Chapter 281: Slumdog Millionaire

"It's true that low-budget movies becoming box office hits is a quick way to make money," Charles Capet sat in his office, looking at the report in his hand.

Saw IV made 63 million dollars at the North American box office and 77 million dollars overseas, totaling 140 million dollars globally.

Capet Pictures, which produced and distributed the film, earned 36 million dollars from the North American box office and 27 million dollars from overseas box office.

After deducting 12 million dollars for production costs, 10 million dollars for marketing expenses, and 4.3 million dollars for creator bonuses, as well as other expenses like lawyer fees, Saw IV had a net income of around 36 million dollars just from the box office.

Additionally, there were sales from the DVD home entertainment market and paid TV broadcasts. No wonder Lionsgate made substantial profits with this series in previous years.

300, with 210 million dollars box office revenue in North America and another 240 million dollars overseas, also contributed 200 million dollars in revenue for Capet Pictures.

Deductions included 60 million dollars for production costs, 25 million dollars for marketing expenses, and around 10 million dollars for bonuses and interests, making 300 net over 100 million dollars in box office profits.

"The strategy of Hollywood studios to focus resources on blockbuster movies to achieve success has indeed proven correct," thought Charles.

The Saw series was a rare find, whereas overseas art films like The Lives of Others only just made over 10 million in the North American box office.

Sitting across from Charles, Donna Langley smiled and said, "High-concept movies have always been the secret weapon of the big six Hollywood studios. The success of one blockbuster can rival ten art films.

Nowadays, the major studios are still primarily pushing a few big releases each year, while B-movies and art films are handled by their independent film labels.

Still, last year, our company's performance was indeed remarkable. In terms of movie profits, Capet Pictures was undoubtedly the top in Hollywood," Donna Langley said excitedly.

Charles Capet had a keen eye for movies, almost God-like.

The Devil Wears Prada, with a production cost of 35 million dollars, grossed 124 million dollars in North America and another 202 million overseas, making a total of 326 million worldwide.

The Departed, with 80 million dollars production cost, earned 140 million dollars in North America and 160 million overseas, totaling 300 million worldwide.

The Pursuit of Happiness has also been out for over a month now. The box office in the North American market has crossed one hundred million dollars, and it has won awards from various city film critic associations and the Screen Actors Guild, with nominations for Best Actor at the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Its box office potential continues to grow," Charles smiled, acknowledging Will Smith's considerable influence.

"This is a script concept sent from the UK, take a look," Charles said, handing Donna Langley a file.

Donna Langley took it and looked, "Slumdog Millionaire? Is it based on the British show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"

Donna Langley continued reading, "Why is it about a story in the slums of Mumbai, India?"

"It's based on the novel Q & A by Indian author Vikas Swarup, and it's directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle," Charles explained with a smile.

"They have been searching for a distribution company to invest in it. Initially, Warner Independent Pictures showed some interest but ultimately passed on it."

"Mumbai's slums, a millionaire show, and human nature," Donna Langley glanced through it, then smiled at Charles, "If you think it's good, then there's no problem."

"Haha, a 15 million dollar budget, much cheaper compared to American movies," Charles laughed.

Slumdog Millionaire indeed had few supporters. It faced numerous challenges in both production and distribution.

Capet Pictures had been strengthening its international co-production model. For example, La Vie en Rose was a US-France co-production, Atonement was a UK-US co-production, and Vicky Cristina Barcelona was naturally a U.S.-Spain co-production.

"It seems, the release date for Slumdog Millionaire should be in 2008," Donna Langley trusted Charles's film selection judgment without a doubt.

Charles nodded, "Let's get started as soon as possible!"

That evening, Charles drove his Ferrari 360 to a high-end restaurant in Beverly Hills because Ivanka Trump had invited him.

"Why haven't you gone back to New York yet?" Charles sat across from Ivanka. He felt that she seemed taller and more imposing now.

With a height of about 5'11" and a slightly voluptuous figure, she indeed looked like a classic beauty.

"Do you want me to go back to New York?" Ivanka took a sip of her drink, "Are we on a date?"

Charles nodded, "Of course, it counts!"

"Why didn't you attend the Golden Globe Awards a few days ago? Capet Pictures had several films nominated this year," Ivanka had specifically attended the Golden Globe Awards this year.

"I'm just a movie company boss. It's a foreign press association awards ceremony. I can't attend every year," Charles shook his head. "So, what's up tonight?"

Ivanka nodded, "Do you still remember Jared Kushner?"

"Sure, he's the son of the fraudster real estate magnate Charles Kushner!" Charles showed disdain for the Jewish family.

"Fraudster's son?" Ivanka laughed.

Ivanka knew Charles and had several intimate encounters with him. It changed her past relationship with Jared Kushner.

Because Capet Entertainment snatched The New York Observer ahead of time, Jared Kushner had fewer opportunities to get close to Rupert Murdoch. Though they still met, they were not very familiar, and Wendi Deng, the matchmaker, had no chance to push them together.

"You seem to dislike their family?" Ivanka asked.

Charles shook his head, "I just don't want to be associated with fraudsters!"

*****

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