Chapter 58

Evelyn Carpe went to Italy and her biggest achievement was signing Charlize Theron, as neither Lost in Translation nor 21 Grams had garnered any awards for her current actors.

21 Grams was a contender in the main competition category, but it was Sean Penn who took home the Venice Film Festival Best Actor.

Lost in Translation was in a secondary category, the Controcorrente section. Sofia Coppola won the Lina Mangiacapre Award, and Scarlett Johansson won the award for Best Actress.

These were more of consolation prizes, but at least Lost in Translation had been validated at the Golden Globes and the Oscars in the USA.

Back at Evelyn's Beverly Hills mansion, Naomi Watts returned with Evelyn.

"21 Grams is very artistic, the film's quality is high, and Sean Penn did well. But your performance was good too," Evelyn remarked as they had just returned from a screening at Universal City. "The critics had good things to say."

"The story is solid, the director and the other actors were quite talented, so it gave me a platform to showcase my acting," Naomi Watts said, satisfied with 21 Grams.

Evelyn nodded and asked, "What do you think of the King Kong script sent over by Universal?

Peter Jackson actually started discussing a King Kong reboot with Universal back in 1996. Jackson wasn't very well-known back then, and there were concerns about aesthetic fatigue from Sony's Godzilla or 20th Century Fox's Planet of the Apes, so Universal halted the project during development.

So Jackson went on to direct The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and now backed by the success, Universal invited Jackson to reboot his beloved King Kong.

This King Kong has a huge budget, Peter Jackson is requesting $200 million, and Universal isn't skimping at all!"

Evelyn definitely wanted Naomi Watts involved; after all, it was a $200 million commercial blockbuster.

"I've never performed with monsters before!" Naomi Watts was a bit hesitant, as such films didn't place high demands on actors.

"The producer and director appreciated your terrified performance in The Ring. They believe you can excel in this role! There aren't many blockbusters of this caliber. You shouldn't miss this chance."

Naomi Watts nodded; big-budget movies were a good way to boost fame and influence.

After all, the artistic film circle was too small, and the commercial value wasn't high. As a star, commercial value definitely trumped artistic merit.

"I will prepare well for this role!"

Evelyn felt gratified. Naomi Watts had become famous, had no shortage of film projects, and now she was joining Peter Jackson's epic production.

If she had some standout moments in the movie, it would significantly boost her influence, which in turn represented increased income.

With more actors from Evelyn's faction in the eta agency, her status was also elevated, and not just eta wanted to utilize her.

Other talent agencies were worried about poaching Evelyn away, as the consequences would be severe.

Meanwhile, Charles was attending a fundraising event hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger at his colossal mansion in Santa Monica.

After arriving, Charles entered with Dona Williams, who was dressed in a gown, holding his arm.

"Welcome, Charles, Hollywood's youngest producer, good evening!" The Schwarzeneggers greeted Charles and Dona with a handshake.

"Good evening, Governor!" Charles said, then realized and corrected himself, "Almost there!"

"Hahaha," Arnold Schwarzenegger laughed.

Maria Shriver, his wife, also laughed and said, "Charles, you are so humorous. The election is on the 7th of next month!"

"It's less than half a month away. Seems like Hollywood will have a Governor soon," Charles winked, "The support rate is clear now!"

"However, many Hollywood stars are against Arnold running for Governor. Today's guests number no more than 50," Maria Shriver added with a smile.

"Is that so?" Charles glanced around and continued, laughing, "If Hollywood stars could decide, there wouldn't be any Republican officials in America!"

Charles and Dona moved into the main hall after a few more pleasantries.

Hollywood was a stronghold of the Democratic Party, and the Democratic influence in California was substantial. Arnold Schwarzenegger ran as a Republican, so he didn't get much Hollywood star support.

Maria Shriver's powerful family also didn't support him much, as they were Democrats.

However, Maria Shriver, being from a political family, was adept at campaigning and getting votes. Thanks to her influence, many female voters in California were voting for Schwarzenegger.

"Am I that famous now?" Charles wondered aloud, seeing how quickly Schwarzenegger recognized him.

Dona Williams smiled, "Three days back you confirmed your attendance. Plus, boss, a lot of people in Hollywood know you."

Charles nodded, not minding too much. He figured it was beneficial to know the future Governor. The event ticket cost $5000, but Charles donated a total of $30,000 to the campaign.

*****

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