Fooling the investors

Leaving the office area of "The Pianist" film crew, Lyman raised his head and looked at the sunny sky of Cannes, but he didn't know where his future lay.

He had greatly underestimated the numerous obstacles faced by newcomers in this industry. Even if he told those people about his extensive experience and his directorial work on a feature film, he still couldn't secure a decent salary. If he continued as an intern, he would have to rely on selling his labor at a low price to make a living. With just that amount of money, what could he do? Continue living on bread and plain water? He had had enough of that kind of life, and he didn't want to continue in such destitution.

He searched for opportunities through the job advertisements he had transcribed from previous newspapers, but what he found was work and salaries without guarantees or prospects for development. This made Lyman feel extremely frustrated.

He had a bunch of ambitions but couldn't find the opportunity to showcase them. The harsh reality of the film industry kept him firmly outside. This was a circle that valued connections, qualifications, and successful experience. Unfortunately, his predecessor had left him with nothing, which was the most frustrating part.

Standing on a busy street in the small town, a wildly crazy idea suddenly appeared in Lyman's mind. He wanted to deceive investors, no matter whose they were or whether he could actually deceive them. In any case, he wanted to try.

Instead of waiting for others to give him opportunities, he thought it would be better to take risks and swindle the fat lambs. Even if he were discovered and arrested, it would be better than his current passive situation. Opportunities are created and fought for through one's own efforts. Without taking a chance, how could one know if they would succeed?

Determined, Lyman decided not to proceed according to his previous plans. It was the current state of the world and fate that forced him. His smooth sailing life had been ruined, so what burden did he have as a swindler?

He took a taxi back home, changed into a set of the most dignified suit, shaved off the unkempt parts of his grown-out beard, and looked at the mature style reflected in the mirror. Holding various prepared documents and materials, Lyman left.

Among them were his university graduation certificate, a script created by his predecessor, and the distribution contract from Miramax.

He had everything he could use; now it was a matter of finding a fat lamb willing to support him.

As for seeking investment from his father, whom he had not met in person until now, or from his friend René, they were not among Lyman's options. He wanted to swindle strangers; his conscience wouldn't allow him to target acquaintances.

.....

Inside a well-known studio in Cannes, Lyman successfully blended into a team of film crew members with his calm demeanor, evading the security check at the entrance.

This studio was specifically used for shooting interior scenes, and many post-production works were carried out here as well. It was bustling with crew members and investors coming and going.

Just like "The Pianist", which attracted the attention of the entire French film industry, some parts of the shooting would also take place here.

When passing by the set with the sign "The Pianist", Lyman instinctively stopped and watched for a while. The crew members inside were communicating and coordinating something. He still had some thoughts about that project, but ultimately, he had made a different choice, hadn't he?

Continuing his steps, Lyman headed towards the parking lot.

Raising funds is also a technical skill, especially when it involves tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of franc. It truly tests a person's persuasive ability because, after all, you need to convince someone to invest their money in a project with uncertain profitability. Without some eloquence, it's difficult to succeed in this field.

There were numerous luxury cars parked in the parking lot. Rolls-Royce, Maybach, Porsche, Bentley...

Lyman's gaze kept searching for prey until it finally settled on a silver-gray Cadillac.

The owner of the car was a man wearing glasses, probably around thirty-five years old. This kind of person meant they were financially independent. If they could afford a Cadillac CTS, their bank account must be pretty healthy, and they likely had a concept of investing for returns.

Once he spotted a target, Lyman tidied up his clothes and headed straight for the person. The June weather was hot and made people unconsciously feel frustrated. Lyman himself had this feeling at the moment. In his previous life of 27 years, he had never done something like this. He had only heard about it and seen others do it. Now that it was his turn, he felt a little nervous inside. His palms started sweating involuntarily, and the business briefcase he held felt like it might slip from his grip.

Finally, he stood in front of the car owner. Lyman adjusted his breathing and said in a deep voice, "Sir, excuse me, can I have a moment of your time? There's a very promising film project right in front of you, perhaps you'd like to hear about it."

Christopher Lambert looked a bit surprised at the sudden appearance of this young man in front of him. What did he just say? He had been lost in thought inside the car and hadn't paid attention.

"Do you need something?"

"I am a director. I have directed a feature film and was noticed by Miramax, who brought me to Hollywood for distribution. Recently, I have come up with another great story that I want to film. However, due to financial constraints, I need some investment. Are you interested, sir?" Lyman quickly introduced his situation and continued, "If you don't believe me, I have brought my university graduation certificate, the film distribution contract, and the script for the new project. You can take a look."

Christopher Lambert instinctively took the various documents and materials handed to him by the man who claimed to be a director in front of him.

"Wait, you want me to invest in your new film, right?"

"You could say that. This is a project with great profitability prospects. We..." Lyman was about to babble on, but Christopher Lambert interrupted him, "Get in the car. It's not appropriate to talk here. Let's discuss it at the café."

Lyman heard the opportunity and immediately got into the back seat of the Cadillac.

They drove smoothly, and before long, the two arrived at a café called "Le Temps Libre". After asking for Lyman's opinion, Christopher Lambert ordered a cup of Blue Mountain coffee for him and a cup of Cartim for himself.

While the waiter hadn't brought their coffee yet, Christopher Lambert quickly flipped through the film script that Lyman had handed him.

As someone aspiring to invest in the film industry, he had come to the studio today for investment purposes. So when someone approached him and told him about a project with profit potential, he wanted to check it out. Moreover, there was a sense of familiarity in the face of this person.

After getting a general understanding of the story and plot the script wanted to tell, Christopher Lambert looked at Lyman and asked, "Perhaps you can tell me where the profit prospects are for this film project?"

"This is a film that explores women's views on love, with the selling point being extramarital affairs. It is likely to have great market potential. Many films with similar themes have achieved good results." Lyman almost said it was a trend to shoot such films.

Fortunately, Christopher Lambert understood what Lyman was trying to convey. He continued, "What about the investment? How much more funding do you need?"

"We have raised €200,000 so far and need an additional €300,000." Lyman lied without even blinking. It sounded plausible, but in reality, he didn't have funds exceeding €2,000. Apart from his expenses over the past two days, he only had €1,762 left.

"What about profit sharing? How will the film generate profits after its release?"

"Don't worry about that. I have a close relationship with my studio and Miramax, the Hollywood distributor. They helped with the release of my first work, so there won't be any problems with getting the second one into theaters. They will definitely represent it again. My relationship with them is very good." Lyman emphasized the good relationship, which had no factual basis.

Anyway, he hadn't raised funds for the film yet, so he wasn't concerned about the subsequent operations. The film hadn't even been made, so what use was there in thinking too much? When the cart reaches the mountain, there will be a way. Lyman considered this saying of his ancestors as a truth.

Shortly after, the waiter brought their coffee.

While sipping coffee, they chatted about the film project. Most of the time, Christopher Lambert asked questions, and Lyman was responsible for answering his doubts. For a potential benefactor like Christopher Lambert, Lyman was full of energy and showed no signs of impatience. During this process, Christopher Lambert became increasingly optimistic about the project's prospects. After all, Lyman's rhetoric about having a good relationship with Miramax was truly enticing.

Why do people make films? It's for profit. In this regard, how many finished films don't even have the opportunity to be released in theaters and hastily end up in the offline DVD and VHS market? But Lyman, he had a good relationship with a Hollywood distributor and could ensure the film's release in North America. This undoubtedly filled Christopher Lambert with confidence in the project's prospects.

The only uncertain factor was whether the distribution contract was genuine or fake. If Lyman hadn't lied to him, then investing 300,000 euros might not be a bad idea. Thinking of this, Christopher Lambert asked, "After I invest the remaining amount, how will the profits be divided?"

"You will get 40% of the production's profits, and our team, responsible for shooting and production, should also receive a share of the revenue."

This statement made Christopher Lambert find the project even more credible. Although he was contributing a significant amount of money, he didn't receive the expected 60% return on investment. Instead, a portion of his profit would be shared with the production team. That was the industry's standard division method. Those who claimed they would receive the majority of the profits were clearly acting like scammers.

"I still don't know your name," Christopher Lambert said.

"Lyman Lattes."

"Lyman Lattes..." Christopher Lambert murmured, feeling a sense of familiarity with the name.