Chapter 51: The Grand Debut

[Chapter 51: The Grand Debut]

In Hollywood, there were two highly influential print media outlets focused on film and entertainment: The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. Founded around the same time, with daily publications, they constantly competed with each other.

Charlie was set to engage with the latter's more specialized weekly, Variety, which was founded earlier and based in New York, originally covering theater and vaudeville. Given Corleone Studios' current size, this was already a great media platform accessible to Charlie.

Just yesterday, through the connection of Miramax, Charlie had entrusted Etto and his team, who had just signed a marketing contract with the company worth about $2 million, to be paid in installments over five years. The other party would allocate resources as one of the promotional channels before and after Corleone Studios' movie releases.

...

The reception area in the President's office of the Burbank Haas Building was set with lighting and backdrop boards. Charlie put on a sleek black suit, hired a stylist to tidy his usually messy beard.

Under the arrangement of Variety's staff, several photos were taken. His beard helped cover his youthfulness, combined with Charlie's unique charisma, the photo of the Corleone Studios big shot was officially unveiled.

Undoubtedly, this was a well-planned interview operation. Like a roaring tiger descending the mountain, it was Charlie showing his presence in the industry. No choice, his performance wasn't enough, so packaging had to compensate.

The previous press conference was mostly stolen by Will, Harvey, and others. Charlie hoped that this interview would let Corleone Group make an official appearance by itself, without having to roar loudly, just showing that it existed.

"Mr. Corleone, are you ready to start?" asked Shana, a stunning redhead in her early thirties, who was responsible for the interview.

Charlie and Etto quietly discussed some questions, exchanged opinions about the question list one by one, picked the photo they would use for publication, and smiled at each other.

Holding a recorder and notebook, Shana looked professional, her bright eyes filled with genuine curiosity as she asked the first question: "Just three months ago, you were an unemployed youth, and now you're the owner of a film company with strategic cooperation with a well-known industry company. How did you achieve all this? Sounds like a Hollywood business movie story."

There was honest curiosity in Shana's eyes, not feigned. She was truly intrigued by the Godfather's story.

Charlie smiled and delivered the rehearsed lines: "First, I want to thank America, the land where anyone can achieve their dreams, as long as you dare to imagine!"

Both nodded slightly, neither embarrassed by such a cheesy line.

"I've loved movies since I was a kid. After failing to get into USC, I felt frustrated and lost for a while. Then one day, I met Alicia, and inspiration just exploded..."

Charlie shamelessly concocted an inspirational story, "And finally, as you see, Fox gave me an opportunity, and Fifty Shades of Gray was a success!"

Though this made Shana's scalp tingle, she continued taking notes.

"Later, I had conflicts with Tupac, ran into trouble..."

Charlie candidly recounted his story, patching up all the unreasonable parts with good deeds and being appreciated for his talent.

Like all success stories, the behind-the-scenes dirty tactics or pure luck were never shared publicly.

After telling this unembarrassed story, he grew serious and detailed some key future plans for the company.

"In the next few years, Corleone will collaborate with Will Smith to develop a biographical inspirational film..."

Again, a well-packaged statement showing Corleone Studios' ability to produce and distribute quality movies.

Finally, the key part came.

Charlie mentioned he was good friends with Harvey and others, who admired him. Will was also a good friend, which was why he agreed to take on the film at a low price, pursuing an artistic path.

Naturally, they chatted briefly about Will's personal life.

The last time at a press conference, Will only mentioned breaking up with Alicia. When reporters pressed for reasons, Will used his superb acting skill to dismiss the questions with a face full of sorrow and stories.

Therefore, the latest gossip about superstar Will's relationship was heating up.

"Yes, they broke up. As I understand, it might be because Alicia's bold performance in Fifty Shades of Gray caused a rift. Will complained a bit," Charlie said. Suddenly, seeming to realize something, he exclaimed in surprise, "But wait, during filming, Alicia said she was pregnant, so..."

As the interview ended, Shana smiled slyly, joking or perhaps teasing, "Godfather, you just now looked no different from any successful businessman."

Charlie looked at her curiously, eyes lingering on the "key" part. The woman's tone seemed subtly unsatisfied.

What, seeing my good looks and success, hoping I wouldn't be so distant and formal?

Imagining all sorts of malicious thoughts, Charlie politely escorted her out, then turned to find Spike and others to inquire about the progress of Good Will Hunting.

...

Earlier today, at the company executives' icebreaker meeting, Etto was appointed Executive Vice President responsible for marketing and PR.

Though there was no formal department for this, Charlie effectively used Etto to keep Mafia Distribution Company's president Pierza in check.

The newly appointed Etto was very conscientious. He worriedly asked, "Charlie, can releasing the news about Alicia's fake pregnancy boost Fifty Shades of Gray's box office?"

"Of course, it's more than that!" Charlie laughed. "I convinced Will to cooperate; he wants to part ways on good terms. You know, for these three months, he had to be with Alicia -- it drove him crazy."

"Haha," Etto laughed heartily. "As long as you're confident. I'll focus on promoting the new projects."

...

In the small conference room, Spike was discussing issues with writer Matt Damon and executive producer Lawrence Bender.

They were shocked and congratulated Charlie for breaking free from troubles but immediately stood as he arrived.

Unconsciously, Charlie's prestige among them had grown immensely, probably because they'd seen some intense photos of the Godfather fighting gangsters published in Beverly Star Weekly.

"Where are we on the project?" Charlie asked, a bit flattered, signaling everyone to sit.

Bender replied, "The latest script is basically done. I've communicated financing with Harvey. We're now waiting for your final decision, then we can break down the script."

Charlie took a stack of documents and skimmed through them. "Do we have a list of directors? This film needs the director involved from early planning."

Bender said, "We have some ideas, but no formal interviews yet. Harvey suggested Mel Gibson."

Spike said, "I prefer Asian-American director Ang Lee. He was my classmate and is doing well now. I think he's perfect for this type of film."

Mel Gibson?

Charlie was speechless but concealed it, quickly scanning the script. "Keep looking. Give me a list with detailed resumes in three days."

He looked up, fixing Matt Damon with a stare. Damon froze.

"I don't get the so-called art, but I dislike the chess subplot. It's unnecessary. Cut it," Charlie ordered decisively.

Damon nodded quickly, thinking, so the Godfather really was reading the script, not just flipping through it casually.

"Also," Charlie continued, "you and Affleck also submit a list of director suggestions."

"Me?" Damon pointed at himself in disbelief.

Scriptwriters usually had little say, especially young ones. Charlie's respect here deeply moved Damon.

...

Half an hour later, Charlie left the meeting room somewhat disappointed. His troubles had severely affected Good Will Hunting's progress; the project was moving too slow.

Luckily, the film targeted awards season, so there was ample production time.

Now, with sufficient funding, he planned to form other projects early and expand the company fast.

Though his company would remain an independent producer for a while, he couldn't just let movies roll out one by one slowly.

Miramax produced more than a dozen films annually. With their channels, there was a chance to quickly climb up -- definitely not to be wasted.

Charlie gathered Kevin and Gore, all pumped and ready to get to work.

...

Two days later, Variety's latest issue was published. Along with Corleone Studios stepping into the industry limelight, aided by other media, Fifty Shades of Gray's box office showed a strange upward trend.

*****

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