Chapter 93: First Drama

Fahrenheit 9/11 was finally released to the public amidst the anticipation of countless Americans. Of course, the film did not get changed to a PG-13 rating and was released as an R-rated film.

When Fahrenheit 9/11 was screened earlier, it broke many single-theater box office records, and even received support from numerous Hollywood celebrities, singers, and media personalities during its New York premiere.

During its opening weekend, the film ran in 868 theaters and topped the weekend box office with a North American gross of $24 million. For a documentary that cost only $6 million to make, this was quite an impressive achievement.

The following week, because Sony's blockbuster Spider-Man 2 was released, Fahrenheit 9/11 couldn't compete and there were hardly any major releases during the half month of Spider-Man 2's run.

Moreover, Greece beating France 1-0 in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals was a pleasant surprise. Dona was now focused on Greece's upcoming opponent.

"Boss, Greece will play against the Czech Republic in the semifinals, and Portugal will face the Netherlands. The winners of these matches will meet in the finals on the 4th," Dona Williams said, her face flushed with excitement as she walked into Charles' office to deliver the good news.

"Hmm, Dona, keep it low-key. It's the 29th today; I already know. Tomorrow, Portugal faces the Netherlands first, and on July 1st, Greece will play against the Czech Republic," Charles said, stroking his non-existent beard and smiling.

"Take my word for it, bet on Greece to win against the Czech Republic. I feel like your boss has been kissed by God this time!"

Dona Williams couldn't help looking a bit disheartened as she replied, "Boss, you should have taken me to France at the beginning. An 81 times payout!"

"Hahaha," Charles beckoned her to sit on his lap, leaning in close to her neck and slipping his hand under her blouse, "Don't worry, could I ever shortchange you?"

"But you can place some small bets. Greece has a high chance of winning. I've been dreaming of Jesus these past few nights, and he told me so!"

Dona Williams nodded; it was indeed something worth considering.

"By the way, boss, Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon are coming over in the afternoon to sign the contract. The production budget for Walk the Line is $28 million! Producer Cathy Konrad will start shooting the film in mid-October."

Charles knew Cathy Konrad and her director husband had been preparing for a long time and that as soon as the funds were in place, they could start filming without wasting any time.

Then, Charles let go of Dona, patted her on the waist, and instructed, "Go fetch the scripts or ideas the company recently received. There might be some good ones in there!"

"Got it!"

In the afternoon, Charles Carpe and the two producers of Walk the Line, Cathy Konrad and James Keach, along with director James Mangold and the lead actors Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, had a meeting in the company's small conference room.

As the executive producer, Charles wouldn't be as hands-on as he used to be. The company would send staff to manage finances, logistics, and recruit and manage crew members.

Of course, if he had the time, Charles would still visit the set to oversee the crew situation.

In the afternoon, the head of Screen Gems Films called, hoping Charles could start the sequel Underworld: Evolution soon.

"Mr. Schlessel, Underworld: Evolution was planned by Wiseman a long time ago. If the funding is sufficient, we can assemble the crew very soon!" Charles wasn't particularly keen on managing Underworld, but since he was heavily involved in the first one, and it earned $90 million worldwide on a $23 million production budget, the studio was quite pleased.

Screen Gems Films was eager to develop the sequel, with no budget constraints.

"Don't worry, Charles. The budget for Underworld: Evolution will definitely be bigger than the first one. I'm waiting for your proposal!" Peter Schlessel assured confidently over the phone.

After hanging up, Charles found an interesting script on his desk, a prison break story.

"This is basically Prison Break!" Charles slapped his forehead. The first season of Prison Break should have aired in 2005, so why hadn't it started being developed yet?

After Paul Scheuring wrote the script, he sought a broadcasting contract and partial funding from TV networks.

In 2003, Fox showed some interest but eventually gave up. Paul Scheuring had been seeking partnerships with TV networks and TV production companies.

Typically, producers pitch ideas to TV networks, and if the network likes it, they fund 70-85% of the pilot's production cost to gauge viewer interest.

If the pilot performs well, with high ratings, a full season is developed; otherwise, it's discontinued.

Networks fund most of a show's production to secure broadcast rights, typically for the first airing and possibly one rerun.

Nowadays, all TV networks are part of media conglomerates with various TV production studios at their disposal.

Moreover, TV networks now produce some shows internally, while commercial pay-TV channels primarily produce their own content.

"Dona!"

"What's up, boss?" Dona asked as she entered Charles' office.

"Paul Scheuring's script Prison Break looks really good. Carpe TV Productions can develop it ourselves!" Charles wasn't too concerned about not having a pre-signed broadcast contract with a network. If they produced it in-house, they'd sell at a higher price, and the ad revenue share would be greater.

Of course, if a network wanted to pre-order it, Charles would welcome that as it eliminates much of the risk.

Although Charles knew Prison Break wouldn't be a major hit in the US, it had high ratings overseas!

"Should I notify Paul Scheuring to start preparations?" Dona asked.

"Yes, begin preparations and then submit a proposal to the networks. If no network shows interest, we'll fund the pilot ourselves!" Charles was confident that a show like Prison Break, which ran for multiple seasons, wouldn't fail to attract network interest.

Dona nodded, realizing that the boss intended to make Prison Break the first series produced by Carpe TV Productions.

After Dona left, Charles thought it was time to start the Underworld 2 project as well. Besides director Len Wiseman, the key person for this series was the lead actress Kate Beckinsale.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.