Chapter 386: Chapter 386: Wareable Camera
Warner Studio had rented a small space to serve as Chad Starsky's project training ground for Davis Studio.
Martin, Bruce, and Brandt observed intently from the sidelines as several individuals on the training field rehearsed their action sequences. Chad, playing the male lead, held a prop gun and was surrounded by a group of assailants.
Chen Hu, their leader with shoulder-length hair flowing, charged at Chad from the front. Behind him, stuntmen like Lewis and Buck, who had served as Martin's stand-ins on numerous occasions, followed. Marcus, now Chad's assistant, was closing in.
Chad, in the midst of changing his magazine, faced Chen Hu's rush. The two engaged in close combat, grappling with each other. Buck and Lewis also joined the fray.
The actions performed were choreographed routines. Chad snapped Chen Hu's neck, struck Lewis in the heart with an elbow, kicked Buck to the ground, all while smoothly changing the magazine. He spun around, mimicking a shooting motion. Just as Marcus was about to pop out and 'shoot,' he appeared to take a 'hit' and collapsed to the ground.
Chad pointed his gun at the heads of the four individuals again and fired, one by one.
In contrast to typical Hollywood action films, this project's action design left no room for the enemy to retaliate. The stereotypical, overly talkative, or heroic plotlines where the defeated enemy suddenly seizes an opportunity to fight back were all discarded during the action design phase.
Brandt approached Martin and remarked, "Boss, we conducted a survey on our website, asking movie fans to vote for the most irritating movie plot. The design you're talking about, where the two protagonists in 'Horror Wax Museum' give up the final strike, is very similar to the top-ranking choice."
Martin nodded and concurred, "I nearly cringed at that design."
Chad, Chen Hu, and Marcus joined them at this point.
Marcus commented, "On the battlefield, showing mercy to the enemy is a surefire way to meet your demise."
Chad added, "The protagonist is essentially an assassin. If that kind of plot occurs, the character's integrity collapses."
Martin accepted the prop gun Chad offered and executed several shooting gestures, stating, "What we're after in this film is that visceral and exhilarating sensation."
Chen Hu, who had trained under Yuan Heping for an extended period, inquired, "Like 'Big Brother' and 'Dirty Detective'?"
Martin confirmed, "Yes, those are similar."
Chad, having recently watched many action films, possessed a more in-depth understanding. He took over, stating, "In terms of action design, we need to lean towards real combat, but without overly fixating on a purely realistic style."
Martin fully agreed, "This is a movie after all. While maintaining a realistic approach, we must consider the audience's viewing experience. The action should be intense, sharp, and visually appealing."
Chen Hu, tasked with designing close combat routines, chimed in, "I concur. In this regard, we can draw inspiration from Hong Kong gunfight action films."
Martin jokingly added, "But don't make it too Jackie Chan-like. After all, the protagonist is an assassin."
Chen Hu elaborated, "We're not making a 'Furniture City God of War.'"
This obscure reference was only understood by Martin and Chad, both seasoned in the world of Hong Kong cinema.
Subsequently, the group moved to the screening room to review the footage. Individuals like Chad had designed numerous gunfights and action sequences in recent months, many of which were recorded during practice sessions.
Midway through the viewing, Chen Hu and Martin departed for the training ground to practice. The action director needed to understand the actor's capabilities as well.
Chen Hu instructed Martin in several challenging maneuvers based on his choreography, gaining insight into Martin's skillset.
After the practice, he complimented Martin, saying, "Your fundamentals are much better than Keanu's. When I worked on 'The Matrix,' training Keanu and the others was more demanding than what they practiced."
Martin, who had spent years as a martial arts stand-in in his previous life and had maintained rigorous physical training since Atlanta, replied, "I've practiced numerous action fighting routines. I've been training consistently year-round and have built a solid foundation."
Chen Hu acknowledged, "You've got a strong foundation." Martin, at just 26 years old, had sparred frequently with Bruce. His capabilities, even for complex moves, exceeded those of typical action actors.
"Let's continue," Chen Hu returned to the training ground. "I want to understand more about your body and design a fighting routine that suits your strengths." Martin followed Chen Hu's lead and continued practicing the routine.
Chen Hu would occasionally pause and chat with Martin, discussing ideas for action sequences. Martin, having experience in action, also provided constructive suggestions at times.
However, as time passed, action scenes became increasingly challenging, with only a few who could truly pull them off. Later on, actors became too costly, and even the crew hesitated to let them take risks, as even minor injuries could lead to public outrage.
Afternoon arrived, and Martin, Chad, and Bradt secluded themselves to discuss the script. Bradt had completed the first draft, which featured a simple main plotline connecting the action sequences designed by Chad's team. It also left room for a potential sequel involving the world of killers controlled by the high table.
Martin inquired, "When can we start shooting?"
"I plan to begin preparations officially in October and start shooting in March or April next year," Chad provided a detailed plan. "The first film's budget won't be less than $30 million due to the extensive action scenes."
Martin understood that the spectacle in action films was directly proportional to the money invested. Chad added, "There's one condition: your compensation will consist of a base fee and a share of post-production profits, or an additional $10 million will be added."
Martin decided, "I'll handle the financing, and you'll oversee the film's production."
Chad felt relieved, saying, "Martin, this is my directorial debut. Don't invest hundreds of millions; I can't handle it." Martin reassured him, "We'll stick with a $30 million investment baseline."
Martin's current standing and appeal made it possible to secure tens of millions in investment from various sources with ease. Chad knew that if the budget exceeded $100 million, it would bring immense stress. Despite Martin's ability to recover from a film failure, Chad, as a first-time director, wouldn't have the same luxury.
Martin then turned to Bradt, asking, "Do you encounter any issues here?"
Bradt replied, "I need more time to fine-tune the script."
"Alright," Martin glanced at the electronic calendar on the wall. "The script should be finalized by December."
Perfecting the script to ensure it made logical sense and was consistent with the plot's flow would challenge the action film screenwriter's expertise. The characters needed to engage in fights that aligned with the story's logic.
In the late afternoon, Martin left the studio and headed to the Warner Building to visit Louise, planning to spend the weekend at her home. Upon entering the building's front hall, he unexpectedly encountered someone he knew.
Wu Maoting, a Myanmar investor, extended his hand to Martin and greeted him, "Long time no see."
Martin shook his hand and inquired, "When did you arrive in Los Angeles?"
Wu Maoting smiled and explained, "I arrived last month. I assisted my daughter, Dani, with school matters and then came to Warner."
Despite no longer investing with Martin, Wu Maoting hadn't severed their connection entirely. He mentioned, "The investment in 'The Departed' brought substantial returns. I'm very grateful. You and Ms. Meier provided me with the opportunity to invest in Hollywood and establish channels with Warner."
Martin replied, "You're welcome. It was a mutually beneficial investment. Your financial support also helped me establish myself in the industry."
While they were no longer collaborating, they remained on good terms.
Wu Maoting added, "Warner Pictures sent representatives to Hong Kong City to meet with me and made a compelling offer to invest in the fourth installment of Terminator. It was quite difficult to turn them down."
Martin chimed in, "Warner Pictures reached out to me."
"For the lead role?" Wu Maoting inquired, still trusting Martin's judgment due to their past success. "Are you considering taking the lead in this film?"
Martin shook his head, replying, "The timing doesn't align with my schedule, so I declined Warner Pictures' offer."
Wu Maoting sighed softly, expressing his regret, "It's a shame we won't be able to continue our collaboration."
Martin offered a glimmer of hope, saying, "Perhaps there will be opportunities for us to work together in the future." He then redirected the conversation, asking, "When is the project expected to start filming?"
Wu Maoting responded, "It might be a while. I heard that the male lead, Bell, suffered significant emotional distress during his last film due to excessive pressure..." He suddenly remembered, "Isn't Bell your co-star in a project?"
Martin nodded, revealing, "The role placed an immense burden on me. I've visited a psychiatrist multiple times, but I still wake up from nightmares in the middle of the night. It's as if a whole new personality has awakened within me."
Even someone as experienced as Wu Maoting couldn't help but feel a slight unease upon seeing Martin's unsettling smile. He offered a sincere piece of advice, "If you encounter any issues, seek help promptly."
Martin's smile grew even stranger and more sinister. Wu Maoting swiftly concluded, "I should head upstairs to discuss cooperation with Warner. If you'll excuse me."
"Please," Martin responded in a tone that sent chills down Wu Maoting's spine.
As Wu Maoting turned to leave, he discreetly signaled to a few of his subordinates, who quickly positioned themselves to protect his back.
Martin's phone rang, and it was Louise on the line. He answered and said, "I'm in the front hall. Let's meet in the underground parking lot." The two of them took the elevator to the underground parking area.
On the way, Bruce asked, "Are you spending the night at Louise's house?"
Martin confirmed, "She won't let me leave."
Bruce mentioned his plans, saying, "I have some free time tonight, and I'm heading to Venice to look for treasure."
Martin wished him good luck, adding, "Just be careful not to get injured."
Bruce inquired, "I remember you have a body-worn camera that can be mounted on your head, right?"
Martin replied, "It's in the vault. You can find it yourself."
Upon reaching the underground garage, Bruce departed in the Escalade.
Martin joined Louise, and together they headed to Sherman Oaks.
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