Chapter 600: Katniss?

In Rockefeller Center, the New York headquarters of NBC, Charles Capet was meeting with Dick Ebersol, president of NBC Sports, and Phil Griffin, chairman of NBC Television Group.

"I talked to Jeff Bewkes. We've secured the March Madness broadcasting contract together," said Charles.

"A minimum of 14 years, with the contract potentially exceeding $10 billion. With Time Warner and Capet Pictures' robust capital, even ESPN with other broadcasters can hardly compete with us!"

"A $10 billion contract?" Dick Ebersol was the first to be shocked. He definitely wanted the March Madness broadcast, but he didn't expect such a bold move.

Phil Griffin, who replaced Jeff Zucker, was steering Charles in a direction focused on entertainment and popular appeal, with ratings being paramount.

Spending on quality content yielded better returns than a dozen cheap productions.

"March Madness's influence is huge. This is definitely our chance to capture the market. NBC can cover it comprehensively," said Phil Griffin, agreeing with the idea of broadcasting such a major event.

Charles nodded. "Bid well with Time Warner!"

...

That evening, at a private club on Broadway Avenue near Times Square, Charles appeared with Blake Lively, who was promoting Gossip Girl: Season 4, to watch Lady Gaga's performance.

Lady Gaga was truly blowing up worldwide, rivaling the popularity of Adele and Taylor Swift.

"Lady Gaga's style is really unexpected," Charles said, sitting on the sofa and watching Lady Gaga on stage. Her unique outfit certainly caught everyone's eye.

Blake Lively smiled. "Her style is indeed avant-garde and bold."

As a fashion darling, Blake Lively's outfits always attracted a large following.

"It's great," Charles didn't mind. After all, Lady Gaga was a Capet Records artist, and the more popular she became, the more valuable she was.

"The Green Lantern filming is done, right?" Charles asked, touching her leg.

"Just wrapped up. It started filming back in March," said Blake Lively, the leading actress in The Green Lantern, reminding him, "The production cost for The Green Lantern reached $200 million for various reasons."

"Ha, it's Warner Bros.' DC Entertainment blockbuster for next summer," Charles laughed, "but Universal is releasing The Avengers next summer!"

To compete with The Green Lantern, wasn't Warner Bros. underestimating Capet Pictures?

"The Avengers!" Blake Lively's heart sank. This might end badly. She looked at Charles worriedly and whispered, "Charles, will my career be heavily affected if this blockbuster fails?"

Charles smiled, pulling her into his arms and kissing her a few times. "The Green Lantern is still a $200 million blockbuster. Even if it fails, it will still have some influence. Plus, you're the leading actress, shining with beauty in the film. You won't be blamed for the film's failure!"

Blake Lively stuck out her tongue. "Now the superhero movies from Marvel are really popular. Only DC's Batman can compete."

Charles took a sip of his drink, feeling a bit satisfied. Warner Bros. seemed to have only Christopher Nolan's Batman that could compete. This year's DC movie Jonah Hex didn't do well. Megan Fox, though, was as sexy as ever.

"Don't worry. You're my girl. How could I let you suffer?" Charles said, squeezing her waist. "Have you heard of The Hunger Games novel?"

Blake Lively shook her head, but her eyes lit up. "I'll buy it tomorrow," she said, realizing it must be an upcoming project for Capet Pictures.

Charles continued, "The Hunger Games has been topping The New York Times bestseller list for a long time. Its influence is no less than Twilight. Capet Pictures secured the adaptation rights early on. The first book came out in 2008, Catching Fire in 2009, and Mockingjay this year. Capet Pictures will start adapting it soon, with the first release set for 2012."

Blake Lively stared at Charles attentively.

"Read the novel carefully. I have faith in you for the lead role. Your popularity from Gossip Girl fits well," Charles whispered in her ear. "You'll have more influence than Kristen Stewart."

Kristen Stewart's role in Twilight brought her both fame and fortune. In 2009, she was the 17th ranked actress under 30 by Entertainment Weekly; this year, she ranked 66th on the Forbes Celebrity 100, and 10th on the Hollywood actress wealth list, all thanks to Twilight's massive popularity, leading to countless ads, endorsements, and film offers.

"Charles, let's go back!" Blake Lively wrapped her arms around Charles' neck, eager with thoughts of The Hunger Games. She could only express her excitement in the most primal way.

Charles nodded and took Blake Lively back to his Upper East Side villa.

As soon as they entered the living room, Blake Lively kissed him passionately. They soon found themselves on the sofa.

Blake Lively straddled Charles, unbuttoning his shirt. "I just looked up The Hunger Games novel in the car. It's really popular," she said. "It's a female-driven film with lots of action scenes. I need to learn archery!"

Charles, lying on the sofa, groped her chest. "Would I lie to you? I have high expectations for this film series."

"Mhm," murmured Blake Lively, as she kissed Charles' chest and then got lost in the moment. She soon transformed into a medieval knight as Charles sighed in pleasure...

*****

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