[Chapter 280: I'll Make You Sick to Your Stomach]
Lion Corleone Mafia's distribution contract with Fox still had a year left before expiration. But what about MGM-United Artists? That company was tangled up in all sorts of debts, owing banks as well as numerous institutions and individuals.
What kind of film project did they need to revive the company? Last year's release, Tomorrow Never Dies? It was far from impressive!
With Lion Corleone's explosive growth this year, Disney and Fox naturally increased pressure on Lion Corleone. There were already rating and promotional battles underway -- typical competitive skirmishes among the Big Six studios.
The critical international distribution contracts likely wouldn't wait until next year before forcing Lion Corleone for an answer.
But all this was well within Charlie's acceptable range.
Kirk, that old fox, if he still had even the slightest desire to control MGM-United Artists's media assets, would ultimately be the first to agree to cooperate.
Charlie snapped the folder shut and tossed it aside, instructing, "Tell Michael and the team to prepare to expose Tom Rothman's initial contract loopholes. Also... "
Squinting with a wicked grin, Charlie continued, "Inform the media that Tom Rothman's key achievements as president -- like dismantling the plan to destabilize Miramax -- were entirely provided by me. The related documents have long been inside the company. Just have Michael leak some hints. Also, release the details of my private interactions with Roy and Eisner as planned."
He wanted to see if these guys, dealing with their internal chaos, still had the time or energy to bother Lion Corleone.
Pierre was stunned for a moment but nodded excitedly, "Yes, boss."
"Book me a flight, notify Joe Bell and Iron Crown Company, and set up a meeting. Also, send invitations in my name to Jeff Bezos at Amazon and Kirk Kerkorian for the premiere of Saw!"
"Got it!"
---
With Charlie Corleone, Chairman of Lion Corleone Group, giving the order from New Zealand, chaos erupted at Fox and Disney.
First, a tabloid ran a front-page headline: Shocking! The Rising Hollywood Godfather Corleone Was Actually Supported by Tom Rothman, the Current President of 20th Century Fox! Insider revelations expose how Rothman's quiet endorsement helped propel Corleone's meteoric rise in the industry.
The article spun fabricated tales of how Rothman supposedly rescued the Corleone Studio from a Harvey Weinstein acquisition threat.
Next, serious media like the Texas Tribune detailed Rothman and Charlie's initial collaboration, including blurry images of signatures involving company names and personal names.
Various forums buzzed with detailed rumors.
When it comes to online marketing, Lion Corleone can cite the $140 million North American box office of The Gaia Lake Werewolf Project to demonstrate its professionalism.
Suddenly, media frenzy hit both online and offline, thoroughly digging into Rothman and Corleone's private dealings and close relationship.
The public eagerly devoured the gossip.
"Damn, no wonder Corleone rose so fast -- turns out he sold out to Fox's president."
"Nonsense! My man is nothing like that. He's a notorious playboy. This has to be Rothman getting played for his greed."
"White folks are all messed up. Big corporations are scheming and backstabbing. We're the innocent ones."
...
The media uproar and reporter frenzy also caught the attention of 20th Century Fox, even reaching top News Corporation president Peter Chernin!
---
In the office on the top floor of 1211 Avenue of the Americas in New York, Chernin furrowed his brow while reviewing reports brought by his assistant and slammed the desk, "Damn it, did Fox really raise a rival at the highest levels? The three-year international distribution contract he signed has been a widespread joke! And now these disgusting behaviors! Louis, notify Legal and HR to coordinate with external investigators and launch an internal probe immediately!"
"Yes, boss!"
---
At Fox's Century City headquarters, in a conference room, distribution president Tom Sherak sneered maliciously, "Rothman, I've said it before -- a three-year distribution deal was a stupid move. I've always been curious because I didn't think you were an idiot. Now the rumors outside have answered my questions and everyone else's."
Tom Rothman's face was grim as he looked up at the visitors from News Corp, declaring, "I respect the company's decision and accept the investigation. I can step down temporarily, but you better be fast. I am innocent! The longer I'm out, the more compensation you'll owe me!"
"Of course, Mr. Rothman. Please... "
After standing and leaving the meeting, Rothman knew deep down this was all Charlie's doing.
Having vented his anger moments ago, he now shook his head and bitterly smiled.
That bastard Charlie, from the start, was unscrupulous! Even in a life-or-death collaboration, he left a little dirt on him.
How old was this guy? He was the dirtiest super bastard.
Rothman handled handover tasks with complex feelings, answered some inquiries from headquarters' investigators, then sadly packed his things and left Fox Tower, driving off to rest at home for a while.
---
On Century City Blvd, Rothman slowly drove his Ford, deep in thought.
"Hey man, Hollywood's been pretty entertaining lately. First Fox, now Disney's internal rivalry heats up."
"Yeah, it's nuts! Who'd have thought Walt Disney's nephew like Rothman would pursue personal power..."
Passing voices caught Rothman's attention.
He widened his eyes and frowned. Quickly, he bought the latest Los Angeles Times from a newsstand.
Reading the report, he couldn't help but shake his head and laugh bitterly. Charlie really dubbed Disney into this mess too.
For an international distribution channel, he was this aggressive?
---
The clashes among Roy, Eisner, Charlie, and Harvey, involving Disney internal battles, also exploded publicly!
Within days, Hollywood's scandals kept coming.
Though none caused real damage to the two companies or eased Lion Corleone's pressure, it was a case of "if you can't kill it, make it sick."
---
While the other Big Six studios and some smaller companies watching the bloodbath, the Saw premiere at the Corleone Theater kicked off in grand style.
Firecrackers went off, drums beat loud.
Besides many celebrities and industry friends, Rothman and Roy attended together.
Under devastating lights, near the greenery and long rectangular fountain at the red carpet's end inside the theatre, the two disgusted men glared darkly at smiling Charlie, their eyes full of questions and anger.
*****
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