Chapter 118: Outstanding Team Achievements

[Chapter 118: Outstanding Team Achievements]

It was November in Calgary, with an average high temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius), but the actual outdoor feels-like temperature was below freezing, even at noon.

At this moment, during the dim evening, a biting cold wind pierced through, making Charlie's thick face turn red and icy cold.

The film set was a grassy area near a lake, with a faint view of the rolling hills on the opposite shore.

Ahead along the grass was a narrow two-lane road, surrounded by colorful fallen leaves. Sparse houses were scattered along the road.

This location was more than ten miles from the small town of Park City, with mostly lumber mills, gas stations, and the only three-story supermarket and diner nearby. There was no real residential community.

Houses that looked residential were few, with only one or two lights on, clearly not places for year-round living.

The whole set was rented on a vacant abandoned mining or lumber storage site. Some temporary gray sheds were set up on the lawn.

Various trucks and vans were scattered around with spotlights shining, resembling an emergency rescue evacuation area at first glance.

The crew was shooting a scene. Gore sat under the shed, with prop lighting illuminating a small bridge over the lake. The cameraman sat on a large crane, operating the camera.

On the bridge, Halle Berry and a few actors were running wildly.

...

Kevin briefly introduced the current shooting plan, and Charlie nodded slightly.

Jason, dressed warmly in a leather coat, stood beside Charlie, exhaling warmly and happily said, "Charlie, you're doing great. Not only has your publicity plan step-by-step built up huge attention for the movie, but your team at the company -- Kevin, Gore, and the others -- have made the filming go very smoothly these last few days. Although I don't fully understand it, I heard from the insurance company that this is an excellent production team. They don't seem like a new company or newcomers to directing at all."

"Ha ha ha, thanks for the compliment," Charlie smiled happily and glanced at Kevin. "I can proudly say it's because I'm an excellent teacher. After they worked with me on Fifty Shades of Gray, they immediately became professionals, didn't they?"

Kevin laughed heartily, "Of course, boss. At the same time, I'm a good student."

Everyone chuckled in agreement.

Bob nodded seriously. "I must say, Charlie, you are a bold boss, and your team is very outstanding."

Led by Kevin, the group went into the abandoned factory, which had been partitioned into several temporary office cubicles and even dormitories.

"Except for Halle Berry, George Clooney coming for a special cameo, and a few others, everyone else has been living here. We have to thank Jason, Gary, and others for helping to coordinate the wiring and communication facilities, which saved a lot of time and costs," Kevin introduced as they walked.

Charlie casually flipped through the financial and inventory statements.

Then Kevin took them to the prop storage area. He pulled out an unusual machete from a box. "This is a prop made in Wales. They usually make small wooden furniture. Besides using it for filming, it will also be a merchandise product. Its material is beech wood, passing various quality and environmental tests. All provided free of charge!"

Kevin then went on to introduce several special effects makeup partner companies, product types, focusing on local companies providing food, beverages, sanitation services, local employment agencies, security, fire departments, and various contract arrangements.

Charlie had previously been involved in handling specific filming schedules, camera cranes, dollies, and equipment rentals, so Kevin didn't delve into those detailed matters.

"Currently, filming is going smoothly, except for a minor car accident; there have been no unusual incidents. The actors, director, camera crew, and producers have all been very dedicated and cooperative. Only a few scenes remain, about five days to finish.

Meanwhile, post-production is going on simultaneously. Post-production producer Sam is excellent, and editor Bergman works with Gore late into the night. After the film reels complete magnetic transfer at the factory, they start synchronizing audio tracks, color grading, marking and editing the script by the next day at the latest."

Charlie nodded continuously, holding a bottle of water with a serious expression.

Beside him, Bob couldn't tell if he was mocking or praising. "Charlie, you really are a ruthless capitalist, oppressing your employees like that. Such an excellent team, how can they be content working for you? They deserve to be hired by the Big Six studios, working on multi-million-dollar projects."

Charlie laughed. "Maybe it's because they had previously witnessed the Godfather's ruthlessness and feared for their personal safety."

Seeing his humor fall flat, Jon Favreau and James Gunn hiding in the crowd deliberately shivered to play along.

Charlie slightly frowned and patted Kevin's shoulder. "Kevin, thank you for your hard work. You have to negotiate cooperation with dozens of companies and handle the crew, which is extremely complicated. Gore and the others have worked very hard too. I know post-editing is tough for a mid-sized project like this. Gore must keep the entire movie's visuals in his mind.

I can only imagine how much sweat you all have shed for this. You have exceeded my expectations. I dare say that after this project, you will be ready to take on a $100 million project!

I don't need to say more. I guarantee your efforts will be richly rewarded! Even future revenue sharing from merchandise and sales channels for the whole team!"

Cheers erupted on the spot.

Kevin happily said, "That's wonderful." He was touched, "Boss, honestly, the pressure these days has been huge. But to be the producer of a project like Wrong Turn at my age, I truly don't know what else to say but sincere thanks. I must thank Jason, Patrick, and Pierza for their help and advice."

Charlie laughed, shrugging, "Wow, our future Corleone Studios CEO. Your ability and humility make you increasingly like a real president. It sounds like you're giving your acceptance speech."

Kevin's heart raced a bit. He grinned broadly, somewhat silly.

The boss had hinted many times, but this time he directly named him and spoke very plainly, in front of others!

He felt extremely touched and excited inside.

He was very grateful to have chosen to work at Corleone Studios. He initially just wanted a resume builder and to learn and grow.

Who would have thought he would be so highly valued by the legendary boss?

Kevin increasingly felt that Corleone Studios' future was no worse than Miramax's development.

At his age, holding an executive or even president position at this company meant a bright future was ahead.

Everyone present -- Jon Favreau and the others -- showed envy and longing in their eyes. The Corleone Studios members were filled with hope for the future.

If Kevin can do it, why can't we?

Even Bob felt a pang of envy in his heart. Who could understand the feeling of being constantly overshadowed by an older brother?

*****

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