America gains both fame and fortune

Chapter 156: Trying to Organize a Group
After looking through all the script synopses, Martin rejected them all. Original films are not valued in Hollywood, and the chance of finding a successful one among the pile of original scripts submitted by ordinary screenwriters is naturally very low.

After all, it wouldn’t be those ordinary movies that could leave an impression on him.

Martin went back to look at the project plan submitted to Pacific Pictures.

These are mostly adaptations, where screenwriters or small producers discover literary works or true stories that are worth adapting and recommend them to production companies, which often attract investment and then buy the copyrights.

Martin soon discovered a familiar story outline.

Regarding the adaptation of the black stockbroker, if I remember correctly, it should be "The Pursuit of Happyness".

Of course the project is not suitable for him. Black people will reject it first, and Will Smith's personal appeal is the key to this film.

In this era, even a piece of shit can make money. The movie that left the deepest impression on Martin was "Hancock". If that crappy movie had a less charismatic male lead, it might have flopped.

Martin still called and asked, after all, this was Louise's project library.

He didn't have much conscience, but he still had a little.

I called and was disappointed with the result. Relativity Media had obtained the authorization in the first half of the year.

Later, Martin saw Frank Miller's Sin City. After asking, he found out that the rights to adapt the graphic novel had fallen into the hands of Weinstein's Dimension Films as early as last year.

Don't expect the fat man to spit out what he swallowed.

Martin found that today was a bit unpleasant. Could it be that Robert's ritual was only useful when auditioning for a role?

He thought about it and called Bruce: "Old Bruce, please buy me a bottle of Coke. It must be produced in 03."

Bruce was puzzled: "It's less than two months to 05, and you want me to buy 03 Coke?"

Martin nodded: "Remember, it must be from 03."

Bruce complied.

Martin will not look at the project library for now and will talk about it later.

Nearly half an hour later, Bruce came over with a box of canned Coke. He opened the box, took out a can and threw it to Martin: "It's hard to find. I got it from a discount store."

Martin signaled Bruce to be quiet, placed the Coke in front of the keyboard, mouse and monitor, waited for a moment, then opened it and drank it all in one breath.

He then continued to look through the project library.

When the database turned to the last page, Martin saw a comic adaptation project.

The submitter is a screenwriter named Michael Bradt, who has participated in the script writing of "The Little Rascals" and "2 Fast Furious". He wants to adapt a niche and unpopular comic from Dingniu Comics into a script.

The comic is called "Wanted".

Martin had just met Julie and naturally thought of the movie adapted from the same name.

According to the project planning introduction, the comic is a short story that was released by Dingniu Company last year. There are only six episodes in total, and the original author is Mark Miller.

The name Martin sounded familiar, but he couldn't remember it after careful thinking. In his previous life, he was like most people. He had watched a lot of movies adapted from American comics, but he had never read the comics themselves, let alone the author.

The only American comic book author I know of is Stan Lee, because he often makes cameo appearances in Marvel movies.

Martin looked up Mark Miller on the Internet, an author who has participated in the writing of DC comics many times.

Among his numerous works, "Wanted" has a mediocre reputation and response.

Perhaps it was for these reasons that when Martin called Dingniu Comics, they confirmed that the adaptation rights were still in place.

Martin thought carefully that the film should have been a success. James McAvoy later played Professor X. Jolie continued her sharp upward trend after cheating on her with Pitt and seemed to have entered the 2000 million club at one point.

After quickly browsing the remaining items in the database, Martin turned off the computer and said, "Let's go, Old Bull."

Bruce followed Martin and threw the can into the trash, wondering, "The 03 Coke doesn't taste anything special."

Martin said hello to the custodian and left Pacific Pictures to find a comic book store.

There is one near Warner Studios.

Martin went in and asked the boss, and found out that the niche product "Wanted" was not sold in the store.

The boss called several colleagues and finally found all six issues of Dingniu Comics that published "Wanted List".

"Wanted" has not yet been published as an independent volume...

Martin went to the coffee shop next door and looked through "Wanted" carefully. As expected, the comics and the movie were completely different.

The comic is a carnival of self-mockery, without a trace of moral integrity and full of all kinds of obscene jokes. The protagonist Wesley transforms from an ordinary person into a super villain and reaches the peak of his life, highlighting the magical reality that good cannot defeat evil.

The male protagonist is a perpetrator on the evil side, not a guardian on the heroic side.

Another important character, Fox, is black in the comics.

If it was filmed according to the comics, with the villain going on a killing spree, the movie might become a niche carnival for certain groups, but it would be a total flop.

Martin is self-aware. As a poor student, he has no ability to adapt scripts. His acting is OK, and he can come up with some weird ideas for publicity. He also has a not-so-strong fan club behind him, and the fan club has a high degree of trust in him.

The others are far behind.

Martin thought for a while, found the number he had written down, and called Michael Bradt, claiming that he had seen his project plan and was interested in promoting this film project, and wanted to ask him how to adapt it specifically.

Bradt didn't describe it in detail, but said roughly: "If I were writing the script, I would definitely change it a lot. Good and evil are in opposition. The male protagonist is righteous, and Sloan and his subordinates are naturally the evil side."

Because he didn't have the copyright and was worried about being kicked out, Bradt simply said this and then stopped mentioning the script adaptation.

Martin chatted with him for a few more sentences. He found out that the reason why he submitted the project was not only because he wanted to be a screenwriter, but also because he hoped to develop into a producer.

There is no way. Without the title of producer, the screenwriter has no human rights.

Martin didn't know much about the Hollywood comic copyright market. According to Bradt's estimation, this kind of unpopular comic could be acquired for less than $50.

Then there are various pre-development costs such as screenwriter, director, producer and finding investment.

After experiencing House of Wax, The Hills Have Eyes and Jeans, Martin also wanted to set up his own company, but his ability, experience and funds would face tremendous pressure.

After coming to Hollywood, he received a total of $100 million in salary for the three films he made. Together with his savings in Atlanta and deducting various expenses, he had at least one million dollars in funds available.

Martin remembered another thing, to set aside for taxes.

However, investment in the film and television industry can be partially deducted from taxes.

He couldn't spend all his money on a film project, and the money was far from enough.

Martin discovered that the safest way was to seek support from a rich woman.

Louise's experience and ability are not a problem.

The project comes from Pacific Pictures’ inventory, and it would be unkind not to involve Louise.

Martin couldn't handle such a project alone, so it would be most appropriate to ask Louise to cooperate with him.

Martin immediately called Thomas. In Hollywood, where every star produces film and television companies, it is very easy to set up a studio, and there are professional companies that provide one-stop service.

After drinking a cup of coffee and making a few phone calls, Martin realized that he still had to continue to be kept by rich women.

Take action now before Louise drains you dry.

Martin left the cafe and went to Pacific Pictures, where he found Louise in the president's office.

Louise was wearing a professional suit and black-rimmed glasses, and was handling official business, which was completely different from her dissolute appearance when she was in private.

She glanced at Martin: "Any results?"

Martin pulled out a chair and sat opposite her. "The comic adaptation recommendation project numbered 040717 is the work "Wanted" by Dingniu Comics."

Louise opened the database and searched it. She found it quickly. She had seen this project before and had some impression of it. "The comics are relatively niche, and the style is dark and cult."

She recalled more: "Michael Bradt called me and I talked to him a little bit. According to his idea, the production cost would be at least 3500 million US dollars. If we invite star actors, the budget will increase significantly."

Martin said: "I just called Bradt and talked about the script adaptation. I think this project has potential."

Louise shook her head and reminded, "Martin, you have been in Los Angeles for less than a year."

Martin knew that he had no persuasive power, and he didn't dwell on the so-called film prospects. Those were all nonsense. He simply said, "I plan to set up a studio, buy the copyright of this work, and then communicate carefully with Bradt. If it is appropriate, he will write the script."

Louise understood what he meant: "You invest first, and we'll take care of the rest of the money?"

Martin said, "This project will definitely be released after The Eyes on the Mountain is released. As long as The Eyes on the Mountain is successful, I am 90% sure that I can convince Vincent and Sofia to continue investing. This will solve half or even more of the investment. We need to find a way to raise the rest of the funds. Can you and Pacific Pictures participate?"

Louise, however, became alert and asked, "Martin, what are you planning?"

"Me?" Martin couldn't help but smile. "I'm trying to become a superstar sooner so I can earn more money to support you."

Louise sneered: "Do you need me to remind you? You have a black heart."

Martin knew that words were not persuasive: "Please help me this time, five new cocktails, not improved recipes."

"Sure enough, you have a dark heart." Louise confirmed: "You actually hid so many contraband goods."

In Los Angeles and Hollywood, she was not afraid of Martin's rebellion. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "Pacific Pictures can help you organize the film, but I will get the same fee. If the film fails, Pacific Pictures will get the first chance to withdraw funds. The same applies if it is profitable."

She is invincible.

Martin had no foundation, it was his first time putting together a platter, and he had no experience, so he needed an old hand like Louise, so he immediately responded, "No problem."

For a platter, the production funds must come from other people’s money.

Louise suddenly laughed: "This project requires tens of millions of dollars in investment. If you mess it up, your career will basically be over. Idiot, don't you want me to support you? Then I will lock you in my wine cellar and keep you as a slave, and research new cocktail recipes for me every day."

Martin was so thick-skinned that he deliberately said, "I know you want to protect me from getting my head blown up by the support group."

The two finalized the initial intention, and there are still a lot of things to do.
(End of this chapter)