Chapter 159: Complications

[Chapter 159: Complications]

Back when Locke had just started at the Intellectual Property Company last year, he followed his boss's orders and started using a special fund to search for the Harry Potter project. At that time, he had no idea what the young boss had in mind or why he was investing so much effort into chasing a project no one had heard of.

That was until Charlie had consecutive successes with movies like Fifty Shades of Gray and Wrong Turn. Especially the latter, with the Horror Theme Park and real-life escape room plans, which unleashed tremendous power for the film projects in other channels.

This made Locke realize the explosive energy a film could have when handled by Charlie. Finding content with broader audience appeal was naturally more beneficial for career development.

Based on these insights, Locke took the Harry Potter project very seriously, even though he couldn't really see the potential in the novel.

For months, Locke used his network and increased the special fund by $100,000, continuously making indirect contact with J.K. Rowling in London. After Iron Crown Company acquired the rights, Locke formally invited Rowling's literary agent Little to start negotiations.

To keep Rowling steady and prevent her from approaching British publishers first, yet without giving the impression that Iron Crown highly prioritized her, Locke, after consulting with professional lawyers and communicating with Charlie, signed a First-look deal contract with a four-month term and a $10,000 fee.

Such a contract was usually signed when the financier was somewhat optimistic about a project but had considerable concerns. It included first negotiation rights and priority review rights for immediate deal terms. Unlike a right of first refusal, if the financier decided not to pursue further cooperation, no additional breach of contract fees were paid.

"I have already met Rowling in person, and the editor-in-chief of Iron Crown worked perfectly with me. According to the contract, we reviewed Harry Potter and expressed interest in buying the North American publishing rights for $100,000 plus 7% royalties. We also secured priority purchase rights for subsequent works and a contract that gradually increases royalties according to sales over the years. Both Little and Rowling were very satisfied," Locke said, spreading the documents on the table and trying to appear hardworking.

"Originally, everything was going very smoothly. Our goodwill deeply moved Rowling. When I casually mentioned that my boss was a movie company owner and wanted to secure other priority rights for film and TV adaptations, Rowling didn't refuse."

It was unrealistic to acquire all the book and film rights outright in one go. Although Rowling lived modestly, she was well educated and had a professional literary agent. She was well versed in business thinking. Moreover, the copyright laws in the US and UK were very comprehensive. As long as Rowling wasn't foolish, even if Charlie forcibly took film rights, competitors could ruin him later.

Charlie couldn't organize Rowling to make massive money from the successful Harry Potter project, but he definitely couldn't let her have too much power or a stake exceeding nine figures. For that reason, Charlie proceeded cautiously, spending over $100,000 just on preliminary information gathering and influencing Rowling's agent.

Deploying a large company's manpower and resources and still not securing a newbie author?

Charlie frowned and asked, "Then what happened? What went wrong?"

"Yesterday, when we met again to discuss contract details, Little suddenly refused to grant film and TV priority rights," Locke replied.

Charlie's voice turned firm, "I asked, what went wrong?"

"I don't know?" Locke shrugged helplessly. Seeing his boss's face grow grimmer, he quickly added, "Everything changed suddenly after going very well. Their attitude shifted all of a sudden. I asked my friend in the book industry. He hadn't heard of Little contacting other publishers or any film companies involved."

"Someone must be interfering!"

"Yes, but we lack the means to gather that information," Locke said, rubbing his head. "I even shamelessly tried to reach out to Nobel laureate Toni Morrison. Her student Mackenzie Scott, who used to work at the hedge fund D. E. Shaw, is now involved in literary agenting and investments. From the emails she sent, Little's agency had no recent shareholder changes."

Charlie took the materials from Locke and glanced over them seriously. So, where was the problem?

The trick now was that Iron Crown couldn't be too forceful in directly questioning Rowling or Little, or they'd demand an exorbitant price or hold onto the film rights, hoping to cooperate with a stronger studio in the future.

After all, Lion Corleone was too small to allure even unknown literary works. Harry Potter was a fantasy series, and if developed seriously, it would require tens of millions of dollars in investment.

Charlie thought it unlikely anyone from the US was sabotaging him. His itinerary was confidential, and Harry Potter was unknown -- who would bother?

If it was someone in the UK, they'd have to find a way to learn Rowling's true intentions.

Locke stared expectantly at his boss, waiting for him to work his magic. He was at a loss.

After a few moments of thought, Charlie said seriously, "Listen, stabilize Rowling first. Tell her I came to the UK to discuss The Lord of the Rings film project with the Tolkien estate committee. By chance, I heard about this book called Harry Potter, saw the first draft, found it interesting, and wanted to meet her."

Locke nodded enthusiastically, clearly impressed.

This explanation gave Rowling the illusion of Lion Corleone's strength but also the feeling of being neither ignored nor overly pursued. If Rowling was ambitious, she and Little might seize this chance to persuade the big boss Charlie for better terms.

Most importantly, they could gauge from their response if there were other partners behind the scenes.

"Charlie, where do you get these brilliant ideas? Haha!" Locke gave a thumbs-up, almost flattering.

Charlie waved his hand, "I just want to buy some time. I'll find other ways. Passive waiting isn't my style!"

---

After returning to his room, Charlie immediately called Bobby Shriver in Los Angeles. Being unfamiliar in the UK, he relied on Bobby's family connections across Ireland and Great Britain.

Bobby borrowed some of Charlie's contacts and, with his own powerful family influence, was making great strides in California politics, even joining a bigwig's team.

They had a good cooperative relationship, and upon hearing this minor request, Bobby immediately pledged, "No problem, buddy. I'll introduce you to a top law firm's head. They can help you uncover everything in the UK."

---

While Charlie was busy, in the Burbank Disney Studios, Michael Eisner reclined in a chair, legs resting on the large desk. Holding some documents and a phone, he chuckled softly, "Weinstein..."

*****

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