[Chapter 34: Hollywood's New Tycoon]
The newly arrived back-to-school season was the coldest time for movies. Hollywood had no interesting news, so reporters flocked to focus on Fifty Shades of Gray. Overnight, this emotionally charged film warmed up the early fall, adding fuel to the midsummer heat.
In fact, except for The Hollywood Reporter, most media outlets were sharply critical of the film.
USA Today wrote, "The dialogue is laughable, the pacing sluggish, and the acting puppet-like."
The Los Angeles Times commented that the movie felt like two completely different films fighting for dominance on the screen: one was a sexy, stylish romance, the other a numbing, explicit Harlequin slasher.
Columbia CBS aired a live broadcast of a protest outside a theater. A group of women held signs, gesturing passionately at the cameras and cursing, "Fifty Shades of Gray is a thoroughly offensive film insulting women; it objectifies us and treats us like foolish slaves!"
At the same time, some African American groups expressed dissatisfaction. "Damn, why is the male lead white? Do Black women have to beg a white man for abuse?"
...
Spike appeared on The Oprah Show to strike back. On the program, he looked very righteous and tearful, "Oprah, you know it's ten times harder for Black directors to work in Hollywood compared to actors because many people think we're idiots.
Over the years, I only really felt equal respect when working with Charlie. Regardless of the person's skin color, his attitude was the same. We argued over the film and then went out for drinks to celebrate. He never kept his distance or treated you like a fragile thing. You know, that kind of 'respect' that actually hurts you more.
Differential treatment is the true essence of discrimination! None of these issues existed when dealing with Charlie! I finally had the chance to break through and make a quality commercial film."
After Oprah offered comfort, Spike started his rebuttal explaining how he was not discriminatory. The real discriminators were the protesters themselves, who had already separated themselves. In summary, the waters were muddied.
...
The film's popularity kept rising. On the first workday of the new week, Fifty Shades of Gray's box office increased by another $1 million. All signs pointed to the film likely earning nearly $10 million by next weekend!
Such a box office drop-off was a miracle for a low-budget drama. Harvey, Pierza, and Charlie were all grinning ear to ear. They quickly held a meeting and decided to increase the promotional budget by another $1 million to maintain the film's momentum.
...
At 20th Century Fox headquarters, executives were celebrating Independence Day's $330 million box office success and discussing distribution in other global markets. After everyone expressed satisfaction, Benjamin said, "Godfather's Fifty Shades of Gray is doing quite well. Should we take action? The film's global distribution deal hasn't been signed yet."
Production manager Tom Rothman said, "Yeah, who would have thought? Initial research predicted a $40 million box office -- it was already a miracle for a new producer with a street hustler background. Now, they estimate it might exceed $60 million in North America alone!"
"What was the film's budget?" someone asked.
Benjamin said, "Officially it's $10 million, but we all know it didn't exceed $5 million."
"Amazing return on investment; also worth noting, promotion costs capped at $3 million!" Everyone was silent hearing that, understanding why this was happening.
McCarney scanned the room and said gravely, "Ladies and gentlemen, I think it's time we seriously discuss Mr. Godfather. There is no doubt that he has our label. So far, besides Miramax, no other major studio or affiliated companies have approached him."
Tom Rothman added, "Clearly, Mr. Godfather is a natural producer-entrepreneur. Don't forget, he's just 19 now. He will achieve great success in the independent film scene in the future."
Benjamin nodded. "Right, we shouldn't abandon this friend." He laughed lightly, "Though at first, he pushed himself onto us headfirst, it's proved he's a good friend!"
Charlie helped Fox boost Independence Day's earnings by over $100 million. Moreover, he was an amazingly young, talented producer who could generate content. Fox executives were well aware of projects related to Saw, Wrong Turn, and even the slowly developing How to Train Your Dragon.
However, there was a small issue. Tom frowned, "Mr. Godfather has huge ambitions. He founded a studio, which isn't just a shell company, found a partner in Miramax, and even pulled in a small distribution company. I heard he's made at least $10 million from Fifty Shades of Gray's North American revenue alone."
The specific financial details were naturally confidential. Charlie and Melche had done very well, but at the major studio level, it was easy to gather accurate financial data.
McCarney tapped the table thoughtfully. "That's not the problem. I doubt anyone could refuse Fox's cooperation. He's smart, first linking with Miramax. We can only secure global distribution rights. He gave us a hint, didn't he?"
Benjamin, familiar with Charlie's methods, laughed, "Exactly. Obviously, the global distribution rights for Fifty Shades of Gray are ours."
McCarney chuckled. "What an interesting friend! Let's find time to talk to him. I don't mind offering some incentives. He knows when to make moves. Seems like he's in a bit of trouble lately?"
"That rapper's got his eye on him!" Tom Rothman said with a gleeful smirk.
McCarney shrugged, "See, he'll need us one day. Harvey at Miramax is just as shameless and tyrannical as him and is at odds with Disney's tyrant. Just wait; their collaboration won't last long!"
Benjamin nodded affirmatively, "Yeah, in the end, Mr. Godfather will come back to our fold. I have mixed feelings about him pushing his way in at first - -it's like a mom forcefully giving you candy."
"Let's see how tight the relationship between Mr. Godfather and Fox becomes in the future," McCarney said softly, exuding his calm boss demeanor.
...
Meanwhile, in fact, Charlie became Hollywood's new hotshot tycoon thanks to Fifty Shades of Gray's success. Producers were naturally at the top of the food chain. Those who could discover projects themselves were even more sought after.
Actors, directors, crew members, and even financiers would chase after them with all their might!
Harvey at Miramax was so pleased he fired back at Eisner, boasting that his eye for talent was better. He even held a celebratory party at a Beverly Hills hotel, inviting many friends from within and outside the industry.
*****
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