[Chapter 283: Smooth Filming and Troublemaking Fans]
Charlie lazily glanced up at the princess, only seeing half her head from below. The so-called billion-dollar assets were merely an estimate. The licensing fees for many IPs were immeasurable.
Once money reaches a certain level, aside from the cash flow, the influence and power derived from assets was a huge weapon. The assets on paper just sounded good. Otherwise, the world's most powerful person now should be Bill Gates, who became the richest man thanks to Microsoft. Unfortunately, he was sweating over the antitrust lawsuits.
Charlie patted his stomach and laughed, "What's up, dear princess? Are you still stuck in last year's business talks?"
They had chatted about Brexit, royals, and other interesting topics. A united Europe didn't exactly sound encouraging. As disciples of the British troublemakers, the US loved making trouble. It all boiled down to alliances and checks and balances.
In this world, everyone is a troublemaker.
Annabelle gracefully walked over and sat on the nearby chair, a bit dazed, saying, "I'm just thinking how quickly my family changed their attitude. Suddenly everyone began collaborating closely, but I..."
"You feel like you played no part? Like a pawn being manipulated?" Charlie asked.
"Exactly!"
Charlie shrugged, "Don't overthink it. People always use each other. When we manipulate you, you're manipulating us too. You don't have to call me a tyrant or anything. I'm just looking for a good partner in the UK. I use your presence there to grow business, and you use my influence in film and media in return. Let's leave it at that, dear. Let's go see the scenery and the filming. Trust me, a big project like this doesn't come around often."
Watching Charlie's solid figure walk away, Annabelle thought deeply, took a deep breath, and followed. "Alright, you damn guy! I'll show you I'm no mere decoration!"
Annabelle was proud and high-spirited. Born with no shortage of food or care, she constantly thought about having a voice and presence, about a caged bird flying free. She had worked hard to get her family to invest in Lion Corleone to build something together. But in the end, Charlie had already settled everything, using her presence to strike the deal with the family.
Annabelle was used to being a diplomatic figurehead like her aunts and grandmothers, no matter how good they did; just look at Princess Diana.
Charlie understood Annabelle and did not mock her; he even admired her a bit. But she was too young and unaware of worldly hardships. To make a mark and gain prestige and recognition, one had to start small and prove oneself step by step. Many had no opportunity and many failed to grasp it. Unfortunately, Annabelle had few chances with Charlie.
---
"Hey, Peter, how's the filming going?" Charlie stood by the director under a ten-meter square tent, hands on his waist.
Peter gave an OK sign, eyes glued to the monitor. Seconds later he yelled, "Cut!" and stood smiling. "Very smooth. The actors are excellent. After rehearsing beforehand, we won't waste much film. Only one problem - our IMAX Dolby 97 camera doesn't quite fit the stabilizer rig."
"Ha, no worries. These small issues will be fixed quickly. For the first film, only seven pages of the script use the IMAX Dolby camera. After ample shooting and data gathering, the equipment will mature," Charlie happily said.
The Lord of the Rings script was in hundreds of pages. Seven pages was just a shot of a few dozen seconds, not adding much to the budget. IMAX with Dolby sound integration was no small task. Practical filming data was necessary for testing. With new variables like small production shots and big special effects, the whole system needed adjustment. This project was not just one plus one equals two.
"It's nearly noon. Peter, prepare a break and arrange meals."
"More burgers and fries?"
"No, today we've got Mexican empanadas and Italian pizza for the crew, and New Zealand steaks for the director and producer."
"Oh, sounds great!" Peter removed his headset and set down his walkie.
---
Kevin rushed over, suit flapping, "Boss, about thirty fans showed up protesting, clashing with security."
Charlie nodded, motioning for Kevin to lead the way.
Frowning, he asked softly, "What happened? Was this some marketing stunt?"
"No, real fans."
What a joke. These guys were bored, driving tens of miles or even flying in from abroad just to protest? As the developer of Lord of the Rings, Charlie was well aware. Countless public protests so far had been Mafia's publicity tactics. Sure, some real fans were dissatisfied, refusing the film adaptation. But these complaints mostly appeared online or in emails to the Corleone Studios' public inbox. Their requests were varied -- some proposed detailed filming plans and script changes; others demanded roles. Most voiced simply, "I won't watch this movie."
At the scene, under the volcano's shadow, dozens of people pushed with security and park staff. "No film adaptations!" "Stop your foolishness!" They shouted slogans, holding signs overhead. A young guy tried to smash a staff member with a placard. About a dozen reporters covered the crew, with a sudden few more today.
Kevin looked troubled, "Damn, I hope no one gets hurt."
"Stop, let's talk," some production members called out frantically.
Charlie rolled his eyes, knowing this was a rival's dirty trick. Local New Zealand officials wouldn't get involved; otherwise, the opponent would pay dearly.
---
Charlie rushed forward, grabbed a megaphone from a crew member, jumped onto a half-meter-high volcanic rock, and shouted loudly, "Stop!"
His booming voice and imposing figure stunned everyone.
Seizing the moment, Charlie declared, "I'm the executive producer of Lord of the Rings and chairman of Lion Corleone. If you have any concerns, you can talk to me. If you're here to fight, Kevin..."
"Here!"
"Arrange security to detain the troublemakers and hand them over to the police. Alert our local office lawyers to prepare lawsuits and compensation!"
The group looked at each other and finally quieted.
Then a burly man in his forties shouted, "We want to talk. Listen, we're members of the global Tolkien fan club. We demand you stop filming immediately and halt all damn film adaptations."
*****
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