Chapter 68: Buy

The more controversial The Passion of the Christ became, the more attention it garnered, and it turned out to be great publicity for the movie.

As a result, when Newmarket Films released it, they were able to secure more theaters. Moreover, the overseas release of Underworld was almost done, grossing hundred million globally, presenting a satisfactory outcome.

After receiving the overseas dividends, Carpe Diem Pictures had made about $3.1 million from Underworld, which was quite sufficient.

More importantly, Saw had achieved $48 million in the overseas box office, plus $55 million in the North American market, grossing a hundred million globally.

How much did Saw cost? Just $1.5 million for the production and $6 million for marketing expenses.

In the overseas market, box office revenue was split 35%, minus a 12% distribution commission. Carpe Pictures had $11 million, and after paying Universal $6 million for marketing, it had $5 million in revenue left.

However, in the overseas DVD market, television networks, and online streaming and other downstream markets, Carpe Pictures had sold the rights outright to Universal, earning another $15 million in cash.

Thus, Saw had made $20 million just from the overseas market alone, $22.5 million from the North American box office, plus ongoing revenue from DVDs, pay television, and other downstream industries in the North American market.

Facing the pressure and signing only the North American theater rights with Rogue Pictures, who could say it wasn't wise? It was very wise indeed.

"Excluding the budget for Wedding Crashers, the company currently has $35 million in liquidity left. Of course, $15 million of that is from the Morgan Stanley loan," Dona Williams reported in Charles's office.

"By the way, what's the situation with Pacific Theatres? Are they willing to sell?" Charles didn't forget his primary agenda.

"The head of Pacific Theatres is asking for over $30 million. They have a total of 16 self-operated cinemas and 30 franchise cinemas. Two-thirds are concentrated in California, and the rest are in major cities like Chicago, Boston, New York, and Washington," Dona explained.

"$30 million? But they only have a total of about 300 screens, right? The most valuable assets are the Pacific Cinerama Dome and the Arclight Cinemas in Los Angeles, aren't they?" Charles wasn't pleased. Even the largest Cinerama Dome could only accommodate five or six hundred people.

"Let Philip handle the negotiations. $25 million is a price everyone can accept," Charles instructed, referring to Philip Davis, the distribution chief hired by Carpe Pictures.

"How are we doing with the leads for Mr. & Mrs. Smith?" Charles asked next.

"Brad Pitt is interested in the project. As for Nicole Kidman, she's still considering. We suggested Angelina Jolie, but Universal seems to prefer Nicole Kidman," Dona said helplessly.

"As if anyone asked me to decide on the actors," Charles smirked. Nicole Kidman was an Oscar winner, and her current film Cold Mountain was receiving good reviews.

Angelina Jolie's Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life had low ratings and poor box office performance. Even though Angelina Jolie was a few million cheaper than Nicole Kidman, there wasn't much confidence in her?

When it comes to filming, if Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie hit it off, the buzz would be tremendous!

They would be surrounded by reporters everywhere, immensely helping to promote the movie. But if they cast Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman, would the box office be as high?

Angelina Jolie was already going through her second divorce, while Brad Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston at that time.

Would they still have ended up together if we didn't cast them together?

"Before the Oscars, we must finalize the female lead for the movie!" Charles didn't care.

"Brad Pitt is also waiting to see who will be cast as the female lead," Dona Williams added, shrugging. Big stars generally have opinions about their co-actors and directors.

"Forget it, let the director form the crew first. We can take our time with the leads since it's a production with a budget of over $100 million!"

During the Christmas holiday, Charles didn't go on any vacations elsewhere but instead spent a few days with Camille and Megan Fox.

After all, neither Underworld nor Saw would get any attention from the Golden Globes or the Oscars. As for the Saturn Awards and other genre movie awards, Charles had little interest.

However, under Evelyn's management, Charlize Theron and Naomi Watts received high praise for their performances in Monster and 21 Grams, respectively.

There was plenty of room for promoting them for acting awards at both the Golden Globes and the Oscars.

Before Christmas, Charles had already arrived in New York City and purchased a three-story, 5,500-square-foot residence next to the Hudson River in the Tribeca neighborhood of Lower Manhattan.

He spent $3.5 million, and though the renovations didn't make it a mansion, Charles liked it for its simplicity. The location was near Tribeca Performing Arts Center and Washington Square Park.

Lower Manhattan was experiencing an economic downturn due to the collapse of the Twin Towers in the 9/11 attacks, slowing its development. However, Charles knew that Tribeca would become one of the top affluent neighborhoods in New York in the future.

The property values here would triple in the future, and Charles planned to invest more in real estate here, but only after the subprime mortgage crisis in 2007.

The Tribeca Film Festival, established in 2002 by Robert De Niro and others, was also aimed at boosting New York's economic situation.

Additionally, Charles spent $460,000 on a luxury limited edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which was the most expensive car he'd ever bought.

Charles stayed in his new lakeside villa until the end of January. The cold in New York was much harsher than in Los Angeles.

The small sitting room adjacent to the main hall had a wood-burning fireplace, which was Charles's favorite place to lounge, especially since most urban villas nowadays had electric fireplaces.

Sitting in front of the fireplace, Charles held a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other as Dona Williams came over and sat down.

"A month left until The Passion of the Christ releases. Will Wedding Crashers start shooting at the end of next month?" Charles put down the book and asked.

"It can start shooting. The main issue now is the situation with Mr. & Mrs. Smith." Dona replied.

"Did Charlize Theron win Best Actress in a Drama at the Golden Globes?"

"Yes, and Scarlett Johansson was also nominated for Best Actress in a Drama for Girl with a Pearl Earring!"

"Have the Oscar nominations been announced?"

"They've been announced. Charlize Theron and Naomi Watts have both been nominated for Best Actress, but Scarlett didn't make it."

"Looks like my mother will be happy!" Charles smiled and went back to reading.

*****

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