Chapter 189: The Department of Entertainment Affairs

Since Charles learned that Twilight was published, he knew that the subsequent works like New Moon and Eclipse would follow.

However, Twilight had only recently been published, so they had to wait for the novel to gain some influence first.

Now, Charles was focusing on the upcoming Oscar ceremony. There was an onslaught from both online and print media, alongside constant reception invitations for Academy voters and media personnel.

In the Hilton Garden Hotel on North Hollywood Avenue in Los Angeles, by the pool in the hotel courtyard, Charles was chatting with Philip Strub, the Director of the Pentagon Entertainment Liaison Office.

"Philip, we're friends, right? It's not good if your Defense Department keeps calling my office," Charles said. Capet Pictures had deep collaborations with the U.S. Department of Defense for two major films, Iron Man and Transformers. The military hoped the movies would showcase the American military's sense of justice and fearlessness.

Philip Strub, as the current Director of the Pentagon Entertainment Liaison Office, was the bridge connecting Hollywood with the military.

Hollywood needed the advanced weapons and manpower support from the Defense Department, while the Defense Department wanted to portray the positive image of the U.S. military through films.

"Charles, we're providing the latest fighter jets, armored vehicles, and artillery. We even allowed you to film at the Pentagon. All we're asking for is a bit of script modification," Philip mentioned, feeling the demand wasn't high.

The Defense Department found some script details in the currently filming Iron Man problematic and hoped the crew could make some adjustments.

The executive producer and director were frustrated with the Pentagon's stringent demands and even called Charles' office.

Charles frowned. The military manipulating Hollywood to promote their image had always been a thing - glorifying war, advertising weapons, and recruitment propaganda.

"Philip, Iron Man alone costs about 140 million dollars to make. We also need to spend a lot on marketing. It's not a low-budget film we can just change on a whim," Charles was definitely upset.

"Do you know how many scenes have been added to the script after your involvement?" Charles asked.

"This isn't like the small-budget movies Clint Eastwood made to promote the military image for the Pentagon, nor is it like Tom Hanks' government collaborations with agencies like the CIA and Homeland Security in something like Charlie Wilson's War," he continued.

"Iron Man is a blockbuster with over 140 million dollars invested by Capet Pictures. If it fails, do you know the impact? The script for Iron Man had already been changed from the Gulf War to the Afghanistan War for positive Afghanistan war propaganda to support your efforts there."

Originally, Iron Man had a pacifist theme, with Tony Stark trying to use his massive manufacturing empire to fight war profiteers and the military-industrial complex.

After the Pentagon's intervention, under Philip Strub's request, the combat scenes changed from the Gulf War to modern-day Afghanistan, filling the film with the righteous image of the U.S. military.

"Now we're constantly downplaying the protagonist's anti-war stance. Do you want to completely reverse his attitude towards war?"

Turning Tony Stark from an opponent of the military-industrial complex into its ultimate preacher was already the biggest concession in Iron Man.

Any more changes and Iron Man would become nothing more than a commercial for the U.S. military and its weapons.

The Pentagon provided Edwards Air Force Base, around 150 actors to portray soldiers and Afghan civilians, helped make 100 sets of uniforms, and allowed the use of various high-cost military aircraft and weapons.

The Iron Man script adjustments were mostly being made in accordance with the Pentagon's demands.

Philip Strub smiled, patted Charles' shoulder, and said, "We're just discussing, not demanding you to follow every Defense Department instruction."

Philip Strub, with his bald head, was originally from the military. For major films like Iron Man and Transformers, the Pentagon had focused heavily on these entertainment projects.

Philip Strub clearly understood why Charles Capet was taking this so seriously, considering the massive 140 million dollar investment.

If the military intervened too much, Capet Pictures might abandon the Pentagon's support altogether.

"Philip, you need to understand that my film's success benefits you the most. Otherwise, it's bad for all of us," Charles reminded.

Philip Strub nodded. A successful blockbuster could achieve what countless ordinary films couldn't.

The Pentagon's publicity department prioritized collaborations with Transformers and Iron Man.

Charles Capet was now a quality idol among young Americans, a Hollywood prodigy, and one of the poster boys for the American Dream.

"Charles, don't worry, the Defense Department will definitely support your film. Just shoot the script as planned," Philip Strub reassured with a smile.

For the current script, the Pentagon was very satisfied. They made demands, knowing Capet Pictures might agree, and if rejected, it wasn't much lost.

Philip Strub noticed Charles was close to losing his temper and wisely decided to back off.

Charles nodded, feeling more at ease. He casually said, "It's not just you guys. I have received many collaboration requests from government departments. FBI, CIA aside, the Marines, National Security Agency all want me to develop similar films. Seems like you guys spend a lot on Hollywood each year!" Charles added with a hint of surprise.

Philip Strub laughed, "Well, things need to be done, and funds can't be lacking. If you're interested, you can develop projects about the Marines or Defense Intelligence Agency. Each branch of the military has its budget for such authorizations."

Charles nodded and clinked glasses with Philip Strub. The Marvel Cinematic Universe was mostly special effects-heavy blockbusters with many grand scenes, and indeed, it needed Pentagon's support.

The Transformers series was similar - the grander the scenes, the more it attracted viewers. Only the Pentagon could provide aircraft carriers, helicopters, fighter jets, pilots, submarines, APCs, army extras, and military weapons advisors.

But the Pentagon only provided support if they were satisfied with the script content.

Philip Strub stood up, looked around, and smiled, "Alright, Charles, you should enjoy your evening!"

*****

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