Chapter 53: The Difficulty in Choosing a Director

[Chapter 53: The Difficulty in Choosing a Director]

The Tupac incident had left many at Corleone Studios a little shaken. Kevin, Gore, Spike, and even Nina and Garen -- all of them had a head start far beyond Charlie. Especially Gore, who had earned significant acclaim in the advertising industry.

People often have a fearless boldness born of ignorance. But because they understood how chaotic the society was, everyone was worried from the start. However, during the brief period of shooting Fifty Shades of Gray, their interactions with Charlie helped the team resist temptation at critical moments and avoid Harvey's attempts to poach talent.

Afterward, Corleone Studios suddenly expanded rapidly. Kevin and others were filled with confidence in their boss and infinite hope for the future. The reason they chose the young Corleone company was their desire to build something together.

The ups and downs of the company's growth had surrounded Kevin and the others with joy every day. Just recently, the news that Fifty Shades of Gray had another huge box office success, boosting the Mafia Distribution Company's development, was cause for double celebration.

...

Kevin appeared to be in high spirits and cheerfully said, "Boss, I bet the expressions on the Fox executives' faces must be pretty entertaining right now."

Charlie smiled, "Of course. They get as much profit as they pay for. Don't think you can take advantage of me. In truth, they still made money, just not as much as they imagined."

Fifty Shades of Gray had been heavily marketed with deceptive tactics. It was like forcefully launching a fresh-faced star; once the hype died down, the audience backlash was severe. The subsequent rights were basically worthless. Fox wouldn't lose money and thus wouldn't cause trouble over such a small matter. At least for now, everyone was still in the honeymoon phase.

Maybe being around Charlie for so long had rubbed off on Kevin's character. He laughed slyly, "Will, Columbia, Fox -- they all avoid losses. Poor Alicia, though. I bet she's both angry and regretful right now."

Charlie smiled faintly and didn't care much. Just like a few days ago, Royle, the LA Police Chief, had been indifferent to Charlie.

...

Director interviews were completely different from actor auditions. Generally, directors who had the chance to work on million-dollar projects they didn't originate had already proven themselves through various means. Getting all these directors in one day for interviews probably only happened for the six biggest projects.

Today, Charlie mainly interviewed several directors recommended by CAA. He had to repay some favors.

"Hi, everyone!" Charlie greeted as he entered. He sat down, pick up documents on the desk, and signaled Lawrence Bender to bring in candidates while swiftly reviewing the materials.

Charlie had previously checked related info and skimmed through, but found nothing new and shook his head disappointedly. All these directors were newbies.

He recalled that Good Will Hunting had won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and that Damon and Affleck had risen to fame from that. This meant the project was also sure to succeed at the box office.

Although he was just a paid producer on this project, its success would prove to the industry that he wasn't just playing dirty tricks.

A good art-house drama needed a quality director. This project didn't lack funding, so there was no need to use it as a training ground for CAA's rookies.

Charlie didn't voice his thoughts but absentmindedly asked Whitesell, "Have the rights for that stockbroker's story been secured?"

"Of course!" Whitesell nodded. "We purchased the adaptation rights for a certain age period. The other party was sharp and included various image rights, development bonuses, and net profit shares."

"But clearly, they don't fully understand the film industry?" Charlie smiled. "Since the rights are secured, I hope to sign the development agreement soon. Kevin will assist you."

"Okay!" Whitesell hesitated briefly. "I've talked to Will and reserved his schedule. But he wants to be one of the producers and have part of the rights."

Charlie didn't hesitate, "He can have a producer credit, but the rights are your business."

This project was initially a bargaining chip to impress CAA. Charlie wished he could have all the profit himself, but practically, he preferred to share.

Besides, the agreements already signed couldn't just be voided.

"He also had doubts about you being a producer," Whitesell no longer hesitated.

Charlie narrowed his eyes.

The manager detailed, "First, you have too many projects on hand. He knows you're developing Good Will Hunting and preparing Wrong Turn, among others. More importantly, he wants to win an Oscar with that movie, which needs strong producer support."

Charlie laughed mockingly, "These suddenly famous movie stars think they're gods? He's delusional to believe he'll get an Oscar."

Just then, Lawrence Bender brought in a long-haired, bearded man.

Charlie interrupted the conversation, "Ignore him. We signed the agreement -- this project is mine to develop! As for Will's delusions and doubts, once Good Will Hunting premieres, that won't be a problem."

The Stockbroker project wouldn't start filming until after Will's Men in Black released next year, there was plenty of time.

Although Charlie chose to share the rights, he would firmly control production and distribution. No one, for any reason, would snatch what was his.

...

"Charlie, can we start?" Lawrence gestured to the bearded man.

"Of course!" Charlie nodded, eyeing the seemingly weathered yet actually early thirties director. He motioned for him to sit. "Hello, Mr. Henderson. Thanks for coming. We understand you previously made..."

He glanced at the paperwork, "A short film called The Last Days of Youth?"

"Yes!" The bearded man seemed quite proud, sitting casually. "It was to commemorate my youth -- wild, passionate, and full of dreams. Young people are always filled with energy and obsessed with drama and excitement. Your project is all about youth; that's my specialty!"

Charlie didn't mind the director's arrogant attitude. Eccentric art-house directors were common. But his concept seemed a little at odds with the Good Will Hunting project.

He looked at Damon and Affleck, "You two talk with Henderson about your creative ideas."

"Okay!" They were honored, thinking they were just spectators but realizing the Godfather paid attention.

"I think the focus should be on romance, with the psychologist storyline as support," Henderson gestured wildly, clearly full of ideas.

Half an hour later, Charlie, Spike Lee, and Lawrence Bender exchanged opinions.

Finally, Whitesell saw their expressions and politely said, "Alright, Mr. Henderson, that's all for today. We will carefully consider your candidacy."

The bearded director didn't insist. He was passionate during discussions but still courteous in farewell.

...

After a full day, everyone was mentally exhausted. Around 4 PM, the group sighed in relief.

Charlie glanced over documents with a dull expression then suddenly said, "Spike, want to try directing? Or Gore?"

Before they could answer, he shook his head, smiling. "I'm losing it. Your styles don't fit this project, and you have other jobs anyway."

Whitesell felt a bit embarrassed, "Sorry, the company's recommendations might've been a bit careless."

"It's okay. We're just starting cooperation, still getting to know each other," Charlie didn't press. He asked Lawrence Bender, "Any responses from other main directors?"

Lawrence Bender shrugged, "Soderbergh's asking price is too high; Alexander was cut off immediately. Our preferred director, Ang Lee, is busy with The Ice Storm. His schedule's full."

Charlie stretched his stiff neck, in low spirits. He wanted to get Good Will Hunting on track soon, then move on to other matters: negotiating with Harvey for payment, expanding connections, holding social events to develop the company further.

As the boss, unless it was a major strategic investment, most energy had to go into managing the company. Just focusing on producing made him a high-level employee.

Apparently, the project hit a slight snag.

Charlie adjusted his mindset, thinking he might be worn out from the Tupac incident. Maybe he needed some gentle company for heart-to-heart talks to relieve exhaustion.

He said in a low voice, "I'll talk with Rothman about Ang Lee. Damon, keep exploring the director you recommended, get feedback quickly. By the way, what about the actors?"

Damon and Affleck nodded earnestly, promising to do their best.

Lawrence Bender and Spike Lee exchanged looks, "We're trying to reach Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, among others. This is the most important psychiatrist role besides the male protagonist."

"Hmm." Charlie thought a moment. "Also Robin Williams. By the way, Lawrence, any word from Mel Gibson?"

Lawrence Bender's expression turned strange and hesitated for a moment, "He was very rude on the phone, said he wouldn't play with kids."

"Ha ha ha..." Charlie wasn't angry; actually, he felt better. "Schedule it, and when you have time, leak that news. Didn't Harvey initially plan to use him for publicity? We're on the same wavelength."

*****

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