Chapter 49: A Buzzing Press Conference
[Chapter 49: A Buzzing Press Conference]
In the mid-sized multifunctional hall of the Hilton hotel, invited journalists were signing in with large and small bags, finding seats.
The media wore curious expressions, exchanging whispers.
A young female reporter from the Chicago Morning Post glanced around eagerly, hoping to see what was happening in the waiting area.
She showed disappointment, fiddling with her voice recorder and asked her colleague from Fox Entertainment Channel, "What big announcement are they making here? It looks pretty fancy."
"Honestly, I have no idea," he replied. "Fox Studios didn't reveal anything. I don't recall any collaboration with Miramax."
A man from The Hollywood Reporter leaned in mysteriously, "Didn't you notice the invite included Corleone Studios?"
The female reporter smirked, shaking her head, "That Godfather studio? Sorry, I don't think that's a real company."
When Charlie was mentioned, a cluster of media gathered, laughing incessantly.
A chubby guy scoffed, "Just a 19-year-old dreamer. He came to Hollywood and stirred up trouble."
"Is he still alive? Last I heard, Bloods gang factions even have bounties on him."
Compared to stars and directors, producers were among the least chased by the media.
Charlie, at 19, with his bestselling author fame, did catch some attention, but up to now, everyone saw him as just an ordinary producer.
Until - -host Kevin Feige appeared on stage for the opening, and Charlie led the way, accompanied by Harvey, Tom, and Pierza, striding from the waiting area.
The media keenly realized this press conference seemed to be led by Charlie!
No denying, the Godfather's stature and looks made him stand out among the group, commanding presence.
...
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, welcome!" Charlie smiled broadly on stage, arms open like embracing the world. "As you can see, today I'm announcing the latest collaboration between Corleone Entertainment Group, Miramax, and 20th Century Fox."
The journalists immediately buzzed.
A young, green producer seemed to have transformed into a real film company mogul?
Was this some kind of April Fool's joke?
The chaos wasn't just inside; the live broadcast on Fox Entertainment Channel had audiences at home perk up, intensely curious.
...
Inside the Death Row Records of the East and West Coast hip hop crews, staff yelled excitedly to the boss, "Come quick, the damn kid's standing with Fox now!"
...
In a corner, wearing casual clothes, Augustin called the director. "What's he trying to pull?" Royale frowned, thinking Charlie might be going after him, his eyes flashing coldly.
...
Inside the Haas Building, Spike and Gore were intently watching TV, anxious but hopeful, focused on their boss's speech.
...
The rowdiest place was a bar in Koreatown called Wales, with only two people inside: Halle Berry and Alicia.
Halle screamed, pointing at the TV, "Look, Alicia, it's the Godfather. Oh my God, how did he pull this off?"
...
Charlie cheerfully introduced Corleone Entertainment Group.
A microgroup comprising a copyright management firm, Corleone Studios, and Mafia Distribution Company!
At a time when many were curious or ready to mock, he quickly outlined the company's future plans.
"Yes, Miramax owns part of our production and distribution shares; we're family now. I'm also happy to say that in the coming years, we'll work with CAA to co-produce and distribute a number of films, including Wrong Turn and Saw. And I must thank Fox; they'll handle those projects' overseas distribution!"
Reporters gawked.
Did they hear right? What magic did this 19-year-old have to create a studio group collaborating with Fox and Miramax?
This could be the biggest joke Hollywood has ever seen!
...
Before Charlie could say more, a reporter blurted out, "How did you set up Corleone Group? What are its assets approximately?"
"Mr. Weinstein, how much did you pay for your stake? How much do you hold? Did Disney clear the deal?"
"Mr. Rothman, can you explain the distribution agreement details?"
Reporters talked over each other, mostly to satisfy their curiosity.
No one could imagine how Charlie, new to Hollywood just over three months, secured such close partnerships.
Was his father Redstone?
...
Charlie smiled and calmed the room, clapping his hands, "Hold on, this isn't the Q&A yet. We have more to announce. Maybe some of you know I've faced some trouble lately?"
An obscure reporter from the Chicago Morning Post nodded eagerly, "Yes, someone caught that you were shot at."
"Now that I stand here unharmed, I thank the LAPD for their swift and proper response. Future film projects will invite police consultants. To express gratitude, Corleone will donate $1 million."
Charlie left the subject there.
...
Royale sat in his office, conflicted and silent for a while, mumbling, "Smart bastard, I gotta hand it to him."
Everyone else wasn't too interested in the donation news.
...
Next, excitement soared as the hottest star, Will Smith, arrived at the venue.
"As you see," Charlie said, putting his arm around Will and forcing a smile on Harvey's face, "we'll be working with Earth's savior Will on a film. Oh, he also has an announcement."
The intense news made the reporters snap furiously, all vying to capture the moment.
Will's expression was complicated: joy mixed with bitterness.
"I must say, I'm glad to work with Harvey and Charlie. But I have to announce my engagement is off. It's earlier than planned..."
Charlie quickly pulled him back.
The guy nearly slipped; luckily, the press only caught the first half, sparking chaos.
...
Back at Wales bar, Alicia's head spun, sobering from the haze, feeling as if struck by lightning, frantic, pointing at the TV, "The contract still has two months, and this guy broke it! Damn, it's Charlie, that bastard."
...
The press conference moved to the Q&A session.
Most reporters, as Charlie predicted, crowded around Will Smith.
The others blocked Harvey and Tom Rothman, hoping for exclusive scoop.
Charlie successfully exited to the lounge, receiving many congratulations on his phone.
The Corleone Group emerged from the cracks in the rocks, and some people were happy about it, while others were worried.
*****
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