America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Present were the high-level executives of Warner Bros., and it was difficult to keep industry dynamics a secret from them. Disney Studios did not conceal their contact with Martin Davis, and news related to it had been circulating since the Oscars.

Daniel specifically reminded everyone, "Since Ellen Horn took charge of Disney Studios, she's been in constant contact with Martin. If we don't make adjustments in distribution, we're very likely to lose 'John Wick: Chapter 2.'

Hamada and Jon Berg showed no intention of joining the conversation.

Ultimately it would depend on Kevin Tsujihara's attitude.

Having just assumed his position, Kevin Tsujihara couldn't afford his first major policy to backfire. Plus, heads of big companies are typically more aloof than actors and stars.

But he was aware of the commercial value of the sequel and said, "Originally, I was thinking of waiting for Martin Davis to return to Los Angeles and then have a face-to-face talk with him."

Daniel waited for what he would say next.

"Forget it, I won't talk to him now to avoid sending him the wrong signal, making him think that Warner Bros. is nothing without him," Kevin Tsujihara emphasized. "I've said it before, why do those small companies and studios make money? Because they follow Warner Bros., not the other way around!"

Having made his stance clear, he then told Daniel, "We have to fight for what we can. Wait until Martin Davis gets back to Los Angeles, and you go talk to him."

Daniel felt a headache coming on, but the path he chose was considered right by both himself and others. His status as a Warner executive was the source of his power.

"I'll have a good talk with him." Daniel still held some hope for Martin, whose work could bring stable performance: "I'll try to keep him at Warner."

Jon Berg suddenly said, "I have an idea, even if Martin Davis no longer works with Warner Bros.… I mean, in the worst case scenario."

He had just enjoyed an initial success: "Martin Davis has a great eye for material. We can keep tabs on him. Whenever he's interested in a script or a novel, comic, etc., we can also negotiate. With Warner Bros.' finances and strength, I believe those people will make the wise choice."

Project snatching is common in Hollywood, especially for projects with good profit prospects. Sony Columbia eventually obtained 'The Da Vinci Code' by outbidding several Hollywood competitors with a high offer of ten million US dollars.

Kevin Tsujihara didn't have a difficult decision to make. Looking at Daniel and Jon Berg, he said, "Keep an eye on Martin."

The discussion about Martin and Davis Studio ended there, and they moved on to other topics.

After the meeting, Daniel and Jon Berg walked together, specifically asking about the details related to 'Dark Places.'

......

In Cape Girardeau, Missouri,

the filming crew had reached the last day of shooting, and the set was designed to look like "The Helen Show."

Martin and Helen sat on separate armchairs opposite each other, conversing as if part of an interview show.

Mene, wearing black-rimmed glasses, stood off-camera at the interview show, frequently using hand signals to remind Martin on set.

He played Martin's lawyer in the film.

This scene was scheduled for the last day as it needed to align with Helen's availability.

Martin and Helen, having worked together before and with a prepared script by the crew, conversed smoothly. Even with many long takes, they usually nailed it in one go.

"Cut!" David Fincher called a halt to the shooting: "Prepare for the next scene."

Helen's makeup artist immediately stepped forward to dab her sweat, and she turned to Martin with a smile, "I never thought my first movie would be me playing myself."

Once her makeup artist left, Martin replied, "We had no choice, 'The Helen Show' is too famous. Gillian used the name directly in her book, so we had to invite you to play yourself."

"I'm not that hot right now, TMZ deputy editor Jody is the one making waves," Helen whispered. "Didn't you see the news before?"

Martin shook his head, "No, I've been busy with the shooting." He asked, "Did Jody win an award?"

Helen briefly mentioned, "In early May, at the Pulitzer Prize ceremony, Jody as a whistleblower got the Pulitzer for journalism."

"Not an easy feat," said Martin.

Winning a Pulitzer for journalism through the scandal of a Hollywood mogul might seem strange, but considering Guanhai won the Nobel Peace Prize as the Great Commander last year, the Pulitzer seemed a bit more credible.

Helen added, "I really want to have Harvey on my show now, but unfortunately, I can't."

Martin understood her meaning and responded, "I can't help either. Harvey probably wants me dead."

From the director's monitor, David Fincher's voice came through: "Preparing for the last scene of the day, all departments get ready."

Martin and Helen stopped talking and settled back into the sofas to get into character.

In the resting area outside the set, Bruce wheeled in a large suitcase.

Lily, curious, asked, "Is Martin handing out souvenirs again?"

Bruce replied, "The tradition can't be abandoned. That was the High Priest Robert's message. He insists on continuing the cola ritual, urging Martin to keep distributing souvenirs after wrapping up each shoot, just like the beginning."

"That big head, always babbling mystically in Atlanta, quite the charlatan," Lily remarked.

Nearby, Elizabeth, who didn't know Robert, heard the name Atlanta but refrained from asking out of curiosity.

Lily then asked, "Is that the fish stone we recently acquired inside the box?"

"It shouldn't be," Elizabeth joined the conversation. "It's probably still the bull horn statues."

Bruce said, "They are all horn statues, those fish stones are limited in number, and I've already given them to Lily."

The shooting was about to start, and the three of them stopped talking.

The last long take mainly focused on Martin's close-up, a lengthy monologue. It was not easy for Martin to deliver such an emotive performance, and there were even two NGs during the process.

It wasn't until the third take that David Fincher called out, "This one's good!" He then announced, "All scenes for 'Gone Girl' have been completed, we're wrapping up now!"

There weren't many people left in the crew, and the atmosphere wasn't particularly lively. Both David Fincher and Danu were relatively composed individuals, with no special arrangements made.

Martin did enjoy a bit of excitement, but he still respected the director on set, not even preparing streamers and confetti.

Applause rang out at the location.

Amid the applause, the filming phase for the movie was completed.

Martin called Bruce over and personally presented a souvenir.

Due to copyright issues, apart from 'The Dark Knight' crew, all other statues were modeled after Martin.

Over the years, Martin's statues had become as iconic in Hollywood as Tom Cruise's cakes.

With no one around, Bruce said softly, "If Australian buffaloes ever go extinct, you'll be the prime culprit."

"With a place like Australia, buffaloes are unlikely to go extinct." Martin's tone changed as he spoke in a lower voice, "Let me tell you some good news, Jody has won the Pulitzer Prize for Journalism."

Thinking of Jody, Bruce felt a twinge of pain in his pelvis and said, "I saw the news."

Martin with ill intent, "Remember to congratulate her when you get back to Los Angeles. It's a major life event."

Bruce didn't want to deal with Martin anymore.

But Martin didn't let up, "Jody is very pretty, with delicate features. With just a bit of makeup, she looks better than many Hollywood actresses."

Bruce picked up an empty case and turned to leave.

Elizabeth came over and asked, "Did you tease Bruce again?"

Martin smiled and took Elizabeth by the arm, leading her out of the studio, "Come on, accompany me to remove the makeup. I've chartered a private plane, we're heading back to Los Angeles today."

Elizabeth linked her arm with Martin's, smiling sweetly, "We're going home."

Before six o'clock in the afternoon, Martin and his entourage boarded the chartered business plane and returned to Los Angeles.

Elizabeth had a commercial shoot for Estee Lauder scheduled for the next day.

Martin also wanted to return early to finalize the distribution details for 'John Wick: Chapter 2' before its shooting started.

Because it involved the promotion and distribution of 'Inception,' the movie's shooting wouldn't start until the second half of the year.

The next day, Martin arrived at Davis Studio and called Jessica and Thomas to inquire about the progress of negotiations with Disney Studios, and he phoned Ellen Horn.

Ellen Horn had just joined Disney and was eager to secure his position. Bringing Martin on board was a significant achievement for him.

He offered the biggest concession he could within his authority, with Disney's distribution commission in North America being 27% of the box office revenue after splitting, and not exceeding 40% overseas, specifics to be discussed as detailed as the offline commission.

Furthermore, Ellen Horn agreed to include corresponding safeguard clauses in the contract, which would not change for five years.

Martin wanted a ten-year future.

Compared to Warner Bros.' increased distribution commission to 30% in North America, Disney Studios showed more sincerity.

No sooner had Martin hung up with Ellen Horn than his cellphone rang.

The call was from Daniel, who, having heard of Martin's return to Los Angeles, wanted to arrange a time to visit with Jon Berg from Warner Bros.

Martin set the meeting for the afternoon.

Seeing the call end, Bruce reminded him, "Warner Bros. held a press conference a few days ago, hosted by Jon Berg himself, with Gillian Flynn, who had come back from the set, attending as well. The main purpose of the press conference was to introduce Warner Bros.' upcoming new project with Gillian."

Martin said, "It seems Jon Berg sees this as a significant achievement."

Bruce added, "After all, it's a project you were keen on."

Martin simply shrugged his shoulders.

"What is he doing following Daniel here? To show off?" Bruce was curious. "A show of force?"@@novelbin@@

Martin shook his head, "Who knows. The people Kevin Tsujihara promoted don't give off a very good impression."

Thinking it over, Bruce asked, "Are we really going to do nothing? Just sit back and watch as others snatch away Gillian's project without causing trouble? Leonardo and Nicholson will mock you for a lifetime."

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Upon reflection, Martin realized he had a point.

He pondered and said, "How about we set another trap? It doesn't matter if they don't fall for it since they're coming to visit."

Bruce approved, "Anyway, we won't suffer any losses."