[Chapter 26: The Tangled Harvey]
Independence Day hit theaters with a bang, sparking a nationwide movie craze. Americans loved a good patriotic theme. After the fall of the Red Giant a few years back, the stars and stripes shone brightly in every American's heart.
20th Century Fox didn't miss the chance to cash in. They ramped up their marketing efforts nonstop. The critics slammed the movie, while experts and scholars appeared on TV shows and in print media, delivering professional commentaries.
Some accused Alicia of having Stockholm syndrome, saying she and Will just had an old-fashioned family mindset.
Then the opposition shot back, "Have you even read that book?"
Several feminists jumped into the fray too. Some denounced Alicia as worthless, while others hailed her as the new standard bearer.
Many Hollywood stars spoke about the film, whether to ride the wave or show friendly support for 20th Century Fox.
In short, Independence Day garnered endless buzz, and the box office soared.
When the opening weekend gross hit $60.19 million -- a groundbreaking figure -- 20th Century Fox executives went wild with excitement.
Meanwhile, the Fifty Shades of Gray film project drew even more attention, with book sales climbing steadily.
Gert and Melche connected with a small bank in Los Angeles and signed a $1 million investment and advertising contract.
...
Early in the morning, Charlie quickly ate breakfast while calling Mord to pick him up.
Judy looked at her son happily, growing more delighted by the minute. She almost thought it was all a dream.
Six months ago, he was just wandering the streets, but now he'd suddenly become a successful Hollywood producer, even though his movie had just started filming.
Suddenly, Judy said, "By the way, Charlie, you haven't taken care of the lawn yet. I've already gotten complaints!"
"Annoying neighbors, always meddling," Charlie said, smirking.
In slightly better suburbs, you had to keep your lawn tidy, otherwise residents will worry about a series of consequences, leading to a decline in the overall management of the neighborhood and lower housing prices.
In poorer areas, the opposite could happen. People worried about safety and environmental upgrades that would hike property taxes beyond their means, forcing them to move for work.
"I've been busy lately, Mom. I remember writing you a check."
Judy sighed, "I'm busy too. My boss is insanely jealous of the changes at Chris Book House. He wishes there was an amazing new book ready right now."
"Ha, I approached him first," Charlie chuckled and shrugged. "Don't worry; I'll have Mord help with the house stuff. As for you, Mom, if you want, you can quit anytime -- I can support you. Or soon I'll have a children's book you can show your boss."
"Do you think I can't support myself? I don't want your money. Are you switching careers to writing children's books?"
"No!" Charlie shook his head. "Just testing the market early for a film project."
He'd just signed two new book publication contracts with Chris.
But Chris Book House mainly dealt in adult thriller novels. Publishing children's books under their brand didn't fit.
Judy didn't ask further; she just wanted her son to succeed in his career.
...
After breakfast, Charlie got into a Mercedes and waved Mord to start driving.
"Boss, look! You were number two on the New York Times Bestseller list last week. Now you're a famous author. I admire you!" Mord danced excitedly while stepping on the gas and handing Charlie a Time magazine.
Charlie accepted it, sipping coffee and casually flipping through.
He'd heard a few days ago that Simon & Schuster had given his book a little push.
"Some of authors like Raymond fiercely cursed your book. Those damn guys are just jealous," Mord said, furious. "Boss, Etto says many reporters want to interview you; you should respond and fight back."
Charlie replied, "After filming wraps and we release the movie."
He was more focused on film production. Everything he did was to strengthen the movie's promotion.
Mord was quite good at flattering, talking nonstop en route.
...
At the Beverly shooting location, the lighting and sets were already arranged. Director Spike and assistant director Gore were coaching the actors through rehearsals.
Charlie entered, greeted everyone, but didn't interrupt.
He went to the office and reviewed the day's filming schedule.
Kevin approached, "Godfather, Miramax's Harvey called again, wanting a personal meeting with you."
Charlie put down his schedule, "He immediately demands all the rights and even projects I haven't started. I'm not interested until he changes his tune."
"But he said if he doesn't see you this morning, he'll come to the set himself."
"Let him come," Charlie shrugged, unconcerned.
...
After sorting out a few things, Melche appeared, and Charlie discussed the financial reports with her.
They confirmed how to better allocate funds within the projects.
Corleone Studios' utilities, rent, salaries, even the lawn care costs -- all were accounted for in the film budgets.
Charlie had no scruples using the project budget to expand his studio.
He had no choice; he was strapped for cash.
...
Inside the mansion, the party scene was starting filming after rehearsal.
Charlie and Kevin watched from a distance, frowning.
Lead actor Ben Affleck's performance was a bit off.
The guy was too young, lacking the commanding presence of a successful CEO.
Alicia and Halle Berry's agent Vernon came over, "Godfather, thanks for giving my two clients a chance."
"They earned it themselves," Charlie smiled. "Alicia didn't greedily demand a high fee, which is good."
"Of course," Vernon said proudly, "We're professional agents planning our clients' long-term careers. We wouldn't exploit them for a quick cut."
"Sounds professional," Charlie said with a faint smile. "As a producer, I like working with agencies like that."
Vernon hesitated, swallowing the words about CAA's interest in Charlie.
But soon he boldly brought it up, no longer beating around the bush.
Charlie's expression was calm, hands behind back, coolly replying that producers themselves also had agent-like roles.
Vernon persisted, praising how CAA could assist Charlie with distribution, finding suitable actors, directors, cinematographers, and so forth.
Charlie grew a bit impatient and said, "Okay, let's talk about that later. If you want to cooperate, it has to be on my terms. Maybe a manager role -- I'm more than just a producer."
Getting a preliminary yes, Vernon was pleased.
...
Just then, commotion erupted in the camera crew area.
"What's going on?" Charlie asked, concerned.
Gore stood under a huge machine, looking frustrated, "Our Titan crane broke down."
"What the fuck?" Charlie was speechless. "This is Fox's equipment, rented at a huge cost. We have no budget to repair or rent another. Can we change the shooting method?"
Spike shook his head, "Few shots need the big crane. I want a wide-angle lens shot to convey the heroine's loneliness walking into the high-society party."
Charlie was troubled. He didn't know how to fix the rig, had no budget to hire repairmen or replace it.
First, it delayed the schedule. Time is money in film production. Just feeding and caring for dozens of people daily is costly.
Also, the shooting budget was strictly planned; overspending here would cause a chain of problems.
...
Eventually, after over half an hour, they managed to do the wide-angle shot with manpower support.
When it came time for the indoor romantic scene between the leads, Charlie couldn't tolerate Ben Affleck's weak acting anymore.
He stepped forward, bypassing the director and cinematographer, and started giving directions himself.
*****
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