Chapter 101: Small Company, Big Power, and the Eccentric Boss

[Chapter 101: Small Company, Big Power, and the Eccentric Boss]

Kevin escorted Charlie down to the office area below.

While introducin, looking a bit stressed, he said, "The location scouting, filming equipment, crew, special effects props, even the post-production editing team are all assembled. The script has been finalized and even reviewed by script doctors. We've also prepared budget and market analysis plans. The entire project has basically been approved by our newly-formed greenlight committee. The only step left is waiting for the boss's final decision and to sign the checks."

Kevin shrugged, "But the situation has changed now. The script needs to be revised based on the case, and Lions Gate has been added last minute. We also have to rework communication with the distribution department."

Charlie took a deep breath and smiled, "Sounds like you're doing well? Sorry, Kevin, I promised only to be the executive producer, but suddenly there are many changes to the project's direction after it was set. I understand this must be causing you a lot of trouble. Sorry about that. You know me -- I just promise to try my best to avoid such incidents!"

Kevin waved his hands quickly, "Don't say that, boss, I'm not complaining at all. We're growing fast, and your adjustments are actually beneficial for the project. It's just that I've been working through the plan step by step, and now with so many changes, I'm a bit overwhelmed."

"So I'm stepping into the project directly now. Don't worry, I'm volunteering -- won't take an extra producer's salary!" Charlie said with a smile.

Exiting the elevator, Charlie opened the door and thought for a moment. "Episodes like this won't become a norm. The company's greenlight committee and others will still function normally."

Kevin sincerely said, "Don't worry, boss, I understand. I'll explain this to everyone. Honestly, you already have veto power at the highest level."

He understood Charlie's concerns.

As a startup company with a loose team, if the company wanted to grow steadily, there couldn't be last-minute changes overturning established rules just because the boss said so casually.

Charlie was still young; he especially needed to be careful with these details.

Being the big boss didn't mean he could act recklessly unless he wanted to ruin the business himself.

...

In the meeting room, Gore, James Gunn, and some producers Charlie didn't know stood up to greet him.

After introductions, Charlie apologized and repeated what he just said, then quickly got to the point.

"Now, you all have the case files of the Park City murder. Let's adjust the script based on that. Remember, we're just leveraging the buzz; the main story stays the same, adapted from my book. After reading, share your thoughts!"

Led by Charlie, the production team quickly got to work.

...

The entire team was very young, many working on a theatrical film for the first time.

This made everyone motivated to prove themselves with a hit.

Gore, James, Jon, and others detailed many creature designs.

Not just the murder methods, but their appearance, background stories, and reasons for their existence -- they even consulted biology experts for professional input.

Gore showed dozens of sketches he drew himself.

There were creatures covered in boils, others with two skeletal arms hanging down, and more.

Charlie shared his thoughts.

The main selling point of Wrong Turn was the mysterious cruelty of an unknown demon, the violent, bloody hunts that evoked terror and curiosity.

Everyone agreed on this.

"The script is already excellent, but there's one thing -- the demons are too many. For the first film, we should focus on just one demon to deepen the audience's impression. Horror is still popcorn entertainment, too many elements risk overwhelming viewers.

Also, since we need to tie it closer to the real murder case, Park City is near the mountains with lakes, and the local cowboys are a known element.

What if the demon is a cowboy with a barbed whip, covered in boils, with two horn-like boils protruding from his head?"

Jon Favreau gestured excitedly: "Interesting, boss! Imagine a boil-covered cowboy with two oozing horn-like boils -- that's a visual punch! The whip's crack would send chills every time. One swing of the iron whip tearing through..."

The group's odd looks cut off Jon's excitement. He swallowed nervously, "Why's everyone looking at me like that?"

Charlie cleared his throat, "Let's continue. The main plot remains unchanged, but for the new demon's hunting, let's use local settings, like a small cabin on a lake in the middle of water where the demon can breathe and act underwater.

Besides the main demon, it should have one or two unimpressive family members as helpers."

The group then broke into enthusiastic discussion on the hunting scenes.

Jon looked puzzled until James whispered, "Dude, when you said the whip creating wounds, you looked pretty eager."

'So they think I'm some kind of perverted killer? Oh man, that's so unfair. Those were all the boss's ideas.'

Jon felt wronged but soon joined in eagerly after hearing the ongoing discussion.

...

After half a day, Charlie and the team finalized the new script direction.

Then they immediately called Pierza, Etto, and Kevin to discuss new marketing plans and the release date.

...

A day later, Charlie personally welcomed a group from Lions Gate.

In just three days, everyone worked intensively, sometimes overtime, completing all pre-production for Wrong Turn part one.

They even did detailed script breakdowns.

Others in the company also worked overtime, reprinting posters, preparing new financial spreadsheets, and detailed budgets.

The swift progress was due to early groundwork led by Kevin and the furious energy sparked by all the positive news at the small Corleone Studios.

Of course, some bonus incentives helped.

...

October 15, just after Columbus Day.

Gore led the main cast and crew to Canada's Calgary area for filming.

Kevin stayed back to handle minor details and audition supporting actors.

Charlie held Evelyn, hiding in his office, dealing with piles of finances and company documents.

Rubbing his forehead, he put down the thick Lord of the Rings book and picked up the phone to talk with Locke about recent book publishing progress.

Then he got up, carried Evelyn around the company to unwind and shift his mind.

...

Mord appeared from nowhere, showing a big grin, and said fiercely, "Boss, Alicia showed up at the downstairs cafe again today. That bitch, I think she's going to cause you trouble sooner or later. Should I take her out?"

Charlie punched him lightly, "Don't cause trouble. Keep her around. I had an interesting idea chatting with Jason at the last fundraiser. Maybe I can get her to help. Let her be for now. Vernon said she used medicine and her mood is stable."

"Oh, okay, boss, I was just joking!" Mord smiled sheepishly and didn't probe the interesting idea.

Then he whispered, "Boss, someone else came. Before she arrived, she spoke briefly with Alicia downstairs."

"Who? Don't make me guess riddles," Charlie was speechless.

"Miss Weisz."

"Oh, her. So what?" Charlie snorted, "Go on with your work. I'm taking a walk. Might have to set up a gym in the office soon. No place to hang out after work is boring."

Mord scratched his head and disappeared.

...

Charlie walked casually and found himself outside the producer department's office downstairs.

He knew Kevin was inside working.

Pausing in thought, Charlie looked around cautiously and tiptoed to the door, pressing his ear to listen for noises inside.

*****

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