Chapter 75: Chapter 75: French Buyer
The Savannah Film festival currently lacks an awards section and focuses more on film screenings and artistic exchanges.
Filmmakers and actors from around the world engage in direct interactions with students from the School of Art during the film festival.
Benjamin's "Zombie Stripper" team doesn't possess such credentials.
Despite graduating from the Savannah Art Institute, Benjamin isn't counted among the renowned alumni.
Numerous promotional booths were erected in the open space between the two theaters on campus. In costumes matching their film characters, Martin and Catherine handed out promotional materials to passersby.
Martin donned his zombie vampire costume, while Catherine embodied the image of a huntress in a tight leather jacket, brandishing a sword. Their striking appearances drew people to their booth, curious to learn about the film.
A prominent slogan hung in the center of their promotional board: "Join us at the Festival Theater at 7 p.m."
Martin, taking on the role of the male lead, was particularly enthusiastic. Each time he handed out a flyer, he warmly invited people, "We'd love to see you at the Festival Theater at 7 p.m."
In moments of relative quiet, Martin retrieved two unopened bottles of mineral water and offered one to Catherine.
Taking a sip of water, Catherine remarked softly, "No matter how much effort we put in, our pay won't increase."
Martin flashed a reassuring smile, replying, "We're the film's male and female leads. If the film performs well, no one can outshine us."
Once more, a passerby was captivated by their large poster. Setting aside his water bottle, Martin approached the interested party and handed over promotional materials.
The man took the flyer and perused it closely.
Martin sensed more than mere curiosity and said, "Sir, the film is scheduled for screening at the Festival Theater at 7 p.m. If it's convenient for you, please join us to learn more."
Pointing to the character on the brochure, the man inquired, "Are you the male lead? Are you playing a zombie?"
"Yes, I am the male lead," replied Martin. The man spoke English with a hint of a French accent, prompting Martin to inquire, "Sir, are you from France?"
The man nodded, introducing himself as Blanco from France.
Martin invited Blanco into their booth, saying as they walked, "You appear to be involved in the film industry."
Blanco questioned, "Is it because I'm participating in the film festival?"
Martin's response was vague yet intriguing, "Your demeanor reminds me of a fellow Frenchman who is a friend of mine. He's a big figure in the film industry who just recently visited Georgia to shoot a movie. You kind of remind me of him."
Blanco chuckled, "You must be referring to Michel Gondry, right?"
Martin immediately recognized the name and affirmed, "Yes, Director Michel Gondry. I've enjoyed French cuisine in Atlanta and shared some of Georgia's specialties with him. He's not only a film artist but also a food enthusiast. When it comes to discerning tastes, the French have impeccable standards."
Blanc found Martin's words particularly captivating and followed him into the booth.
Dave, Benjamin, and the others observed Martin engaging enthusiastically with visitors and decided to let him handle the interactions for now. They had full confidence in Martin.
If Catherine were here, she would likely have taken charge of reception duties.
Kelly Gray, dressed professionally, arrived at the booth with her assistant, Ella. They discreetly approached to eavesdrop on Martin and Blanc's conversation.
"When Michel left, he invited me to Paris," Martin expressed with a yearning look in his eyes. "I've always wanted to experience the atmosphere of the city of art and romance up close. Unfortunately, several months have passed, and I haven't had the chance."
Blanc, polite and attentive, responded, "Opportunities will surely come your way. Perhaps you'll even attend the Cannes Film Festival someday."
Blanc then pulled out his business card and handed it to Martin. "7 p.m. at the Festival Theater, correct?"
Martin took the card and briefly examined it, discovering that Blanc was the business manager of Europa Film Company. "Yes, 7 p.m.," he confirmed with a smile. "Please hold on for a moment."
Martin retrieved an official invitation letter and presented it to Blanc with both hands. "If you can make it, the entire crew would be greatly honored."
Blanc accepted the invitation, shook Martin's hand, bid farewell, and departed.
Not far from the exhibition area, Blanc found a secluded spot and dialed Michel's number. He greeted Michel and then shared, "I'm in Savannah, and I just met an interesting individual who claims to be your friend. An actor named Martin Davis from Atlanta."
Michel Gondry confirmed, "Indeed, we're friends. He's a wonderful person, exceptionally talented in acting, and he has a deep longing for France."
Inspired by today's encounter, Blanc decided to attend the screening of "Zombie Stripper."
In the exhibition area, Kelly approached Martin and inquired, "Was he important?"
Martin handed over Blanc's business card, explaining, "He's a buyer from Europa Film Company. From what he mentioned, he's an acquaintance and a friend of director Michel Gondry."
Kelly contemplated this development, asking, "Have you utilized your connection with Michel Gondry?"
Martin responded, "I believe it may have an impact. I think he'll be attending the screening tonight."
Kelly instructed her assistant, Ella, "Arrange VIP seating for him."
Ella promptly acknowledged.
Kelly offered some words of encouragement to Martin, saying, "The more buyers, the better the chance of a sale."
Martin shook Kelly's hand and expressed his genuine concern, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself; you're doing an excellent job."
Kelly squeezed his hand in return, saying, "You have a wealth of ideas; come up with somegood ones for me if you can."
Martin shrugged helplessly, admitting, "When it comes to the specifics of sales, I still feel relatively inexperienced. My bad ideas could potentially complicate things."
Although Martin had been studying film sales and marketing in the United States for a while, he believed he only had a superficial understanding of it, and preferred not to intervene in the sales process.
In the afternoon, Sofia and Vincent arrived from Atlanta to prepare for the screening. Kelly Gray greeted them politely but didn't engage much further.
Accompanying them were members of the Hulk Mansion Strip Club.
Bruce quipped to Martin, "The boss especially closed the club today, so we all can watch the movie together."
Hart chimed in, "Brother, this movie has nothing to do with you. I asked you to show up and make an appearance, but you didn't listen."
Bruce responded, "I'm the guy who handles the dirty work."
Hart turned to Martin and inquired, "Martin's father, have you seen the previews? How did I do?"
Martin chuckled, "You met quite an unfortunate fate, beaten up by Catherine."
At 5 p.m., Sofia generously treated the entire crew to a lavish buffet dinner at a nearby restaurant.
The dinner was sumptuous, but Martin only sampled a little. Actors often undergo strict diet control before important events, and attending this screening was no exception.
When it was time for the screening, Martin had thoughtfully rented a perfectly fitted suit. Managing one's diet before such an occasion was a mandatory practice for actors.
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