent rejection of an invitation from Warner Pictures, asking if it was related to Alan Horn. Martin replied, "Alan Horn is the president of Warner Pictures and introduced a new investor. In the end, I have to give my approval."
Bruce frowned, "They want to dig into our roots!"
Martin closed his eyes for a moment, contemplating the situation in Hollywood and the investment returns of the House of Beasts. He thought about the upcoming conversation with Sophia.
The car soon arrived at South Botswana Street, where the Los Angeles branch of the House of Beasts was located. Martin and Bruce ascended the stairs and were greeted by Scott.
It had been more than half a year since they last met, and Scott's leg posture had improved, yet he still walked in a peculiar manner with his legs spread apart.