America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 55: A Grand Scheme

In the morning, Andrew went to Gray's company to report on the latest developments on the set to Kelly Gray.

Kelly Gray was not there; she accompanied Congresswoman Erica and Julia Advisory Board President to Washington.

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

Benjamin was leading his team to work on the budget for their new film when he saw him arrive. He went to the outer meeting room and asked, "What brings you back today?"

Andrew handed the newspaper to Benjamin: "Something happened on set. Adam Smith was arrested by the DEA, caught red-handed. Luckily, he's just a minor character there, so it won't have much of an impact."

Benjamin, who had collaborated with Adam Smith on several projects, quickly grabbed the newspaper to check: "Is the news confirmed?"

Andrew nodded: "DEA has officially notified the production team. I just reported to the boss, and he has already received the news."

Benjamin quickly glanced at the newspaper article and said, "I was still considering having Adam continue as the male lead. His salary isn't high, and he has some appeal in Georgia... But now I don't need to consider it anymore."

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

Benjamin had also considered Martin, but then realized that Martin was more handsome than Adam Smith and a good actor.

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." Perhaps this would increase the chances of the boss giving the green light to the project? He added, "I'm working on the budget, cutting it as much as possible. We don't have the money to hire celebrities."

Andrew said, "We can only dig into the existing resources. Adam won't be back in the short term, so I suggest choosing Martin."

Benjamin acted on his impulse: "Could you arrange a meeting with Martin for me?"

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

Benjamin glanced around the office: "No rush, I'll be free this afternoon."

Andrew asked for the time and immediately called Martin, arranging to meet at a coffee shop near Gray's company.

Martin arrived at Louis Café before four o'clock.

After waiting for about ten minutes, Benjamin came in.

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

With one sentence, Benjamin touched on his pride and also closed the distance. Benjamin laughed and, without mentioning that his first choice had been Adam Smith, said, "This time I've designed a role that's more suitable for you."

Martin looked surprised and delighted: "Really? Director, you personally designed the scene for me again. I'm one step closer to becoming a big star."

The two sat down in a booth, each ordered coffee, and chatted slowly.

Benjamin took the script out of his briefcase and handed it to Martin: "Take a look. This is a script I wrote based on you. It's practically tailor-made for you."

Martin had already read the script with Kelly Gray, but it was like he was seeing it for the first time. He was relatively calm at first, but the more he read, the more surprised he became.

After reading several dozen pages, he picked up his coffee, took a sip, and exclaimed excitedly, "Director, the scene is exactly where I used to work!"

Benjamin smiled and said, "When I was writing this script, the only person I could think of for the male lead was you, from your appearance to your background. You have to be the male lead."

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

Benjamin asked, "Haven't you heard Kelly mention this project? She hasn't given it the green light yet."

Martin tapped his head: "A few nights ago, I was drinking with Kelly, and she mentioned a script, but she didn't go into details. She just said that the budget was too high and that we needed to think about it carefully."

Benjamin immediately grasped the key point in Martin's words: "Let's go drinking together that night!"

Where to drink? How to drink? He pondered to himself, while saying aloud, "Many people in the company and I are working hard to push this project forward. Compared to previous late-night films, the investment is indeed a bit high, but our goal is to get the film into theaters! To screen it in theaters throughout Georgia, and even across the United States."

Martin adopted a thoughtful expression.

Benjamin encouraged, "You're the absolute male lead, why don't you join in early and help push this project forward?"

"Of course I want to!" Martin subtly changed the subject: "That night, when Kelly mentioned the script, she said the biggest problem was still funding."

He asked Benjamin, "Director, how much funding do we need?"

Benjamin hesitated for a moment, then said, "A million dollars, at least."

Martin automatically added another $50 and asked, "Director, can you secure other investments?"

Benjamin shook his head: "I've always worked with Gray Company. The Atlanta 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 again when she gets back."

This matter can be discussed with professionals first. After Benjamin left, Martin called Louise Mayer, who was on her way to see Kate Winslet off.

The latter had an urgent family matter and needed to leave Atlanta first.

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

Martin, of course, was going: "I'm a civilized man. Kate just got married last month. A good man like me would never break up someone else's family."

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

Martin knew the importance of connections. Kate Winslet had just entered her second marriage in May, and her husband's name was Sam Mendes.

A director who has won an Oscar.

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 love the gift you gave me."

The artificial crystal peaches in the transparent box are very beautiful, and there is an inscription on the base: "For my beloved Ruth Dawson."

Signed Martin Davis.

According to Louise, Kate said she didn't care about the success of "Titanic" and only wanted to pursue artistic achievement, but in her heart she considered it the most proud thing in her life.

Kate extended a heartfelt invitation: "Whenever you come to London, you must visit my home."

Martin replied, "If you don't treat me well, I'll come knocking on your door."

Kate Winslet boarded the plane and left Atlanta.

Louise didn't return to the set; instead, she called Martin and went to the hotel together.

Once inside the suite, Louise kicked off her high heels, walked to the bar in her stockings, poured herself two glasses of wine, and took a big gulp before Martin even came over.

Martin said with concern, "Drink slowly."

Louise pushed another glass toward him: "I'll be back in Los Angeles soon to spread the penicillin recipe far and wide. I'm going to call it Louise & Martin's Penicillin."

"It would be more appropriate to call it Louise's Penicillin." Martin didn't mind letting Louise monopolize the name; he ran his finger across Louise's lips. "Because it heals the soul of Louise, the drunkard and lecher."

Cocktails made with other types of alcohol cannot be patented, and the recipes are not worth much. Once people who appreciate good alcohol taste them, they can quickly imitate and mix them.

Louise, with her uneven shoulders, leaned against the bar and said, "You've got big plans."

"I have something to ask you. The new script Kelly mentioned the other day, the zombie male dancer," Martin explained in a suitable manner.

Louise clinked glasses with Martin, finished her drink, and said, "Carrie's concerns are valid. In the industry as a whole, the percentage of movies that can make a profit in the short term is ridiculously low. Carlock, who invested in and produced Terminator, was once very successful, but he ruined Cutthroat Island and was finished."

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

Martin pretended to listen attentively.

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

At this point, she suddenly asked, "Are you really prepared? This industry is ten times, even a hundred times, more chaotic than the darkest, most despicable, and dirtiest portrayals in the media. It's second only to New York's financial circles and Washington's political circles!"

(End of this chapter)