Chương 457: Chapter 457: All for the News
In the bustling district of Burbank, a significant transformation had taken place at Studio Four. Under the watchful eyes of a throng of media reporters, the once solo venture of James Franco had evolved into a partnership with Ben Affleck.
The newly christened James Franco & Ben Affleck Acting School stood proudly, its signboard gleaming in the Californian sun.
For many actors, especially those in the second and third tiers who found film roles scarce, running an acting school was a lucrative endeavor.
However, it was rare for big-name stars at the height of their fame to venture into such a business. Concerns about time commitments and the potential impact on their public image often held them back.
Yet, here were Ben and Franco, breaking the mold.
They graciously presented gifts to each media reporter, a savvy move to garner more publicity for their new enterprise.
After the reporters had dispersed, the two retreated to their office to strategize their next steps. Ben, constrained by limited personal finances, planned to leverage his fame and connections. His idea involved providing opportunities for extras and small actors through his own network and even facilitating introductions to influential figures like Harvey Weinstein.
Franco, sitting comfortably in his chair, was clear about their immediate priority: admissions. They needed to enroll students swiftly to start generating revenue. Ben, acutely aware that his most valuable assets were tied up in joint ownership with Jennifer Garner, was equally eager to see the school succeed.
"Why don't we each lead a team?" Franco suggested. "It'll double our efficiency, and we can switch halfway through the courses to fulfill our promise of dual star instruction."
Big Ben, his mind already calculating the financial benefits, quickly agreed.
Within a week, their first batch of students had graduated. Franco, looking to maintain the momentum, instructed his assistant to advertise for new admissions.
Jennifer Lawrence, who had been assisting at the school, was patiently awaiting the opportunity Franco had hinted at. After completing her task, she discreetly sent a coded text message to Nicholson using a Nokia 1100 he had provided for confidential communications.
...
Meanwhile, in the upscale neighborhood of Beverly Hills, Nicholson was enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea with Lorraine. The distinct ring of the classic Nokia interrupted their tranquility.
Nicholson checked the message, perplexed by the coded content.
After fetching his notebook from the study, he deciphered Lawrence's message: the acting school was enrolling new students. It was time for Nicholson to make his next move.
He forwarded the code to Bruce, adhering to the protocols he had established with Martin. Lorraine, curious about the secretive exchange, questioned him.
"It's a clandestine operation," Nicholson replied, deflecting her curiosity.
Lorraine, not easily deterred, expressed her disapproval of Nicholson's much younger romantic interests.
She then teasingly suggested that Nicholson might enjoy a more complex romantic entanglement involving Martin, known for his numerous liaisons.
Nicholson, caught off guard by her suggestion, was momentarily speechless, his mind reeling at the implications. The conversation had taken an unexpected turn, veering into the personal territories they had both agreed to respect. Yet, in the unpredictable world of Hollywood, where the lines between professional and personal often blurred, such conversations were perhaps inevitable.
In the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the energy was palpable. Martin and Nolan were busy with a recording session in a bustling TV studio, a hub of activity and bright lights. Bruce, ever the vigilant aide, stood backstage, his attention momentarily diverted by the vibration of his phone.
Stepping back, away from the bustle, Bruce checked his secondary phone. A coded text message, unmistakably from Nicholson, appeared on the screen.
Despite Nicholson's preference for indirect communication, Bruce decided to break protocol, dialing Ivan directly. "Stay alert. Looks like admissions are starting over there," he instructed succinctly.
"Roger," came Ivan's terse reply.
Bruce re-joined Martin just as he was exiting the studio for a break. In a hushed tone, he relayed Nicholson's message.
Martin, slightly exasperated by Nicholson's elaborate codes, responded, "He's really diving deep into this, isn't he? I can barely keep up with his codes."
Bruce, with a hint of a smile, said, "I've got it written down. You know, I think Nicholson would love a role as a behind-the-scenes kingpin in one of our projects."
Martin pondered the idea. "He'd want a hefty fee for that," he mused, "Unless we're talking about a blockbuster hit. But an R-rated action film pulling in $400 million? That's a tall order."
Shrugging, Martin suggested, "Let's head back and discuss it further."
...
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Judy, a key figure at TMZ, was prepping herself in front of a makeup mirror when Ivan's call came in. Touching up her makeup, she then drove to Griffith Park for their rendezvous.
Under a shaded gazebo, amidst the tranquil surroundings of the park, Jody met with Ivan. "So, do you have a scoop for me?" she inquired directly.
Ivan shook his head, a hint of frustration in his tone. "No big breaks lately. I haven't caught anything substantial."
Judy, lighting a cigarette, offered one to Ivan, who declined. She exhaled a cloud of smoke and said, "You wouldn't contact me without something up your sleeve."
Ivan admitted, "I've got a tip, but it's too cumbersome for me to verify alone."
Judy, ever the professional, reminded him, "TMZ needs solid evidence. I can't pay for just a tip."
After a pause, Ivan proposed, "How about this, you verify the tip, and if it pans out, pay me double the usual informant fee."
Judy considered the offer. "I can agree to that. If the info's good, you'll get your payment."
Ivan handed her a newspaper, its pages split between an article on the recent opening of the James Franco and Ben Affleck acting school and an advertisement for admissions.
Judy scanned the newspaper, her journalistic instincts kicking in. "Is there a problem with this acting school?" she asked, sensing the undercurrents of a potentially larger story.
The park's serene atmosphere contrasted sharply with the brewing intrigue, setting the stage for another twist in the ever-unpredictable narrative of Hollywood.
In the tranquility of Griffith Park, Ivan shared his disturbing findings with Judy, his voice low but filled with conviction. "I used to rent an apartment where I overheard two girls from the same floor. They were attending Franco's Studio 4 and mentioned some alarming things. They said Franco sexually harassed them during classes, coercing them into performing nude under the guise of 'art'. They even hinted at being asked to go to hotels after class."
Judy listened intently, her expression solemn, absorbing the gravity of Ivan's words.
Ivan continued, the frustration evident in his tone. "I wanted to help them speak out, but they were too scared. They feared it would be the end of their acting dreams."
"That's understandable," Judy murmured, her mind racing.
Ivan delved deeper, "It's not just Franco. Ben Affleck, who had a stint teaching at Adler's, faced similar complaints from several female students."
Bruce had informed Ivan that such abuses were disturbingly common in Hollywood's acting schools, with vulnerable aspiring actresses often facing the notorious 'casting couch' scenario from the outset of their careers.
Judy, though vaguely aware of such rumors, needed more certainty. "Are you sure about this?"
Ivan, confident in his intel, reassured her. "I've never given you false leads, have I?"
Judy recalled his past tips – all accurate. "I'll need to discuss this with my superiors. Wait for my update."
Ivan nodded, his part played, and left the park.
Judy, her journalistic instincts fully engaged, drove back to TMZ's office. She quickly gathered all available information on Franco and Affleck, scrutinizing every detail before presenting her findings to the editor-in-chief.
TMZ, known for its bold approach to celebrity news, often walked a fine line between reporting scandals and avoiding direct confrontation with high-profile figures.
The editor-in-chief listened closely to Judy's account. "What's your take on this?"
Judy was direct. "Franco doesn't have strong backing, but Affleck is a different story. He's connected to Harvey Weinstein, which complicates things."
The editor's concern was palpable. "Weinstein? That's tricky."
Judy, undeterred, added, "Affleck's star has been fading since 'Daredevil'. He's not untouchable."
Her conviction was clear. "We can take them on without fear."
The editor-in-chief, having quickly reviewed their profiles, agreed, with a caveat. "Just remember, TMZ can't afford to publish anything unsubstantiated."
Judy, youthful and determined, outlined her bold plan. "I'll enroll in their acting school, gather firsthand evidence."
Requesting special equipment for covert recording, Judy secured the editor's approval and admiration. "Joe, that's brave of you."
"It's all for the story," Jody affirmed, her resolve unshakable.
Armed with support and the necessary gear, Judy quickly registered for classes at the acting school, blending in as an aspiring actress.
Her first teacher was Ben Affleck, who taught more than just acting techniques. Judy didn't just report on news; she was ready to actively uncover the truth, soon drawing Affleck's attention with her calculated performance.
The stage was set for a deeper investigation, one that could shake the foundations of the acting school and expose the hidden realities of Hollywood.
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