[Chapter 277: Blockbuster Production and Weta Digital Relocation]
After hanging up the phone, Charlie sat in his office deep in thought.
He soon got up and headed to the lobby, found a chair, and sat down next to Peter Jackson. "So, how's the design for the world structure and the rendering materials coming along?"
Peter pointed excitedly at the computer screen beside him. "Look, the dwarves' homes, the elves' gathering spots, aren't they beautiful?"
"Very good, I like this," Charlie nodded slightly, impressed by the current level of computer-generated special effects.
After a moment, Charlie asked again, "How's that MASSIVE software coming along?"
"Still under development."
MASSIVE was a CG animation software primarily created to handle scenes with massive crowds. It was led by the brilliant computer graphics engineer Stephen Regelous, who served as the chief technology officer at Weta Digital.
For smaller projects, producers like Charlie often left such technical details alone. But Lord of the Rings was different. Charlie needed to coordinate with dozens of companies, across film production, alcohol manufacturing, and even local government.
Beyond that, he intervened throughout the filming and production process.
Of course, trusting Peter and the team's abilities, Charlie typically refrained from micromanaging creative decisions. Instead, he acted like a caretaker, helping Peter manage personnel, daily necessities, and accommodations.
He also organized the production workflow, pushed to optimize schedules, and helped increase shooting efficiency.
Charlie thought aloud, "For now, let's keep the early stages as is. The post-production special effects can better align with the software after we have actual footage. Since the world structure is basically settled, we can start inputting fantasy creature models."
Lord of the Rings required extensive special effects work.
Charlie's demands on this project were notoriously tough.
After filming numerous real-world landscapes, rivers, and regions, the team used CGI to meticulously recreate the book's worlds -- from the troll forests to orc towns and beyond.
They invested countless hours bringing the book's world to life, ensuring it met filming needs.
This wasn't just for the Lord of the Rings film; it laid the groundwork for future TV series, games, and merchandise.
Peter's team was essentially building an entire world, rivaling even the complexity of Avatar -- arguably more challenging since it was based on an established story. Organizing geographical data -- nations, towns, mountains, waters, forests -- was no small feat.
Plus, there were various creature races: elves, dwarves, beasts.
To tackle this, the team hired biologists.
They also employed historians and sociologists to establish languages, customs, and lore.
In the fantasy creature creation phase, Charlie had physical models made -- a few hundred -- which were then scanned into computers and categorized.
For instance, creatures like the Balrog had dedicated fire effects developed specifically for them.
All this work was ongoing.
Excluding the actors, the several hundred-person team had by now gelled well.
Charlie's workload had eased considerably.
---
After observing for a bit, Charlie casually went to chat with Richard Taylor, CEO of Weta Digital.
"Hey Richard, have you got any updates on our relocation plans?" Charlie asked as he entered the room and took a seat comfortably.
Richard gave a wry smile and shook his head. "Boss, you've got to give everyone some time. I'm tallying up executives and senior engineers, and still working with local authorities."
Charlie was adamant -- no way would he let Weta Digital hide away in New Zealand, playing small. Peter had significant influence there, but after Lord of the Rings succeeded, the company could become even more independent to a fault.
What Charlie wanted was a group where Weta Digital could collaborate closely with the entire Lion Corleone, including all his enterprises, boosting each other.
Not just a small moneymaker on the side.
If they lost money, that would be even worse.
Frowning seriously, Charlie said, "I've already secured agreements with several New Zealand government agencies. Weta Digital can keep a large rendering factory here and some technology teams. But the core management and senior engineer teams must relocate to Los Angeles. Richard, Lion Corleone plans to develop 3D animation, partner with video game companies, and collaborate on digital imaging tech. These are critical! Do you understand?"
"Yes, boss, I understand!" Richard gave an unequivocal response, unable to hedge.
Charlie's expression softened. "The sooner the move happens, the better. I'll continue investing here to maintain a massive rendering facility, which New Zealand government appreciates. Now, give me a concrete timeline."
Special effects production demanded massive computer hardware. Rendering countless graphic designs required hundreds, if not thousands, of specialized servers.
Otherwise, using outdated machines, producing a film could take thousands of years.
This work required many technical staff.
Even though Labor, servers, electricity, all cost much more in the U.S., R&D for special effects software and marketing divisions needed to be based in Los Angeles.
Charlie's tone was firm, and Richard knew better than to challenge him. He certainly never considered disobeying or scheming behind the boss's back.
He knew this young mogul was no naive kid.
Rumors floated that this year's Time Magazine Businessperson of the Year might be none other than this film company owner.
Forbes and other wealth rankings hinted Charlie would rank prominently.
Faced with such a business powerhouse, Richard seriously thought for a few seconds.
"It's already October. I will finalize personnel decisions, coordinate office locations, and register the company in Los Angeles before the end of the year. We'll move everyone by the end of January next year."
"Excellent!" Charlie smiled, nodding.
"You're under Lion Corleone. Coordinate directly with Michael."
"Got it, boss."
"Charlie, the marketing folks from the costume company want to talk. They're ready to hand over the first batch of elven costumes!" Peter called loudly from outside.
Charlie smiled wryly at Richard and waved goodbye. "Alright, I'm on it."
---
Downstairs in the warehouse, Charlie checked the boxes with the costume and props team.
"Dammit, just look at this quality! I can tear the lace off with my bare hands! This is for filming. Our actors will do intense, wide-ranging movements, even crawling on the ground and horseback riding. Do you want us to waste footage because the actors' butts show when mounting horses?"
The costume company's vice president was stunned and kept apologizing. "Sorry, this is our fault. These costumes were handmade, and definitely some staff slacked off this batch."
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.