[Chapter 44: Turning the Tide]
Despite the storm and the rain, Charlie stood firm.
For days, he moved nonstop, accompanied by a group of brothers serving as his bodyguards.
At the Beverly Hills CAA headquarters, Charlie secured a meeting with Whitesell.
The man didn't refuse to meet and maintained a friendly demeanor. "You're here seeking help, Godfather? It's curious how you went from being on top of the world to drowning in troubles overnight. Fate is always strange."
As Charlie followed him down the corridor to the office, he paid no mind to the whispers and sideways glances from the reception staff.
Once inside, he took the initiative to start the conversation. His spirit was high, showing no sign of defeat.
"No, I'm here to discuss cooperation! I understand that WMA -- William Morris Agency -- has recently been courting Will Smith?"
Charlie's energized and confident presentation impressed Whitesell, who clicked his tongue in admiration.
Keep in mind, the guy before him was just a 19-year-old kid who had been hustling on the streets only few months ago.
"This African American star's film career is booming. After Independence Day, he became a top-tier talent, even comparable to early Tom Cruise. I believe that having such a client brings considerable tangible and intangible benefits to your company."
Before Whitesell could respond, Charlie launched into a series of direct points.
Seeing that the man calling himself the "Godfather" was no ordinary character, Whitesell nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, Will's agent, Lasset, is close with him. He's also friends with rapper Jeff. They're trying to leverage Will for personal gain."
"I can handle Lasset for you through a premium packaged film project. Moreover, you'll get a bundled deal on the next five movie projects from Corleone Studios. However, the production crews and directors involved must receive my final approval!"
Charlie leaned forward with a gleam in his dark eyes, exuding forceful energy. "My film projects will partner with Fox. This will greatly benefit your packaged business development, and I want you to witness my producer skills and content output firsthand."
Whitesell straightened and became serious before dialing an internal number. After a moment, he asked gravely, "So, Mr. Corleone, what do you want in return?"
"Simple. I want you to use your influence to get some Hollywood African American stars like Spike Lee, Will, and Denzel to say a few words on my behalf. They don't have to take clear sides -- just statements proving that the accusations against me have no evidence. Also, help me exert influence on a distribution company. And finally, expedite securing the rights to one film I'll use to deal with Will, so you can complete the package service."
Charlie smiled lightly, eyes locked on Whitesell. "The last two will fall under your primary duties once we sign a personal manager agreement."
"A personal agreement with you?"
"It can be with CAA, but I'm appointing you as my manager," Charlie clarified.
He drew a distinction between manager and agent, though they often overlapped.
Whitesell fell silent, frowning as he pondered deeply.
Analyzing every angle, this tall, handsome young man seemed to have a promising future -- provided he could survive the current storm.
Was it worth the bet? Collaborating with the Godfather looked like a smart move.
Charlie was equally satisfied with Whitesell. At only 31, with six years in the industry and experience at three agencies, he now led talent at CAA as a senior partner. His family even had connections in the entertainment and sports worlds -- a clear advantage.
"I have no objections personally, but this needs higher approval from Brian Lord and other executives," Whitesell gave a positive initial response.
...
Before long, top CAA executives met with Charlie in person.
He laid out prepared materials and spoke fluidly: "Biographical films are a key award strategy. Will has had tremendous commercial success and deserves accolades he won't refuse.
Bundling several projects will also boost CAA's business. Plus, you'll sign a young, energetic writer, producer, and screenwriter!"
Charlie spoke for over an hour, clear, logical, and well-founded.
Facing a dozen eager eyes, he showed no nervousness or hesitation.
In the end, including Chairman Brian Lord, CAA's executives clapped appreciatively.
"Gentlemen, thank you all. I know my time's short, so I hope we can finalize this deal quickly," Charlie loosened his collar and took a sip of water.
After two seconds, Brian smiled and stood. "Why not?"
Deal done!
Charlie let out a triumphant yell inside.
Gert, Etto, and Ophir witnessed everything, amazed.
Who could have guessed that amid such pressure, the Godfather could stay so composed and swiftly secure cooperation with CAA?
It was a special operation. After an entire afternoon, hundreds of pages of contracts were signed.
After the handshake, Charlie left briskly but politely.
...
Watching his retreating figure, CAA staff whispered among themselves.
"This young man is formidable -- full of ideas and tactics."
"He practically helped us devise a career plan for Will."
"It's hard to imagine that amidst this crisis, he aims to influence a distribution company."
"Will he succeed?"
Brian Lord ended the conversation, "We'll wait and see. A talented young man with what looks like a detailed plan. Our job here is done. We hope he succeeds, so we gain a highly promising client!"
...
On Wilshire Boulevard, in a Chevrolet car, after excitement faded, Etto asked anxiously if the CAA deal could solve their problems.
"Absolutely. I'll start slowly, first reversing the negative media trend and buying time," Charlie nodded confidently.
His plan was straightforward: use all available resources to quickly build a tight web of interests.
With CAA secured, everything else would get easier.
...
Next stop: Charlie visited Will's home overnight.
Presenting a career development plan, a biopic project, and the support from CAA, Charlie won over the hesitant Will Smith.
Honestly, Charlie's bold approach impressed Will greatly.
All Will had to do was say a few words that wouldn't hurt him, and in exchange for huge benefits, he couldn't refuse. His agent agreed too.
...
Starting the very next day, the narrative shifted.
Will Smith appeared on television sincerely, "I don't want to talk about my girlfriend Alicia. I just want to say Charlie is an excellent producer, and there's no evidence he committed murder."
...
"I'm confident the allegations of racism against him are baseless!"
A timid Spike Lee interview appeared on the Los Angeles Times fourth section: "Charlie's my partner; he's never shown any discrimination. He has several black brothers he's grown up with. Look at my appearance on Oprah, he's an excellent collaborator. I don't believe the murder accusations -- they're ridiculous."
...
CAA was a rapidly growing agency in recent years.
Thanks to their influence, Hollywood's many African American stars spoke moderately but fairly on Charlie's behalf.
Don't underestimate this -- public opinion instantly shifted, erasing the suspicion that Charlie was racist or a murderer from public perception.
...
Under persistent journalist questions, Los Angeles Police spokesperson had to clarify, "Currently, claims that Mr. Corleone was the murderer in Tupac's shooting are unfounded rumors."
...
To an uninformed observer, the situation seemed like a roller coaster.
In an apartment, Raymond watched TV and threw down a newspaper, "Damn, this little bastard solved the problem too easily."
Even Miramax's Harvey Weinstein couldn't sit still, growing suspicious and convening with Bob and others.
Harvey was unwilling to accept that the opportunity had slipped away. "He seems to have found backup. This won't do. Contact Charlie immediately and tell him tomorrow's the final deadline!"
*****
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