Chapter 62 Securing Investment

Rapidly developing companies often face financial constraints, and Gray Film and Television Company was no exception. Through their collaboration with Hollywood, Kelly Gray saw significant potential for their studio rental business. However, she recognized the importance of maintaining their core film and television production capabilities.

Curious about this new opportunity, Kelly inquired, "Tell me more."

Martin had prepared his pitch, "At the strip club Hulk mansion where I used to work, the owner was Vincent, and his stepmother, Sophia, who is fitness enthusiast from Savannah."

Kelly quickly grasped the key point, "So, they are involved in nightclub money laundering rather than other high-end methods."

Martin nodded, "Exactly. They have limitations, especially when dealing with influential figures like the vice chairman of the ATL Women Association."

Kelly inquired further, "What's the daily revenue at the Hulk Mansion?"

Martin couldn't provide an exact number but offered an estimate based on ticket sales, "Around forty thousand dollars a day."

Kelly reached for her phone and made a call, saying, "Hold on a moment."

After a brief conversation, she returned her attention to Martin and shared the information she had gathered. "They are engaged in smuggling, but it's nothing major."

Martin expressed his gratitude, "Thank you. I'll bring you a gift when I return home."

Kelly then made her proposition to Martin, "If we can secure enough investment, you'll be the lead actor. Your salary will increase with more funds, and I can even offer you a position as a production manager with double the salary."

Martin confirmed, "For a theatrical movie?"

Kelly smiled, "As long as we resolve the funding issue, everything else will fall into place. We can exhibit and sell the film at the Savannah Film Festival in the second half of the year, and I have connections in Hollywood to invite distributors."

Concerned about the potential impact on Kelly, Martin asked, "Will this affect you negatively?"

Kelly appreciated his concern and affectionately kissed him, "You're not the only one trying to break barriers. Money is a powerful tool."

Martin embraced her, "Let's work on it together."

Kelly sighed softly, "If only you came from a wealthy family."

She quickly dispelled the thought and asked, "Do you have any other ideas?"

Martin confessed, "I can only think of some rather devious and shameless ideas."

Kelly snuggled into his arms, "As long as they work."

Martin clarified, "I'll be in charge of coming up with the devious ideas."

As they shared this moment, Kelly suddenly expressed her reluctance, "I suddenly don't want you to go to Los Angeles."

In the afternoon, Martin left Kelly's apartment and drove her BMW 7 towards Clayton Street. Along the way, he contemplated his upcoming conversation with Vincent. While he could be forthright with Kelly, he needed to be more discreet with Vincent, given their dealings.

Approaching Clayton Street, Martin called Vincent and requested a meeting with him. Vincent invited him to the club, and Martin made his way there. Entering the office on the second floor, Vincent, sporting a rolled-up cowboy hat, was sitting behind his desk, lighting a cigar.

Acknowledging Martin's presence, Vincent said, "Feel free to sit wherever you like."

Martin pulled up a chair and greeted, "Boss, it's been a while. I've heard that the club's business is booming."

Vincent, appreciating Martin's previous contributions, allowed a rare smile, "Your efforts have indeed made a significant impact on the business."

Martin began to introduce the opportunity, avoiding any direct mention of money laundering, "Boss, I bring a new opportunity today. This could elevate the club's reputation across the entire state of Georgia and, if we're fortunate, even throughout the United States."

Having learned from Bruce that Vincent had recently visited Las Vegas for inspections, Martin suggested, "Boss, perhaps we could consider expanding the club to Las Vegas in the future."

Recognizing Martin's previous successes, Vincent gave him his full attention and asked, "What opportunity are you referring to?"

Martin explained, "We have the chance to invest in a movie set in a strip club. Director Benjamin from Gray Films has spent months refining the script, and once it's filmed, it will be released in theaters nationwide."

Vincent, not well-versed in the film industry, reviewed the script that Martin handed him. He quickly realized that the story's setting was remarkably suitable for the Hulks Mansion featured in the script due to Martin's experiences.

He considered the potential benefits, knowing that the club's reputation would skyrocket when the movie was widely released.

Martin emphasized, "Kelly Gray has given her green light to this project. Gray Company will issue a public investment notice in tomorrow's newspaper. I'll keep you informed as soon as I get the details."

Vincent questioned, "Are they seeking investment publicly?"

Martin clarified, "It's common practice in the film industry. For instance, 'The Godfather' reportedly received financial support from certain Italian sources. 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Band of Brothers' had received significant portion of the investments from India."

Vincent grasped the implications of these words, knowing the connections between Italians and the film industry. He removed his cowboy hat and lit a cigar, saying, "You certainly know a lot about film investments..."

Martin interrupted, expressing his gratitude, "Boss, I've always considered myself a club member. When I left Clayton, I was a poor kid. If not for you and the club, I wouldn't have the life I do today."

He continued, "Jack Davis is a despicable man. When I became an adult, the three people who helped me the most were from the club—Bruce, you, and the boss of Gray Film and Television Company, Kelly Gray. You've saved my life multiple times, Boss."

Martin added, "Kelly Gray is from Atlanta, and her family and company are here. The Gray family has an excellent reputation. That's why I dared to recommend this project and ask you to invest."

Vincent acknowledged that local people and companies were more trustworthy than outsiders. Martin continued, "Boss, even though I came from humble beginnings, I know how to be grateful."

Vincent prodded, "Is there more to it?"

Martin confessed, scratching his head, "Kelly Gray promised me that if I secure the investment, I'll be the lead actor in the film."

Vincent chuckled, "You sly kid!"

Martin quickly clarified, "I can also recommended a group of our club to play as strippers, including Hart and others. It's great for publicity, and they'll all be paid actors."

Vincent considered the potential and reflected on the club's role as both a studio during the day and a film studio at night, with substantial "normal" expenses, like constructing a one-to-one studio set.

He realized that investing in films, even as a layman, could be lucrative, similar to what the Italians did with 'The Godfather,' or the Germans and Indians in Hollywood.

After a brief contemplation, Vincent told Martin, "I'll think about it."

As Martin left the office and descended the stairs, he switched off the recorder he had discreetly activated. He recognized the arduous effort required to secure a leading role in a theatrical movie, and it felt like a never-ending circus act.