Chapter 417

Capet Pictures released a small-budget Indian film in September called Slumdog Millionaire, which had no star participation and thus had a very limited release.

For marketing, they mainly participated in film festivals and held press screenings. They conducted screenings for movie critics in various cities and participated in different kinds of film festivals to promote the movie.

Their main goal was aiming for the Oscars, supported by The Reader, developed along with Germany's Babelsberg Studio, and The Wrestler, which they acquired at the Venice Film Festival, to form the main force for competing for awards.

"Boss, Paramount announced the start of Mission: Impossible 4, but they are going with a new male lead. Tom Cruise will serve as the producer," said Phyllis Jones, in the office of Capet Pictures' boss, chatting with Charles about major happenings in Hollywood.

"It's just an announcement; it's not like they've started actual production," Charles wanted to wait until Tom Cruise was confirmed as the lead in Mission: Impossible 4 before making contact.

When a film company announces a new project, it's uncertain until it enters the production stage.

For example, Capet Pictures had earlier announced the purchase of the novel The Wolf of Wall Street, and last year Leonardo DiCaprio also announced his participation, but nothing has moved yet.

Another example is the Japanese film they bought, Hachiko: A Dog's Story. Even though they had a script for the remake, there has been no concrete action.

"This year, Tom Cruise seems to have made peace with Paramount, and he has been apologizing in various media to restore his image lost over the past two years," Phyllis Jones said while flipping through the newspaper.

"The movie he stars in, Valkyrie, has already been released in Germany, and it will be released in North America in December!"

At the end of 2006, when Tom Cruise took over the management of United Artists under MGM, he released a low-budget political film, Lions for Lambs, which made no splash.

This time his film Valkyrie, distributed by 20th Century Fox in cooperation with MGM, is what he is banking on to make a comeback.

"Tom Cruise participated in that Paramount-distributed comedy Tropic Thunder, appearing as a bald, chubby guy. Doesn't that show he was willing to bow to Paramount?"

Charles had a high opinion of someone as adaptable as Tom Cruise; after all, adults see profit above all.

"I heard that Tom Cruise's longtime partner, Paula Wagner, left Cruise/Wagner Productions. Is that true?" Charles inquired.

Phyllis Jones nodded, "Yes, she has split from Tom Cruise, and Cruise/Wagner Productions is now just Cruise Productions.

Also, Paula Wagner resigned from her position as CEO of United Artists, and Tom Cruise will soon be leaving United Artists too!"

Charles nodded, "These partners have been together for nearly 30 years. Paula Wagner was originally Tom Cruise's agent and discovered the superstar. Later, the two established a film production company and ran it for 15 years. It's truly unexpected!"

"Boss, someone had to be held accountable for Tom Cruise's breakup with Paramount," even Phyllis Jones could see it clearly, and Charles certainly knew too.

Back then, Tom Cruise's split with Paramount shocked Sumner Redstone. Now that they've reconciled, sacrificing Paula Wagner seems like a good choice, doesn't it?

"By the way, what's the current situation with Weinstein Company?" Charles had not been paying much attention to Weinstein Company since the sexual harassment scandal erupted, expelling Harvey Weinstein from Hollywood earlier this year.

"Oh, it's very dire. Many investment funds have withdrawn from Weinstein Company. They're selling off projects to raise funds to prevent bankruptcy. Bob Weinstein is mainly running the subsidiary label Dimension Films now."

Charles chuckled, "What about Quentin Tarantino's war movie Inglourious Basterds that they developed?"

"It's being handed over to their partner Universal Pictures for distribution. Weinstein Company can't continue participating," Phyllis Jones quickly responded. Now that Harvey Weinstein is like a rat crossing the street, Universal undoubtedly wants to take full advantage of the movie.

Charles stood up, "Oh, look at the independent film companies nowadays: Lionsgate, Summit, DreamWorks, and Weinstein Company - all are struggling. Then look at our Capet Pictures; we can now compete with the Big Six studios!"

Phyllis Jones saw her boss's high spirits and remarked, "Boss, in terms of market share from box office revenue, we rank second!"

"We'll be number one soon," Charles was absolutely confident in his film company. "By the way, DreamWorks is likely to team up with Disney. Does Disney have any major films in development?"

"Yes, they have a live-action movie Alice in Wonderland, which is a 3D film combining CGI and live-action. Another one is the live-action adaptation of the game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time by Ubisoft.

Both major films are being developed by Disney with a huge investment of $200 million each, and their release dates are set for 2010!"

Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton, Charles remembered this film for its global box office, which exceeded $900 million, and featured Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway.

As for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, it was nothing short of a box office flop.

Now Disney had Pixar, but Capet had taken Marvel, leaving Disney likely aiming to acquire Lucasfilm, the company behind Star Wars.

Disneyland was currently discussing with George Lucas about adding a new Star Wars attraction at their Florida park.

Charles returned to his chair and tapped his fingers on the desk. "Phyllis, set up a meeting with George Lucas for me. I want to see him. He's already 64; isn't it time for him to retire?"

Phyllis Jones stuck out her tongue, "Boss, Lucas directed Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith in 2005. And this year, he produced Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull!"

Charles nodded. Capet Entertainment was also interested in acquiring Lucasfilm. As an American, who wouldn't want the Star Wars IP?

Moreover, the Indiana Jones series IP was also owned by Lucasfilm, though Paramount held the distribution rights!

Dealing with George Lucas wasn't going to be easy.

*****

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