Chapter 20. "Sharknado" Released Early
Eric was drinking milk and browsing through the latest issue of the newspaper. Now that his status had changed, he needed to read newspapers, especially entertainment ones. At this time, the internet wasn't particularly developed, and there were no smartphones, so print media remained the main source of information.
Eric opened the Los Angeles Times and saw a front-page photo of him and his team entering the MGM building. He couldn't help but smile.
Reading further, he found an article about how he had scolded the former MGM management. The article was accompanied by a photograph showing these executives shamefully leaving the building.
"Dad, is this your doing?" Eric asked, glancing at his father.
Charlie Cooper nodded: "Eric, Hollywood is a place ruled by fame and money. Apart from politics, you won't find a more cynical place. I want to strengthen your reputation and authority, using these old-timers as sacrificial stones. It's the best way."
They both laughed. As the saying goes, having elders in the house is like having treasure. Eric was not as adept at intrigues as his father, who had already prepared the ground for him.
"By the way, Dad, I wanted to discuss something with you." "What is it?" "I recently registered a film company, but it's just a shell for now. I want to launch it." "Why do you need a new company? We bought MGM. Can't you shoot there?" "I can, but I'm worried it might damage MGM's reputation."
Charlie Cooper frowned: "Are you planning to make adult films?" Eric smiled awkwardly: "Dad, come on, do you really think that of me? I want to make bad movies. I'm planning to create a company specializing in B-movies."
After Eric explained his idea, Charlie nodded: "The idea is not bad, and I haven't heard of anyone doing something similar. There might be potential in it. But will there really be people who want to watch such films?" "I know there are fans of unusual things. But there aren't enough of them to support the company's operations." "That's why I'm saying these will be small projects. We won't take up MGM's resources, and the shooting timelines will be short." "Alright, I'll help you find experienced workers, but only on a voluntary basis. MGM is still not stable, and I don't want unions to interfere."
In the end, thanks to his father's coordination, everything went smoothly. Within just two days, hundreds of people applied for the vacancies. These were mostly ordinary employees without growth prospects. Working at A.K. Films offered a higher salary.
However, A.K. Films didn't need that many people. A few dozen were selected, and Charlie even recommended a financial director from MGM. According to his father, in such a company, the finance department is more important than all the others, and it should be headed by a reliable person.
Both companies were located in Los Angeles, and the transition of employees from MGM to A.K. Films happened quickly. Just three days later, Eric, Warren, and Bema Hardy stood in the A.K. Films office holding a meeting.
Bema Hardy, whom his father recommended for the position of financial director, was a 34-year-old woman who entered the film industry late but had risen to a high-ranking position at MGM in six years. She was ambitious and still unmarried. At A.K. Films, she would be the general manager. Her move to A.K. Films was driven by a desire for greater success, as at MGM she was just a subordinate, but here she could become a key figure.
Eric cleared his throat and said: "You are all former MGM employees and know who I am. Without unnecessary words, I hope that in the future, we will work together and turn A.K. Films into another benchmark for Hollywood!"
Then Bema Spoke. She was familiar with these employees, was competent, and spoke briefly and to the point. The last to speak was Warren, whom Eric had appointed as deputy general manager. He was well-prepared and gave a lengthy speech, looking impressive in his suit. An outsider might have thought he was the boss here.
After the meeting, Eric called Warren and Bema into his office and handed them a script titled "Sharknado."
"You know our company's positioning. This is our first film, and it needs to be a market sensation!"
They quickly skimmed through the script, which was only ten pages long.
"I'm not very knowledgeable about the market," Bema said. "But shark movies have always attracted attention. The idea of 'Sharknado' is new and original; it could capture the audience's interest. It's like a parody B-movie."
Warren loosened his tie and sighed, realizing he needed to lose weight.
"From the start, it's clear this is something unique. How should I put it... exceptionally quirky."
"Something that, even among many bad films, will hold a special place, right?" Eric clarified.
Warren slapped his thigh: "Exactly! I have extensive experience watching movies, and that's exactly the feeling!"
Eric laughed: "That's the path we're going to take. Warren, find a screenwriter. We don't need famous ones; lesser-known writers will do. The main thing is speed and parody."
"Tell the screenwriter to let their imagination run wild. They shouldn't worry about logic and reality. The main thing is that the story is somewhat coherent."
"Such a script is too simple. It can be written in a couple of weeks," Warren replied.
Eric turned to Bema: "Ms. Hardy, you'll have to work hard. All the pressure will be on you. We're a small company, but the structure needs to be complete because we will grow in the future."
"Recruit heads of other departments so the company can function. When you're done, present the list to me."
Bema nodded happily: "Don't worry, I won't let you down."
"I trust your abilities and my father's intuition."
After sending Bema off, Eric turned to Warren: "My main task is to work with MGM, and you and Bema will manage A.K. Films. Learn from her experience and quickly get the hang of running the company. And, of course, keep an eye on her for me."
Warren, being a perceptive person, immediately understood what Eric meant. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, everything will be fine."
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