[Chapter 30: Project Progress Accelerates]
Not far away, the groups led by Gert, Melche, and Bob exchanged surprised glances. Jill Messick, who had been pranked by Charlie on the Scream set, smirked with a mix of mockery and surprise, "That bastard is getting along so well with Harvey."
"That's rare," Bob nodded in agreement. "Looks like Corleone really is not the coward Harvey described."
"Of course not. The Godfather always works wonders," Gert exclaimed again. "Who else at his age could successfully partner with 20th Century Fox?"
Messick remained unimpressed, holding a poor opinion of Charlie. "So what now? Should we get started on the detailed negotiations?"
Business negotiations could be complicated, or sometimes very straightforward. When both sides were interested in cooperation and clearly understood each other's leverage, everything fell into place naturally.
Soon, Charlie and Harvey approached shoulder to shoulder, chatting and laughing, sharing the good news.
They had reached a preliminary verbal agreement. Miramax would invest $2 million in Fifty Shades of Gray as a co-producer, providing some filming equipment, locations, and post-production resources.
They would receive 30% of the production profits, handling 68% of North American distribution rights, and take a 20% cut of the box office revenue.
They also had priority rights to future joint production and other derivative projects, with specifics of investment shares to be negotiated after the film's release.
Charlie planned to leave global distribution to Fox, which neither needed to comment on since everyone understood why.
Additionally, Miramax paid $1 million to purchase the full rights to Good Will Hunting, promising full production and distribution investment but allowing Charlie to be the primary producer.
Producer compensation would be negotiated after Fifty Shades of Gray's release, with a maximum share not exceeding 5% of the U.S. box office and home video earnings capped at the union minimum.
Charlie was not yet eligible to join the union but that would change after the film's release. This producer share was already an excellent deal for a promising producer.
Harvey expressed strong sincerity, offering Charlie substantial returns from both projects.
Naturally, there were many conditions, split into two phases.
First, Miramax would pay $50,000 to purchase priority production investment rights for Charlie's two thriller projects. One was tentatively titled Wrong Turn. Initially, Charlie tried honestly to find funding from major studios for this project but failed, then used Fifty Shades of Gray in a ruthless bid.
Young indie producers and directors often started with low-budget horror films. Charlie carefully considered his options and picked appropriate projects. After much effort, he learned that his rebirth was no fairy tale.
With no family background and no industry track record, no one gave him a chance.
After the success of Fifty Shades of Gray, Wrong Turn was rediscovered by Hollywood, and Harvey even read the script thoroughly.
The other project, called Saw, was in the literary licensing stage.
Harvey wanted to co-purchase rights and co-invest with Charlie for these two confirmed projects. Distribution negotiations were temporarily on hold due to disputes.
Besides these, they signed an agreement granting Miramax priority rights if Corleone Studios was sold or merged in the future.
Harvey had a shrewd strategy. "If you're ambitious, I'll help you grow your career. But after a couple of projects, how big can you grow? Early on, I'll take a big cut until the company and you get acquired, growing Miramax further.
And if you aren't acquired? By collaborating closely, you're part of us and we're part of you -- like family even if we aren't."
In summary, Harvey wanted to observe Charlie's development before possibly making him one of their own.
If merged, Harvey would still hold ultimate authority. A stronger company could negotiate better with Disney.
Harvey was optimistic, thinking Charlie was practically his new protege. Unfortunately, he didn't realize Charlie played dirty and was a game-changer. Plans often change; opportunity and crisis came rushing in unstoppable.
The two companies spent two days finalizing all details. Charlie invested in hiring top entertainment lawyers to clarify contracts alongside Gert's small legal team.
Neither overestimated the other's goodwill; both guarded clauses carefully as savvy businessmen.
...
After signing, they held a joint press conference and promotion event, revealing some cooperation details, stirring up a Hollywood frenzy.
Everyone wondered: how could Charlie Corleone, with no real track record, suddenly partner with Miramax?
Some high-level executives analyzing the Independence Day film's revenue knew Charlie had added over $100 million but still thought Miramax was taking a big gamble and offering too generous terms.
Disney kingpin Michael Eisner personally summoned Harvey, mocking him. Upset, Harvey took Charlie to a bar to drink heavily and vent -- purely drinking, nothing else.
...
Thanks to rising sales of Fifty Shades of Gray's book and involvement of major companies, The Hollywood Reporter published articles calling Charlie "The Miraculous Godfather," wondering if he was a famous writer or a hidden genius producer.
The commentary tone was always tinged with mockery.
...
The uproar lasted a bit, but it didn't really help Charlie's fame. He wasn't a big star; once established in the industry, such gossip meant nothing.
When Miramax's $2 million arrived and equipment moved in, the Fifty Shades of Gray project accelerated.
Yorkton Securities' manager signed a $2 million investment agreement with Charlie, raising the total budget over $7 million.
After company expenses and studio setup, Charlie planned about $5 million for filming, enough for Fifty Shades of Gray.
...
With more funds and resources, many talented crew members joining, made filming smoother.
Problems like loose tripod screws or lighting issues were mostly resolved.
Charlie casually wandered the set daily, relaxed and comfortable.
After work, he enjoyed time with Rachel, living the life of a Hollywood tycoon.
He also checked in on the writing team's progress to coordinate with Miramax's orderly promotion.
...
Thanks to Independence Day's ongoing success, Will Smith's star was nearly on par with Tom Cruise.
Alicia benefited greatly, rising to a solid B-list celebrity.
With Miramax's media support, attention on Fifty Shades of Gray grew further.
Kevin Feige, authorized by Charlie, coordinated distribution with Mafia Distribution Company and Harvey, setting a release date for September 6.
That wasn't an ideal date - one of North America's slowest slots.
Good news was it could ride Independence Day's momentum, and being an R-rated movie, it wouldn't compete for family audiences during summer.
Also, only an unpromising thriller-crime film clashed in the same period, no blockbuster competition.
The bad news is that Charlie, who had just relaxed for more than half a month, had to get busy early because of the tight shooting schedule.
*****
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