Chapter 40: Vanity Fair Party

After the Oscars ceremony, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, also known as the Governor's Ball, was another major highlight.

Just a few minutes' drive from the Kodak Theatre, the Sunset Tower Hotel hosted the Vanity Fair party. Unlike the Oscars ceremony, which had over 3,500 attendees, the Vanity Fair party only invited around 1,500 guests.

Vanity Fair invited all the Oscar-nominated filmmakers and notable stars who didn't participate in the Oscars, such as famous musicians, film company executives, agents, directors, fashion media personalities, and corporate investors.

Of course, there was no shortage of beautiful models, and tickets were also sold.

The luxurious Vanity Fair party at the Sunset Tower Hotel was held grandly, with many star actresses changing outfits before arriving.

Charles held Scarlett Johansson and smiled, asking, "So, what were the results of the big awards?"

Charles had been busy discussing the script for Infernal Affairs and didn't pay any attention to the Oscar results.

"Oh, Chicago was the big winner, got Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, and several technical and artistic awards. The Pianist won Best Director and Best Actor. Best Actress went to Nicole Kidman in The Hours..." Scarlett roughly summarized.

"Hmm, as expected, Roman Polanski didn't get Best Picture, just Best Director. Miramax's tricks worked again," Charles pouted, knowing Miramax had pulled off another win.

Charles casually picked a piece of fruit from a nearby table and popped it into his mouth. Everything was top-notch.

"Look at you stars, always trying to maintain your image!"

"So many reporters," Scarlett Johansson shrugged, everyone was very restrained.

"You left halfway through. What were you up to?"

"Oh, I went to discuss a remake of an overseas film. There were competitors, so it took a bit longer!"

"A new script?" Scarlett Johansson knew Carpe Productions' Brokeback Mountain and Saw weren't suitable for her. Was this one?

Charles noticed Scarlett's curiosity and explained with a smile, "It's a gangster film, mainly about men, not much for female roles."

Scarlett Johansson had been participating mostly in indie films, while Charles focused on commercial films, so at the moment, there wasn't a suitable role for her.

In such a setting, Evelyn was incredibly busy. It seemed like her agent and various people had endless topics to discuss.

Charles's eyes caught a chubby man surrounded by beautiful women - Harvey Weinstein from Miramax.

This man was the most thanked person at the Oscars by filmmakers, second only to God.

"Looks like the Oscars still hold significant influence. If an independent film company wins an Oscar for Best Picture, it will make a huge impact!" Charles thought to himself.

A middle-aged man approached Charles, smiling and introducing himself, "Good evening, I'm Tom Oldenburg, manager of distribution at Lionsgate."

"Good evening, Mr. Oldenburg!"

Charles raised his glass, clinking it with the newcomer, and took a sip.

"Lost in Translation was great. Carpe Productions made a good investment there!"

Charles shook his head and smiled, "Carpe Productions is just a small production company; we're not like the big companies with distribution channels!"

Tom Oldenburg glanced at Charles and then asked, "I heard Carpe Productions discovered a horror-thriller short at this year's Sundance Film Festival?"

Charles nodded. So that was it - they were interested in Saw.

"Charles, you know Lionsgate loves developing B-grade horror and gore films. We think that short could do well in the DVD market if it were made into a feature!"

"Really?" Charles understood that Lionsgate only wanted to push Saw to the DVD market.

"Mr. Oldenburg, the script for the short is already complete. It's called Saw. Carpe Productions is set to produce it, and the short's director, James Wan, is preparing the preliminary work. If Lionsgate is interested, you can distribute it. Not just for DVD, I'm planning to push Saw to theaters!"

Tom Oldenburg was slightly surprised but quickly composed himself. Lionsgate had no problem distributing a low-budget horror film.

However, Carpe Productions' two current films had good box office results, and Charles Carpe was known to be bold, always funding his own projects without seeking investments from distribution companies.

Investing in films meant nine out of ten would lose money. It was either boldness or absolute confidence in the film.

"We are interested. Lionsgate's focus is on this type of film - political thrillers, gore, violence, and religious taboos," Tom Oldenburg said, smiling at Charles.

"Find some time and bring the script to Lionsgate; we can discuss it in detail!"

"No problem, I'll definitely visit!"

With that, the two shook hands.

Not long after, star Brad Pitt and his wife Jennifer Aniston found Charles.

"Charles, I found your mom. She said you were here, so we came over. Good evening!"

Brad Pitt, still quite handsome, said with a big smile.

"Oh, good evening, Mr. Pitt, Mrs. Pitt!"

*****

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