Capítulo 72: Chapter 72: Starving Artist
The gunshots echoed continuously and spent bullet cartridges littered the ground beside Martin. His Glocks magazine ran dry, and the electronic target counter registered the shots.
Bruce checked the display, gestured for Martin to remove his earplugs, and commended, "Impressive!"
Martin switched magazines and responded, "I gave that old guy a real thrashing last time, and it's done wonders for my shooting skills."
Bruce analyzed, "Success can boost your confidence, especially with practical combat experience."
He picked up an AR and moved with Martin to change the target's position, explaining, "Try this one. It's the most common rifle in the United States, quite different from pistols and shotguns."
Martin examined the firearm, clearly semi-automatic, and inquired, "I've heard it's easy to convert to fully automatic?"
Bruce nodded, "Just add a bump stock. You don't need to worry about that; semi-automatic will suffice for you."
Martin followed Bruce's instructions and fired in bursts. As he emptied a magazine, he contemplated that a shotgun might be more suitable for home defence. Nevertheless, he dedicated himself to the practice, recognizing it as a fundamental skill for Hollywood actors. They both loaded two more magazines and then returned to the resting area.
There was no need to overexert themselves.
Martin ordered two cups of coffee, and Bruce asked, "Are you planning to go to Los Angeles?"
"I'll head there once I'm done with Zombie Stripper, probably after the Savannah Film Festival," Martin replied before inquiring, "Have you and Monica reconciled?"
Bruce sighed, "It's completely over. She thinks I'm a pervert."
Martin quipped, "You didn't even tell her. You just licked the photo; you didn't soak it in water for drinking. It's not that perverted."
Bruce shrugged, "She happened to visit me when we were on a break, and I was soaking the photos in water at the time."
Martin couldn't help but admire him, "You, a supposed pervert, make me look like a saint!" He playfully repeated, "Bro, once I make it big in Hollywood, I'll hire you as my wingman. Perverts and perverts are a perfect match."
Bruce's response cut straight to the point, "You devious piece of crap, you thrive on lowbrow tactics for your dirty deeds. You want me to wipe your ass for you?"
Martin responded nonchalantly, "In my ten lifetimes, I've never been anything other than a lowbrow who's clueless about high-end methods."
Just as his phone rang, he noticed it was Kelly calling. After answering, he turned to Bruce, "I'm at the company. Come with me to Savannah, and we can discuss something in private."
Martin finished his coffee and added, "If you have something to do, we can head out."
Bruce couldn't resist one last jab, "Oh, by the way, your accent is still terrible."
Martin didn't hesitate. He went outside, hopped into his BMW, and headed to Gray Entertainment to pick up Kelly. Together, they hit the road eastward on Highway 85 towards the port city of Savannah.
Kelly initiated the conversation, asking, "Have you seen the latest 'Esquire'? The renowned bartender Louise Mayer created a new cocktail, the Screwdriver, inspired by Casablanca."
Martin recollected and inquired, "It's been quite some time since the last issue, right? More than a month, I think?"
Kelly didn't respond directly but remarked, "Louise is quite greedy. Sooner or later, she'll squeeze you dry."
Martin nodded thoughtfully, "One recipe per month, it should last for at least 5 years." He then asked, "So, what's the purpose of our trip to Savannah?"
Kelly stated matter-of-factly, "We're going to the Savannah Art Institute to register a film for the film festival and spend a night in Savannah."
Upon reaching Savannah, the two enjoyed lunch before proceeding to the Savannah Art Institute. It was the largest art school in Georgia, encompassing various departments related to film and television.
The film festival was scheduled for October, and "Zombie Stripper" was participating not only for the screening but also to attract potential film producers and sell the movie. However, the film wasn't yet completed, and it didn't meet the regular registration criteria.
Kelly, using her connections, visited a vice-dean and secured a special entry permit, which was why she was there in person.
Martin followed through with the necessary procedures, which included registration fees, booth fees, prepayment for screening, and more, accumulating to several thousand dollars.
As they got back in the car, Kelly turned to Martin and asked, "How do you feel about it all?"
Martin, now in the driver's seat, chuckled, "I've gained a deep appreciation for the saying 'starving artists.'"
Kelly laughed in response, "You've embarked on the Three Major European Film Study Program."
Martin, the film's lead actor, understood the significance of theater screenings for his future. He inquired, "Have you already contacted a distributor?"
Kelly signaled to him to start driving, saying, "I used to work at Lions Gate, so I reached out to them. As for buyers, Louise assisted in connecting with Focus Pictures, a Universal subsidiary, and Warner Bros., with whom she has extensive collaboration. We're also expecting several foreign film studios. There should be over a dozen potential buyers."
Martin expressed his hope, "I trust it'll be released in North America as soon as possible."
"How do you plan to get to Los Angeles?" Kelly asked, her tone taking a strange turn.
Martin responded, "I'm here in Georgia, accompanying you, the womanizer."
Upon reaching their hotel, Kelly immediately headed to the bathroom to fill the bathtub. Both of them entered the bathroom together.
As Kelly lay in the water, she rested her head on Martin's chest and suddenly brought up a topic, "I want you to do something for me when you go to Los Angeles."
Martin, curious, asked, "Secretly film Louise?"
"Why would I secretly film her?" Kelly replied, her tone more serious. "I haven't seen much of her in real life. If you find out that any Hollywood crews might come to Georgia for shoots, please let me know immediately."
Martin understood, "I'll keep an eye out. Aside from Atlanta, it doesn't seem like any other companies are operating in this area."
Kelly nodded slightly, "Someone will notice soon, and I want to seize the opportunity."
When Martin had some alone time with Kelly, he couldn't resist engaging in a bit of banter, "Don't let Louise slip through your fingers."
Kelly said, "If she can bring Hollywood crews to cooperate with me, I'll pay her a commission."
Martin pressed further, "And what about me? Do I get a commission?"
Kelly understood what Martin was hinting at and didn't shy away, "You will get your share, Martin. Don't miss out on opportunities to make money. If you manage to bring in a major crew with a budget of hundreds of millions, I'll reward you handsomely."
Taking the chance, Martin jokingly asked, "What kind of reward are we talking about?"
Kelly raised an eyebrow and teased, "What would you like?"
Martin didn't express his desires but shifted the conversation, "What about the production team in the San Francisco Valley? Any prospects there?"
Kelly replied, "As long as it's a legitimate production, it doesn't matter what type. The key is to make money. Only with money can you move up."
Martin reached out and held Kelly's hand, saying, "I've noticed that we have great chemistry."
Kelly corrected him, "Actually, you have great chemistry with Louise."
Martin asked in surprise, "What?"
Kelly admitted somewhat bitterly, "I was influenced by the environment. In the atmosphere you and Louise created, sometimes I did some outrageous things. But that doesn't define who I am." Her voice grew louder, "I'm not what you see!"
Martin reassured her, "I believe you."
However, as Kelly submerged herself in the water, she struggled to believe in herself anymore.
The two stayed in Savannah for three days, waiting for the film festival organizing committee to complete all the necessary procedures before returning to Atlanta.
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