Chapter 15: Rapid Development

[Chapter 15: Rapid Development]

Charlie had once been on the set of Scream, a typical small but mature independent thriller film production. The director and producer were both Wes Craven. As a junior assistant, Charlie followed him and learned many details about film production. Given Charlie's shameless and brazen personality, he actually got along well with Wes at first.

By the way, the production company behind Scream was Dimension Films, founded by Bob Weinstein. He had an older brother named Harvey Weinstein. Dimension Films was basically a brand under Miramax.

On that set, Charlie witnessed the pre-production process, which opened his eyes to the industrialized assembly-line nature of filmmaking. From the smallest details like the milliliters of fake blood prop to the distribution contracts for theatrical releases and home entertainment, everything was covered in detailed agreements.

When Charlie flattered Wes, Wes smugly said, "That's nothing. If you've been involved in six major movie projects, you'd be even more amazed. A project runs continuously for three to five years through a corporate model."

...

With his previous life's experience as an investor combined with his learnings from Scream, he easily demonstrated control over the Fifty Shades of Gray project, facing a team mostly made up of newcomers.

"First, we need to establish the film's style, genre, and target audience. I have a strong understanding of marketing, so you should just listen to me on the market side!" Charlie immediately set the broad direction.

He took out some materials he had prepared earlier. "The main selling points are curiosity and torment. Because of our publicity partnership with Fox, I added labels like female independence later on. But in reality, I also need male viewers to fantasize about a woman who is reckless and loves you and pursues you."

After thinking for a moment, he uncertainly said, "It's kind of like the female fantasy from the prince charming perspective. Yes, the male is like Cinderella, and the female is Prince Charming, fulfilling the traditional man's sense of conquest from another angle."

Charlie's idea was fresh and sparked lively discussion among the team immediately.

Spike frowned and said, "That puts very high demands on the story and might not please either side."

Charlie laughed, "That's why I need the script and filming to find a balance. To depict a uniquely charming independent woman who also attracts men!"

The discussion was very enthusiastic. Charlie offered many fresh perspectives, and the young writers and producers accepted them quickly.

However, Spike had his own view.

"Charlie, I think we should focus on portraying the black woman's independence, and depict the setbacks she faces because of her race in work and life. That would stir more controversy and boost publicity and attention."

Charlie immediately rebutted, "I get it, you want controversy to make money! But that's the wrong way. Are you out of your mind? A person who constantly complains, even if she faces injustice, becomes annoying. The best approach is to make people see her as pitiable, but she remains positive and optimistic. Like Martin once..."

He paused midway, realizing, 'Damn, I don't need to teach him that. Using victimhood like 'I'm oppressed so I am right' seems anti-discrimination but only deepens division.'

There are profound reasons behind this.

The social divisions have nothing to do with him.

"In short, listen, Spike. This film is essentially for making money. I don't want you to use the old methods that just stir up anger within the black community to boost profits. I want the audience to be broader!"

Charlie said firmly, then looked at Gore Verbinski, "You will be promoted to co-director and film the movie with Mr. Spike. Any objections?"

"No!" Gore happily nodded repeatedly.

The meeting had its ups and downs. They found Spike, due to his experience with genre films, might not be suitable for Fifty Shades of Gray, and immediately made adjustments. Spike wanted to object, but after Charlie sternly said, "We need to talk after the meeting," he reluctantly suppressed his dissatisfaction.

After that, the meeting went much smoother.

They worked until 6 p.m.

Even though the team members were very young, under Charlie's intensive guidance, everyone tried their best.

In one afternoon, they basically finalized the script framework, production team members, tax incentive plans, copyright review, union agreements, employee insurance, and even detailed things like meal allowances, transportation subsidies, and communication systems.

This was no longer a small independent project. Although many modifications were sure to come, it was moving toward mainstream production.

Charlie wanted to demonstrate his ambition through these details.

The meeting settled plans for initiation, creation, marketing, and financial management. Pre-production processes were effectively established.

This would better define the budget for future financing and distribution.

Charlie was ruthless before production and obsessive about professionalism and meticulousness during production -- qualities that positively impacted the film project.

Having managed many teams in his previous life, Charlie knew how crucial the leader's attitude was to the development of a career.

A thriving team would deliver outstanding results.

As expected, after the meeting, the team seemed baptized. No one doubted Charlie's 19-year-old age anymore.

His sometimes bossy but patient demeanor inspired the team's work attitude.

Of course, it helped that after the meeting, Charlie dangled the promise of meal allowances, travel subsidies, and overtime pay, which excited everyone.

All these factors made everyone look forward to the future of the Fifty Shades of Gray project with great enthusiasm.

Even Spike, who had lost some authority to Charlie, was privately appeased afterwards.

Not just the team members but Rachel, who had accompanied throughout, was further won over by Charlie.

After work, she eagerly pulled Charlie to her rented room, and they worked hard through the night again.

...

Early the next morning, the film project entered actual preparations.

Various team members started recruiting staff.

But Charlie couldn't relax. He had to scout locations and sign many documents.

For example, getting the permit for filming at the Haas Building took a lot of effort.

After the project got going, many small problems emerged.

The warehouse manager in charge of storing filming equipment warned that the film stock was deteriorating.

Charlie had to bring Lamont, Mord, and Kevin Feige to handle it.

Many equipment storage details were regulated; humidity and temperature for film stock preservation were strictly controlled.

Although Lamont and Mord had hired a professional warehouse and weren't complete fools just because they were alongside Charlie, there were issues in managing afterwards.

Such small troubles occurred often, and Charlie and the team quickly grew from experience.

...

Meanwhile, the marketing plan for Independence Day was in full swing. Will Smith portrayed a good guy with emotional struggles, while Alicia consistently showed affection, drawing the attention of all Hollywood.

Alongside, the Fifty Shades of Gray film project became known among industry insiders.

Actors and producers were inquiring through various channels. Upon hearing that the reckless young Charlie was actually doing well, this previously unfilmed but popular project suddenly attracted a lot of attention.

This helped the project's development.

However, at the same time, book sales and others also brought some problems.

*****

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