[Chapter 38: Negotiating Overseas Distribution]
Charlie rushed downstairs with Gert, Melche, and Kevin. The Burbank Haas Building was mainly filled with people working in the entertainment industry, intertwined with major studios like Warner Bros. and others.
Many had heard of the Godfather's remarkable achievements and greeted him warmly on his way. Charlie responded politely. People only saw his glory but didn't know the troubles he faced.
Not to mention the Tupac's issue, there were a lot of things to do in the early stages of his career.
Unless Charlie chose to be a simple rich man, to become a mogul and hold power, he had to put in hard work. He knew that giving away control of projects would put Corleone Studios at a competitive disadvantage against Miramax, but internal competition often started from every small detail.
With shallow roots and limited resources and manpower, he had to act generously and show trust. This helped nurture collaborators quickly. More importantly, Charlie was well aware that he wasn't good at fully controlling projects like Good Will Hunting. Rather than showing weakness or making bad decisions, he preferred to step back and observe. His partners needed to grow, and he also needed time to learn, adapt, and get familiar with everything here.
Charlie planned to prepare more projects quickly to accelerate growth. Kevin and Gore were young but given opportunities, helping produce smaller projects under his guidance shouldn't be a big problem. Producers often had the advantage that as long as they had enough creative ideas and the courage to execute with help, they could launch multiple projects simultaneously, just not massive blockbuster films.
...
After going downstairs and getting into the car, Gert asked, "We have collected comprehensive information, boss, but Fifty Shades of Gray just premiered less than a week ago. If we approach Fox about overseas distribution now, their terms will be very harsh."
Charlie smiled, "I plan to sign several global distribution agency contracts. Considering Independence Day, they'll be generous."
Melche asked, "Are you asking them to help solve Tupac's trouble?"
"No! Unless we absolutely have to," Charlie shook his head. "That would mean losing a lot of autonomy. I'd have to pay more in the future to gain it back." Not everyone had the confidence to say they could get it back.
Seeing him like this, Gert and Melche no longer worried excessively. Everyone discussed document details, box office forecasts for Fifty Shades of Gray, theater attendance, occupancy rates, and international market revenue analysis. These had been conducted concurrently during production, and now they supplemented the data. Corleone Studios was small, but they had a serious work attitude, trying their best within their capability to research and collect data.
On the one hand, it was Charlie's requirement to inspire the team through his own work ethic, on the other hand, the salaries were sufficient. The thriving environment made everyone highly motivated. The final review of the documents didn't take long.
...
Charlie took time to call Ophir, asking if there was any other way to deal with Tupac. Ophir said there was no solution; there was no clear personal threat and the verbal provocations were vague. He suggested Charlie contact Colombo, who might find a way to provide close protection using pretexts.
Charlie asked, "What if I donated some money to your police department, like $500,000 or maybe a bit more?"
Ophir replied it would require someone's recommendation; otherwise, no one would accept it, and even if accepted, it wouldn't be much help. Charlie was helpless; his social influence was still too low. So, reluctantly, he contacted Colombo.
...
"Hehe, look who it is! Oh mighty Godfather, you finally have time to reach out to old friends?" Colombo greeted sarcastically.
'Crazy people always surrounded by crazy people.' Charlie complained in his heart.
After this guy finished his nonsense, he said, "You won, no need to fight anymore. Now can we talk business?"
"Ha, that's rare, you stubborn guy," Colombo laughed and cursed, "You should have called me long ago, damn it. I thought we were brothers! Ophir already told me. I can't believe you've become a Hollywood producer. I almost thought you weren't interested in knowing a small FBI agent anymore!"
"No way!" Charlie replied, and they chatted warmly. This guy was much easier to talk to than Ophir, who was sometimes too rigid.
Soon, Colombo proposed a scheme. Since his FBI agents were more flexible than local detectives, Charlie should donate $100,000 for handling document processes. Then Colombo would personally lead two brothers to shadow Charlie and find time to appear before Tupac to provoke him.
The plan was to get Tupac arrested for ten to fifteen days, letting the heat die down. If that failed, they'd wait for Charlie to be attacked. Tupac might not directly leave evidence but they would find a way to drag him through court to exhaust him.
Charlie liked the idea and they quickly reached an agreement. Colombo didn't hold back, "Agreed, buddy. I'll take $10,000 as business trip expense for me and my brothers."
Charlie teased, "It's a deal! Sounds like you're pretty broke, three guys sharing ten grand."
"Damn it! You think you're a Hollywood big shot and mock me? Wait till we meet, I'll punch you."
Feeling good, Charlie hung up and happily told everyone in the car the matter was settled. Though it sounded unreliable, considering Charlie's past achievements, everyone became happy too.
...
The car drove down the street, and in half an hour, they arrived at Fox Studios. Vice President of Production Management Tom Rothman personally greeted them at his office door. He sent away the reception staff, led Charlie and his team inside, and briefly introduced several assistants.
Charlie looked around and asked for a cup of coffee and sat down, "Where's Benjamin? Isn't he responsible for distribution? Tom, I didn't quite catch your meaning."
Tom answered, "I understand. That guy is busy dealing with Cameron's troubles."
"Titanic, right?" Charlie's eyes lit up. "Any problems? Whether it's funding or other matters, I can help!"
Tom looked troubled, "The crew got sick during filming in Dartmouth the other day; the problem isn't just money. Cameron is driving us crazy."
Then he smirked at Charlie, "Thinking of investing? Don't even think about it!"
"Alright!" Charlie shrugged. He knew Fox, backed by News Corporation, wasn't short on money, and even if they were, it wasn't something he could get involved in. "Let's talk about overseas distribution for Fifty Shades of Gray. Tom, honestly, I'm a grateful man. Everything I have today is because of Fox's help! So I brought an excellent film for you to distribute."
Rothman, used to the Godfather's shameless attitude, smiled teasingly, "To satisfy your gratitude, are you going to sell us the overseas distribution rights outright -- for free?"
Charlie got serious, "No, Tom, don't joke. We all know the overseas distribution rights for Fifty Shades of Gray will find buyers. The reason we give it to you is that you also invested in the film."
*****
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