America gains both fame and fortune

Chapter 55: Big Plan
In the morning, Andrew came to Gray Company and found Kelly Gray to report the latest developments of the crew.

Kelly Gray was away; she had accompanied Senator Erica and Chairman Julia to Washington.

Andrew tried calling Ella to explain the situation, and then went to Benjamin Galvin's office.

Benjamin was leading people to make a budget for a new play. When he saw him coming, he went to the outer reception room and asked, "Why are you free to come back today?"

Andrew handed the newspaper to Benjamin. "Something happened on the set. Adam Smith was arrested by the DEA, red-handed. Fortunately, he was just a minor character there, so the impact was not significant."

Benjamin had collaborated with Adam Smith on several projects, so he quickly took the newspaper and read it: "Is the news confirmed?"

Andrew nodded: "The DEA has officially notified the crew. I just reported to the boss and he has received the news."

Benjamin quickly read the report in the newspaper and said, "Originally, I was considering Adam continuing to play the leading actor. His salary is not high, and he has some appeal in Georgia... Now I don't have to consider it."

Andrew heard about it: "That zombie gigolo? Director, isn't the setting the gigolo club where Martin works?"

Benjamin also considered Martin, who now thought that he was more handsome than Adam Smith and had good acting skills.

Andrew looked around, closed the door, and lowered his voice: "As far as I know, Martin has a very good relationship with the boss."

Benjamin nodded slowly: "Without considering Adam Smith, Martin seems to be the most suitable." Maybe this can increase the probability of the boss giving the green light to the project? He added: "I am making a budget and trying to reduce it as much as possible. We don't have money to hire a star."

Andrew said: "We can only explore from the existing resources. Adam won't be back in the short term. I suggest choosing Martin."

Benjamin did what he thought: "Please help me make an appointment with Martin."

Andrew said, "I'll call him right now."

Benjamin looked around the office and said, “Don’t worry, I’m free in the afternoon.”

Andrew asked the time and immediately called Martin to meet at a cafe near Gray's company.

Martin arrived at Louis Cafe early before four o'clock.

After waiting for about ten minutes, Benjamin came in.

Martin went over and said, "Director, the circus you designed last time made me famous. Everyone around me knows me now."

This sentence not only touched Benjamin's pride, but also brought them closer. Benjamin smiled and said, without mentioning that his first choice was Adam Smith, "I have designed a play that is more suitable for you this time."

Martin was pleasantly surprised. "Really? Director, you are personally designing a play for me. I am one step closer to becoming a big star."

The two sat at the booth, ordered coffee each and chatted slowly.

Benjamin took out the script from his briefcase and handed it to Martin: "Take a look, this is the script I wrote based on you. It can be said to be tailor-made for you."

Martin had already read the script from Kelly Gray, and it was like he was seeing it for the first time. He was relatively calm at first, but the more he read, the more surprise appeared on his face.

After reading dozens of pages, he took a sip of coffee and said excitedly: "Director, the scene is where I used to work!"

Benjamin smiled and said, "When I was leading people to write this script, I thought of you as the male lead, from appearance to background. You must be the male lead."

Martin asked, "When will the company start filming?"

Benjamin asked, "You didn't hear Kelly mention this project? She hasn't given the green light yet."

Martin tapped his head and said, "A few nights ago, I was drinking with Kelly, and she mentioned a script, but she didn't say anything specific. She just said that the investment was too high and needed to be carefully considered."

Benjamin immediately grasped the key to Martin's words and decided to drink together in the evening!
Where to drink? How to drink? He pondered in his heart and said, "I and many people in the company are working hard to promote this project. Compared with the previous late-night dramas, the investment is indeed a bit high, but our goal is to push the film into theaters! Show it in theaters throughout Georgia and even the United States."

Martin put on a thoughtful expression.

Benjamin encouraged, “You are the absolute leading actor. Do you want to join us in advance and promote this project together?”

"Of course I do!" Martin quietly changed the subject: "That night, Kelly mentioned the script and said that the biggest problem was still funding."

He asked Benjamin, "Director, how much money do you need?" Benjamin hesitated and said, "One million US dollars, at least."

Martin automatically added $50 and asked, "Director, can you get other investment?"

Benjamin shook his head. “I have been working with Gray Company. Atlanta’s film and television industry is just starting out, and it’s not easy to find investors.”

Martin thought for a moment and said, "Kelly went to Washington. I'll ask her when she comes back."

For this matter, you can consult a professional first. After Benjamin left, Martin called Louise Mayer, who was about to see Kate Winslet off.

The latter had some urgent matters at home and had to leave Atlanta first.

Louise deliberately asked, "Are you coming? This is your last chance."

Of course Martin was going: "I am a civilized person. Kate got married just last month. A good person like me never destroys other people's families."

Before going to the airport, he went to a souvenir shop and bought a crystal Atlanta peach. Atlanta's nickname is Peach City.

Martin knows the importance of personal connections. Kate Winslet just got married for the second time in May, and her husband is Sam Mendes.

An Oscar-winning director.

More than half an hour later, Martin met Kate Winslet and Louise Mayer at the international airport.

In the VIP room, Kate gave Martin a gentle hug: "Thank you for coming to see me off. I like your gift very much."

The artificial crystal peach in the transparent box is very beautiful, and there is a line of words engraved on the base - for my beloved Ruth Dawson.

Signed Martin Davis.

According to Louise, Kate said that she didn't care about the performance of "Titanic" and only wanted to pursue artistic achievement, but in her heart she regarded it as the proudest thing in her life.

Kate sincerely invited: "Whenever you come to London, please come to my house."

Martin responded: "If you don't entertain me, I'll knock on your door."

The flight boarded, Kate Winslet got on the plane and left Atlanta.

Louise did not return to the set and went to the hotel with Martin.

After entering the suite and kicking off her high heels, Louise walked to the bar in her stockings, poured two glasses of wine, and took a big sip herself without waiting for Martin to come over.

Martin said with concern: "Drink slowly."

Louise pushed another cup in front of him and said, "I will be back in Los Angeles soon and will be distributing the formula of penicillin on a large scale. I plan to call it Louise and Martin's Penicillin."

"Louise's Penicillin is more appropriate." Martin didn't care about letting Louise monopolize the fame. He ran his finger across Louise's lips: "Because it heals the soul of Louise, the drunkard and the pervert."

Cocktails made based on other alcoholic beverages cannot be patented, and the recipes are not worth much. People who love alcohol can quickly imitate and mix them after tasting them.

Louise leaned against the bar with her shoulders hunched over and said, "You have a big plan."

"I have something to ask you about the new script that Kelly mentioned the other day, the zombie dancer." Martin briefly explained it in an appropriate manner.

Louise clinked glasses with Martin, drank the wine in the glass, and said, "Kelly's concerns are reasonable. As far as the entire industry is concerned, the proportion of movies that can make a profit in the short term is shockingly low. Carlock, who invested in the production of the Terminator, was once very successful, but he messed up Cutthroat Island and is finished."

She poured herself and Martin more wine. "But for you personally, there are many benefits."

Martin pretended to listen carefully.

Louise reached out her hand and gently stroked Martin's handsome face: "You gave me the penicillin, and I said I would provide you with some advice and help. Let's do it today."

At this point, she suddenly asked, "Are you really ready? This circle is ten or even a hundred times more chaotic than the darkest, meanest, and dirtiest portrayal by the media. It is second only to the financial circle in New York and the political circle in Washington!"

(End of this chapter)