Chapter 122: Gotta Seize This Opportunity

[Chapter 122: Gotta Seize This Opportunity]

The streets of Park City were dimly lit. Low buildings, sparse streetlights, and the biting cold wind carrying scattered snowflakes made this small town look unusually rundown.

Charlie half-reclined on the leather seat of his Ford, his right arm wrapped around Rachel's warm waist. He wore a calm expression, staring ahead at the endless road. His hand slowly moved down, tracing the curves beneath.

He said with a faint smile, "It's just normal business competition. Why should I get upset? With Roy joining in, the chances of Wrong Turn becoming a hit are greater. This will help Corleone Entertainment Group quickly boost its standing in the industry."

"I don't buy it!" Rachel twisted away, brushing off Charlie's mischievous hand. "You deliberately guided Bob to buy the rights under the name of Dimension Pictures. You're trying to split Harvey and Roy's relationship."

Charlie said, "Why not strengthen their relationship? Harvey and Eisner are completely at odds now. Instead of making Roy beg Harvey to be friends, I'd rather sweeten the deal. After all, whether it's Dimension or Miramax, their shares are all held by Disney. Roy will fight harder to win support from subsidiary members. Power truly comes from the people beneath you."

Rachel frowned, trying to understand for a long moment. "I don't know all your plans, but you always manage to win against competition, right? Am I right, my man?"

This somewhat sentimental praise pleased Charlie.

He laughed heartily and gave Rachel a playful slap, "Exactly, kitty. I'm liking how you keep forcing yourself to flatter me!"

Rachel inwardly snorted. She really wanted to knock this guy's head off; his laugh was sleazy and disgusting.

"I hate it. I really do love you," Rachel bit Charlie playfully, then asked curiously, "So, what are your exact plans?"

"Originally, Jason and I weren't sure if we could really get the Park City Horror Theme Park up and running, but with Roy involved, it might work. If this plan, which sounds a little far-fetched, succeeds, as the creative lead, wouldn't Corleone Entertainment Group get more recognition?

Oh, I hope Eisner then sees me as a bigger player -- like a bigger ant. Then I can do a lot of things, like getting Corleone an independent trademark like Dimension dedicated to producing thriller films!"

Charlie spoke casually, a grin teasing whether he was serious.

Rachel was about to ask more but was brushed off by Charlie's nonsense.

Such business secrets, unless he was stupid, he would never tell this scheming girl.

Besides, he was still refining his ideas.

Regardless, Charlie sensed this was a rare opportunity.

Using Disney's internal power struggles to fully redeem his shares in Corleone Entertainment Group!

Even though the company's equity and key assets were split, the shares held by Miramax posed a potential risk.

Especially if Lord of the Rings became a huge success, Disney, with its massive power, had countless ways to leverage their shares.

Charlie kept his word and that night at the hotel, he really gave Rachel a lesson. Watching this woman who wanted to take him down but couldn't gave Charlie immense satisfaction.

...

However, at 8 a.m. the next morning, after freshening up, Charlie rushed to the suburban studio set.

The most important thing now was to get Wrong Turn released quickly.

This would rapidly open a new chapter for Corleone Entertainment Group!

The earlier phases of various distribution and promotional planning, acquiring Death Row Records, and contacting Jason Trumm and Frank Giustra, were all preparation work.

If Wrong Turn failed, Corleone Entertainment Group's debut would be a public flop.

Then, all prior efforts would be for nothing and become a joke!

Upon arriving at the set, Charlie saw Gore and others busy arranging the props, lighting, and sets.

Halle Berry and the other actors were diligently rehearsing under the assistant director's guidance.

...

"Kevin, you guys did an amazing job managing this team efficiently. That's no easy task," Charlie said, surprised looking at the lively set.

Kevin, the producer's assistant, and finance staff accompanied Charlie toward the abandoned factory, saying, "Thanks, boss. I'm proud of the team's hard work, including myself. But honestly, boss, you gave this project life and hope for Corleone Entertainment Group."

Charlie smiled, "Yes, we should all be proud and applause ourselves. I'm optimistic everything will go smoothly. Let's get down to details -- I want to review your shooting schedule and financial reports. With new positive developments, I may make some adjustments."

"Sure!" Kevin nodded and told the assistant to follow them to the office, a bit worried. "Positive developments?"

"Exactly," Charlie chuckled lightly. "Don't worry. It's deeper cooperation with Disney. They'll help us with promotion and distribution."

"Oh, that's great."

Opening the computer, Charlie quickly reviewed the data.

When the budget was first made, Kevin's team had enough time and made the 'kitchen sink' version of it, utilizing professional software like Movie Magic Budgeting and Final Draft.

[T/N: 'Kitchen sink' version is based on the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink," meaning almost everything imaginable has been included.]

Charlie didn't skimp on software when building company structure or purchasing production props.

Their was one of the few film companies to use computerized workflows right from the start, quite advanced for the time.

Luckily, most team members were young and adapted quickly.

The data covered everything from set rental and actor salaries to insurance, meals, beverages, and vehicle costs.

Charlie wasn't there to audit; Melche's financial team tracked expenses professionally throughout.

He just wanted to feel the crew's true situation.

Unlike Fifty Shades of Gray, this project's daily settlements were entirely real. Except for some promotional expenses booked as cost, there were no other tricks.

"Well done, very detailed," Charlie said, putting down the mouse and rubbing his eyes.

"Preserve all office items -- computers, desks, props, costumes -- take good care of everything.

I want the shooting venue recorded fully on camera. The footage will be in the film's credits or the video version. I'll talk to Disney about buying the items and footage to better develop the park."

*****

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