Chapter 113

Saw II gained traction due to the success of its predecessor. When the second installment was released, Capet Pictures had a guaranteed distribution network in theaters.

At the same time, the company's promotional staff innovated their marketing strategies by striking cooperation agreements with numerous blood donation organizations across major American cities.

At many blood donation sites, they introduced a lottery system where blood donors could win movie tickets. They spent millions of dollars promoting mobile blood donation activities in collaboration with these organizations.

The production cost for Saw II soared to $5 million. Since James Wan had a contract for three films, it was anticipated that the budget for the third part would definitely exceed $10 million!

"Hostel has found a small town in Quebec, Canada, that resembles an Eastern European village. It's near Montreal and will be filmed there." Phyllis Jones reported the progress to Charles.

Charles nodded. The plot of Hostel involved American college students seeking thrills on a backpacking trip in Europe, indulging in the passion and temptations of the continent.

They heard about a quaint hotel in a remote Slovakian town, known for its beautiful and gentle girls. A series of horrific and terrifying events unfolded after they arrived.

"Let the team handle it. Building the set should take about a month or two, then we can start recruiting the crew. We should be able to begin shooting by the end of the year!" Charles didn't bother too much about a film with a $4.5 million budget.

After all, it involved hiring a few young, beautiful women to enhance the gruesome and violent scenes and attract audiences with a taste for such content.

If the company can't handle such minor tasks, they should just leave.

Attention should be focused on higher-profile, more discussed horror thrillers like Saw. High box office returns were also crucial.

"Boss, here's the current expenditure report for Underworld: Evolution," Phyllis Jones handed Charles another form.

Charles took a look, primarily concerned with Kate Beckinsale's salary. For the first film, Kate Beckinsale received a $2.5 million advance and an additional $1.1 million due to a revenue-sharing agreement.

Her fee for the sequel rose to $5 million, with a balanced profit bonus ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. The balance profit point was set fairly low, so achieving a similar profitability rate as the first film would secure the bonus.

Expectedly, Kate Beckinsale was set to earn around $6 million from Underworld: Evolution. Not too shabby for a foreign actress, considering she was the centerpiece of the Underworld series.

"Besides the increased salaries for the main cast, we've also spent more on special effects. Let's hope for some surprises!" Charles casually placed the paper on the table, trusting the finance department's meticulous calculations.

"By the way, how much has Resident Evil: Apocalypse made at the box office?" Charles inquired. Both series were comparable, and the production budget for the second installment was $45 million.

Phyllis Jones thought for a moment and recalled, "It premiered in North America on the 10th of last month, grossing $23 million on its opening weekend. Current North American box office totals are nearing $50 million.

Foreign releases started late last month across various regions, and as of last week, it's earned $30 million overseas!

Market analysts predict that the global box office for Resident Evil: Apocalypse will be between $100 million and $150 million."

Charles nodded. Screen Gems was profiting considerably from distributing the Resident Evil series, especially with strong DVD sales.

Charles gestured for Phyllis Jones to come closer. She sat on his lap, and as he caressed her thigh, he smiled and asked, "Who do you think is stronger, Alice or Selene?"

Alice was, of course, Milla Jovovich's character in Resident Evil, while Selene referred to Kate Beckinsale's character in Underworld.

"Alice can knock out zombies and kick mutated creatures; Selene is a vampire slaying werewolves like it's nothing. They're both pretty badass," Phyllis couldn't decide.

"Many fans online think Milla Jovovich and Kate Beckinsale are among the most kick-ass women around!"

"Boss, are you considering putting Kate Beckinsale and Milla Jovovich in one movie?" Phyllis Jones asked, eyes wide with surprise.

Charles shook his head. "Without a good script, it's difficult to manage the dynamics of two fierce characters."

Phyllis Jones, dressed only in a white blouse, leaned in for a kiss. The buttons of her shirt slipped open, revealing a lace bra that barely hid her 36D bust.

"Hmm," Charles felt her unbuckling his belt and glanced at the office door.

"I'll lock it, boss!" Phyllis Jones quickly got up and locked the door.

Returning to Charles's lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Boss, no one will dare to interrupt us. Even if Dona and I come in, we always knock first!"

Charles wasn't overly worried, but better safe than sorry.

"Some things can create bad impressions, right?" Charles remarked as he removed her bra.

"Boss, why don't Dona and I join you at the Capet Estate tonight for a sauna session?" Phyllis Jones suggested seductively.

Charles's eyes lit up at the idea of swimming followed by a sauna with the two of them. He quickly nodded in agreement. Phyllis smiled and slid to her knees, eliciting a pleased expression from Charles.

At least half an hour later, Phyllis Jones finally reappeared in the office with Dona.

"Took you long enough, reporting for two hours?" Dona teased knowingly.

Phyllis linked her arm with Dona's and whispered in her ear, "Let's go to the Capet Estate tonight!"

Dona, catching a whiff of the male scent on Phyllis, pinched her waist and said, "You trying to make the boss unable to come to work tomorrow?"

"The boss is pretty amazing," Phyllis said, pinching her own lips.

"Oh my god, you didn't freshen up or use mouthwash afterward?" Dona rolled her eyes.

"I had to tell you before you went home," Phyllis explained.

"Alright, we'll go to the Capet Estate together after work!" Dona declared before returning to her desk to organize files.

*****

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