Arrangements before the start

Inside the Firefly Films conference room, except for a few top-level executives from the original company who were still cautiously seated around Lyman, the rest of the people were rather relaxed.

Thomas sat up straight in an office chair next to Lyman, holding a draft of the storyboard and studying the placement of camera positions.

John was fine, sitting upright to Lyman's left, but his gaze seemed distant, lost in thought.

People like George and Josh, responsible for set design, props, and similar roles, were sitting together, murmuring quietly.

However, this was just a simple project discussion, and having everyone present was sufficient.

Two company employees were busy making coffee for everyone, while another runner was distributing copies of the shooting schedule, all copied by John.

After briefly scanning it, Laura Joyce from the finance department, under Lyman's silent gaze, provided a rough financial report. After deducting various expenses, prop rentals, set construction, and team salaries, "Million Dollar Baby" had not started shooting yet, and the $30M budget had been reduced to $17.62M.

"Well, let me say a few words first."

After Laura finished speaking, Lyman continued, "This is our company's second project, and it's still a collaboration with big companies like Warner Bros. We don't necessarily have to make a fortune, but at the very least, we must not incur losses, right? In our line of work, everyone understands how realistic we have to be. The more realistic, the less room for failure."

"...If the film turns a profit, then everyone will get more money. Those of you who are familiar with me should know that I'm not a stingy person..."

He rambled on, boosting morale and looking ahead to the future. Only then did Lyman address the main issue, "We start shooting in two days. Does anyone have any unresolved issues?"

"The filming equipment is all prepared," Thomas was the first to speak up.

"The set constructions for several scenes are also ready," George added.

"We have all the necessary props," someone else chimed in.

Lyman nodded, very satisfied with the pre-production work of the team. He then turned to John and asked, "Have you notified all the actors?"

"Yes, I've called everyone."

"Good," Lyman thought for a moment and added, "Later, you can go back to the set and double-check for any oversights. Thomas, you can go to the Los Angeles City Hall to inquire about the filming rights for the streets. John, you can go to CAA and gather a group of temporary actors for the upcoming scenes."

In the right circumstances, Lyman was willing to reciprocate something to CAA. Almost all the supporting roles and extras were arranged through John, which was one of the reasons why CAA supported Lyman.

Both parties benefited mutually—one had resources, and the other could monetize them.

Why not?

Upon hearing this, John naturally had no issues, but Thomas, wearing a troubled expression, hastily said, "I'm not familiar with those government officials. Whom should I approach?"

Lyman chuckled and said, "I believe in your abilities. Just go and ask seriously; you'll find out. Using the streets for a film shoot isn't against the law."

While they were discussing this, a receptionist suddenly knocked on the door and walked in. She approached Lyman and whispered, "Mr. Garcia is here."

"Let him come up," Lyman said, then turned to everyone else and said, "Alright, that's it. Everyone, go about your business."

The conference room quickly emptied out.

As for René, everyone was delighted that he had arrived.

But Blake Cole, the marketing department head at Firefly Films, couldn't help but sigh in his heart. After spending so many years in this company, he had finally climbed to a management position. He had even witnessed Lyman's acquisition of the original company, which was immediately restructured. Salaries and industry status had visibly risen. He had hoped to make a big impact, but who knew he would become a temporary worker.

With René's arrival, his position would become that person's deputy, which was truly tragic.

However, this couldn't be blamed on Lyman. After all, he had more trust in René.

The current company had fewer than 50 employees, but most of them were not as familiar with him as they were with the previous management team. This was a major taboo in the workplace.

Lyman didn't want to work hard on making films outside while his foundation was guarded by outsiders. This applied not only to the marketing department but also to other departments that would gradually transform into his trusted circle. That's when he would be at ease.

Back in his CEO office, not long after, the receptionist led in René, who he hadn't seen in a long time.

Perhaps it was because he had just gotten off a plane and rushed over, he looked a bit disheveled.

But upon seeing Lyman, he couldn't help but embrace him with joy.

"I didn't expect you to acquire a film company."

René sat down, scrutinizing Lyman with great curiosity, making Lyman feel a bit self-conscious.

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

"No, I just find it somewhat unbelievable. Originally, when we started our studio, I handled most of the affairs, and you didn't pay much attention. But now, you've actively given yourself more to do. You've changed, Lyman," René said, shaking his head in a somewhat regretful tone.

"Don't be so funny. I've entrusted the marketing department of the company to you, so remember to take it seriously."

René had known about this for a while. Shortly after Rodrian Entertainment changed its name and before "Million Dollar Baby" was even in production, Lyman had called him to inform him.

At that time, he was busy negotiating the overseas profit-sharing for "Miscreant" with EuropaCorp and investing in "Transporter". When he first heard the news, he was surprised for a long time.

He knew just how lazy Lyman used to be, caring about nothing other than making movies.

"Oh, by the way, EuropaCorp has already paid a portion of the overseas profit share for "Miscreant". Right now, Mann Studios has $330M in its account. If we include the future profit shares, it can go up to $370M. Should we transfer this money?"

The overseas box office for "Miscreant" was close to $400M. According to the profit-sharing terms they had signed, they could receive about 15%, which was approximately $45M.

"Leave $30M in the account, and transfer the rest gradually. That account is just a shell, only used to negotiate cooperation with EuropaCorp. It's like a French branch office. The real development will be at Firefly Films."

After thinking for a moment, Lyman said.

By doing it this way, René would hold 50% of Firefly's shares under the name of Mann Studios, while Lyman would also hold 50% of Mann Studios' shares. In other words, René would only have a 25% stake in Firefly Films.

This way, it would be more convenient for Lyman to operate in the future, as the company grew larger and would eventually need to distribute some shares to consolidate loyalty.

Moreover, in case they sought cooperation or acquired a distribution company in the future, they would inevitably need to swap shares.

Of course, all of this was a matter for the future.