America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Differences in distribution temporarily haven't spread to other projects. Directed by Nolan and starring Martin, "Inception," co-produced by Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, will be released during the Independence Day holiday slot this summer.

The production cost of the film has reached a whopping 160 million US Dollars, and Warner Bros. is sparing no effort in its promotion and distribution.

From media reporters to critics and then to cinema managers, "Inception" has received extremely high praise in subsequent screenings held three times.

During the time Martin was shooting "Gone Girl," Warner Bros. had already launched a massive promotional campaign for "Inception."

In New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other major cities across the US, huge posters had been hung on landmark buildings. These posters, at first glance, could give people the illusion that the dream scenes from the movie were really happening in real life.

Nolan also turned into a marketing director, continuously releasing various "real" behind-the-scenes tidbits to capture the media and fans' attention.

He led a viral marketing campaign, utilizing core creative concepts such as dream machines and consciousness crime, to conduct a series of campaigns on the internet, thus giving the audience an early understanding of the film's key settings, making the viewing experience more relaxed.

After handling his current work, Martin also joined in on the promotion of "Inception."

In the lounge of "Entertainment Weekly," Martin was getting ready for an upcoming interview.

Bruce knocked and entered the room. After putting away his phone and seeing no one else there, he spoke in a low voice, "I just got the news, Warner Bros. is interested in adapting a fairy tale fantasy blockbuster and is openly recruiting screenwriters and directors."

Martin wasn't surprised by this as he had considered it when choosing "Jack the Giant Slayer": "Due to the huge success of 'Alice in Wonderland,' many production companies in Hollywood have set their sights on classic fairy tales from the past."

"This movie's box office is nearing one billion US Dollars," Bruce saw in the newspapers, "Hollywood is notorious for following trends blindly. How could other companies resist?"

Martin said, "Adapting classic fairy tales into live-action movies has many benefits. Most have exceeded their copyright term, so there's no need to buy rights at a high price, the stories are widely known across the market, the audience is extremely broad, and related products are easy to develop..."

It has been said that Hong Kong films heavily follow trends, but Hollywood does it even more excessively. Once a live-action fairy tale movie sells well, several related projects are immediately green-lit in the industry.

Bruce scratched his head, "Warner isn't going to churn out a super-blockbuster live-action fairy tale movie, is it?"

After thinking, Martin said, "Other companies might, but it's more difficult for Warner."

Bruce asked, "The new management team?"

Martin just shrugged, not saying much more.

In his memory regarding films in Hollywood, from soon after 2000 to 2010, Warner Bros. had the strongest performance.

But in the decade after 2010, Walt Disney not only caught up but also surpassed Warner Bros.

Once, Martin didn't quite understand why, but he felt that Ellen Horn's transfer from Warner Bros. to Disney Studios due to a failed power struggle had something to do with it.

There could be many reasons, and Ellen Horn was also a significant factor.

The door to the lounge was knocked once again, and Bruce went to open it, stepping to one side.

Nolan entered from outside.

Martin stood up to greet him, shaking hands and casually asking, "I heard 'The Dark Knight Rises' has already started shooting?"

Nolan nodded, "We started ahead of schedule to accommodate Bale's availability. He signed a historic epic film contract with Warner Bros., which starts shooting in late July."

Martin said, "I've heard of it, 'Exodus,' directed by Ridley Scott."

Nolan wasn't very enthusiastic about this project due to scheduling and various other reasons, saying, "Such a boring story, Hollywood has remade it countless times, as if they're afraid the whole world won't know."

Martin said, "Can't be helped, that's just the way they are."

To this day, Nolan still remembers the incidents that occurred during "Inception," saying, "They dare to do it, but they don't dare to admit it, and they don't dare let people talk about it."

Martin, feeling equally helpless, said, "Warner Bros. also notified me not to mention the Morocco kidnapping incident during promotion."

"It was such a good selling point!" Nolan was visibly upset, very dissatisfied with Warner Bros., "They talk about free speech, but when it comes to those people, there is no free speech, only 'if you're not with me, you're my enemy!'"

Martin sighed, "That's the widespread trend in the industry."

Nolan knew he had said a bit too much, but apart from Martin, who understood the insider details, he had nowhere else to vent, so he could only say, "Thanks for helping me vent about the Harvey Weinstein issue."

Martin smiled, "Mainly for myself; I was scared by him. Last time I was lucky, a stunt performer was the one who got shot. Next time, it might be me."

Although Harvey Weinstein denied it, Brad Pitt confessed that Harvey had coerced him into finding a set assistant art worker to frame the incident.

Pitt became a witness for the prosecution and Harvey was charged with yet another criminal offense.

The assistant came to notify both of them that the exclusive interview was about to start.

Martin and Nolan entered the prepared room together to be interviewed by "Entertainment Weekly's" lead journalist, Grace.

Both parties had communicated beforehand and mostly talked about film-related topics.

Towards the end of the interview, Grace suddenly asked a question, "Martin, I heard from some people on the set that you couldn't understand Director Nolan's script?"

Martin considered himself academically challenged, but not understanding the script was nonsense. He clarified, "Of course, I can understand the script, Director Nolan can prove that."

Grace looked at Nolan, and although Nolan liked making big headlines, since Martin had denied it, he spoke the truth, "Among all the actors in the crew, Martin was the fastest to understand the script."

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Martin opportunistically dropped some juicy info, saying, "It must be rumors that got twisted. There was a time on set when I was so deep into character that I couldn't tell what was reality and what was a dream, until Director Nolan helped me snap out of it."

Nolan, true to his reputation as a director who could multitask on set and concoct 'authentic behind-the-scenes' stories, didn't miss a beat and immediately followed Martin's lead, "I told Martin, wherever I am is reality, wherever I'm not is a dream."

Martin burst into laughter, "Director Nolan easily solved my problem of getting too deep into character."

He then turned serious again and stated, "Director Nolan is extremely clever, leading a team brimming with talent, all of which excites me!"

Nolan also started the mutual praise mode, "Martin is the kind of actor every director searches for. He always grasps my intentions immediately and performs even better than I anticipate. I hope to continue working with him in the future!"

The two lavished compliments on each other as if they deeply regretted not meeting sooner.

Grace had to interrupt and bring this interview to an end.

As Nolan and Martin left the magazine's office, they talked, "After The Dark Knight Rises is done, I'll completely leave superhero movies behind and focus on sci-fi."

Martin said, "Whenever you need me, just give me a call."

Nolan stopped in his tracks, pondered for a moment, and asked, "I heard you've had quite a few disagreements with Warner Bros.?"

Martin saw no need to hide anything, "Mainly on the distribution fee percentage, Warner Bros. now has the highest cut in the industry."

Both Nolan and his wife, along with Jonathan Nolan, who had formed a studio together, also took part in the production and investment of "Inception" and "The Dark Knight Rises".

Warner Bros. taking a larger share of the distribution fees essentially also hurt their interests.

Martin shared another fact, "Our old friend Ellen Horn is now the president of Disney Studios. Disney Studios takes only a 27% distribution fee in North America, and also nearly the lowest internationally and in domestic offlines."

"Ellen has been in touch with me." Nolan seriously contemplated, "Let's get together when there's time."

Martin responded, "Sure."

The two men left the magazine office and got into their respective cars to leave.

Bruce turned onto the main road and asked, "Are you trying to encourage Nolan to leave Warner Bros.?"

"Not at all," Martin firmly denied, "I'm just worried for a friend, who might face many unfair losses in the future."

Bruce glanced at the time and said, "I'll take you home; don't wait for me at dinner, I have a date."

Curious, Martin asked, "Kim and Khloe?"

Bruce's face fell, as though heading to the gallows, "Jody has arranged to celebrate her Pulitzer Prize win."

Martin said, "Just go to the basement storeroom at home and pick any gift you like."

Bruce still showed a hint of stubbornness, "I'm not bringing anything."

"That's right." Martin, that rascal, flat-out said, "For Jody, Bruce is the best gift."@@novelbin@@

Bruce drove into the Davis Estate, not wanting to speak another word with Martin, then switched to a regular car and left Beverly Hills to arrive in front of the TMZ Headquarters Building.

After about ten minutes, impeccably made-up Jody opened the passenger door, got in, and kissed Bruce, "Old Cloth, you were so cool today!"

Bruce inquired, "Where do you want to go?"

Jody's desire to celebrate with a bang was written all over her face, "Of course, to my place. That Pulitzer Prize I got, half of it is yours, so we must celebrate together."

"You took all the risks," Bruce said, "The credit is all yours, it has nothing to do with me."

Jody replied, "I know, it doesn't relate to you publicly, but in my heart, half of the award is yours. But all the accolades went to me, so I must reward you."

Bruce maintained his last bit of resolve, "I don't need any rewards. I'll go to your place for dinner to celebrate your award, then I'll leave."

Jody smiled, "Alright then, let's go have dinner first."

Not long after, the two of them entered Jody's home, where Jody personally prepared a sumptuous dinner to celebrate her award with Bruce.

At the Davis Estate, after dinner, Martin waited a long time and Bruce didn't return.

Around ten o'clock, he finally received a text from Bruce.

"I won't be coming back tonight."

Martin finally got his chance and immediately replied, "That's disloyal!"