In the production team's eting room, the petite Alexandrovich could hardly hide his exhaustion from the long journey, but he still perked up in front of the financiers and behind-the-scenes bigwigs.
"Boss, this trip back to Ukraine has been trendously successful," he reported to Martin as if a faithful subordinate, "Marius and I redubbed 'Napoleon's Aphrodite' and then released it in Ukraine. The film finished its run last month, earning a box office of 8.94 million US Dollars in Ukraine and Russia. We then sold the broadcast rights to Channel 6 for an additional 1 million US Dollars."
Martin was generous with his praise, "You did a great job, truly opening up the Ukrainian and Russian markets. I have always believed in your abilities, and indeed, you haven't let down."
Alexandrovich spoke of new projects, "'Servant of the People' has finished filming and is in post-production. We have signed a premiere agreent with Ukraine's 1 1 TV Channel and are currently negotiating with television stations in Russia and Belarus."
Relevant profits and financial details had already been transferred from Ukraine to Davis Studio.
The Russian-financial supervisor sent by Martin also had an independent report.
Therefore, he was generally satisfied with Alexandrovich at this stage.
Of course, it's difficult to say about the future.
Though the bulk of the film's inco went to Davis Studio, the profits Alexandrovich earned from this film exceeded the inco of his many years in the industry.
Eager to cling to this influential backer, he hoped to hold on for a few more years and quickly demonstrate his new value: "Boss, the first female pop group of Ukraine, the Saintess Pop Group, has split again. Not only do the three mbers have profound conflicts with the agency, but they have also turned against each other, getting to the point where it's either you or ."
Martin's best understanding of the Ukrainian entertainnt industry ca, firstly from Alexandrovich, for well-known reasons.
And secondly, from the Saintess Pop Group, also for well-known reasons.
Especially the most stable 16th Generation he couldn't quite rember, but videos of their performances had been widely circulated on the internet in his previous life.
Definitely not the three ntioned by Alexandrovich because Martin had seen two of the mbers in Paris during Leonardo's party.
Alexandrovich glanced at Martin and continued, "Their managent company is embroiled in corruption cases in Kiev's political arena and might not last. I want to buy out the whole comrcial and music rights of the Saintess Pop Group and create a new generation."
Martin asked, "Is there profit to be made in this?"
Alexandrovich had a complete plan before he ca to Martin, "Now that the 16th Generation of the Saintess Pop Group has been disbanded, I plan to form the 17th Generation. We will select three mbers from a wide range of auditions in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus, and with the reputation of the Saintess Pop Group, it will definitely attract countless participants."
Martin found it easy to imagine, "Like the 'Arican Idol' format?"
Alexandrovich said further, "Even more so, because the mbers of the Saintess Pop Group need to not only sing well but also be pretty and have sizzling figures."
With that, he sneakily glanced at Martin.
In Alexandrovich's eyes, Martin, the Hollywood mogul, was his true backbone.
The money, the amount he believed he could earn, was not enough to elicit a smile from the moguls.
When it ca to status and fa, Alexandrovich didn't think he could contribute much on these fronts either.
He had t Martin at one of the wild parties attended by many Ukrainian and Russian models and actresses, hearing a lot about Martin's affairs in Hollywood.
As a man, Alexandrovich was very certain that beautiful won were also a pursuit of the moguls.
He definitely wouldn't mistake this.
What Alexandrovich was doing wasn't just buying the Saintess Pop Group or reorganizing it, but also selecting the three most suitable candidates: "I plan to adopt a selection format that combines 'Arican Idol' with Miss Universe, rallying public participation, live broadcasting, a singing contest, and most crucially, a live beauty pageant."
He emphasized, "The audience would understand that since its establishnt in 2000, the Saintess Pop Group, over its 16 generations, has always been synonymous with sexiness and beauty!"
Martin knew that the Saintess Pop Group's rise to fa was not all about the singing.
Of course, having so singing talent was important, but the sizzling performances during the singing were more attention-grabbing.
Martin thought for a mont and said, "Write a detailed proposal. The studio here will work with the Ukrainian company you've set up throughout the process."
"I brought the proposal with ." Alexandrovich handed over the business plan and initial proposals to Martin and added, "I have gained so fa in Ukraine now. 'Servant of the People' had an excellent trial broadcast effect. If this series can succeed, I will have even greater fa in Ukraine and Russia, and by then I'll be the main host of the main venue."
Martin nodded, "You handle this aspect by yourself."
Seeing Martin's agreent, Alexandrovich eagerly asked, "Boss, if the opportunity is right, could you be a judge for the grand finale?"
Martin evaded, "I can't confirm right now. Let's talk after you finalize the dates on your end."
"Okay," said Alexandrovich, who, after finishing the important discussion, could not help yawning, "Boss, I'll return to Ukraine as soon as possible to get this new project off the ground."
Martin glanced at his watch, "Go get so rest for the jet lag."
Alexandrovich scratched his head, "Boss, I'm off to the hotel first."
The eting room door closed.
Bruce, sitting in the corner, spoke up, "No wonder you appreciate this little Ukrainian guy; he does things very much to your taste."
Martin acted as if he didn't grasp the implication behind these words, "He's a very imaginative person; hopefully, we can reap enough profit from him."
Bruce didn't understand this ti, "A movie, a TV series, even if it's a huge success in Ukraine, the revenue is limited. The markets in Ukraine and Russia aren't that big."
Martin shrugged, "Don't underestimate the Russian-speaking market. If this Saintess Pop Group selection competition is run well, it can profit tens of millions of US dollars."
For so reason, Bruce felt that tens of millions of dollars in profit didn't seem like much.
But then he smacked his head, realizing that hanging around Martin, who was used to seeing single projects bring in tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars, it was natural to think this way.
Bruce was very clear that companies that could net tens of millions of US dollars a year were already quite rare.
Martin tidied up his things and got up to leave.
Bruce followed him and asked, "I heard that over there, there are a lot of won who are delicate and sexy in their youth?"
Martin replied, "Seems like quite a few."
Bruce asked, "Won with figures like Kim or Cohler?"
"You an the ones with really big butts?" Martin knew Old Cloth's consistent taste in won, "Or even bigger ones?"
Bruce responded, "About that."
Martin said very seriously, "Lots, lots of them."
It seed that many Russian ladies in their fifties had buttocks bigger than Kim Kardashian's.
Martin thought this suited Old Cloth's taste perfectly since sitting on such a backside could easily force out Old Cloth's dinner from the night before.
He definitely had to find a few more for Bruce when he had the chance.
Martin had always been a good brother to Bruce.
The two of them left the "La La Land Studio" and ran into Silsa Ronan.
She was just across the street, talking to a tall, blond-haired woman with a robust physique.
This woman had broad shoulders, a sturdy waist and powerful legs, comparable to Catherinen Bigelow.
Silsa saw Martin as well and waved across the street, "Teacher, I'm over here!"
After allowing four electric cars to pass, Martin crossed the main road of the studio lot to join her.
The burly woman took the initiative to greet him, "Good afternoon, Martin, I'm Greta Gerwig."
Silsa added, "Apart from being an actress, Greta is also a screenwriter. She has accepted a position at Disney Studios to write the screenplay for 'Beauty and The Beast'."
Martin rembered Ellen Horn ntioning her to him and politely said, "Ellen has spoken highly of you, I've heard good things."
Knowing the investors behind the project, Greta's smile broadened, "You all are my bosses."
Since their eting was recent, Martin gradually recalled more about her, "After the script is finished, rember to give a copy."
Greta replied, "That's my responsibility."
She didn't stay long, said goodbye to Martin and Silsa, and left the studio.
Martin asked Silsa, "Have you known her for long?"
"About a month," Silsa answered briefly. "She's friends with our choreographer Mandy Moore. After she was hired by Disney Studios, she would sotis co to the studio to consult with Mandy Moore about dance and singing. I ca to know her because I was practicing with Mandy Moore recently."
She asked, "Teacher, is there a problem with Greta?"
Martin shook his head and half-jokingly said, "I've heard a lot of people talk about her. Her acting talent is average, but she's gifted in writing scripts and seems to have even directed a movie."
Silsa said, "Yes, to date there are five movies produced from scripts credited to Greta, and she was both the screenwriter and leading actress in last year's 'Forty Daydreams'."
Martin understood the regulations of the Screenwriters Guild and Producers' Alliance that only two nas can be credited as screenwriters for a theatrical movie. Being credited ant she must be one of the main contributors to the script.
Silsa added, "She also directed a movie by herself in 2008."
In Martin's mory were this female director and Silsa Ronan; his appearance undoubtedly had a significant impact on the life path of Silsa Ronan.
After thinking for a mont, Martin said, "Since you're quite familiar with her, maintain a good relationship. Soone like her, who has taken on the role of screenwriter and also directed a feature film, will certainly beco a director in the future."
"Actors need to work with good directors!" Silsa caught on quickly. "Teacher, I'll listen to you. I'll manage my relationship with Greta well."
She went on to say, "If Greta turns out to be a great director and has a good project, I will bring her to your studio."
Martin couldn't help laughing, "Always full of ideas, aren't you?"
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