Sean has always found comfort in jotting down Chinese characters while brainstorming.
This particular paper contained his 'one-year plan'—a vision he has been nurturing for himself.
First: Produce the movie and establish Sean Films firmly in Hollywood.
His motivation extends beyond merely educating the American public about crime; he aims to enrich their entertainment and cultural landscape while making a significant mark in Hollywood. Movies and television serve as powerful tools for propaganda, and he realizes that they can also be manipulated to obscure darker realities.
Second: Dismantle the Dimeo criminal group and expand his territorial control.
Currently, Sean's involvement in 'cottage wine' remains under the radar, allowing him to siphon off excess profits. However, he knows it's only a matter of time before his activities are exposed. Before that happens, he must broaden his influence and secure more revenue streams. If his operations are discovered, the lucrative nature of 'cottage wine' will undoubtedly attract hostile forces. Without a strong foundation, not only could his business collapse, but he could also find himself in danger.
Third: Intensify development in the areas he currently controls.
Sean's territory is part of the Greater New York metropolitan area, which holds significant potential for growth. By thoroughly developing this region, he can generate substantial income while embedding his influence deeply within the community. There are numerous projects to pursue, both legal and illegal, such as an underground casino, private lottery, strip club, and underground boxing ring.
The second objective—tackling the Dimeo criminal group—is the most time-consuming. Sean has gathered a wealth of information about them, but much of it is surface-level. The Dimeo group has spent decades solidifying its structure, with a hierarchy and 26 smaller factions across New Jersey. Sean knows their main players and the various legal and illegal enterprises they operate. However, to effectively combat or even topple the Dimeo organization, he needs to understand the intricacies of their relationships—who is allied with whom, who holds grudges, and how deeply their ties run with political circles.
Only by obtaining complete intelligence can Sean devise a strategy to fracture the Dimeo group. Civil unrest within their ranks would provide the perfect opportunity for him to act. Until then, he must remain discreet and avoid drawing attention to his activities, focusing instead on filmmaking and developing the Newark area.
...
The script is promising. Norris has flown from Hollywood to Newark, and this time he arrives with renewed enthusiasm.
This is largely due to the $240,000 Sean promised, which has finally come through!
Norris feels optimistic that partnering with Sean could yield greater financial rewards than his previous job, despite owning only 2% of the shares.
However, he wonders how much Sean plans to invest in the film. Ultimately, financing is crucial, and Norris wants to approach this issue from a professional standpoint—hence his invitation from Sean.
Currently, Sean can raise $4.6 million, but this includes $1.2 million from Norris's past dealings and $1.8 million taken from a recent heist. Given that Sean has only been in operation for six months and has invested heavily in setting up a security company, funds are tight.
Norris nervously suggests, "How about we look into the video market?"
Sean responds with a silent gaze.
"Okay, okay, let me think…" Norris fidgets with his thinning hair, reflecting his anxiety.
Norris's concern is understandable; Sean's expectations are quite lofty. This film is a crime drama, involving heists, shootouts, and chases—elements that typically require a substantial budget. Each frame is a costly investment.
With a budget of just over $4 million, Norris doubts it will suffice, especially for the gunfight scenes. Beyond that, there are actor salaries, director fees, filming costs, equipment rentals, and expenses for special effects.
For reference, the 1983 film Scarface had a production budget of $30 million. Sean isn't considering hiring a superstar like Al Pacino, but still, $4.6 million feels inadequate.
Seeing Norris's anxious demeanor, Sean concedes, "Tell me where the largest expenses will be, and I'll help you find ways to cut costs."
"Alright!" Norris takes a deep breath and calms down. "The initial planning for the robbery doesn't cost much, but staging the bank heist is where expenses skyrocket. We'll need to find a suitable building, renovate it to resemble a bank, and that's a major cost.
Then there's the shootout scene, which is extremely pricey. If we want realistic effects, we need to film on-site and apply for road closures, which requires hiring a large number of extras and potentially damaging vehicles. The latter will also demand professional stunt actors, as ordinary actors will only be able to pose. The climactic battle you designed in the abandoned factory will be the most challenging to film. To achieve high-quality results, we'll need long takes, and if anything goes wrong with an extra or a stunt double, it'll require reshoots. The costs for time, film, and location will add up quickly.
Additionally, due to Actors Union regulations and related laws, we must insure all these elements, and that's another significant expense."
"Any more questions?" Sean asks, looking directly at Norris.
"Uh… no, that's plenty," Norris replies, his mouth twitching. "Isn't that enough?"
"Just wait for my updates!" Sean stands up decisively, ready to move forward with his plans.
As he prepares for the next steps, Sean knows that the road ahead will be fraught with challenges, but he is determined to make his vision a reality. He'll need to balance his ambitions in filmmaking with the intricate maneuvering required to expand his influence and dismantle the Dimeo criminal group. With a focus on careful planning and strategic development, he is committed to turning his one-year plan into a groundbreaking success.