Chapter 104: Greenwich

Carpe Films sent Brokeback Mountain to the 61st Venice Film Festival in Italy, and Charles wasn't keen on going.

With director Ang Lee and stars like Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Michelle Williams attending, plus the Focus Features staff handling the promotions, that was enough.

In Lower Manhattan, Carpe Films, headed by Charles, had purchased a two-story office building on Greenwich Street south of Canal Street, intended to serve as the company's New York office.

Charles had brought along his attractive assistants, Dona Williams and Phyllis Jones, to take a look.

"It's alright. With a bit of simple renovation, we can start working here. It was previously rented by an investment brokerage," Dona commented, finding the place quite pleasing.

"Get someone to renovate it. Try to have it ready by November," Charles said. He had hired quite a few people this year, as a lot of manpower was needed to build the distribution network.

New York, as the entertainment hub of the East Coast, was of obvious importance, not to mention needing agents or temps in places like Washington D.C., Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and Seattle for film releases.

"Let's go back," Charles said after a brief look around, planning to head back to his Hudson River mansion, which wasn't too far away.

That evening, Charles was in his study, flipping through movie and television project dossiers Phyllis had brought over, looking for promising scripts to invest in.

"Boss, coffee's here!" Phyllis Jones knocked on the door, holding a tray of coffee.

"Come in!"

Phyllis Jones adjusted her low-cut sweater to make herself look even more attractive before entering.

Charles was leafing through the documents without looking up. He pointed to the right side of his desk. "Leave it there!"

"Okay," Phyllis said. She placed the coffee on the desk, wanting to stay longer but worried she might get reprimanded, feeling a bit conflicted.

"Phyllis, how's Paul Scheuring's preparation for Prison Break going?" Charles asked.

"He's discussing it with Fox, hoping to produce a pilot episode to gauge interest."

Charles frowned. "Tell Paul Scheuring to start assembling the crew. Carpe TV is investing $2 million for the pilot episode. Later, we can have several networks bid for the first broadcast rights."

"Alright. Actually, Mr. Scheuring has been looking for the right actors, but still hasn't pinned down the two lead brothers," Phyllis reminded him.

"The lead actor!" Charles looked up, noticing Phyllis Jones standing by his side. Her alluring figure caught his eye. "Phyllis, you've got a body that rivals those Hollywood stars!"

"Oh, thanks boss!" Phyllis beamed. She often accompanied Charles and found the young, handsome, and wealthy mogul irresistible.

Phyllis moved behind Charles and started massaging his shoulders. Charles stood up and guided her to the sofa.

Lying down, he rested his head in her lap, allowing her to massage his scalp while enjoying her fragrance. "Do you know last year's drama film The Human Stain?" he asked.

"Yes, I watched it. Nicole Kidman and Anthony Hopkins starred in it," she replied.

"Right. The young actor playing Anthony Hopkins' character did a good job. He's called Wentworth Miller. Get Paul to have him audition for the lead role," Charles thought aloud, wanting to save Paul Scheuring time in finding the right actor.

"Wentworth Miller! Got it. I'll inform the team responsible for this show," Phyllis replied, her slender fingers gently massaging Charles' head.

Charles relaxed for a while, then got up, walking to his desk to pick up another project file. It contained a script's outline and plan.

"This Little Miss Sunshine project, tell me more about it," Charles recalled that the film didn't have a large budget but had performed well at the box office.

Phyllis thumbed through the file and started explaining. "This project was submitted by independent producer Marc Turtletaub. Little Miss Sunshine was written around 2000, but many studios didn't develop it due to the bland storyline. Mr. Turtletaub bought the script at a low price after Focus Features gave up. He hopes to adapt it into a film."

Charles chuckled. "Marc Turtletaub only needs an $8 million budget. Other than Alan Arkin, the cast is relatively unknown, but a warm family comedy can attract many families to the theater. Give Marc the green light; he's already lined up the director and actors. The crew should form quickly. Let Philip arrange the release schedule. It should be ready for next year."

Phyllis nodded but couldn't help asking, "Can this film really succeed? The story seems so mundane. It's about a family helping their daughter compete in the 'Little Miss Sunshine' pageant. No big stars and no major selling points either."

Charles shrugged. "In today's flashy society, a film about everyday family moments can serve as a nice change of pace. Have the company invest in its development."

Phyllis nodded and then approached Charles again. "Boss, aren't you going to rest?"

Charles smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist, her cleavage in full view. He whispered in her ear, "You're a 36D, right?"

"36D!"

"Alright, you go rest. I need to finish reviewing these," Charles said, giving her a playful squeeze.

After Phyllis left, Charles sat back down, sipped his coffee, and resumed his work. Carpe Films was establishing its distribution network, and they needed more than just one or two films next year.

Little Miss Sunshine was promising - a profitable film is a good film. They also had Walk the Line and the sequel Saw III.

With that, Carpe Films would have at least three releases next year.

*****

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