Chapter 88: Everyone Has Their Own Agenda

[Chapter 88: Everyone Has Their Own Agenda]

Charlie had always been a planner who thought things through before deciding. If he were only trying to promote a movie, he wouldn't have brought up the so-called "Horror Theme Park" project. Even if he had those future business plans and preliminary blueprints in mind, he wouldn't have blurted them out right away. The reason Charlie spoke openly and without reservation was partly to showcase his abilities and partly to express his determination to forge a partnership!

Right now, Charlie was like a startup internet company with just a PowerPoint presentation and a plan, while people like Frank Giustra were like venture capitalists. Showing the investors a deep understanding of the industry was very important. At the same time, demonstrating a strong belief was just as crucial. Essentially, it was about subtly convincing them that "partnering with me is going to work!"

Bringing about this kind of cooperation would greatly help the Corleone Entertainment Group's development. It would immediately open up connections and networks of interests in parts of Canada. Launching the Horror Theme Park project would create direct business relationships between Charlie and construction, retail food, light industry companies, and local officials.

This was like the roots of a mighty tree, tangled and intertwined with exceptional resilience to risks, able to absorb plenty of nutrients to grow strong!

Charlie felt incredibly excited thinking about all these benefits. Glancing sideways, he saw Vera, eyes sparkling like stars, looking at him. He smiled at her -- a response to the beauty and a boost of confidence for himself.

Charlie spoke with conviction, waving his hands and delivering a firm speech, "The opportunities that naturally arise in Park City shouldn't be missed. I will immediately communicate with the Wrong Turn project team and adjust the villain's character design based on the Horror Theme Park concept. We've been working on this project for quite some time. The murder case heat in Park City won't last forever; time is of the essence.

Fifty Shades of Gray has proven we have a sharp eye for promoting to this subcultural audience. We will license movie character props to the theme park company at a very low price. Our focus is solely on filmmaking; we won't interfere with operations of the theme park itself.

Initially, the park is just a concept. Depending on the movie's success, we'll decide on further investments.

Later, my team and I will prepare a detailed complete proposal. Jason, Frank, are you interested in joining?"

This project would benefit Jason a lot. Building his reputation would pave a smooth future for him in politics. What he had to invest was mostly his network and mediating skills.

Jason nodded continuously, "Charlie, the idea of a Horror Theme Park is fantastic. I truly have no reason to refuse! Leave your contact info, and I'll connect you with some local businesses in Park City later."

"Thank you, Jason. You're an outstanding public servant dedicated to the local people," Charlie smiled and gave Jason a light hug. "Here's to our success!"

Turning to the still-thinking Frank Giustra, Charlie asked, "Frank, how about you? Interested?"

Seeing this from the sidelines, George Clooney wanted to get involved to raise his social influence and deepen his friendship with Charlie. He laughed, "Buddy, I'd be more than happy to contribute to the people of Park City. I'm willing to appear in Wrong Turn for a low fee if you need me."

George knew his value - he didn't bring up investing. He understood that his usefulness now was just his top-tier celebrity fame.

"Thank you so much," Charlie responded, "but Wrong Turn isn't suitable for big stars. If you're willing to cameo, more like an Easter egg in the film, that would really help with publicity."

Wrong Turn was a series. In Charlie's vision, the main character was actually a creature covered in special effects, an interesting and thrilling humanoid monster. Adding a big star in a major role would overshadow the story; a minor role might upset fans.

Also, in future sequels, George might get greedy for huge royalties. Charlie was always cautious about big stars, especially George, who was passionate about social causes and loved politics. Such half-political integrity couldn't be trusted blindly.

"No problem. I'm always ready!" George gladly accepted Charlie's suggestion.

Then, after thinking further, Frank Giustra slowly nodded, "The project is amazing and interesting. Jason and I will provide some funding to establish the Horror Theme Park concept. We'll evaluate further investment after the movie's release.

However, Charlie, I have another proposal. I want to collaborate with some friends in finance to buy shares in the Corleone Holdings."

At the moment, Frank Giustra was eager to break into the Hollywood entertainment industry. Though he had some connections with Bill, the current White House tenant, entering a new industry wasn't easy.

Frank Giustra wasn't just a financial player; his family was in mining, so he knew that blindly investing in a new field was likely to fail. Plus, as a Canadian, to fully establish himself in Hollywood, he had to partner with local power players. The partner couldn't be too dominant, or Frank Giustra would just be a cash mascot. He wanted real influence and power within the company and industry.

Funding needed to take root to transform into authority, otherwise it was just being a high-end investor.

Many successful tycoons from other sectors entered entertainment not just for money but for social influence. Unfortunately, Charlie also wanted power. Otherwise, why not just latch onto Fox as a top employee? Instead of all the stress and backstabbing.

Of course, Charlie wasn't opposed to adding more shareholders to the company.

Just imagine, if Corleone Entertainment Group grew to the size of media giants like News Corporation, Viacom, or Time Warner, but Charlie still kept all shares and power. That would be ridiculous. Managing such a huge conglomerate's daily affairs alone would exhaust him and collapse operations instantly.

But right now, as brave as Charlie was to reject Miramax's acquisition and resist Fox's influence, his own experience and reputation weren't enough. Bringing in an overly strong partner would tip the balance.

And...

Charlie maintained his enthusiastic smile.

Here was a mining and finance guy wanting to buy into Corleone Entertainment. How much help could he really provide? But this old fellow was talking about Corleone Holdings, not the entertainment group itself. Seems like he was thinking ahead.

Knowing this, Charlie was confident Frank Giustra knew his own proposal was reckless and that Charlie would never agree.

So, obviously, Frank Giustra had his own agenda!

Charlie thought for a moment, then said with a smile, "That's fantastic. I've been stressing about how Corleone Entertainment is tied up in contracts with Disney over the Lord of the Rings rights and others. If you join, Frank, I could really breathe easier!"

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.