Chapter 361: NFL Team?

Capet Pictures released two low-budget films at the end of last year. The feminist-themed movie Juno was a big hit in terms of both reviews and box office numbers.

The other film was The Mist, a thriller-horror directed by Frank Darabont and distributed by Matrix Pictures. Made on an $18 million budget, it earned $25 million in the North American market and $57 million worldwide.

Adding to last year's Saw V, which grossed more than hundred million worldwide, although Hostel: Part II performed moderately with $17 million in North America and $18 million overseas. However, with just a $10 million budget, the profit was enough to continue with a third installment!

This year, for Halloween, Matrix Pictures was planning to release Saw VI, which had already started filming under the direction of Darren Lynn Bousman.

"Darren Lynn Bousman's three-film contract for the Saw series is about to expire. We need to find someone else to helm the seventh movie," Charles said, leaning back in his chair while reviewing the annual report at the Capet New York headquarters on Greenwich Street in Lower Manhattan.

Capet Group's fiscal year ran from April of the previous year to April of the current year.

Phyllis Jones nodded, "Darren Lynn Bousman's sequels to the Saw series did a great job of inheriting James Wan's original trilogy!"

"Taken and Cloverfield got us off to a great start this year," Charles was very pleased with the performance of the two movies.

"Get Luc Besson, the producer of Taken, to start preparing for a sequel!"

However, it was challenging to develop a sequel for Cloverfield, which was distributed by Matrix Pictures.

"Boss, Luc Besson is also in a bit of trouble!" Phyllis Jones gently reminded him.

Charles shook his head, "Isn't it just some actress accusing him of harassment? Is that really a big deal? Can European actresses threaten a top director?"

Subsequently, Charles reviewed the performance of other film companies' movies and thought they couldn't match Capet Pictures.

"Millennium Films worked with Sylvester Stallone to develop Rambo IV, which grossed more than hundred million worldwide," Charles had some impression of Millennium Films, specializing in commercial action films!

In the future, the Expendables series, Mechanic series, and the Olympus Has Fallen trilogy were produced by this company.

"Lionsgate is the North American distributor. Boss, are you interested in this company?" Phyllis Jones inquired.

Charles nodded, "We can collaborate. In terms of distribution, we are much stronger than Lionsgate. We also have overseas distribution channels and financial power. Millennium Films, as an independent filmmaker, should know how to choose wisely."

Capet Pictures had sizable distribution teams in both North America and overseas. Lionsgate couldn't sustain teams of such scale.

However, exactly who Millennium Films would choose to partner with was uncertain because if Lionsgate offered a good distribution deal, Millennium might still pick Lionsgate.

In the afternoon, Phyllis Jones brought Charles some bad news, "Anthony Minghella passed away due to a post-surgery hemorrhage in London!"

"Anthony Minghella passed away?" Charles frowned, "How's The Reader coming along?"

British director Anthony Minghella was the producer of The Reader. His Mirage Enterprises was also one of the production companies.

"It'll be ready for post-production this month and move on to promotion. But the other producer, Sidney Pollack, isn't in good health either. He was hospitalized in February," Phyllis Jones reminded.

Mirage Enterprises was founded by the two directors Sidney Pollack and Anthony Minghella.

"And Scott Rudin, how's he?" Charles asked, feeling that The Reader was having bad luck.

Scott Rudin, the last producer and invited by the movie's director Stephen Daldry, was a top Hollywood producer.

"Rudin is fine and will take charge of the remaining work," Phyllis Jones explained.

"Arrange for our company to visit Sidney Pollack in the hospital," Charles showed his humane side.

"What sickness does he have?" he inquired.

"Oh, it's cancer, and it seems he doesn't have much time left..." said Phyllis Jones.

Charles's lips twitched, "Cancer? And not much time left?"

"Then, The Reader will be Anthony Minghella and Sidney Pollack's final works!" he stated.

Phyllis Jones nodded. The big summer release this year, The Dark Knight, was also the final work for "The Joker," Heath Ledger. With The Reader being the last work of both Anthony Minghella and Sidney Pollack, it was quite significant!

In the evening, Charles attended a party with Ivanka Trump. "Things must be tough for real estate companies now, huh?" he asked while dancing.

Ivanka, with her arm slung over Charles's shoulder, smiled and countered, "I think Hollywood's having a hard time too. The writers' strike just ended and a top producer's sex scandal broke out."

"The real estate market is grim, but that doesn't stop big real estate capital moves!" Ivanka gestured with her eyes toward someone in the distance and introduced, "That real estate mogul, Steven Ross, is looking to purchase the NFL team Miami Dolphins!"

Steven Ross, the CEO of Vornado Realty Trust, was a billionaire. In 2006, he and the Blackstone Group competed to buy EOP, the world's largest office real estate investment trust, but it eventually went to Blackstone, which later profited hugely from selling the properties.

"Buying the Miami Dolphins? It's rare for NFL teams to change hands," Charles also had always wanted to own an NFL team given the massive market for American football.

"Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, has suffered heavy losses due to the financial crisis and urgently needs funds," said Ivanka, noting a change in Charles's expression.

"You, are you thinking..." she trailed off.

"I, what am I thinking?" Charles teased, pinching the girl's waist.

"Buying the Miami Dolphins, an AFC East team of the NFL!" Ivanka never expected Charles to want to own an NFL team.

After all, he had just bought the English soccer team Arsenal!

"Steven Ross can buy them? I can buy them too," Charles whispered into her ear. "This is good news. Tonight, you'll get a big reward!"

*****

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