Chapter 595: Winning Strategy!

In the upscale reception room of Century City's WMA, a spacious and elegantly designed space, Martin sat comfortably on a plush sofa. He leafed through a script catalog thoughtfully provided by Thomas, one of his agents.

Opposite him, the legendary director Ridley Scott, an imposing figure with salt-and-pepper hair, carefully scanned the printed manuscript of "The Martian."

Nearby, two of Martin's agents, Ari and Thomas, engaged in hushed conversation, their heads close together.

Martin, growing slightly impatient with the script catalog, placed it gently on the polished wooden coffee table beside him.

Ridley Scott looked up at this moment, relieved his stiff neck with a gentle shake, and remarked, "This novel delves into an abundance of technical intricacies. It would be quite challenging to adapt and film without NASA's involvement and support."

Curiosity piqued, he inquired further, "What about the author? Is he working in this field or conducting research?"

Martin shared, "Andy Weir used to work as a programmer in a gaming company before he began writing full-time."

Ridley's response took Martin by surprise. With a nod, the acclaimed director confessed, "This project genuinely intrigues me. It's a genre I hold dear, second only to epic films."

The last part of Ridley's statement left Martin momentarily speechless.

So, science fiction movies are just a means to earn a living, whereas epic films are his true passion!

Ridley continued, "If it's feasible, please hold off for a while. I expect to complete 'Pharaoh and the Gods' by the end of the year at the latest, allowing me to commence a new project."

Concern etched Martin's face; Ridley was, after all, in his seventies. He ventured, "Is the timeline too tight?"

Ridley Scott assured him, "Not at all. Directing one film per year is a common pace for directors of my generation."

Ari interjected reassuringly, "Martin, you needn't worry. Ridley is highly efficient in shooting and production, unlike David Fincher's meticulous approach."

He added, "Waiting for Ridley until next year won't pose any issues."

Martin, observing Ridley's silver hair and resolute demeanor, stated matter-of-factly, "Andy Weir's novel will be completed soon. We could start collaborating right away."

Ridley dismissed the idea outright, asserting, "I must finish my current project first."

Ari exchanged a subtle shake of the head with Martin.

Ridley's determination and unwavering resolve were evident as he proclaimed, "If I fall within the realm of an epic film, I must rise from it within the same genre!"

Martin sensed the depth of Ridley's obsession in his tone and posture—a man unwilling to yield unless he achieved his goal.

Ari interjected once more, "Martin, don't forget you still have 'John Wick 2' to shoot. By the time you're free, Ridley will be nearing completion."

"Fair enough," Martin conceded, realizing the futility of pushing further. He rose from his seat and extended his hand to Ridley. "Let's shake on that."

Ridley firmly shook Martin's hand, affirming, "Agreed!" With a nod, he returned the manuscript to Martin. "The crew awaits me. I must take my leave."

Martin courteously escorted Ridley out of the reception room.

As Ari and Thomas followed suit, Martin contemplated heading out as well. However, just as he approached the exit, the door to Ali's adjacent office swung open. Stepping out were none other than Natalie Portman, radiant and poised, accompanied by a tall, slender man.

Natalie greeted Martin with a warm smile, "Hello, Martin."

Martin reciprocated the greeting, his face lighting up. "Hello, Nat."

Natalie introduced her companion, "This is my boyfriend, Benjamin Millepied."

In the prestigious WMA reception room, bathed in soft, muted light, Martin sat at ease, wearing a crisp suit. He greeted the room's occupants with a nod and a handshake.

Ari, one of Martin's agents, gestured towards the cozy seating area and extended an invitation, "Would you care to join us for a chat?"

Martin, ever the direct one, inquired, "Is there a particular matter at hand?"

Natalie Portman, a picture of grace and elegance, chimed in, "I have a movie-related query and would greatly appreciate your advice."

Slightly swayed by Ali's suggestion, Martin relented, "Let's step inside and discuss."

Benjamin Millepied, Natalie's companion, seemed a bit reserved as he remarked, "You guys go ahead. I've got a Los Angeles Philharmonic engagement to attend."

One by one, the group entered the reception room, with Thomas firmly closing the door behind them.

With a touch of nostalgia in her smile, Natalie confessed, "It's a shame I couldn't star alongside you in 'Gone Girl.' I made it to the final round of auditions but missed out."

Martin, ever the gracious colleague, responded vaguely, "I'm sure opportunities will arise in the future for us to collaborate."

Natalie Portman held a special place in Ari's client roster, and Ali interjected, "Nate was quite disheartened about not landing the role of Amazing Amy. But I managed to secure her the lead in 'Black Swan,' directed by Darren Aronofsky, a true luminary in the independent film circuit."

While Martin may not have been well-versed in the independent film world, he was certainly familiar with "Black Swan."

Ari continued, "The indie film is already in post-production, and I've had the chance to preview it. It's a true masterpiece, especially Nat's performance—it's award-worthy."

Martin shrugged helplessly, admitting, "I've had limited exposure to indie films. Apart from few films in the beginning my experience in this realm is lacking, and I'm unfamiliar with the associated intricacies."

Natalie seized the moment, seeking guidance, "Martin, you've vied for Oscars several times and clinched the Best Supporting Actor award last year. Your expertise in winning awards is unparalleled. Could you offer me some advice?"

Martin promptly caught on, realizing the purpose behind this gathering. He disregarded Natalie and addressed Ari, "You set this up, didn't you?"

Ari couldn't help but smile, responding, "You always have the most brilliant ideas, and I was hoping for your assistance."

Martin turned his attention back to Natalie, assessing her with a discerning gaze. "You possess natural advantages—a stellar education, Jewish heritage, and renown for your acting prowess."

Natalie, however, knew that these factors alone weren't enough. "Many times, these attributes don't guarantee success."

Martin concurred, fully aware of this fact. For instance, in the case of his Best Supporting Actor win, the Joker's brilliance was overshadowed by the Santa Monica Pier incident. Martin's heroic actions that day, saving numerous lives and averting a potential catastrophe, played a pivotal role in his victory.

During the Harvey incident, Ali's brother, working at the White House, made significant contributions. With Ari now seeking Martin's assistance, he couldn't refuse.

With various considerations in play, Martin finally addressed Natalie, "Your boyfriend..."

Natalie misunderstood, rushing to reassure him, "If you need anything, don't worry about him."

Martin clarified, "No, Nat, you misunderstand." After a brief recollection, he inquired, "I recall reading in the news that your boyfriend was part of the 'Black Swan' crew?"

Natalie replied with measured words, "Yes, we met on set and fell in love."

Martin then turned to Ari, questioning, "Have you formulated a strategy yet?"

Ari outlined the plan, "We'll start by targeting Venice—the Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. After that, we'll embark on a comprehensive publicity and PR campaign. I've got it all planned out."

Taking a sip of water, Ari added, "With Harvey's fall from grace, the race for the Oscars has intensified. If Nat aims to clinch this award, she needs a competitive edge that sets her apart from the rest."

Martin interjected playfully, "Perhaps I should hire a team of Russian spies, and Nat can take them all down."

Natalie, with a playful glint in her eye, responded, "I'll be the lone target in that scenario."

Martin pondered, recalling some offbeat gossip, before tentatively suggesting, "I've thought of an unconventional approach, though it may ruffle some feathers."

Intrigued, Natalie encouraged, "Please, share it with us."

In a lavishly decorated room, bathed in the soft glow of elegant chandeliers, Martin sat comfortably in a plush armchair. Across from him, Natalie Portman, a beacon of sophistication, held herself with grace.

As the conversation took an unexpected turn, Martin posed a question, his head tilting slightly, "Do you have any plans for starting a family?"

Natalie, momentarily taken aback, swiftly collected her thoughts. Her intelligence shone through as she grasped Martin's implied suggestion. "You mean..."

Martin cut to the chase, "If you decide to have a child, consider revealing your pregnancy during the crucial period of the Oscar race. Share photos with the media during that time, without saying much. You'll naturally receive preferential treatment."

He referenced a peculiar pattern from his previous life—an uncanny coincidence where Natalie had won Best Actress at the Oscars twice, both times while pregnant. The first instance was a resounding success, while the second had yielded only moderate results.

Ari, renowned as the golden bachelor, couldn't contain his admiration for Martin's ingenious idea. He exclaimed, "You're a genius, Martin! The Academy should create a special award just for you!"

Martin, with a hint of humor, brushed it off, "I don't need any special awards, Ari. Just hand over one of your properties."

Thomas chimed in, "Ari's properties are scattered all over the globe!"

Ari, fully aware of their jesting, clutched his chest playfully. "You're plotting my demise! You want my life!"

Natalie, though maintaining a refined smile, mulled over Martin's suggestion. The more she considered it, the more it made sense.

Pregnant women often received special treatment in society, and the same held true within the Academy. By revealing her pregnancy and announcing her engagement to Benjamin Millepied, she could capture the media's attention, potentially saving a fortune on advertising.

Unlike Martin, Natalie lacked an extensive network of sponsors and didn't enjoy the robust support of a behemoth like Coca-Cola.

Ari, joining Natalie on the sofa, urged, "I think this plan is quite viable and offers a distinct advantage."

Martin, however, refrained from diving into the minutiae of execution. He believed that professionals like Ari and his team were better suited to crafting and implementing such public relations strategies.

Natalie didn't need much time to deliberate; she nodded in agreement. "I'm on board. Ari, please assemble a team to draft a detailed plan."

Ari pointed towards the door, "Your boyfriend?"

Natalie assured him, "Benjamin loves me deeply. There won't be any issues. I'll become engaged to him at the right moment, ensuring that my pregnancy doesn't become a scandal."

Ari pledged, "Leave the rest to me. I'll assemble the finest PR team for this endeavor."

With the matter settled, Martin stood up, announcing, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. The crew departs for Europe tomorrow, and I need to make preparations."

Ari approached him, fist-bumping him affectionately. "Martin, if you weren't a star, you'd have excelled as an agent and PR guru in this industry!"

Martin chuckled, "With my academic background, I couldn't even get through WMA's door."

(WMA requires its agents to hold at least a bachelor's degree from a prestigious institution.)

Natalie escorted Martin to the exit, expressing her gratitude. "Regardless of the outcome, I owe you a debt of gratitude. Whenever you call upon me for a favor, I'll be there."

Martin replied with a warm smile, "No need to be so formal, Nat."

Exiting WMA, Bruce, who had maintained silence throughout the meeting, started the car and inquired, "Are you genuinely interested in Natalie Portman?"

Martin, strapping on his seatbelt, replied without hesitation, "Not at all. I'm doing this for Ari."

Bruce prodded further, "I believe you're not interested in her right now."

Martin, caught off guard, asked, "What do you mean?"

Bruce elucidated, "Wait until she's intimate with her boyfriend. Your friend's engaged, and your interest in her might just reignite."

Martin, with a teasing glint in his eye, reached for his gun and warned playfully, "Bruce, I'll find the most civilized way to shut that foul mouth of yours!"