Chapter 61: Big Men Have Big Problems

[Chapter 61: Big Men Have Big Problems]

"Charlie, you're no rookie in this industry. You sure have a lot of tricks up your sleeve, and they're all within the rules," Harvey said, happily patting Charlie on the shoulder like a friend.

"Thanks, I still have a lot to learn from you," Charlie said with a cheeky grin. His tone sounded a bit sarcastic, then he added, "I mean, we have so many projects together, I hope our friendship lasts a long time."

"Of course!" Harvey agreed enthusiastically.

Charlie asked, "By the way, when are you going to introduce me to some new friends?"

"That won't happen until you're fully in at Miramax. You've got some nerve," Harvey teased.

"Haha, I'm not asking anyone for favors, just looking to meet some more friends."

Harvey looked mock disappointed. "Okay, if there's a party soon, I'll get you an invitation. After all, we're good friends now."

Originally, today was supposed to be a fierce confrontation.

But now, the situation had turned into Charlie achieving his goal before developing Lord of the Rings.

For various reasons, Harvey decided to team up with the pesky Godfather; two big company casualties warming each other's backs.

...

Next, they discussed progress on the Good Will Hunting project.

Harvey had read the entire latest script and shooting schedule, location details, props, and crew members -- he asked about every single detail.

He seemed almost paranoid that Charlie might misuse project funds for personal gain.

"Director Gus Van Sant? Did you lock him down? Are you sure he can handle the job?" Harvey asked skeptically, then joked, "Why not get Mel Gibson? I called him."

Charlie rolled his eyes. "He yelled on the phone that he doesn't work with kids. That bastard looked down on me."

"Haha, well, he's a big Hollywood star, a little prideful."

"If you want to use him for publicity in the future, you can talk to Etto. Let's not discuss him further. For project directors, I think Gus Van Sant fits well; Lawrence and Spike think the same. Matt and Ben's suggestion was valid. I accepted the opinion of the screenwriters most familiar with the story."

Harvey thought for a moment. "Alright, I'll keep in touch with Lawrence Bender. About locations, I suggest shooting indoor school scenes in Canada; they offer good tax rebates."

"Sounds good! Lawrence is in charge of that. My team isn't very familiar with these details yet. I'll coordinate more with him to reduce costs."

Harvey gave plenty of input, and Charlie listened carefully.

It wasn't about ability but experience.

Having an industry veteran mentor him thrilled Charlie; he was happy to play the good student.

They talked until the afternoon. Both teams exchanged ideas fully on the entire budget and promotion strategy for Good Will Hunting.

They basically reached an agreement.

...

At the meeting, Charlie had Gert draft a contract to sign with Harvey for Lord of the Rings' copyright, a preliminary term sheet that the legal department would need to finalize.

...

In the conference room, Harvey, ignoring his image, swayed and twisted his fat frame.

His hefty body creaked the cheap office chair dangerously.

"Oh, Charlie, I kinda regret hiring you as Good Will Hunting's producer. Not because you're bad, but you've handed many tasks off to Lawrence Bender and Spike Lee. It feels like you're getting a paycheck for free. That's worth at least three million dollars."

His exaggerated complaint sounded like he really felt he was losing out.

He intended to use this deal to win Charlie over and never expected the current situation.

Charlie had no psychological burden from the nominal title and work and didn't care about this gripe. "Don't worry whether I'm slacking. I promise the film will be perfectly produced and a success."

Seeing no benefit to squeeze out, Harvey sighed proudly, "Ha, I hope so. Anyway, I'm waiting for your two thrillers to come out. Hope Miramax's share in distribution brings me some profit."

"Definitely will!" Charlie said confidently.

...

After sending Harvey and others off, it was very late.

Charlie stayed behind with Melche. "Melche, sorry to keep you late again. I plan to nominate you as Corleone Entertainment Group's vice president and board member at the upcoming board meeting. You'll also form the finance committee. In the future, you'll be responsible for the finances of Corleone Pictures and Mafia Distribution Company."

Melche was stunned, brushing her long hair back and crossing her arms. "Charlie, I don't know how to express my gratitude."

"Haha, you always deserved this position," Charlie smiled. "The Mafia Distribution Company will assign finance staff to join the committee. I hope you can work well together to clarify the company's finances."

"Don't worry, Charlie! I won't disappoint you," Melche said emotionally.

Charlie nodded. He didn't mention he planned to hire a more professional accounting firm in the future to conduct periodic audits.

"Besides..." Charlie thought a moment, "I want you to temporarily oversee the finances of Corleone Copyright Management, where all my personal assets are held."

Production wages, movie copyrights, revenue shares -- all were under that company's name now.

Charlie needed someone to clarify everything because in the future, he'd form a dedicated team to manage his personal assets and supervise audits.

Through a complex structure, he aimed to retain maximum control.

It wasn't just finances; legal matters were equally important.

Aside from the in-house legal department and Gert's team, he wanted to sign long-term cooperation agreements with major law firms.

These tasks were tedious but necessary.

Especially if Corleone Entertainment grew to the size of one of the six major studios.

At that point, what Charlie personally provided wouldn't be the focus.

Controlling assets would become his main daily work.

Of course, this was still far off.

Melche was deeply touched by Charlie's trust, feeling fortunate to be friends with Judy Mario and to have joined the seemingly unreliable team with Judy's son months ago for a fresh start.

Judy really had a good kid.

The sentimental woman went on praising Charlie and repeatedly promised loyalty.

Then she updated Charlie on their financial status.

Beyond book royalties and company shares, Charlie's funds mainly came from movie project shares.

Currently, Fifty Shades of Gray and Good Will Hunting had received checks.

Long-term, copyright licensing and box office revenue shares were estimated around $8 million, although this might take 10 to 20 years.

Short-term, they might get $5 million, but the current account held just over $1 million.

"If you want to do anything, you can use the company account," Melche said curiously.

Charlie shook his head slightly. "No, I want to use my personal funds as a base to start a film fund to attract more financing."

Investing his own money into movies was very foolish.

He was just setting an example to attract investors early on and build their confidence.

Funding Lord of the Rings was a big problem.

To control the project, Charlie had to prove himself and win over Peter Jackson.

But with just over $1 million, there was little he could do.

Charlie shook his head. "Forget it, I'll think of other ways. I was too impatient. After one or two projects, Corleone Entertainment will quickly gain traction."

*****

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