Chapter 6: Small Players Stirring Up Big Storms

[Chapter 6: Small Players Stirring Up Big Storms]

In the afternoon, inside the Fox Building.

Benjamin and his group reported the latest developments of the incident to the CEO. Will, the film's director, and producers were all present. Their faces were grim, anger clearly written all over.

Benjamin furrowed his brow, thinking about the troublesome, stubborn, ugly black man, and that actress's performance, feeling sick to his stomach.

Lamont was stubborn, refusing to listen to anyone.

During the morning negotiation, Benjamin had presented a court lawsuit to intimidate Alicia, who got scared and was close to backing down.

The serious atmosphere was disrupted by Etto taking photos and Lamont hurling curses.

In the end, Alicia made no promises.

Lamont, who was tailing them, constantly reminded Alicia about the consequences of angering the domineering man she had been with for half a month.

For ordinary people, street threats often work better.

With no progress, everyone present was extremely frustrated.

"Those bastards want to ruin Will. I'll notify Bryan Lord to teach that kid a harsh lesson," Will's agent said, trying to show loyalty.

But Will had no interest.

Being an insider, he knew Fox couldn't fix this problem, and neither could CAA; otherwise, Ovitz and others wouldn't have quit last year.

He anxiously stared at the furious McCarny, hoping he could come up with a solution.

The original plan had the film privately screened at the White House in two days for final promotion.

Now, with a potential discrimination incident, the White House hesitated.

McCarny was overwhelmed. "Mr. Murdoch just gave me a harsh scolding. Do you all want me out of this position that badly? Is it so hard to handle a few small players?"

Benjamin said, "We tried offering up to $300,000, but they were very greedy."

Someone sarcastically remarked, "Maybe they're not fools, knowing we might accuse them of extortion later. I think we better not underestimate them; we should show sincerity."

Benjamin snorted coldly, "They don't even answer calls. We targeted the wrong key person. That Charlie Corleone is the real one."

McCarny frowned. "So we don't even understand their goals? Find him quickly and settle this mess. Independence Day cannot fail!"

He added fiercely, "Use all means necessary."

Everyone knew that news of a black man insulting and discriminating against his own kind, especially involving a rising star like Will, would not be suppressed long.

Once the film was released nationwide, the consequences would be worse.

After Marc Rich, the former head of Fox, was wanted for various reasons, Murdoch took over. Many were unhappy with this.

Due to the butterfly effect, if powerful forces got involved, things could escalate step by step.

Even a slight possibility would make someone like Murdoch act decisively.

Small players stirred up big storms. Luckily, it didn't turn into a tornado.

Unaware, Charlie skillfully avoided the volcanic eruption.

...

The next day arrived quickly.

Early in the morning, the already irritated 20th Century Fox executives were ready to blow their tops.

The Hollywood Reporter's daily, third edition, published interviews with Spike Lee and star Eddie Murphy.

The article didn't name names but harshly criticized, "No African American should discriminate against their own kind. Such behavior is unacceptable."

It said that if similar incidents occurred again, these righteous voices would not stand by.

Spike Lee had long crafted his public image and had some standing in the community.

With Eddie Murphy persuaded to add pressure on another black star, their influence could spark the discrimination issue wide open if pushed.

In fact, Universal, Sony, and other big studios took action.

Eddie Murphy's own The Nutty Professor was distributed by Universal and doing well in theaters.

All major studios had films releasing, and they tacitly avoided direct conflicts but made subtle moves.

Their media and TV platforms voiced some justice messaging: "Say no to discrimination!"

Everything pointed toward a cliff edge scenario.

An overlooked small player twisted and turned, about to bring huge trouble to 20th Century Fox.

With just a small push, everything could collapse.

Of course, Charlie wouldn't do that, and even if he wanted to, Spike wouldn't risk it with him.

...

"Damn little bastard."

"I swear I'll find someone to tear him apart."

McCarny and others looked at the collected newspapers and TV news, cursing furiously.

Soon, everyone calmed down after venting.

None were fools; they knew the shameless bastard causing the trouble had already pushed things to the limit.

McCarny's face darkened. "Any news from that bastard now?"

Benjamin said, "We sent messages to his pager..."

Before he finished, the assistant hurried in, "Sir, Charlie Corleone called, inviting us to discuss at the Century Plaza Hotel."

Everyone looked strange because the hotel was just a few hundred meters away.

Someone sneered, "Interesting. He planned this all along. We've been spun around like fools."

They felt like they had swallowed a fly.

McCarny took a deep breath and waved, "What are you waiting for? Go there immediately."

He paused, "Wait, I'm coming too. I want to meet this young man."

He said the last few words with gritted teeth.

With the boss taking charge, the executives had no choice but to follow.

People inside the company and on the street cast curious glances.

Those unaware thought a fire had broken out, and everyone was evacuating.

...

At the hotel, led by a waiter, just as they approached the open meeting room, Charlie enthusiastically greeted them, reaching out a hand from afar.

He had dressed up in a suit, looking proper. Alicia and four or five others followed him.

"Hi, ladies and gentlemen. It's a pleasure to meet you all. Sorry I didn't come by personally; I was worried about something unexpected. This hotel is expensive; I borrowed money to rent the room for two hours. I hope this is not an inconvenience."

Charlie's enthusiastic attitude made everyone feel more comfortable

At least McCarny and the executives maintained decent expressions and shook hands politely.

But Will and his agent still glared angrily.

More than ten people took their seats. McCarny crossed his legs, waved coldly.

Benjamin spoke up, "Mr. Corleone, we don't want to waste time. Tell us straight: how much to destroy all the damaging information about Will?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Charlie shook his head repeatedly. "Aren't we here to discuss the marketing plan for Independence Day and invest in a new project?"

"Cut the act, you bastard!" Will couldn't help but curse.

Charlie glanced at him but ignored him.

Fox finally sat down to negotiate but could not openly discuss the incident.

Choosing a public location and other means to talk was to protect himself.

Otherwise, he might face revenge later or even jail.

The initial plan went smoothly. Now Charlie had to ensure his safety, try to calm their anger, and achieve his goals.

The final step: if he wasn't cautious, everything would be wasted.

McCarny sneered, dismissing the small-time cleverness in front of him. "If it weren't for this timing, and the Independence Day movie, you would never see me. Keep talking!"

*****

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