After a period of intense post-production, Coca-Cola’s latest annual advertisement has landed on major media platforms across the United States in time for the traditional North American summer movie schedule.
With the help of the Coca-Cola Cult, the full version of the commercial short film on major Internet websites has an astonishingly high number of clicks.
In the core areas of cities across the United States, a brand-new image of Martin, the leader of the Coca-Cola Cult, has been erected, watching his followers.
On the TV station, the edited version of the advertisement was broadcast on a rolling basis and reached thousands of households.
The ad generated a strong response.
The discussion online is particularly lively.
"Kind of based on last year's Avalon bar brawl."
“Martin taking down the heckler was definitely the creative source of the ad.”
"Pete is so unlucky. He was humiliated by Martin in real life, and even stepped on in the commercial..."
"Haven't you heard? There has been news on the Internet that Jolie broke up with Pitt because of Martin. Later, Pitt wanted to pursue Aniston, but Aniston had another scandal with Martin!"
With the launch of the new advertisement, Coca-Cola's sales increased, Martin's reputation increased, and the influence of the Coca-Cola Cult further expanded.
Even Elizabeth Olsen, who briefly appears in the new commercial, is famous as the red saint of the Coca-Cola cult.
After the commercial aired, Aniston found Martin specifically and tried her best to make him understand where the limits of enjoyment were.
Julie then returned to Los Angeles and wanted to be a Virgin. She also excitedly found Martin to squeeze more happiness.
On the other hand, celebrity Pete, who has nothing to do with advertising, has been ravaged by public opinion one round after another.
This is a world where only Brad Pitt is injured.
In the mansion in Beverly Hills, Pitt looked at the advertisement on the projection screen with a serious face. The actor whose appearance was somewhat similar to himself made him feel sick.
Lawyers, agents and managers were sitting in various places, looking even more serious than Pitt.
After the commercial was played, Pete asked the lawyer directly: "Cole, can it be determined that the advertisement infringes on my legal rights and is suspected of defamation and inducement? Can you send a lawyer's letter to Coca-Cola?"
"No, the actor's face is different from yours, and his costume is different from yours or any character. He just has a similar temperament." Cole has studied it specifically: "It's like in a movie shooting, someone imitates another person's acting style..."
Pete pointed at the projection screen: "The problem is that everyone thinks that the unlucky guy is me!"
Attorney Cole said: "Sorry, there's nothing I can do."
Agent Maggie Darkhill said: "CAA held a special meeting to study it, and also contacted Coca-Cola Company, but they completely denied that they had anything to do with you and rejected our request. We'd better think about it in the long term."
What else could be done? If we really have to face it head-on, how can a brokerage company, whose annual revenue at its peak was only a little over 200 million US dollars, use to attack Coca-Cola?
Even because of its sponsorship contracts with many sports stars, quite a few partners still favor Coca-Cola.
What else did Pete want to say? The manager who had a closer relationship with him persuaded him: "You'd better keep silent. The public and the media are forgetful. After this period of time, they will be attracted by other gossip and news." , and naturally forget about it.”
He knew that Pete's mentality was not very good recently, so he said a few more words: "Coca-Cola must be prepared for releasing such an advertisement, and Martin Davis, they are most likely waiting for you to jump out and confront them. It’s time to stir-fry again…”
Peter understood these truths, but it was really uncomfortable to hold his breath in his throat.
Maggie then advised: "Let's not pay attention to these things at this stage. "Death of the Gunslinger" has been completed. Hurry up and urge Warner Brothers to sign a distribution contract and determine the release time. As long as the response to the film is good enough, the criticism surrounding you, It will all disappear.”
She is a more traditional entertainment agent: "In the end, actors have to rely on their works to speak for themselves."
Pete listened to these words and looked at the time: "We will go out for lunch and go to Warner after lunch."
Maggie and the manager looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief.
What they fear most is that Pete will act on his own initiative and insist on jumping out to confront Martin Davis.
That wouldn't do Pitt any good, and would only make Martin Davis and Coca-Cola's ads even more popular.
…………
Afternoon, Warner Bros. Office Building.
In the small conference room, Thomas glanced at Martin and said: "There are only a little more than four months until the start of the next awards season, which is the Toronto Film Festival. Our plans and goals are clear. Although "The Departed" has two male protagonists, setting, but we only want a nomination for Best Actor."
Daniel, who represents Warner, said: "The Toronto Film Festival is the beginning of the awards competition. The subsequent Gotham Film Awards represent Hollywood's full entry into the sprint stage of the awards season. The subsequent Film Critics Association Awards, the four major independent film awards, and the four major trendsetters , four major Sentinel Awards, plus the highlight Guild Award, Warner will send someone to lobby for Martin."
Martin doesn't need to say anything, Thomas will ask for it, and he can act as a lubricant between the two.
Milner, who participated in the internal meeting on behalf of Coca-Cola, then said: "Warner Brothers will also come forward to organize the film and vote gatherings, and Coca-Cola will fully sponsor related expenses."
If someone is willing to pay, the biggest problem will be solved. Daniel responded: "No problem. I will confirm it and send it directly to your office."
Looking for funds, doing publicity, canvassing votes, etc., the Oscars are actually the entertainment version of Washington's political games.
Compared with Coca-Cola's increased sales after signing Martin, this amount of money is not even a drop in the bucket. Milner said to Martin on behalf of Coca-Cola: "You rush forward boldly, Coca-Cola has been standing behind you."
Daniel looked at Martin and then at Milner, who represented Coca-Cola, and made some calculations in his mind.
The Coca-Cola Cult ties the two together, and the key is to effectively boost Coca-Cola sales.
Although Coca-Cola was outside the industry, they sponsored Martin and Martin's movies, making him a movie star that cannot be ignored.
Daniel looked at the electronic watch on the wall. There will be a trial meeting later and said, "Let's stop here today."
Martin stood up and shook his hand: "We stay in touch."
Several people shook hands and left the conference room.
Milner chatted with Martin and went to the front parking lot.
Martin and Thomas went to the studio area behind, met Bruce, and took another elevator
The three of them went downstairs, exited the elevator, and happened to meet up with the other three.
Brad Pitt with his manager and agent Maggie.
Martin was not embarrassed at all and greeted with a smile: "Good afternoon, Maggie."
Most of the actors showed their emotions, and Pitt was also a typical example. He did not hide the disgust on his face and stared at the three Martins coldly.
Maggie Darkhill responded to Martin, shook hands with Thomas, and said specifically: "Martin, your new advertisement is very popular. I remember we reached an agreement..."
Martin said very seriously: "I am the most trustworthy person and I always abide by the agreement."
Maggie knew very well that in terms of shamelessness, Peter could not drive as well as Martin, and said vaguely: "I saw it."
Martin didn't seem to see Peter, and shook hands with Maggie: "I still have something to do, let's go first."
When Martin passed by, Peter snorted coldly.
The sound reached Martin's ears, and he turned around suddenly.
What happened at the Avalon Bar flashed before Peter's eyes in an instant, and Peter subconsciously stepped back, taking two or three steps back.
Martin smiled at Peter, turned and walked forward.
Peter quickly stopped, and his already gloomy expression turned even darker.
Maggie came over and said, "Leave him alone. CAA has specially asked psychological experts to analyze Martin Davis. Several psychologists believe that he is mentally abnormal. Under his peaceful appearance, he hides a prickly and aggressive personality."
Pete let out a sullen sigh: "I'm not as knowledgeable as a lunatic!"
The manager reminded: "Let's go up, the people from Warner are still waiting for us."
The three of them entered the elevator.
On the other side, Martin, Thomas and Bruce exited the Warner Building and entered the studio area.
Bruce drove a battery car over.
After Thomas got in the car, he said to Martin: "I have finished reading the original work of "The Reader"."
Martin asked, "How does it feel?"
Thomas said directly: "It's different from your current style and route, but the subject matter and characters are good, and it's more of an artistic direction, which is good for winning awards and broadening your acting career."
He asked: "The investment for this type of film will not be very high. Winslet didn't say the cost?"
Martin learned about it carefully: "Kate has attracted a lot of investment, using the German film tax rebate model. She assured me that there will be a minimum investment of 28 million US dollars."
"Your salary may not be 5 million US dollars, and the film's future box office will not be very high. Even if it gains something at the Oscars, it will not be able to easily exceed 100 million US dollars at the North American box office like "Wanted"." Thomas has something to ask. Get it: “Do you want to win an Oscar for your role in this film?”
Martin shook his head firmly: "It doesn't have much to do with these, it's mainly to return a favor."
The answer was beyond Thomas' expectation: "Repay the favor?"
"Yeah." Martin said roughly.
Thomas understands that human relationships are equally important in Hollywood, and all debts must be paid back.
The client's interests are closely related to him. He started from this and said: "With your rapid development momentum, if the favor is returned later, the price will be greater. Winslet has a good vision in selecting films. Screenwriter and producer Anthony -Minghella is also an Oscar winner, so I think this project is good."
Martin asked, "What is your suggestion that I take on this project?"
"Human connections are very important, especially those at the top of the circle." Thomas said, "Unless we completely lose our reputation, we will have to repay this favor, and the future will not be as good as it is now."
(End of chapter)
