[Chapter 148: Grand Plans and Harvey's Showoff]
Both Gore and Spike were pleased to hear this.
Joining Corleone had obvious benefits, allowing for more effective development of directorial projects and significantly boosting their influence and status within the industry. However, it would also restrict their directorial careers.
Charlie promised to help them avoid these concerns as much as possible. After all, they were partners, not obedient servants.
In the future, once Lion Corleone was established, the company would only sign long-term contracts with other talented directors rather than bringing them in as executives.
Everyone had their own role. Initially, it was unavoidable for Charlie to bring these directors in as executives to manage things.
This was their opportunity, but it could also be a constraint if their ambitions lay elsewhere. Charlie left room for choice -- the future was theirs to decide.
The meeting wasn't over yet; there were other projects to discuss.
...
During a break, Pierza asked, "Charlie, the upcoming Sundance Film Festival is just around the corner. I plan to go with Harvey to learn and scout for good films to acquire. Want to join?"
"I probably don't have time, haha, and Harvey definitely hates seeing me," Charlie laughed, then thought for a moment. "By the way, I have a suggestion. You could try competing for some popular films, even if it means bidding a bit higher. Our distribution company needs to get moving. As long as it's not a million-dollar-plus film, buying it to train the team is worthwhile."
"Got it!" Pierza nodded thoughtfully and decided to accept the suggestion.
In fact, powerful studios, like the Big Six, wouldn't lose money even buying a pile of junk. Through various distribution channels, they'd recoup plenty.
But business competition wasn't just about breaking even. The timing of cash flow could make or break a company.
Lion Corleone had ample funds, so at least buying ultra-low-budget films to keep employees busy was a win.
...
A few minutes later, they started discussing other topics.
First was the American Pie project; the first draft of the script was already written.
Jon Favreau, the main writer, had specially come to personally introduce it and even brought a budget plan with a face full of eagerness.
After reviewing, Charlie and others decided to pass it through the first greenlight phase.
Jon was so happy, nearly jumping to celebrate, when Charlie gave him an even bigger surprise. "Jon, as the main writer, I want you to gather more data to help us further review. Any problem with that?"
"Of course not, boss!" Jon said happily, feeling if he did well, more surprises might come.
After Jon left, the real show began.
...
For the first time, Charlie officially proposed the Lord of the Rings project!
It was a hundred-million-plus-dollar super project; apart from the Big Six, only one or two studios dared to be this bold.
Frank was the first to raise concerns, furrowing his brow. "Isn't this too aggressive? We do have the film rights, and it involves Disney. Charlie, we need to be careful. If you're worried about Disney, that's unnecessary now. We could buy out the shares with cash to eliminate risk."
Gore was intrigued, as if lost in the world of Middle-earth. "I think Tolkien's epic work is amazing, though the adaptation is very challenging, and the market now doesn't seem to favor period fantasy films. But it's an opportunity; if we can develop it, Corleone will instantly become a mainstream studio."
Kevin, Pierza, and others nodded slightly and began to daydream.
They sensed this was more than just a project -- it involved a competition between two top executives. While supporting Charlie, they didn't intend to isolate Frank.
Actually, Frank was the kind to plan carefully and wouldn't clash strongly with Charlie early in his career, unless there were huge conflicts of interest.
Frank simply thought the project was risky.
"What do you all think? Any suggestions?" Charlie smiled and scanned the room. "Honestly, I value this project highly and will push it hard. I'll produce it myself, spending three to five years preparing and shooting. So, I need you all to provide positive advice. Frank, we need a long-term plan -- a major project to blow up this company."
"Alright, if you insist," Frank finally nodded after a pause.
Seeing this, everyone enthusiastically began sharing their ideas.
They were shocked when Charlie said he wanted to shoot the trilogy all at once.
Fortunately, the project wouldn't enter actual development immediately. After discussion, they all agreed Charlie should first prepare the script and foundational market research.
...
Then, something even more surprising happened.
Charlie suddenly presented a bizarre and unexpected project.
"Wow, is this really feasible? There's never been a movie like this," Frank stammered.
Spike Lee gave an awkward laugh, hesitant, "Boss, you always surprise -- and sometimes scare -- people."
"Very risky. Even riskier than Lord of the Rings. But I believe Charlie will prove himself right," Kevin said.
Among the group, only Patrick knew some details and smiled wryly at everyone.
Clearly, most did not support Charlie's project despite his detailed market analysis and data. They couldn't shake their doubts.
In the end, under Charlie's firm stance, the greenlight process passed.
"James Gunn will write the script. Pierza and Etto, assign people according to my plan to prepare the promotion strategy!" Charlie said with confidence. "I believe this project will earn us more weight with the theaters!"
Afterward, the company began operating efficiently.
The new year began with everyone eager and working hard in anticipation.
...
After a full day's work, Charlie rode home in the Chevy Suburban driven by Uncle Lamont.
Halfway home, Harvey called. "Hey Charlie, long time no see! I'm heading to Sundance in two days. You coming?"
"Hey Harvey, no thanks!"
In the Miramax office, Harvey pouted, "Damn, not even a fake courtesy from you. Well, my The English Patient will attend the Golden Globes on the 19th, then the Berlin Film Festival in early February, followed by Oscar nominations. It's very competitive at awards. Interested in witnessing my success?"
*****
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