Chapter 54: Poor Alicia and the New Project

[Chapter 54: Poor Alicia and the New Project]

It seemed like overnight, everyone started paying attention to women's independence and rights.

This should have been a positive change. Many grown men showed concern for women and respect for their character for the first time.

It was as if the entire United States became a better place because of it!

As if the United States, just like promoted in Hollywood movies, was a beacon for humanity, shining brightly throughout the world.

Every citizen couldn't help but hold their heads high, feeling proud and radiant.

However, at the same time, the movie Fifty Shades of Gray, despite endless criticism, had already surpassed $40 million at the box office!

One couldn't help but ask, who was truly proud?

For several days, the media that celebrated women's rights fervently did not wait long.

The respectable and authoritative newspaper The Washington Post published sharp satirical articles on the front pages.

...

In an apartment building in South City, Alicia, with disheveled hair, gripped a newspaper wildly.

Like clutching a lifeline, she babbled, "People have exposed his lies, that piece of trash is finished! I want to kill him, I am still a big star."

Her manager Vernon frowned as he surveyed the messy apartment and said sternly, "The Godfather's goal has been achieved. Now you need to calm down. The media's focus is no longer on attacking you. We need to discuss a plan to get you back..."

"Of course!" Alicia jumped excitedly, frantically fixing her hair. "I'm going to be in Batman, right? They sent an invitation for a cameo."

Vernon looked helpless and worried.

In recent days, this rapidly rising star had been cast into the abyss. All the previously promised jobs had gone silent.

Reporters were aggressively chasing her, degrading her to the lowest of the low, and now her mental state seemed compromised.

Vernon shouted angrily, "Alicia, calm down. Did you take your meds again? Listen, your dream as a star isn't completely over. After the media hype dies down, you'll have a chance to recover. Calm down, damn it!"

He almost slapped her in the end, restraining himself.

He had thought at first that he signed a good client.

Finally, Alicia collapsed to the floor and cried bitterly, releasing all the tension accumulated over days, "Wah, it's all over, completely over. That bastard ruined everything for me. No chance left. I wish I could kill him!"

Vernon snorted coldly. "I warned you not to act rashly. When the Godfather got into trouble, no one publicly took sides. You were foolishly influenced. You had no idea what the Godfather brought you. He spent days making you a second-tier star with unlimited bright prospects.

Luckily, the Godfather didn't really plan to go after you. Now that the media heat has faded, we have a chance to change everything."

Raising a star was never as easy as imagined.

At least Vernon couldn't do it himself, so even if Alicia was now in this state, she still had far more value than most unknown actors.

As long as she wasn't hopeless, Vernon didn't want to completely give up on her.

Alicia seemed to regain some hope, grabbing the manager's sleeve, "Really? What should I do?"

"It's best to ask the Godfather for help. Let him convince Will, proving that your remarks to the media about discriminating against women were just angry exaggerations."

"That's impossible. He's a devil, he would never forgive me," Alicia shook her head repeatedly.

Vernon said, "Don't worry, the Godfather doesn't care about you. He's busy managing the company. If you have a sincere attitude, he won't mind showing his merciful side to his subordinates."

"Are you sure?"

Vernon hesitated, "Uh, at least Halle said so."

"Halle Berry?" Alicia gritted her teeth, "That bitch climbed into the devil's bed?"

...

Of course, it wasn't that extreme. Halle just discussed work matters deeply with Charlie for several nights.

In a Burbank apartment building, the two worked hard late into the night.

In the morning, Charlie firmly refused Halle's further demonstration of acting skills related to physical attributes.

"Dear, I deeply understand that you are a great, excellent actress. Now I have to get to work. Don't worry, if nothing unexpected happens, you'll have an important role in the Wrong Turn project!"

"Oh, okay!" Halle was happy but a bit disappointed.

The Godfather attracted actresses like her greatly with his looks, age, and career achievements.

How wonderful it would be to have such a boyfriend, she thought.

But having met many times, the Godfather had never even suggested, "Bring some change of clothes and stay for a few days."

She envied Rachel, who at least had a formal three-month relationship with him.

Charlie was unaware that Alicia was on the verge of a mental breakdown and had no time to care about Halle's thoughts.

After tidying up, they quickly went downstairs. Charlie drove his Mercedes to the company.

...

Soon after, in the Corleone Company's chairman office at the Haas Building, Charlie sat at his desk holding a phone. "Oh, okay, thanks Tom."

Spike asked, "How did it go, boss?"

Charlie shook his head regretfully.

Director Ang Lee's schedule was too tight and only gave three months.

Also, his asking price was very high. He was at the peak of his career and full of ambition.

Spike was disappointed. He wanted to work with this classmate but since it was not possible, he pursued other options. "No problem. Damon's progress is good. Director Gus Van Sant showed great interest in the Good Will Hunting project."

Charlie picked up some documents and read.

Director Gus Van Sant had a good track record. His recent film, To Die For, starring Nicole Kidman, performed well in box office and reputation.

His personal style also suited the project. By all measures, he was suitable.

Charlie said in a deep voice, "Arrange a meeting quickly. You and Lawrence talk to him first. I want to know all his ideas about the project. If we can confirm it, Lawrence will discuss the salary with him with your cooperation."

"Me?" Spike was surprised.

Charlie delegated fully. He treated Good Will Hunting as a training ground.

He was confident that the project would succeed without too much interference.

He laughed and said, "Yes, man, at Corleone Company, you'll have more room to grow than before."

"Ha, I'm looking forward to it!" Spike happily said and left to work.

...

Charlie called Melche and asked about the company's financial issues.

They used the $30 million obtained from Fifty Shades of Gray, spent $8 million to buy Mafia Distribution Company.

The remaining funds were still in the process. The uses for this money were fixed: $10 million invested in the distribution company to improve channels.

Another part was to find a long-term partner for renting or purchasing filming equipment.

Also, company facilities construction: editing rooms and screening rooms.

Lamont and Mord were negotiating through Miramax's channels.

After listening carefully to Melche's report, Charlie signed several documents, took a sip of coffee, and rubbed his temples.

Though it seemed like a large amount of money, but it's really hard to spend.

Melche suggested, "We need stable funding sources, otherwise, Charlie, it will be very difficult for you to run several projects simultaneously in a short time!"

Even though films can make money, the capital turnaround is slow, especially for a company like Corleone.

"We have now obtained Peter Jackson's project in the form of mortgage. If it isn't handled well, Harvey might take over the whole company!" Melche worried.

Charlie laughed, "Don't worry, I take this seriously! These have to be tackled with film projects. So, how much available development fund does the company currently have?"

"13.42 million! If we wait three more months, all the box office shares and channel revenue from Fifty Shades of Gray will be received."

That was enough, though it wouldn't quickly perfect the distribution channels.

Charlie thought for a while, drooling at Peter Jackson's project.

They had to quickly finish the company's basic constructions, build a reputation with film production and distribution, get the money, and fully acquire that project!

"Call Kevin and Gore for me. I've decided to start developing Wrong Turn now."

*****

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