[Chapter 85: Lionsgate Films]
The fundraising event had a friendly atmosphere, with many people chatting and laughing in small groups.
Charlie was in a great mood as well.
Kerry was one of the 40 state senators in California, always advocating for equality and public safety.
Charlie, who had a diverse background, strongly agreed with Kerry's ideals and was happy to support such a politician.
Kerry admired Charlie as a promising young man.
He showed concern over the intense rivalry between East and West Coast hip hop scenes.
They both agreed that this feud needed to end quickly so hip hop music could return to being primarily entertainment.
To do so, Death Row Records, currently at the center of the storm, needed to experience a revival, enabling the production and promotion of outstanding rap artists who could provide meaningful inspiration to the American people, especially the African American community.
In short, the acquisition of Death Row Records was fully under control.
Charlie's next step was merely to have his team file lawsuits against Suge Knight, citing personal safety threats and defamation.
Although the evidence regarding the shooting incident involving Christopher Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G.) might not be strong enough to bring severe consequences against Suge, the thought was that Suge would not want to engage in a prolonged legal battle at this point.
The Corola Foundation and other partners would handle the rest.
...
With a delighted smile, Charlie returned to Vera's side and, before his worried girlfriend could speak, said, "Honey, my business plan worked!"
"Congratulations, Charlie," Vera replied with a somewhat distracted smile.
"I always knew you could do it," George Clooney appeared, adding, "Frank Giustra over there wants to talk with you -- you should know him."
Yorkton Securities?
Charlie immediately recalled the financing for Fifty Shades of Gray.
He remembered Harvey boasting about his connections, mentioning Frank Giustra during their first meeting.
This man seemed to have ties to the current White House occupant.
"Yes, I know him. Let's go," Charlie asked Vera with a glance then walked over, inquiring, "George, you know Frank Giustra too?"
"I've met him during filming," George said. "Mr. Giustra is Canadian, works in finance, but is interested in the film industry. The crew consulted him about local tax rebates."
Charlie's eyes lit up and he nodded thoughtfully.
...
Nowadays, the primary factor for choosing filming locations wasn't scenery but tax incentives.
Canada, often seen as America's neighbor, was a popular filming destination next to the U.S.
To stimulate its market and create jobs, Canada offered a tax credit called "Film Production Services Tax Credit" for foreign film companies.
The process was simple: hire local actors and crew to qualify for tax deductions, then sell the contract through local agencies.
For small to medium studios, Canada's proximity to the U.S. was ideal for expanding networks.
Charlie had thought about this strategy.
For a small company like Corleone Entertainment Group, development required all efforts to recover investments quickly and turn a profit.
Success wasn't guaranteed by just producing hit movies.
DreamWorks was a perfect example. Spielberg was talented, and partner Jeffrey Katzenberg was formidable.
Though their films did well critically and at the box office, the company's actual profits were less dazzling.
Among the big six studios watching, DreamWorks eventually faded away.
Charlie's situation was even tougher; he was betting on his future.
If Corleone Studios didn't grow in five to six years, he would fall into ruin.
Disney's tyrant Michael Eisner could crush him with debt.
That was why even the proud and domineering Harvey was humbled before Charlie, saying, "You're crazy!"
Charlie worked hard to network, expand Mafia Distribution Company's channels, and establish film financing funds -- all to gain the power to say no to the big six.
A real man born under the skies wouldn't be content serving under others, even in high positions.
He never considered being just an employee of the big six studios.
...
"Hi, Mr. Giustra, it's great to meet you. I've been wanting to thank you in person for Yorkton's investment in Fifty Shades of Gray; it really helped me," Charlie said warmly, extending his hand.
"You're too kind, Corleone, don't mention it." Frank Giustra smiled broadly, then introduced, "This is Jason Trumm, a public official from Park City, part of greater Calgary."
"Hello!" Charlie nodded politely and quickly introduced Vera.
No one paid much attention to the young actress.
They wasted no time diving into Corleone Studios' business.
...
Frank Giustra's father was a mining magnate, a self-made man.
After graduating from Douglas College, Frank Giustra went into finance.
He started as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch, then joined Yorkton Securities, eventually becoming Chairman and CEO.
Many self-made tycoons later dabble in finance.
...
Thanks to Charlie, the conversation flowed happily; Frank Giustra casually offered to introduce a Canadian entertainment law firm to help with film tax credits.
He introduced Jason as the contact.
"Charlie, if you can shoot films in Park City, I can help with tax credit applications and even discuss long-term cooperation," Jason said eagerly but with some worry visible on his face.
"Park City, located in Calgary's outskirts, struggles economically. Recently, there was a serial murder case. Unemployment and crime are big problems. I hope a film crew comes here; the film industry is growing and could bring opportunities to places like Park City, which have no real competition."
Frank Giustra nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Hollywood's film industry brings more than profit; it adds value. I've been thinking about entering the film business, which is why Yorkton invested in Fifty Shades of Gray -- it's our first film project. Not long ago, I acquired Cinepix Distribution in Montreal and plan to rename it Lionsgate Films. We're still selling some film equipment.
Charlie, your Mafia company interested in expanding in Canada..."
Charlie didn't listen closely to the rest.
His expression stayed calm, but inside he was shocked.
Lionsgate Films!
So Frank Giustra was actually the founder of Lionsgate?
It was the best-performing studio outside the big six in the coming decade.
Saw, Hunger Games, Twilight, and John Wick series were all Lionsgate productions and distributions!
*****
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