Chapter 231: The Special Production Line

In Tokyo, in a luxurious suite at The Ritz-Carlton in Minato, Charles stood by the window, admiring the night view of Tokyo Bay.

"Charles, when are you planning to come back?" his mother, Evelyn, called from Los Angeles to check on him.

"Probably by the end of the month! I just arrived in Japan, so I won't be returning so soon. Any news about Mel Gibson?"

"What news? He shot his mouth off again. The whole The Passion of the Christ controversy has resurfaced. It'll be tough to resolve; those people hold a lot of power!" Evelyn seemed pretty well-informed over the phone. "This time, a lot of influential Jewish people are pointing fingers."

"The Passion of the Christ resurfacing? Are they settling old scores?" Charles chuckled, "This guy is done for. Hollywood has already shut its doors on him!"

"Unless something changes drastically, Mel Gibson's career is probably destroyed. Based on what I've heard, his latest actions have crossed a red line with the Jewish community," Evelyn continued, "It's good you're not in Hollywood right now. You worked with him on The Passion of the Christ, and there's some tension because of Brokeback Mountain. Reporters would be swarming you."

Evelyn always considered things from her son's perspective, thinking Charles staying abroad was like an extended vacation.

"It's nothing. If even I get dragged into this mess, Hollywood would be in an uproar!"

After finishing the call with his mother, Evelyn, Lin Chi-ling walked up from behind and embraced Charles. "How long do you plan to stay in Japan?"

"About two weeks. You should be busy this year, right? A lot of events?" Charles said, turning to hug Lin Chi-ling, who was in a sexy nightgown.

"It's not too bad, mostly hosting, concerts, and commercial shoots. Last year, I got injured while shooting a horse-riding commercial in Dalian, and had to rest for a few months, so many events were postponed to this year."

"It seems you'll be hosting at this year's Shanghai International Film Festival in June?" Charles asked. This year, the chairman of the festival's jury was French director Luc Besson. Charles had received a call from Besson after he returned to France.

Lin Chi-ling smiled, "I'm hosting the TV segment, but it's a big deal this year, with a lot of films from various countries participating!"

"By the way, your Japanese is pretty good. Do you have a lot of business here?"

"Yes, I'm signed with Oscar Promotions, a major talent agency in Japan. They arrange all my activities here."

Charles sat down on the sofa with Lin Chi-ling in his arms. Japanese talent agencies, huh?

Japan's market was completely open, with no special protection mechanisms for the film industry. Production, distribution, and screening could all be freely invested in.

Hollywood film companies could freely distribute their movies in Japan, much more openly compared to Korea.

Although Korea was also an open market where foreign films could be freely released, it had a domestic film protection mechanism. Korean cinemas were required to show domestic films for at least 146 days a year.

This was Korea's cinema quota system.

It was also a measure that Hollywood found very objectionable, putting pressure on the Korean government through the White House to cut the quota days in half.

"I think I might be interested in running a talent agency here in Japan," said Charles, stroking his chin with a sudden thought.

"That's easy! Japan has many talent agencies of all sizes, and many people working in entertainment - from actors, singers, and idols to hosts and models," Lin Chi-ling said, having some understanding of Japan's talent agency market.

"Great! We can run one for fun. Since you're an artist, you can help manage it," Charles smiled, lifting her chin and then kissing her.

After the kiss, Lin Chi-ling said, "Last year, I went to the States for some commercial events and almost got detained. I'm a bit worried about going to such faraway places."

"Oh, what happened?" Charles asked, interested.

"It was earlier this year, after an event in Las Vegas. Some powerful people wanted me to stay and drink with them. I was so scared, alone in my hotel room for three hours. I called my agent in Taipei, who pulled some strings, and I was able to fly back home."

Charles nodded and kissed her neck, saying, "Don't worry, nothing like that will happen again. As long as you listen to me, no one will dare bother you!

Enjoy yourself in Japan for the next few days, shop around, while I scout for a talent agency to acquire. Then you can transfer to this new agency. How great would that be?"

Charles then kissed her again, and soon they were back on the sofa. She started to service him, as he grabbed the sofa, enjoying the attention while contemplating acquiring a talent agency and signing more Japanese female stars.

Japan and Korea were alike in that idol stars were mass-produced on an assembly line. This could be replicated in Korea, too.

This assembly line entertainment business model in Japan and Korea was truly unique!

*****

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