America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

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Big projects can mean big money, and it's not just about the high paychecks. Once a film becomes a mega-hit, just the profit-sharing agreement signed with the Producers' Alliance can mean a hefty sum every year.

With many competitors, Martin focused on one person and asked, "Was Heath Ledger recommended by Bale?"

Mene nodded, "Bale strongly recommended him. He's British and has a good relationship with Director Nolan, so his recommendation is taken seriously by the director. The casting team has already accepted the materials submitted by the agents of Bale and Heath Ledger."

Thomas asked, "Does the crew dare to use him?"

Martin said, "There are too many people using that stuff. Had it not been tied to me and Jen on set, no one would have cared. This is a sequel. If Bale strongly recommends him and Nolan insists, Warner Bros. and DC Comics might compromise."

Mene took the initiative, "Should I try something from Emma's side, the crew..."

"No need." Martin just wanted Mene to gather information and keep up with the dynamics on set, not take unnecessary risks.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "This time, we'll win the competition by fair and square means."

Neither Mene nor Thomas had any objections, but Bruce, who had been silent the whole time, knew that Martin had another bad idea.

In Hollywood or across the Pacific in the entertainment industry, auditions are just the beginning. Ever since things like the casting couch moved out of the audition rooms, the keys to audition success are no longer confined within those rooms.

After receiving Martin's instructions, Mene quickly left.

Martin asked Thomas, "Which insurance company did the crew buy the completion bond from?"

Thomas was already informed, "Firefighter's Fund Insurance Company. Over eighty percent of Hollywood movie projects are insured by them."

Martin said, "Find out exactly who is handling the Batman-related business."

Thomas replied, "No problem."

"For the next month, contact Bruce if you need anything," Martin said, picking up the script that Louise had given him. "I plan to rent a long-term suite at the Four Seasons Hotel to focus on studying the script and my character."

Thomas said, "As long as you pass the audition, I'm confident I can negotiate a big contract for you."

Martin nodded slightly and said, "You go ahead and get busy."

Once Thomas had left, Bruce asked, "I still have things to do, right?"

First, Martin instructed, "Just remember to remind Leo and Jack, those two rascals. I'm afraid they'll play too hard and forget."

Bruce understood, "You mean to show everyone, including the crew, how hard he's worked?"

"Of course," Martin said, "What's the point of working hard if no one notices? Working hard in secrecy doesn't attract attention."

Bruce asked, "Have you decided what to do about Heath Ledger?"

Martin didn't answer, but instead asked, "Old Cloth, how likely do you think it is that he'll quit?"

"It requires tremendous willpower," Bruce understood Martin's implication. "When in New York, I observed Heath Ledger closely; he's not someone with strong willpower."

He mentioned recent news, "Michel Williams has broken up with Heath Ledger."

"I've seen it," Martin concluded, "I believe he definitely won't quit!"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

In his previous life, the internet and media were flooded with news that Heath Ledger died from depression caused by the Joker role, as if he really sacrificed his life for the character.

So, Martin now wanted to play the good guy—after all, saving a life is more meritorious than constructing a seven-tiered pagoda.

After a brief consideration, he said, "The crew is staying in Los Angeles, all auditions are here too. Bale recommended Heath Ledger, so Heath definitely needs to come to Los Angeles. Hasn't Ivan not gone back to Atlanta? Have Ivan keep an eye on him and maintain contact with TMZ."

Bruce said, "No problem."

Martin remembered something, "In Brooklyn, New York, when Jen and I had a conflict with Heath Ledger, you recorded it, right? You kept the video separately?"

Bruce guessed what Martin planned to do, "I've kept it all along."

Martin said, "After cleaning it up, give it to Ivan to pass to TMZ. With their style, they'll definitely keep an eye on Heath Ledger."

Bruce replied, "I'm on it."

Martin packed up and left with Bruce, asking him to drop him off at the Four Seasons Hotel, ready for his retreat.

Not long after his arrival at the hotel, Jolie and Aniston, the two femme fatales, called him, wanting to play Dou Di Zhu.

He couldn't refuse without offending them, so Martin gave them the address and awaited the delightful occasion.

A good man should bring joy to others.

As for his retreat, one day earlier or later actually made no difference.

......

At Warner Bros., the project officially named "Terminator 2018" held auditions for the male lead.

The screenwriter and producer Haggis, Director Joseph Niccol, and the studio representative, Ellen Horn, all approved Christian Bale's audition, feeling he was the most suitable choice for the male lead.

Not only was his acting and image assured, but it would also benefit from the influence of the Batman movie.

Afterward, Bale's agent Parker began negotiations with the crew, adding a new condition beyond the usual salary and leading man perks.

He requested that Warner Bros., who were also investors in the Batman project, recommend Heath Ledger to play the other lead role of the Joker.

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This is nothing, in Ellen Horn's eyes, what happened to Heath Ledger wasn't even worth mentioning.

In the circle of Hollywood, there's too much of this kind of thing.

Even Ellen Horn herself is part of it.

The conditions aren't a big deal, but Warner Bros. won't agree so easily, they directly told the agent and Bale that they must see the audition results, Heath Ledger's level has to meet the role's requirements.

Bale was willing to help Heath Ledger, out of friendship, but Heath Ledger's own capabilities were also crucial.

He believed that with Heath Ledger's acting skills, living up to the role of the Joker was definitely not a problem.

After finalizing these matters, Bale immediately rushed to the Santa Monica Hotel, where he found Heath Ledger who had just arrived in Los Angeles.

The two went to a cafe together.

At this moment, Heath Ledger looked rosy and spirited, a stark contrast to the withered and demoralized appearance he had in New York.

It was as if the promising young Australian actor had returned.

Bale ordered some coffee and said, "I've submitted your relevant materials to the production team and also secured support from one of the investors, Warner Bros. Given Warner's support for me to continue playing Bruce Wayne and my involvement in maneuvering things for you, the chances of you getting the role are quite substantial."

Heath Ledger didn't know what to say, such friendship was too rare, and he nodded vigorously, "I will prepare thoroughly and give two hundred percent during the audition."

He added, "Chris, thank you. Without you, I might never have gotten out."

Bale laughed and said, "Between friends, let's not talk about such formalities. Maybe one day, I'll need your help, too."

Heath Ledger nodded, "If that day comes, I will give it my all."

Bale reminded, "About that, you still need to be careful."

Heath Ledger assured, "Don't worry, I absolutely won't use it on set, nor will I make the same mistake as last time." He managed a smile, "Now, I can only chase after my career."

After repeated pleas, Heath Ledger and his fiancée Michel Williams had continuous arguments, and their differences became irreconcilable.

Michelle believed Heath Ledger's behavior would severely affect their child's development and initiated the break-up, ending their engagement.

Even after losing his daughter and fiancée, Heath Ledger still didn't quit.

Bale knew all about Heath and Michel's break-up and specifically encouraged Heath to boost his morale, "I've got reliable information that Martin Davis is also competing for the role and will participate in the production's audition."

Heath's fighting spirit ignited at once, "I have to land this role."

His fall to where he was now, his daughter's departure, the fiancée's break-up, they were greatly related to the incident with Martin Davis and Aniston.

After a brief abstinence, he reverted to his old ways. Heath Ledger's mind was increasingly influenced by those substances, "Without Martin Davis, I wouldn't have fallen to where I am now."

Bale felt the same, being a near witness at the time, he always believed it was a minor issue that could have been resolved with a step back from both sides.

Latterly, having gone through the sponge debacle at Pine Forest Film Studio, he became more convinced of this.

Heath went on, "What I lost once, this time I want to get back with my own hands."

And to get it back by stepping over Martin Davis.

Bale didn't underestimate that bastard, he cautioned, "Don't be careless, relax in the hotel and study the script and role to prepare for the audition. I'll handle the outside matters with your agent. I'll leave you a car, but try not to go out if it's not necessary and avoid exposing yourself to media reporters as much as possible—they're used to making reckless reports."

Heath pledged, "Before the audition, I won't step out of the hotel. I might just walk on the hotel beach at most."

Bale stood up, patted his shoulder, and left the hotel.

.........

In Burbank, TMZ's editor-in-chief Jody drove to an underground parking lot to meet Ivan, a news informant and paparazzo whom they had cooperated with several times.

Since their last collaboration, the person had followed her previous path, buying a car and professional camera, specifically to shoot entertainment news for money.

He would occasionally sell major news pieces to TMZ.

Jody got into his car and asked, "What important news do you have this time?"

Ivan turned on the MP4 player in his hand, "I bought an old video online, of Heath Ledger, the lead actor from "Brokeback Mountain."

Given the tremendous influence of "Brokeback Mountain," Jody was immediately interested and watched the video closely.

The video wasn't long, just twenty-odd seconds, all showing a frenzied Heath Ledger in a fit of rage, but it was unclear who was on the other end, as the rest was obviously cut off.

"The video isn't complete?"

"I could only get this much, the seller said he filmed it with his phone and it just so happened the battery died."

Jody inquired, "Heath Ledger publicly declared that he would quit, could it be that..."

Ivan said, "The time on the video has been tampered with, but it must be quite old, you can't tell." He acted like a true paparazzo, "Are you interested in news about Heath Ledger? I can dig some up, can you offer a good price?"

Jody was a bit surprised, "You're going to New York?"

"Haven't you seen American Rumors?" Ivan simply expressed, "He's come to Los Angeles, someone tipped off American Rumors that Heath Ledger is preparing to audition for the Batman production, aiming for the role of the Joker."

Jody sensed the value of the news, "Sell the news lead to me, my people and you can both shoot it, but if you capture something critical, I'll give you an additional fee."