156 Life is like a play

A contract romance, a cover for a real love affair – anyone could guess there was something fishy about this arrangement. Moreover, Natalie Portman was a clever woman, bolstered by her savvy team of agents. The proposal for such a deal made matters even more complex. Of course, Renly believed that Natalie's team would present favorable terms, and Andy, on the other hand, would not easily be taken advantage of. There was even a chance that Renly could reap some benefits from the situation.

Yet, Renly could still sense an air of the extraordinary amidst it all. Ultimately, he was just a tool in the grand scheme.

Even without being privy to the intricacies or the backstory, an Oscar PR had divulged enough information: Natalie had secured the coveted Oscar for Best Actress the following year through her role in "Black Swan". This implied that Renly had become a stepping stone in this PR battle. So, how much should he demand from Natalie to ensure he wasn't left empty-handed?

Renly had no interest in such transactions. Instead of spending his time on these calculations, he believed it was better to focus on refining his acting skills, or even invest his time earnestly in movie promotions.

Furthermore, Natalie and Benjamin were in the throes of a passionate romance. Firstly, he had no interest in being a third wheel. Secondly, he wasn't keen on being a mere instrument. Lastly, he had no feelings for Natalie.

"Even if the deal was for Fox Searchlight to promote "Buried" into the awards season race, you wouldn't be interested?" Andy's voice carried a hint of amusement as he inquired.

"You're that confident about "Buried"?" Renly didn't respond directly, instead returning the question.

Andy shrugged, adopting a non-committal stance. "I have confidence in you."

"Well, if that's the case, you shouldn't worry either, right?" Renly's mood was buoyant; he enjoyed this kind of exchange.

As an agent, Andy didn't impose orders forcefully. Instead, he engaged in dialogue, and more importantly, his words seemed to align with Renly's trajectory. This only solidified Renly's conviction that his decision to choose Andy as his agent had been wise.

A trace of surprise flickered across Andy's face, as he didn't quite grasp the meaning behind Renly's words. "Why's that?"

"Nominations depend on prowess, while winning relies on luck." This was the universally acknowledged law of awards season, an enigma unmanageable by the Academy's PR efforts. "Therefore, they can't guarantee that we'll secure a nomination, as it's a battle of true talent. Once we do secure the nomination, their deal would be completed. Their focus wouldn't remain on us. In the end, it's all about luck." Renly's casual words held a hint of mockery, prompting a light chuckle from Andy.

"Even exceptional talent requires the vigorous promotion of adept PR. This isn't an era where one can sit around waiting for opportunities. Failing to learn the art of self-promotion in Hollywood would be a death sentence," Andy shook his head with an amiable grin. "However, the situation changes if Fox Searchlight acquires the distribution rights for "Buried"."

Belonging to the 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, and Universal Pictures' Focus Features, these two companies were the frontrunners among Hollywood's independent labels and also stood as main forces in each year's awards season.

"Do you think Fox Searchlight would vigorously promote two actors from different works to compete for the most significant awards in the awards season?" Renly's counter-question made Andy inwardly sigh in amazement – this kid was truly intelligent.

With Fox Searchlight's might, simultaneous entries for Best Actor and Best Actress were undoubtedly feasible, but the PR campaign would undoubtedly be skewed. When circumstances changed, and the necessity arose to abandon one work to protect another, Fox Searchlight's choice was practically a foregone conclusion.

"Andy, we don't need to beat around the bush. If we want to agree to this, we could come up with a thousand or ten thousand reasons. The crux lies in whether, as my agent, you believe I should agree to this contract romance? Should I participate in this top-tier performance?" Renly cut to the chase, slicing away all calculations, and honed in on the point.

Despite Renly's direct approach, Andy showed no signs of panic. He crossed his arms over his beer belly, exuding a contented air. "Alright then, same question. Renly, are you willing to participate in this performance?"

"No, I'm not interested." Without any circumvention, Renly provided a clear-cut answer.

Andy nodded with a light chuckle, teasing, "Not surprised." Then he shrugged. "But, I also agree with your viewpoint."

Indeed, with "Buried" already securing Renly's first Oscar nomination for Best Actor, regardless of the outcome, it couldn't get any more dreamlike. Fox Searchlight would undoubtedly be pleased with the situation.

However, considering the recent flurry of rumors about Renly's background circulating online and the timing of his rumored relationship with Natalie, the positive impact wouldn't outweigh the negative. People were likely to erroneously attribute Renly's achievements to Natalie's influence, which would be more harm than good.

Moreover, Andy had just taken over Renly's representation recently, and they were still in a period of adjustment. Andy understood Renly's personality and aspirations; it was impossible for Renly to agree to this. He had no reason to take on such a risk for a nebulous possibility. He had calculated the balance sheet of this exchange of interests very clearly.

"Leave the rest to me." Andy didn't delve any deeper into the discussion, straightforwardly stating, "However, at the premiere later, journalists will likely touch on this matter to some extent. It's best to be prepared."

Renly lowered his head again, resuming his perusal of the book as if the brief conversation just now was of little consequence. Andy couldn't help but find it amusing, but he refrained from saying much, turned around, left the room, pulled out his phone, and made a call, plunging back into his busy state.

In the blink of an eye, the premiere of "Buried" was drawing closer. Rodrigo Cortés had also arrived at Renly's hotel room, nervously rubbing his hands together and pacing back and forth, his agitated demeanor betraying a hint of restlessness. "Renly, what if no media shows up at the premiere?"

Although Renly felt a hint of nervousness, he appeared remarkably composed in comparison. In truth, he did indeed sense the nervousness, for a film premiere was distinct from television, and this was the Toronto International Film Festival, a highly anticipated occasion. Emotional turmoil was inevitable, and this was why he chose to immerse himself in a book. On one hand, it helped shift his focus, and on the other, it allowed his emotions to settle.

Observing Rodrigo's repetitive pacing, Renly couldn't help but jest, "Regretting not choosing Ryan Reynolds now, aren't you?" If it were Ryan, media presence would be the least of their concerns. Moreover, this was his turf, ensuring a lively premiere.

This single remark rendered Rodrigo momentarily speechless. He wanted to offer a retort or explanation, but his emotions were too tightly wound, leaving him uncertain how to respond. This amusement played on Renly, "Rest assured, we chose the film festival because media presence is a requirement. Every participating work is guaranteed to have media coverage."

Whether it was one of the European film festivals or the Toronto International Film Festival, it was essentially the same. Every screening work stood under the spotlight, subjected to scrutiny from media and the public. Absolute exposure was crucial for art films and independents. Furthermore, the primary purpose of the Toronto International Film Festival was to sell distribution rights. Hence, each film would be accompanied by dedicated reporters for coverage, presented to every viewer and distributor.

Even for an independent film like "Buried", devoid of background, funding, connections, or sensationalism, the same applied.

As for the attention garnered after the premiere and the discussions it sparked, that would be determined by the quality of the work.

"Yes, yes," Rodrigo nodded repeatedly, clenched his fist, attempting to encourage himself. However, this boost lasted less than a second. "But, if the journalists arrive, and no one attends the red carpet, then what?"

In the entirety of the crew of "Buried", only two individuals graced the red carpet, and they were currently sitting in this very room. Moreover, both individuals had next to zero Hollywood connections, and the prospect of friends joining them was slim. The red carpet would be embarrassingly barren, and even if the news media wanted to report, they'd likely find little content to share.

"So, are you regretting now?" Renly's brow slightly furrowed, casting a dubious gaze at Rodrigo. Rodrigo looked at Renly in speechless frustration, but soon saw the faint smile at the corner of his mouth, realizing that Renly was joking with him. Unable to hold back, he burst into laughter.

He had indeed been overly anxious. Matters had reached this point with no room for reversal. Given this, it was better to relax, enjoy the atmosphere of the film festival, and await the audience's reaction to "Buried".

Clap, clap, clap. The heavy, resonant footsteps resounded, and Andy's figure appeared in the living room. His habitual smile adorned his face, but his expression held a tinge of peculiarity. "We need to head to the main venue now. The red carpet is set, and all the media reporters are in position. We can make our entrance."

Renly stood up, buttoning his suit jacket. His gaze, however, probed Andy; his intuition told him that Andy's words weren't complete.

Sure enough, a trace of amusement curled at the corners of Andy's lips. "I just received word that Natalie Portman is en route to the subsidiary venue. While it's possible she's going to watch another film,..." He left unsaid what was clear—Natalie was attending the event in formal attire, and during this awkward 4 PM slot, there was only one film premiering in that direction.

The corner of Renly's eyebrow arched slightly. It seemed the act hadn't yet concluded.

Unaware of the situation, Rodrigo's face was filled with excited surprise. "Natalie Portman?"