The Tyrant Billionaire

"I dare say this is the best movie I've seen this year. It's thrilling and visually rich, with the righteous bounty hunter saving the town in the end."

"I think Ava's performance was spectacular. Although her screen time was limited, I will never forget her character."

"I foresee this movie being very successful."

General Manager Cohen turned to Hardy with a smile and said, "Mr. Hardy, this movie's box office should do well. Congratulations in advance."

Back in his office, Hardy called MGM's big boss, Mayer.

"Mr. Mayer, the movie "The Wild Bunch" is complete." I would like MGM to help with its distribution."

Although Noah Ark also had distribution qualifications, its capabilities were far behind those of the big eight film companies, so Hardy sought MGM's assistance.

"Of course, no problem. I'll send someone over to discuss," Mayer agreed cheerfully.

Mayer was naturally pleased with the business opportunity.

In the afternoon, MGM's distribution head and his team watched the movie again. They were also very optimistic about its prospects.

"I believe this movie deserves heavy promotion, with advertisements in newspapers, posters in cinemas, and creating as much buzz as possible."

"Mr. Hardy's idea of having Miss Ava release a song is an excellent publicity stunt, which will attract many viewers. My suggestion is to have Miss Ava perform in other cities to promote the movie."

Hardy knows that future movie promotions will also follow a similar routine.

Media advertising, star appearances on shows, city tours with the cast, premieres, press conferences, and the like.

The distribution head calculated the cost, which amounted to $800,000. Hardy exclaimed in surprise. The movie itself cost less than $300,000 to shoot, but the promotion was three times that amount.

"How about MGM fronts the money, and we repay it once we make a profit?" Hardy shamelessly suggested.

"I can't make that decision; you need to discuss it with Mr. Mayer," the distribution head replied.

Hardy called Mayer again, and Mayer readily agreed to front the money, primarily because MGM could earn a significant amount from the distribution fees.

Ava left with the crew to other cities for promotion.

Hardy had just had a couple of free days when he received a call from little Taylor. He checked the time; it was just past ten in the morning.

"At this time, you should be filming. Don't you have any scenes today?" Hardy asked.

The girl sounded a bit down. "The crew had an accident, and filming has been suspended."

Hardy was taken aback. As an investor in the film, any delay meant financial loss.

"What happened?"

"Yesterday, during an explosion scene, two stuntmen were injured. The government officials came and suspended filming. I heard that if the matter isn't resolved, our filming permit could be revoked." Taylor sounded worried.

"How did they get injured?" Hardy asked.

"I heard the pyrotechnics used too much explosive, and the blast was not controlled properly, causing the accident," Taylor explained.

"Where did the pyrotechnics come from?"

"He was hired in New York."

"What about the stuntmen? Are they from MGM?"

"No, they were also hired in New York."

New York was still the artistic center of the United States. The earliest movie industry was in New York before Hollywood rose to prominence, but New York still had many film companies.

When filming in New York, studios wouldn't bring all the crew members, many were locally hired.

"Mr. Hardy, when will you come to New York? I miss you," Elizabeth Taylor said.

The girl's feelings were direct and genuine. She had developed a special attachment to Hardy and hoped to see him.

"I'll come to New York when I get a chance," Hardy replied.

Michael's television company had started production. A few days ago, Michael informed Hardy that production was running smoothly, with a daily output of around 120 units, and an annual output exceeding 40,000 units.

Michael was now focusing on sales, with the 12 inch TV sets already on display in New York stores, and daily sales increasing.

Michael invited Hardy to visit New York to check on the company's development, considering he was a major shareholder.

After chatting with Taylor, Hardy was about to call MGM to inquire about the accident when the phone rang.

"Hello, this is Hardy."

"Hardy, this is Mayer. I have some news: the 'léon: the professional' crew encountered some issues in New York," Mayer said.

"I just heard about it from Taylor. She said two stuntmen were injured by an explosion. I was about to call you to understand the situation better. No one wants this delay to extend any longer. Give the injured some medical expenses and compensation, and it should be resolved, right?" Hardy said.

"It's not that simple," Mayer replied.

"Oh, is there more to this?" Hardy asked.

"The injured are asking for $100,000."

"$100,000!" Hardy was shocked by the amount.

In those days, $100,000 was a lot of money. He realized something more was going on.

"Is there an inside story?" Hardy asked.

"I found out through connections that the other party has a gang background. This incident might have been orchestrated by the New York gang. Even the pyrotechnics might be their man, deliberately causing the explosion," Mayer explained.

"I also contacted the film management department, but they're being very tough. They won't allow filming to resume until this is resolved. I suspect some government officials are also involved. They're planning to squeeze money out of our crew legally and reasonably."

Hardy understood.

They had encountered professional extortionists.

Creating trouble, demanding high compensation, and government pressure—all perfectly legal.

Such accidents could be included in filming expenses, and the movie company could write off the costs.

Once the money was obtained, those involved would divide it.

"What do you plan to do?" Hardy asked Mayer.

"I contacted a familiar gang leader who suggested settling the matter with money to avoid bigger trouble, at least $60,000," Mayer said solemnly.

"We're partners, so I wanted to consult you. Are you willing to pay?" Mayer asked.

Hardy thought.

The other party, as local tyrants, intended to take a big bite out of them.

He was not happy about being forced to pay up.

"Is there no other way?" Hardy asked.

"This is the best I can do," Mayer said.

Although Mayer was the big boss of MGM, there were limits to his influence. Mayer had already done a lot in New York.

Hardy thought for a moment.

"Mr. Mayer, let me make a call."