Chapter 275: The Reader

Franklin Canyon Park, near Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, was a popular spot for city residents to unwind over the weekend.

Tall, dense trees, lush hills, and the shimmering reflection of the lake made for a breathtaking sight.

From the hilltop, one could overlook the view from West Hollywood all the way to the Pacific Ocean. On one such morning run, Charles Capet unexpectedly ran into Nicole Kidman, who was also out for some exercise.

"Hey, Nicole! Congrats on getting married!" Charles offered his well-wishes to Nicole Kidman, who had been remarried for six months.

"Thanks! Capet Pictures has really made a splash this year," Nicole Kidman remarked, noting the company's success despite her own career struggles.

Charles waved dismissively. "North America's annual box office hit over $9 billion, and Capet Pictures is only making a little over $1 billion!"

"Isn't that enough?" Nicole Kidman was genuinely surprised by Charles' nonchalance.

"It's alright," Charles chuckled. "How come you decided to get married all of a sudden?"

"I'm almost 40. Of course, I need to get married! Do you expect me to die alone?" Nicole Kidman shook her head.

"Well, that's a pity," Charles seemed to regret something.

Nicole Kidman caught his glance and laughed. "You must be up to no good again. Didn't I go along with your plans earlier?"

"No, no," Charles laughed, "I was just saying."

"Are The Golden Compass and The Invasion finished yet?" Charles switched topics, talking about the films Nicole Kidman had worked on that year.

"Just some post-production work left," Nicole Kidman nodded, "Almost done!"

Then, looking at Charles, Nicole Kidman added, "Sydney Pollack and Anthony Minghella's Mirage Enterprises obtained the adaptation rights to German author Bernhard Schlink's best-selling novel The Reader. Anthony Minghella initially intended to direct the adaptation himself, but he's too busy. Now, British director Stephen Daldry is interested in directing it, and Anthony Minghella has agreed."

Charles smiled. "Does The Reader want you for the female lead?"

Nicole Kidman nodded. "I've worked with Anthony Minghella on Cold Mountain, and with Sydney Pollack on The Interpreter. I've also collaborated with Stephen Daldry on The Hours, which won me an Oscar for Best Actress.

But the first choice for the female lead is still Kate Winslet. She's worried about schedule clashes with another film, Revolutionary Road.

So now they hope I can take the role, and the novel's influence is significant. I think it's a good opportunity!"

Anthony Minghella had directed critically acclaimed and financially successful films like The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley, proving his abilities. He was also the President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

However, Charles remembered that The Reader's female lead was Kate Winslet. How come Nicole Kidman was now being considered?

Moreover, Kate Winslet did appear in both Revolutionary Road and The Reader in 2008.

"I remember Anthony Minghella had collaborations with the Weinstein brothers. Didn't they seek a partnership with The Weinstein Company?" Charles was curious since they had previously worked with Harvey Weinstein on several films.

Nicole Kidman laughed. "The Weinstein Company currently distributes through MGM. If you want in, do you think either the German film partners or Anthony Minghella would refuse?

After all, it's a very artistic drama!"

Charles nodded. European art films already had trouble securing investments, and The Weinstein Company couldn't compete with Capet Pictures.

"Alright, it's a good novel. Capet Pictures can support Anthony Minghella's development," Charles said, looking at Nicole Kidman.

"You should also act as a nominal producer. But do you think you can persuade Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack to work with Capet Pictures?"

Regardless, Charles couldn't be sure if Mirage Enterprises would abandon the newly established Weinstein Company.

Nicole Kidman nodded. "When the Weinstein brothers were still at Miramax, they indeed discussed collaboration. However, Harvey Weinstein wanted Anthony Minghella to direct. The project dragged on for so long. If Capet Pictures takes over now, I believe Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack would have no reason to refuse."

Charles nodded again. "True, I'm all for hitting the Weinstein brothers where it hurts!"

"So, with your help now, I don't need to work with Harvey Weinstein. Compared to Capet Pictures, which has money and channels, The Weinstein Company has no advantage," Nicole Kidman said with a smile.

"By the way, which German film company is Anthony Minghella working with?" Charles asked.

"Mirage Enterprises in Germany, a company that's primarily involved in international co-productions. Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack have collaborated on projects with them for a long time, seeking support and compensation from the German film fund and tax rebates," said Nicole Kidman, who had also worked with Phantom Films on Cold Mountain.

Capet Pictures had previously collaborated with Germany's Constantin Film on several occasions. However, Germany already had numerous film investment companies due to unique film tax rebate incentives that had created a large number of local film intermediary companies.

"Alright, I'll get the company on it ASAP. Although Capet Pictures primarily focuses on commercial films, we do support some artistic ones," Charles said, smiling at Nicole Kidman.

"How will you thank me?"

"I thanked you earlier!" Nicole Kidman said as she ran into the woods.

Charles was surprised but didn't choose the main path.

Looking around and seeing no one, he ran after her...

Under a hidden tree, a flushed Nicole Kidman stood up, almost stumbling, and Charles helped her steady herself.

"Charles, you're too much!"

"Alright, I was just too excited," Charles said, comforting the lady.

"In a place like this, glad no one saw!" Nicole Kidman now just wanted to leave quickly.

*****

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