Chapter 74: Almost There

[Chapter 74: Almost There]

In America, whenever you wanted to get something done, various entities and institutions always scrambled to take their share.

Charlie sat in the meeting room of the CEO's office suite, shaking his head while complaining, "PwC charged way too much. For a basic asset status report on Death Row Records, they asked me for $200,000. I almost thought I was being scammed. Aunt Melche, please transfer the money to them from the holding company's account as soon as possible. I need your team to get familiar with this report quickly. In the upcoming acquisition negotiations, you'll have to present a sharp financial statement based on the situation."

"I will!" Melche nodded without asking why Charlie needed a third-party organization to handle this work.

It was obvious -- hiring a reputable consulting accounting firm was to give partners a sincere sense of confidence during acquisition work. At present, Corleone Holdings and the film company didn't have that level of trust yet.

Melche briefly expressed concerns about whether acquiring Death Row Records was too aggressive, but after Charlie reassured her, she immediately pulled out some documents and reported other matters. "Recently, Corleone Holdings has hired 82 employees in total. I, cooperating with Kevin, Etto, Pierza, Gert, and Harvey, among board members, have drafted a trial salary system based on employee compensation data from other companies in the industry. The latest financial status of the copyright company has also been reviewed."

Charlie rubbed his head and skimmed through the documents. "Okay, keep it here with me. I'll review and approve it before the end of the day and then submit it to the board for execution approval."

There were too many trivial matters in the company. Charlie realized he should consider delegating authority after some time. Otherwise, if he had to review everything from office supplies to expensive filming equipment like cameras and dollies himself, he'd be dead tired in the office.

But at this early stage, with Kevin and the rest not fully grown in their roles yet, he couldn't help but personally oversee many details to have peace of mind.

...

After Melche left, Charlie paced his office, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking longingly at the distant Fox Building. He thought about forming an assistant team for the chairman to help share his workload. In time, he'd hire some support staff.

Kevin was dispatched to frontline practice, being groomed as the next CEO, so he couldn't keep shadowing Charlie daily. Etto and Lamont were busy with their own tasks. As for Mord, he could be a senior assistant, the company's chief steward of daily affairs, but definitely not involved in the company's operational decisions.

...

A knock came on the door. Manager Patrick Whitesell entered after getting a response.

"Hi Charlie, long time no see."

Charlie nodded slightly, invited him to sit, and called a staff member to serve some juice.

Patrick Whitesell was there to discuss the development of the Stockbroker project and the casting and crew of the bundled Wrong Turn project. The former was straightforward. Charlie said Corleone Studios would finance production, with Spike Lee serving as co-producer and Charlie himself as executive producer. However, actual control was in the hands of Will Smith, Saul Zaentz, and CAA.

Patrick shook his head with a wry smile. "We've already talked with Saul Zaentz and Will Smith. After The English Patient hits theaters in a few weeks, they'll formally begin pre-production. Honestly, I didn't expect you to abandon the project."

Charlie laughed heartily, "That's not abandonment; we're still the primary production company. I think Spike will enjoy working with Will."

"Alright!" Patrick shook his head helplessly. "As your manager, I think giving up the producer role on this project isn't great for your personal producing career, but you're the studio boss after all."

He continued representing CAA, negotiating the personnel structure for the Wrong Turn bundled project. He'd be a co-producer, and Gore's directing contract had already been signed with CAA.

He looked embarrassed. "Charlie, your promise back then... you picked the key director and then had him join CAA. That doesn't really sound like a CAA-packaged project."

Charlie laughed, "Is that a problem? Either way, you guys package it around him! For crew choices, consult Gore. As for actors, I have only one request -- Halle Berry must be one of the leads."

"Okay!" Patrick Whitesell could only nod. "Man, I really respect you. I'm both your manager and a CAA partner now. Balancing both sides' interests is a headache."

"Hehe, that's your job," Charlie grinned mischievously. "You don't have to struggle. Just join Corleone Studios. I need an executive good at dealing with actors and producing."

The suggestion was sudden, but Patrick Whitesell hesitated, somewhat tempted. Didn't the top boss at CAA also join Disney? Clearly, even the pinnacle of being an agent couldn't compare to being a studio executive.

Michael Ovitz had basically reached the peak as an agent and even served as a middleman in huge acquisitions like Columbia and Universal. Yet, real authority in the industry remained with studio executives.

Patrick Whitesell fell silent for a long moment, suppressing his excitement. "Charlie, don't joke around."

Charlie gave him a half-smile. "Do you think this is a joke?"

Patrick Whitesell shook his head with a wry smile. "You're a cunning boss. Representing CAA in many collaborations with you, I can't answer these questions."

Charlie nodded calmly. "Take your time. You have plenty to consider. Observe Corleone Studios' growth. You know we need staff now. Enough said.

How are Matt Damon and Ben Affleck? As their agent, are you interested in involving them in Wrong Turn?"

Patrick Whitesell looked troubled, took a deep breath, and said, "Not yet. They want to focus on Good Will Hunting first."

"Okay!" Charlie nodded. "Patrick, soon I'll have an important acquisition in the name of the holding company's copyright branch. Talk to Gert later. I hope you'll participate personally."

Patrick Whitesell had heard rumors. He marveled at Charlie's ambition and felt anxious about his proposal.

'I should have known this guy never intended well when he asked me to be his manager from the start. The more this continues, my work at CAA will become more difficult! Had Charlie planned this all along?'

Though unsettled by Charlie's tactics, Patrick Whitesell also felt a bit pleased. Being valued was always gratifying.

Could he really join Corleone Studios?

Charlie's personal skills and growth were impressive, but his current situation was also very risky.

If joining failed, it would severely impact him. But if successful?

Everyone had ambition, and young Patrick Whitesell was no exception. His internal scale had already tipped.

*****

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