Chapter 81: Milestone Development Plan Achieved

[Chapter 81: Milestone Development Plan Achieved]

Etto approached and whispered the IMAX information he had gathered into Charlie's ear. Charlie wore a thoughtful expression and nodded slightly. "Alright, thanks, I got it!"

Vera curiously stretched her slender neck, leaning against Charlie and asked, "Honey, are you really interested in that IMAX technology? I remember Corleone Entertainment Group is a film production and distribution company."

"Hehe, I'm interested in all new technology. Actually, I'm more interested in you!" Charlie said with a broad smile. He didn't explain to Vera or Etto why he was digging into IMAX's details.

The related business plans or considerations were for a much longer-term. As a film company, getting involved in film technology development would create a very positive influence on theaters and the entire industry.

If Charlie remembered correctly, in the future, the IMAX theater playback system would hold a significant market share in the film production and playback industry. Participating in promoting the technology would, in the short term, effectively enhance Corleone Entertainment Group's influence with theater operators, quickly expanding the company's distribution capabilities.

More long-term considerations might be twenty years later when new media and smart devices continuously challenge the industry, necessitating important changes in the film market. Technologies like super large screens, ultra-high definition, or 3D to differentiate screening methods could better attract audiences.

Of course, at this moment, Charlie's thoughts were just vague. In the short term, he wouldn't consider any deep strategic layout yet as they weren't a top-tier company and lacked the capacity.

...

The business event was nearing its end. In the outdoor public venue of the Bally Hotel, only a few people still discussed business. The independent production business was a chaotic mix; the scene looked more like a party with many unknown small actors and mid-level industry folks laughing and playing around.

Mitch Pierza and Patrick Whitesell walked over in shorts and tee-shirts.

"Charlie, Carl from Century Theatres also agreed to sign a long-term cooperation agreement," Mitch Pierza cheerfully said. "I've successfully completed the task you assigned."

Patrick Whitesell seemed to focus more attention on Charlie, having contributed significantly to this business event. Now he felt like a part of Corleone Entertainment Group's management.

He happily said, "Yes, we gained a lot. We secured contracts with more than twenty theaters across North America. This greatly improved the company's distribution capability."

Etto regretted, "Too bad Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and McDonald's, those fast-food chains, had no interest in us."

Movie theaters gathered heavy foot traffic. Their profits came mainly from beverage and fast-food retail sales.

Every year, companies like Coca-Cola invested a huge amount in movie advertising. They not only provided funds but also marketing promotion for films.

For example, characters and props from Independence Day appeared on beverage bottle labels or fast-food gift boxes.

These retail giants and blockbuster movies helped each other. Licensing movie-related products attracted customers. In return, small gifts and packaging drew attention to movies.

If a small studio like Corleone could even sign contracts with regional chain food stores, such as Langer's deli shops, their films would get more attention in theaters, naturally increasing the number of opening screens.

Any theatrical movie, even those by the Big Six studios, valued opening weekend box office highly.

Films like The Shawshank Redemption, which relied on videotape sales to break even, were basically disasters for producers.

It was like a famous painter who starved to death years ago and only after centuries his work sold at high prices. That was too late.

Obviously, cooperation with the retail industry was a currently untouchable area for Corleone Entertainment Group.

In reality, besides the Big Six, only one or two studios like the recently established DreamWorks had this honor.

Charlie didn't daydream about achieving such success, but he was pleased that Etto understood this.

His friend, once a third-rate tabloid reporter, was clearly studying hard privately to better fit the role of Corleone Entertainment Group's vice president.

Charlie casually praised him, making Etto feel recognized.

Then Charlie put his arm around Vera's smooth shoulder and laughed, "Guys, our gains this trip exceeded expectations. The company's growth still depends on good films. Now I announce all partners in this event will get a $3,000 bonus. You can take a break and enjoy yourselves. I guess everyone's eager to enjoy the dreamlike Las Vegas life."

"Las Vegas!" Mitch Pierza smiled and cheered.

"Great!" the others happily echoed.

Patrick Whitesell liked Charlie's generosity and leaned more and more towards joining Corleone Entertainment Group.

Charlie waved to everyone with a smile, "Alright, see you all in Los Angeles. I'm off to have fun with Vera!"

He laughed heartily, lifted the beauty, and with Vera's playful screams, they both fell into the pool.

The huge splash reflected their joyous moods spreading with the waves.

Many people turned at the sound and smiled warmly.

...

At the hotel lobby entrance, Harvey and George Clooney, who hadn't left yet, also looked back.

Seeing George's surprised expression, Harvey shrugged calmly, "Strange, huh? A film company boss acting like a goofy young kid in public. The more you hang with him, the more you get used to it."

George awkwardly said, "Well, it seems that Mr. Corleone is not very old."

Harvey rolled his eyes, "Oh yeah, almost forgot. But you just saw us doing business; does he look like he's 19?"

George smiled, "Right, Corleone is quite a character. Harvey, do you know about any of Corleone Entertainment's projects?"

"Why, you wanna work with him?"

"Yes!" George grimaced, "You know, as an actor, you're always limited by directors, producers, and film companies. After working years, I've started having my own ideas during filming. I want my opinions to be valued. The Batman & Robin project I'm on has a lot of problems."

Harvey took a quick look at George, but wasn't in the mood to give any serious advice.

To him, George was just a top celebrity fond of social events. He said casually, "You can talk to Charlie privately. You should go in first, I have some calls to make."

"Alright!" George sensed Harvey had matters on his mind and didn't press further.

...

After greeting several passing theater company and industry peers, Harvey sat alone near the hotel lobby entrance on a sofa and took out his phone. "Hey Bob, it's me. Help me check and confirm some info. Death Row Records, Corola Foundation... okay, ASAP, latest by tomorrow morning."

After hanging up, Harvey reclined on the sofa and gazed out at the fountain, lost in thought. He carefully reviewed all of Charlie's business behaviors and plans since they met.

*****

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