[Chapter 7: Breaking into Hollywood]
Charlie didn't care about the other's attitude, "Mr. McCarny, forgive me for getting a bit excited. You have to understand, for someone like me who has an immense longing for Hollywood, how much respect I have for you.
Under your leadership, 20th Century Fox dominated the field. Last year, Die Hard pulled in $360 million worldwide, topping the box office. I'm sure Independence Day will do the same this year.
You are simply the greatest film studio president in history."
The atmosphere, once tense, suddenly vanished.
The Fox side, along with Alicia and Etto, all looked at Charlie with surprise.
Benjamin, from marketing, couldn't help but show a look of admiration.
It was as if saying, "Your shameless style puts me to shame."
Some covered their faces, uncertain whether to laugh or feel embarrassed for Charlie.
Charlie himself remained calm and composed.
His humility wasn't without reason; earlier plans were, strictly speaking, defamatory and infringed on privacy.
At least against Fox, if they wanted, they could sue him at any time, and he'd never recover.
A man willing to bend can stretch again. As an experienced veteran, Charlie had countless tricks up his sleeve and didn't feel any psychological burden.
McCarny sneered but spoke more calmly, "Glad to know you're not crazy. State your demands."
Charlie sat upright, "From what I understand, Mr. Smith, the lead actor, has encountered some troubles that would seriously impact the film's profits."
Will couldn't help but interject, "Isn't that because of you? And now you're playing innocent."
No one paid attention to him. They knew Charlie said this to avoid leaving any loose ends.
"I can solve this issue. I guarantee no concrete evidence of Will's 'discrimination' will surface during the film's release. Furthermore, I will provide a highly beneficial marketing strategy for the film."
Charlie signaled, and Etto stepped forward, pulling thick documents from a briefcase.
At this moment, McCarny and other Fox executives treated the negotiation on an equal footing.
From the start of the incident to Charlie's recent performance, they understood clearly.
The shameless and overly young guy before them was no ordinary street punk.
McCarny skimmed the documents while asking, "The key point is, what's your price?"
Charlie smiled, "As compensation, I want Fox to agree to invest in my film project Fifty Shades of Gray. This is also part of the marketing plan I just mentioned."
He handed over the project proposal.
Fox executives quickly read it, occasionally exchanging whispers.
...
At last, Alicia and the others relaxed, excited.
They had actually succeeded in sitting down and doing business with a Hollywood giant like 20th Century Fox!
But as time passed, Etto and the others became anxious and restless.
Charlie appeared calm, occasionally locking eyes intensely with McCarny, but his hands clenched tightly under the table.
About thirty minutes later, after a rough review of the documents, all wore serious expressions and no one voiced opinions yet, instinctively looking at their boss.
McCarny scrutinized Charlie carefully.
Before he spoke, Charlie stood politely, smiling, "I imagine you need time to discuss. I'll wait in the lobby, call me whenever."
...
Etto and Lamont slouched nervously on the lobby couch.
Alicia gripped Charlie's arm tightly, "Honey, will this be okay? Will it succeed?"
Lamont scratched his head and asked, "Boss, why don't we use the recordings and go directly to Spike Lee to promote the project? I know Fox; taking them down requires guts."
On a separate sofa, a young man in a suit who didn't quite fit with the rest smiled, "I guess that's because Mr. Corleone knows that approach could yield tens of thousands at most, not worth offending Spike Lee. The business impact would be negligible."
This man was Gert Byrne, a lawyer Charlie had engaged using some connections and Judy's money.
Charlie didn't answer but nudged Lamont playfully, "That's not like you. Don't worry, Fox won't eat us alive."
Gert nodded in agreement, "That plan shocked me. Fox has no reason to refuse it. Mr. Corleone, if I may be so bold, it would be my honor to become your long-term collaborator."
...
In the conference room, McCarny scanned the group, "Your thoughts?"
"An amazing marketing plan. Themes of family, love, and more perfectly suit Independence Day. Each phase has detailed hype strategies, escalating step by step, ensuring the entire country's attention during release."
"Unbelievable how that shameless bastard's entire behavior at the premiere was just laying groundwork for marketing."
Everyone spoke openly.
Benjamin said eagerly, "Genius plan. Downplay, then spike controversy with 'discrimination.' The involved party appears to apologize, swearing emotional distress.
Then reveal relationship troubles, kids, family factors, unfolding a romantic drama.
Follow up with Fifty Shades of Gray to introduce issues of women's rights, views on love, and family.
The planner has a deep understanding of rising social issues like race and gender rights.
If smoothly executed, it could spark widespread social discussion, boosting box office accordingly."
Will's agent sighed, "A perfect crisis management. Even if recordings leak, it might save the situation or turn bad into huge good. Can we sign a confidentiality agreement and have CAA get a copy for internal study?"
What the hell, were these people crazy?
Will's face turned dark as ink.
That damn bastard nearly ruined me and all of you.
And now, they were praising him.
Jada was about to lose it.
A marketing exec laughed, "He marketed two film projects with one plan, a book, and promoted two stars. Everyone benefited, and his own career took off overnight."
McCarny shook his head chuckling, "Yeah, I almost thought these plans came from a top industry pro."
Someone joked, "Only sad thing is, we gotta feel sorry for Jada."
Everyone laughed except Will who looked conflicted. It was hilarious to everyone else.
"Looks like this emergency executive meeting has a consensus," McCarny tossed the files on the table, grinning, "Getting money under the guise of investing in a film project -- cautious fellow. Theoretically, we haven't lost anything?"
"Probably... yeah," Benjamin answered reluctantly.
The smiles faded; the group felt an indescribable sensation -- like eating a bite of shit only to learn it was chocolate.
The production manager changed the subject, "His film project proposal is rough. Lacks market forecasts, comparable films, locations, production schedules. But legally solid enough to guarantee ownership.
Based on my judgment, the project will have some market thanks to Independence Day's marketing. So, do we really want to invest in production and distribution?"
Benjamin shook his head seriously, "Don't forget, he created the trouble."
"Exactly," others nodded.
Investing in Fifty Shades of Gray might yield some profit for Fox, but Charlie would gain more intangible benefits career-wise.
The person with one million assets' power exceeds someone who just won the lottery.
They weren't particularly hostile to Charlie now, though some resentment lingered.
No way would they deepen cooperation just for small gain.
McCarny nodded, "That's decided -- all equipment and locations requested in the proposal will rent at market rates, plus one million dollars strictly as investment. This guy doesn't care about immediate profit."
Benjamin: "He doesn't seem like a starving young man, he is ambitious!"
McCarny laughed, "I'm beginning to like him, interesting young man."
His tone then shifted, "Call him in to sign the contract. I don't want any more surprises. Oh, Mr. Smith, the agreement also involves you. Do you have any objections?"
Will forced a bitter smile, Jada's face flashing in his mind.
He thought about having to get engaged to a call girl in the coming months and felt like he'd eaten shit.
But seeing the Fox president's blank expression, he understood the consequences of refusal.
He tried for a comedic grin, "Oh, of course."
At least this marketing would fast track his rise as a top Hollywood star.
Will reassured himself.
...
Charlie and the others returned to the conference room. He wore an honest smile.
Etto, Lamont, and Mord followed, witnessing the godfather's turnaround.
They truly made it. They hugged each other and punched fists with joy, "Yes!"
Alicia jumped and screamed.
For street-smart, down-and-out folks like them, this was a meteoric rise.
Charlie shrugged, "Sorry, gentlemen, we're just too happy. It wasn't easy. We had nothing and no skills, only street smarts. All we dreamed of was a decent job. Life was hell for people like us, and you guys showed us a glimpse of heaven!"
Most smiled kindly; a few were a bit sarcastic.
McCarny smirked, squinting, "You're good at talking, and you've got vision and luck. If not for the timing or Independence Day, hmph."
Charlie knew this was the last wave.
After playing the humble underdog for a while, he had basically eased their doubts.
Unless new fierce competition emerged, Fox wouldn't watch him too closely.
He smiled modestly, "Also, lucky to meet such broad-minded folks. Thinking about it now gives me chills."
McCarny patted Charlie's shoulder with a smile, "Interesting guy, I gotta say I like you. You've got all the qualities for success. Young guys from ordinary families like you are rare.
You know, I've seen countless people try to make it in Hollywood.
Most live mediocre lives, some build slowly with age, becoming part of the Hollywood machine.
A few lucky ones grab a chance at great cost and win in the end.
More rely on education, family background, and personal ability to reach the top.
But you? You're the only one I've seen who punched, kicked, and knocked on the door -- and amazingly, you opened it.
The real American dream playing out. I almost thought I was watching a Hollywood inspirational film, ha ha ha."
Charlie rubbed his nose, feeling a bit weird inside.
Did the old guy really admire him?
Damn, if I hadn't been beaten up by society, who'd chat with you for so long.
"You brought a lawyer; if no issues, we'll sign now?"
"Of course!" Charlie put on a warm smile and nodded repeatedly.
Everything was set.
...
As they walked out of Century City Hotel, Charlie couldn't help but let out a loud "Ha!" to vent his emotions.
The others nearly tore their shirts celebrating.
That day, Fox worked overtime, rolling out the plan.
Early next morning, countless messages bombarded Charlie's pager.
The momentum shifted rapidly; everyone celebrated and chased him, amazed by the success of this miracle-maker!
*****
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