Chapter 585: The Collaboration with DreamWorks

Los Angeles, West Hollywood, inside Kate Beckinsale's villa.

"The set of The Green Hornet was a blast, so fun all the time," Kate Beckinsale, dressed in a strappy long dress, leaned on Charles Capet and casually talked about her experience.

Charles was lying on the couch, staring at the news on TV. "Depends on how it does at the box office next year. Milla Jovovich's Resident Evil 4 is coming out this year. Sony Pictures is probably hoping you'll star in Underworld 4 too!"

Kate Beckinsale chuckled. "I don't lack resources now, unless Underworld 4 can really impress me. But it's difficult; these types of films have a limited audience and it's hard to make them big commercial hits."

"By the way, didn't you say Scotland's ranch scenery is beautiful? I bought an estate near Glasgow with over 4,500 acres of land. The view is amazing," Kate Beckinsale said as she gave Charles a peck on the cheek. "And there's even a castle there. Want to go for a holiday sometime?"

"We can go there to escape the heat," Charles remarked. "Scotland's so vast and sparsely populated; 4,500 acres is no small area. My ranch in Colorado, the Capet Ranch, is only a few acres."

"Are you planning on raising cattle and making money?" Charles laughed, touching her face.

"The return might not be big. It's too remote to attract tourists, so it's mainly for livestock and agriculture, but the scenery is truly great," Kate Beckinsale had spent a few million pounds on this investment.

"You're spending most of your time in LA now, and even go back to London less," Charles said, pulling Kate Beckinsale into his arms.

"Hey, the draft is starting!" Kate Beckinsale also turned to the TV. The 2010 NBA Draft was being held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

John Wall from the University of Kentucky was picked first by the Wizards;

Evan Turner from Ohio State was picked second by the 76ers;

And then, DeMarcus Cousins, also from Kentucky, was picked third by the Nets!

Charles had mentioned Paul George earlier, but the Nets were really in need of a center; they had plenty of guards and forwards.

He touched his chin. "When will I ever get to join my team's championship parade?"

"Soon," Kate Beckinsale wrapped her arms around his neck. "Have you forgotten how amazing Arsenal is now?"

"Since you bought Arsenal, they've won their long-awaited Champions League in three years, two Premier League titles, the FIFA Cup, Community Shield... so many trophies!"

"Right...," Charles hugged Kate Beckinsale's waist. Even at 37, she still maintained her figure so well.

Kate Beckinsale then leaned in for a kiss...

After the NBA Draft ended, all the teams got busy with transfers. Once the transfer window opened on July 1st, there were bound to be a slew of player contracts.

Even though the World Cup was ongoing, it didn't affect the bustling summer transfer market; in fact, it'd be even busier after the World Cup ended. It was definitely going to be a peak transaction period!

...

In Burbank at the Disney headquarters, George Lucas from San Francisco went straight to Disney CEO Robert Iger's office.

Meanwhile, Capet Universal Pictures Group head Donna Langley entered the DreamWorks Animation headquarters in Glendale.

This year in March, DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon grossed more than 200 million in North America and nearly 500 million worldwide.

In May, Shrek Forever After pulled high box office numbers in North America and globally, but it tanked critically and the series' revenue kept declining.

Later this year, DreamWorks Animation still had another movie, MegaMind, to release!

Compared to Disney Animation and Pixar's collaboration, DreamWorks Animation's decline was evident. However, it was still the second-largest 3D animation studio right after Pixar.

DreamWorks Animation and Paramount's distribution deal was set to end in 2012, and Donna Langley was there to discuss a distribution agreement with Jeffrey Katzenberg.

"Relax, Donna, no one can ignore Capet Universal's power. We've always wanted to partner with Capet Universal," Jeffrey Katzenberg smiled. "I've heard that Capet Lighting Studio's first 3D animated film is about to be released. Congratulations!"

"You know the animation market was Disney's domain, then Pixar and DreamWorks Animation joined. Then Blue Sky Studios came along. Later, Sony Animation, Universal Animation, and Warner Bros. Animation got involved. Capet has waited years to get in the game."

Jeffrey Katzenberg wasn't surprised at all by Charles' focus on animation now. With the massive investment in Universal Studios, animation IP was crucial.

"Next month, it's set to be released. Here's hoping it does well!"

Jeffrey Katzenberg nodded. "Is Tom Williams, the chair of Universal Studios Resort Group, really leaving?"

Universal Studios was discussing with DreamWorks Animation about a Shrek-themed amusement park. Of course, Katzenberg was concerned about Universal Studios' leadership changes.

"Yes, when his contract expires in September, his deputy Steve Blount will take over. Whether it's Universal Studios Orlando or Hollywood Universal Studios, they won't abandon cooperation plans with DreamWorks," Donna Langley had no need to hide it.

"Charles has big ambitions. Universal Studios has even acquired and now operates both the Sheraton Universal Hotel and Hilton Universal City Hotel," Katzenberg sighed. "It looks like Universal Studios is directly competing with Disneyland now!"

Jeffrey Katzenberg always talked about making DreamWorks the second Disney, but he knew the reality.

There's no comparison. DreamWorks Animation's content was too mature, not to mention it couldn't even match Pixar's series, let alone Disney's classic characters!

Many of the hotels around Universal Studios didn't match the Universal Studios theme. After deciding to create the Universal Studios Hotel Group, Charles wanted to design uniquely themed hotels.

The combined cost of the Sheraton Universal Hotel and the Hilton Universal City Hotel was around 300 million, with nearly 900 rooms. After renovations, they'll become the Universal Studios Waterworld Hotel and the Universal Studios Resort Hotel!

*****

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