Chapter 72: Released

The 2004 Oscars were held at 5:30 PM Pacific Time on Sunday, while Newmarket released The Passion of the Christ four days earlier on Wednesday.

With its inherent religious controversy, The Passion of the Christ really didn't need much advertisement. The intense debates among religious groups ensured it received extensive media coverage.

Controversy is a form of publicity, and Newmarket easily secured openings at over 3,000 North American theaters.

10% distribution commission and $5 million marketing costs - Newmarket didn't spend much.

On Wednesday, it raked in $26.55 million in North America in one day;

On Thursday, $14.78 million;

On Friday, $23 million;

On Saturday, $33 million;

On Sunday, $27.8 million.

By the next Monday, The Passion of the Christ had grossed over $120 million, undoubtedly securing the top spot for the week's box office.

However, the Oscars were the most globally anticipated awards ceremony, and newspapers heavily focused on it.

Nevertheless, the momentum of The Passion of the Christ was unstoppable, and Mel Gibson quickly contacted international distributors to promote the film overseas.

Yet, the Oscars were still a hot topic, with director Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Makeup, among other awards, totaling 11.

Winning 11 awards, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King set an unprecedented record, tying the record for the most awards won in a single Oscars ceremony.

Sean Penn and Charlize Theron won Best Actor and Best Actress for their performances in Mystic River and Monster, respectively.

Carpe Pictures, Charles' office.

"Henry, this novel by Cormac McCarthy published last year, No Country for Old Men, we need its film adaptation rights. Go negotiate," Charles said.

Henry Winchester took the novel, casually flipped through it, and nodded.

Back in his own office, Henry Winchester began to read. As a contemporary literature pioneer with a powerful and compelling writing style, and a master of thrillers that pierce through your brain cells with suspense and humor, Cormac McCarthy's novels were very popular among certain groups.

No Country for Old Men focuses on an honest and upright man who, while wandering the Texas border, finds a suitcase containing $2 million in cash. A series of purposeful pursuits ensue due to his imprudent actions.

Charles was motivated, thinking Carpe Pictures should have an Oscar-winning Best Picture. It's likely that Warner Bros.' Million Dollar Baby would be next year's Best Picture at the Oscars.

Brokeback Mountain couldn't compete with Million Dollar Baby!

In the evening, Charles arrived at the Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel. Charlize Theron's agent, Evelyn Carpe, was obviously celebrating Charlize's Best Actress win.

Evelyn Carpe, now a high-ranking EVP at ETA, had ambitions that grew along with her status.

Scarlett Johansson came arm-in-arm with Charles. The crew of Monster, some of Evelyn's friends, among others, were there too.

"Oscar-winner, huh!" Scarlett Johansson, who was preparing for Wedding Crashers, had not attended the Oscars that year.

Charles hugged the woman's waist, her envy almost palpable in her tone.

"You go ahead. I need to talk to my mother first!" Charles said, patting Scarlett Johansson before walking away.

Evelyn Carpe, who was chatting and laughing with company employees, saw Charles approaching and greeted him directly.

"Charles, you're just getting here?" Evelyn glanced at her son and then at Scarlett Johansson, but didn't bother about her.

"Ah, The Passion of the Christ has been doing so well these days, just a bit excited," Charles was genuinely happy.

"You missed a lot of fun last night at the Vanity Fair party," Evelyn laughed.

Charles shook his head. "I'm not too keen on awards."

"Alright then. Do you have any issues with the production budget for Mr. & Mrs. Smith?" Evelyn suddenly asked about the funding.

"What? Do you know any investors?" Charles smiled and then shook his head. "Not in need now, I can always get a bank loan."

Evelyn Carpe seemed surprised. "You don't know that two Wall Street funds have recently set up movie investment firms with substantial capital flowing into Hollywood?"

"I know. Legendary Entertainment founded by Thomas Tull and Relativity Media founded by Ryan Kavanaugh. They've been actively pitching their film fund plans to investors and financial institutions," Charles responded, frequently attending Hollywood events and gatherings.

Evelyn reminded him, "Why not try to secure some investments?"

"I only make a few movies a year. They're playing venture capital games now, not loan financing. To minimize risks, they invest in numerous movies at once, like a portfolio," Charles shook his head.

"Right now, I'm still seeking investors primarily for single-film support."

Charles shrugged. After all, Carpe Pictures didn't have distribution channels nor the credibility of major studios.

The big players preferred major studios first, and Carpe Pictures, as an independent film production company, wasn't even on the playing field yet.

"Alright, but your investment in The Passion of the Christ was brilliant. Many distribution companies regret missing out, and Newmarket made a lot of money this time," Evelyn Carpe said while adjusting her son's tie. He looked dashing.

Charles smiled casually, "Earning over $300 million in the North American market is no problem. Also, the marketing costs were low; we didn't spend much on advertisements, just on replication, production, and some taxes."

Then he whispered, "Charlize's fee for commercial films should have increased a lot, right?"

"Last night at the Vanity Fair party, Paramount offered her $10 million for a female-led action sci-fi film, Aeon Flux!" Evelyn replied with a smile.

"Paramount's been preparing it since last year, initially wanting Rodriguez to star, but now they want Charlize. Of course, Charlize will need a few months to slim down and get into perfect shape for the role!"

Charles nodded. Aeon Flux was known to be a flop, but a $10 million fee would be the highest Charlize Theron had received in her career.

*****

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