Chapter 195: The Mist

In the banquet lounge, Charles parted ways with Charlize Theron and Keira Knightley after having a drink together.

Charlize Theron and Keira Knightley needed to expand their network at the party, as knowing more people always helped in their circles.

Soon, Evelyn Capet arrived with a woman around her age.

"Charles, this is Liz Glotzer, a film producer involved in movies like Good Will Hunting, The Shawshank Redemption, and The Green Mile," Evelyn introduced.

"Good evening, Charles, and congratulations!"

"Thank you. Is there something you need?" Charles knew his mother bringing a producer to him meant she was seeking support.

"Stephen King's 1980s novel The Mist has been adapted into a script by Frank Darabont, but Paramount Advantage Pictures doesn't want to develop it. We're looking for a new production company to take over," Liz Glotzer got straight to the point.

Frank Darabont, the director of The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, both of which were also based on Stephen King's novels.

"Will Frank Darabont direct?" Charles asked.

Liz Glotzer nodded, "We all think Frank is perfect for this sci-fi horror film."

Charles smiled, "Don't worry, I have faith in Frank Darabont. I've read a lot of Stephen King's novels, and The Mist is quite good. Get the script to Matrix Pictures as soon as possible. We'll respond quickly."

After Liz Glotzer left, Evelyn frowned a bit, "Is Frank the right choice?"

Frank Darabont's films, The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, were critically acclaimed but had low box office returns.

As her son, Evelyn naturally favored Charles over her clients.

"He's talented, even if his commercial track record isn't perfect. A film like The Shawshank Redemption, despite low box office returns, made money in the home video market because of its reputation and quality," Charles smiled. He had faith in Frank Darabont as Capet Pictures was planning to develop The Walking Dead TV series next.

Frank Darabont was a skilled writer and director, perfect for The Walking Dead.

"You make your own decisions. The budget for this type of film isn't high, so breaking even won't be hard," Evelyn trusted Charles' judgment.

For a film company, having to wait years for a film to break even through the home video market was a loss, given the resources invested.

Universal's blockbuster King Kong had a production cost of 200 million dollars and almost fifty million dollars in marketing expenses. Its North American box office was two hundred million dollars, with the overseas market also bringing in a significant amount.

Box office returns allowed Universal to recoup its investment, and additional revenue would come from the home video and TV market. Despite this, everyone knew King Kong was a commercial failure.

"Don't worry. Frank isn't suited for handling commercial blockbusters. The Mist focuses on the horrors of human nature rather than monsters, reflecting the post-industrial era's impact on people," Charles said, standing up. "There's no need for big scenes. Even if we develop it, I'll keep the budget within control. And, I also have artistic pursuits. I've won the Oscar for Best Picture. I'm not going to follow Relativity Media's approach, with an algorithm system aimed solely at creating commercial successes."

Evelyn smiled. The head of Relativity Media had developed an investment algorithm focused purely on a film's commercial aspects, ignoring its artistic value, which was no secret in Hollywood.

...

Oscar 2006 ended perfectly, making Capet Pictures the biggest winner, and launching this five-year-old film company into stardom.

Capet Pictures produced the films that won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. Reports came from American publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Time Magazine, and European ones such as the Daily Mail, Bild, The Times, and Le Monde.

Charles Capet was also interviewed by U.S. News & World Report and People Magazine.

Though the Oscars ceremony was over, celebrations continued for at least two weeks. Charles's new luxury private yacht, Star, hosted private parties for an entire week.

During this week, Charles lived a hedonistic lifestyle, accompanied by Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba, and Britney Spears, who came back specifically for the event.

...

"Sweetie, it's time to wake up!" Charles was kissed awake, still groggy.

Opening his eyes, he was startled for a second. It was Britney Spears. "I think I drank too much last night."

"A bit too much. Go take a shower, I've prepared breakfast," Britney said. They were in her luxurious Thousand Oaks mansion. Britney brought Charles home from the yacht party where he had had too much to drink.

Charles nodded, kissed Britney, and headed straight for the bathroom.

After a hot shower, Charles felt rejuvenated and sat at the dining table, asking Britney, who was seated opposite him, "You're starting a new global tour?"

Britney nodded, "In 2004, during my world tour, there weren't many stops in Asia; it was mainly Europe and America. This time, we're choosing China, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, for a total of 15 concerts!"

Charles asked, "When does it start?"

"It begins in July. Why, will you come with me?" Britney looked puzzled.

"I will be going to Asia. I guess we'll both be there around the same time," Charles said, realizing the tour was planned for the summer break, from July to September.

"That's great! We can travel together when we're there," Britney said. Since being with Charles, her scandals had significantly reduced. However, she still had to be careful due to the immense media attention.

Charles nodded. Britney's career was continuing smoothly without marriage, divorce, or children messes, allowing her to maintain her looks for longer.

"By the way, I'd like you to make a cameo in the Transformers movie," Charles proposed.

Britney nodded, "No problem. I have time, and Transformers has such a huge audience."

Britney never argued against Charles's arrangements. She was very willing to follow his lead.

Charles nodded in satisfaction. Britney was so obedient both in and out of bed that it made him feel a bit guilty sometimes.

After breakfast, Charles said goodbye to Britney and returned to work, while Britney headed to New York to record a new single and then to Europe for a shoot.

At Capet Pictures, Charles quickly received the project proposal for Frank Darabont's film The Mist.

"An $18 million budget? That's doable. Matrix Pictures will handle production and distribution," Charles was pleased with the production budget.

"Boss, I heard Weinstein Company is also interested, but no investment details are finalized. Since we're investing, it won't involve Weinstein Company," Phyllis Jones added.

"Weinstein Company?" Charles shook his head.

"Let Capet Television send someone to negotiate the adaptation rights for The Walking Dead comic from IGE Comics. With Resident Evil: Extinction already filming, as zombie-themed movies gain popularity, The Walking Dead can become the TV version of Resident Evil," Charles said, since he supported Frank Darabont directing The Mist and didn't want to miss out on The Walking Dead.

"Sure," Phyllis noted. "Sony Screen Gems released Resident Evil: Apocalypse in 2004 and is now developing Resident Evil: Extinction for next year. Underworld: Evolution will also be released next year. Are they setting up a box office clash between the third installments of these series?"

Phyllis was puzzled. If Resident Evil: Extinction released this year, Underworld: Evolution could release the next.

"Who cares? The Resident Evil trilogy has different directors for each movie!" Charles laughed.

*****

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