Chapter 90: Pleasant Cooperation

[Chapter 90: Pleasant Cooperation]

Everyone present -- George Clooney, Vera Farmiga -- looked utterly baffled and lost in thought.

They had no clue what was going on.

Jason Trumm was somewhat thoughtful and seemed to understand a bit; he looked at Charlie with undisguised surprise.

Noticing their expressions, Charlie smiled and shrugged at Frank Giustra.

Frank pondered for a moment and then uncertainly said, "So this Pillow Health Partners is a partnership enterprise? Like Disney's Touchwood Pacific?"

Charlie said, "The structure is the same. The difference is, based on different contracts, different partners enjoy different minimum guaranteed earnings."

Hollywood studios often use multiple methods to finance their movie projects.

One well-known example was Disney's financing collaborations with Japan's Yamaichi Securities, Future DreamWorks, and India's Reliance Group.

Complex financing methods helped ease cash flow pressures and weave a web of interests.

Put simply, you either use Hollywood movie names to raise money or lend those names to others to raise money.

The financing entities rarely make huge profits directly from movie revenues; most are just glad not to lose money.

For instance, Disney and Yamaichi's Touchwood Pacific partner group sold partner equity in slices to over 50 Japanese financial institutions and private investors.

Partners generally made some money.

Disney often did this with little initial investment but could still produce movies at almost zero cost, depending on cooperation terms.

True financiers and private investors often ended up just receiving loss reports.

Being in the industry, Charlie could immediately see Disney's absolute limit.

As for Corleone Studios, Pillow Health Partnership Group wouldn't do the same.

Even if they tried, Frank Giustra wouldn't be their target.

Frank Giustra's actions showed he understood the film industry.

After thinking for a few seconds, he said: "Yorkton Securities can establish a film fund and join Pillow Health Partners.

But right now, I only want to take on the Wrong Turn film series. Lions Gate will collaborate with this film fund and sign a financing agreement with Pillow Health Partners. I want the fund to invest only in the first Wrong Turn film, with a clear profit plan, ensuring at least the entire investment is recovered.

Yorkton's fund will sell partner equity to other investment institutions or individuals."

Sounds complicated.

Actually, it means Frank Giustra agreed to lend Charlie money interest-free to make the film.

The first Wrong Turn movie had a high chance to succeed, even Frank Giustra -- with no production experience -- understood that.

With Jason's help linking the publicity of the Park City murder case, the sequel's partner equity might be sellable depending on Frank Giustra's support and the first film's performance.

Frank Giustra secured his interests while dangling promises to attract Charlie to share profits and work hard.

In mere seconds, this Canadian finance mogul offered a friendship plan that cost him nothing.

Another man who knew how to play his cards and reputation.

Charlie smiled approvingly, extending his hand. "Happy to cooperate, Frank! I guarantee you'll get returns. I look forward to more collaboration at Pillow Health Partners."

Frank Giustra smiled warmly, shaking Charlie's hand tightly, and gave him a friendly hug.

They looked oddly mismatched; Frank Giustra was short and older, hugging tall and younger Charlie, but no one found it funny.

George was amazed and envious -- a 19-year-old film businessman forging so many deals in minutes!

Jason was equally impressed; as a Canadian native, he knew Frank Giustra's business power.

A little-known Hollywood producer convincing Frank Giustra to cooperate was unbelievable unless seen in person.

However...

Jason shook his head, smiling.

That tall, strong young man had convinced him to use his connections to help make Wrong Turn.

All this just because Jason casually mentioned the Park City serial killings!

That young film producer was truly incredible.

As for Vera, her sparkling blue eyes were full of affection, almost wanting to devour Charlie.

Oh, my god!

That's my boyfriend -- so young, so powerful -- confidently securing huge business deals with laughter.

Vera's cheeks, slightly round with baby fat, were glowing red as she softly leaned on Charlie, almost as if she wanted to blend into him.

Unfortunately, Charlie was too busy to indulge her mood, merely offering a gentle smile and steadying her.

Then he quickly discussed cooperation details with Frank and Jason.

The ultimate goal was definitely the Horror Theme Park project.

Currently, they mainly talked about using the murder case for movie publicity.

Under the Horror Theme Park name, they aimed to attract local companies in Park City to provide advertising funds for the movie.

If the movie succeeded, they'd build the first small standalone park -- Jason and Frank would handle that.

Corleone Studios might only hold a minor stake via copyright licensing.

Maybe Charlie convincing Frank Giustra gave Jason more confidence.

He promised Charlie plainly to bring in at least 3 million dollars in ad investments!

This meant Corleone Studios' Wrong Turn project had huge revenue before even finishing the screenplay!

For any studio, that was the best cash flow.

Charlie happily thanked them but also lamented.

If this fundraising had started earlier, he could've used it as leverage to secure better distribution deals with theaters and the Mafia days ago!

Half an hour later, the fundraiser was wrapping up.

Charlie, Jason, and Frank Giustra agreed to form a team next week to work on contract details.

In great spirits, Charlie said goodbye and sent away the scruffy George, then took Vera's waist and left.

...

Perhaps her excitement had cooled a bit because Vera started playing with Charlie's fingers, pouting quietly, "Earlier, a woman named Rachel said something haughty to me."

"Oh, really?" Charlie pretended surprise, kissed Vera's forehead gently, glanced into the distance, rolling his eyes, and said seriously, "That's awful. Come on, I'll help you get back at her!"

*****

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