Chapter 301: Stephen Chow

After leaving the soiree, Charles took Lin Chi-ling back to the luxury villa in Deep Water Bay.

"Let's get some rest," Charles said and kissed her, continuing their business from earlier in the day.

"Charles, let's take a shower first!" Lin Chi-ling responded and reminded.

"Alright, but call Yuanyuan first and tell her to contact Mr. Raymond Wong from Hong Kong Eastern Film Company. Red Fruit Entertainment will fully invest in his Kung Fu movie Ip Man."

Charles himself wasn't interested, but it would at least give Red Fruit Entertainment some fame and earn some money!

"Ip Man? Got it!"

...

The next afternoon, Charles had an appointment with someone in Central. Lin Chi-ling had left that morning to prepare for her role in Red Cliff.

In a high-end restaurant in Central, Stephen Chow stood to welcome Charles Capet and his entourage as they entered.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Capet!"

"Good afternoon, Mr. Chow," Charles responded warmly, shaking Stephen Chow's hand. Among all the people in Hong Kong, Charles was most interested in Stephen Chow.

"Mr. Capet, what business brings you to meet with me?"

Due to the success of Kung Fu Hustle, many Hollywood film companies had developed an interest in Stephen Chow. 20th Century Fox had even considered him to direct the live-action Dragonball movie.

"We want to collaborate. Capet Pictures has long hoped to work with you to create a kung fu film," Charles smiled. 

"Of course, you will have significant control over the film. We won't be like 20th Century Fox, arbitrarily directing the process," Charles expressed his confidence in Stephen Chow.

Columbia Pictures had invested in Kung Fu Hustle, fully allowing Stephen Chow to showcase his talent, with Columbia Pictures' Asia division supporting the production.

Stephen Chow spoke up, "Will Smith recently invited me to remake the 1984 American classic, The Karate Kid, and he hoped I could take on the roles of producer, director, and actor."

"Will Smith and The Karate Kid?" Charles furrowed his brows. Wasn't this the future Karate Kid movie with Jackie Chan and Will Smith's son?

So Stephen Chow was initially approached. Will Smith had good taste.

"Have you agreed?" Charles inquired.

Stephen Chow shook his head. "I need to see the script and the collaboration terms. Columbia Pictures also has plans to remake The Green Hornet and has considered me for the role of director as well as playing Kato. The script and creative ideas need to be communicated well before we can start cooperating. After all, Sony and Columbia are still preparing for The Green Hornet, including developing the script."

Charles nodded, fully understanding that Hollywood wouldn't easily accept Stephen Chow's ideas and suggestions for script adaptations.

"Capet Pictures isn't like them. We are very sincere about this. You will have significant control over the script and casting," Charles continued after some thought.

"However, we must consider the American market. Hollywood actors will be indispensable, so we'll need to listen to our input in that area," Charles added.

Stephen Chow looked at Charles Capet. Ever since he knew the Hollywood newcomer wanted to meet him, Stephen Chow had researched the news about him.

"A Sino-American co-produced kung fu film?" Stephen Chow had always liked kung fu movies, idolizing Bruce Lee.

"Yes, a Sino-American co-produced kung fu film. You would be the director and lead actor, paired with a big Hollywood actress and supporting actors. For the Chinese cast, you can make suggestions," Charles offered generous terms.

"As for the script, it can certainly be refined by you, and we can work on it together," Charles added.

After leaving the restaurant, Stephen Chow was still a bit dazed, but he had no time to dwell on it.

CJ7 was set to release and was currently in post-production. Dragonball's shooting preparations were underway by 20th Century Fox. Although he wouldn't direct, his role as producer required his involvement.

...

After the meeting with Stephen Chow, Charles met up with Phyllis Jones and Amelia Caldwell at the Deep Water Bay Yacht Pier.

Deep Water Bay Yacht Club was one of the three major private yacht clubs in Hong Kong. The sheltered harbor between Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay served as the yacht docking berths.

Annoyed with renting yachts in Hong Kong, Charles bought one.

"88 feet long, 21 feet wide, the latest flybridge yacht from Sunseeker in the UK, worth 55 million Hong Kong dollars!" Phyllis Jones had become very efficient in solving issues for Charles.

Charles casually looked around, noting the spacious and exquisitely appointed living space, with the main lounge connecting to an aft entertainment platform. Outside, the amenities included a well-equipped bar, ice maker, fridge, barbecue grill, and sunbathing area.

Named Starlight, though not quite as grand as the Star docked at the Los Angeles King's Harbor, it was sufficient for Charles' vacationing needs in Hong Kong.

"Boss, if you come here once a year, that'll be lucky!" Phyllis Jones laughed.

Charles smiled back, "You know, I don't like renting things!"

Amelia Caldwell pondered that this was the life of the wealthy, living recklessly.

*****

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