[Chapter 25: Nearly Two Million Investment]
In the afternoon, Alicia finally arrived at the company for contract negotiations, accompanied by her agent. She appeared very polite and enthusiastic, but she left the contract details entirely to Vernon.
When Charlie hurried in with a group of people, Alicia looked a bit embarrassed and shy, "Godfather!"
"Mr. Corleone, hello," Vernon politely greeted immediately.
Charlie glanced at them briefly, nodded slightly, and spoke quietly to Gert and Melche as he walked down the hallway.
Vernon curiously asked, "Mr. Corleone, aren't you going to participate in the lead actress's contract negotiation?"
Without turning his head, Charlie gave a thumb gesture behind him, "Kevin and the others are responsible!"
Alicia turned slightly pale.
Kevin stepped forward with a polite smile, "Hello, the boss has some investment agreements to sign. I hope this doesn't make you feel neglected. He is good friends with Alicia, so I believe there won't be an issue with the contract negotiations."
"Oh, of course!" Vernon responded.
Kevin gestured for them to follow him and hinted, "The Fifty Shades of Gray movie project is progressing well and gaining attention among indie films. This is a joint achievement of the boss and Alicia. We hope to finalize cooperation soon. The boss said he doesn't want to waste time using tactics like swapping the lead actress for hype, though that wouldn't be hard for him."
"Yeah, that's right. Alicia also wants to sign quickly!" Vernon replied.
That threatening tone had some effect.
If it were anyone else, an experienced agent from CAA would not care. But this was Charlie Corleone -- young and ruthless, having already broken into Hollywood.
Previously, Alicia's actions had obviously angered him. If she proposed an excessive fee again, his patience would run out.
This opportunity was very important for Alicia. Her relationship with Will Smith wasn't likely to last long, so she needed some projects of her own while her popularity was high.
With sufficient intent on both sides, after over an hour of negotiation, they finally agreed on an $80,000 fee.
After the contract was settled, they confirmed the shooting schedule. Alicia and Vernon hurriedly left.
...
In the parking garage downstairs, Vernon curiously asked, "You seem scared of the Godfather? An $80,000 fee is a bit low, but Fifty Shades of Gray suits you perfectly. As long as the box office hits the investment threshold, I can get you a million for the next one."
Alicia sighed, "Yeah, thanks. I'm already very satisfied. If it were just me, Charlie probably wouldn't give me an extra cent."
Vernon nodded, "I want to know who the Godfather is to you? We plan to sign him and want to understand his personality thoroughly. You seem afraid of him -- what has he done? Does he have deep gang connections?"
Alicia was silent for a moment, then said quietly and embarrassed, "He's a tough bastard. He asked me to help write that book."
"Uh..." Vernon showed a strange expression, scratching his thinning hair, "Oh, okay. A guy with violent tendencies and a strange temper. There are plenty of those in Hollywood, but for him to leave a psychological shadow on you is rare."
...
Charlie wouldn't know that the escort had been badmouthing him behind his back. If he heard it, he would innocently spread his hands, "That's all for artistic creation. I'm a gentle man, Rachel can vouch for me."
That afternoon, Charlie secured contracts with more than a dozen private funds, gaining a total investment of $938,000.
Additionally, he arranged several on-location spots, which were businesses owned by the investors -- small bars, convenience stores, and the like.
They provided the locations for free, as long as the stores got some screen time during filming.
...
Back at the company by four, Charlie worked overtime with Kevin and others to finalize a strict shooting schedule.
They decided not to wait for the full investment to arrive -- filming would start in three days.
...
At six in the evening, Charlie left Kevin, Mord, and Gert working overtime.
They had dinner downstairs, then rushed back to the company to meet Mitch Pierza, the president of Mafia Distribution Company.
On the lounge sofa, Melche said, "This young guy is full of energy. Negotiating during break time."
Mord laughed, flattering, "He just took over the company, obviously ambitious. We're the same, but we've got a boss so everything runs smoothly!"
...
As they joked, Pierza arrived with a few people.
"Hi, Godfather, nice to see you!" he warmly said as he entered.
He was older than Charlie, in his early thirties, average-looking and well-dressed in a sharp suit.
"Hello, Mr. Pierza," Charlie smiled and shook hands.
Both teams quickly sat to begin the meeting.
They reviewed each other's project materials, which they had previously become familiar with.
Pierza whispered to his associates, then looked up, "Very nice project proposal, Godfather, you did a great job. I wouldn't have guessed this is your first independent production."
"Oh, thanks!" Charlie smiled calmly, "Your company's distribution capabilities are rather weak. Sorry to be blunt.
Here's the thing, Mr. Pierza: my project isn't short of resources. If you're just investing, I'd welcome it. You've secured desk and chair sponsorships, a water dispenser, some snack advertisements, which increased from our previous talks to $300,000. You have great personal abilities but if you want distribution rights and some movie copyrights, that's impossible."
Mafia Distribution Company lacked strong North American theatrical distribution and Canadian resources. Not to mention TV and VHS channels.
Pierza calmly said, "We can co-distribute, taking only U.S. theatrical rights with a priority agreement."
Charlie shook his head again, "For the same movie, strong distribution sells more even if it's trash. Trust me, Mr. Pierza, I understand content is important, but the sales platform matters more."
Pierza laughed, "Of course. Your marketing for Independence Day and Fifty Shades of Gray is impressive. That ensures that as long as the content is decent, it will sell hotter. The book sales prove the content is excellent too."
Charlie nodded slightly, "Thanks. So I welcome investment, but your offer is too little and the price too high."
"Maybe we can drop copyrights and only get U.S. theatrical rights for a 20% cut?"
Charlie was silent for a moment, then smiled, "As far as I know, Mafia is financially troubled. You can't even afford film prints. If you get this deal, I guess you have channels to get investment?"
Pierza was stunned and smiled helplessly. He hadn't expected young Charlie, a former street thug, to keenly pinpoint the critical problem.
He realized he had lost his negotiating chips.
But he quickly adjusted, "Alright, Godfather, you're right. But I guess other distributors besides us will only buy out your movie. Even though you have strong ability and a good project, this is your first film. With Mafia involved, you have great leverage in negotiations with others."
They went back and forth, each pointing out the other's weaknesses.
Charlie laughed heartily, "Looks like we both want the deal badly!"
Once the ice broke, they fought openly.
After several rounds, hopes high on both sides, at 8 p.m., they finally reached an agreement.
Mafia invested $600,000 plus $300,000 for advertising.
They received joint domestic theatrical distribution rights. Aside from investment shares and a 13% distribution cut, no copyrights or other home entertainment channel shares were included.
"Pleasure working with you, Godfather!"
"Likewise!"
Both happily shook hands in a friendly atmosphere.
Mafia gained the means and ability to secure financing and develop the company.
Charlie gained the leverage to negotiate with other distributors, greatly safeguarding his earnings.
Everyone was busy heading home to rest; the work ahead was intense.
They declined Charlie's request to go out that night and all left the Burbank Haas Building together.
On the way, Charlie half-joked, "Pierza, I think we get along well and are both ambitious. How about strengthening cooperation? I buy into your company?"
Pierza laughed, "That's impossible. Even if you had tens of millions, your small production company can't support a distribution enterprise!"
*****
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