Chapter 577: The Rights to Two 007 Films

Midtown Manhattan, Hilton Garden Inn at Times Square, MGM together with New Line Cinema and Warner Bros announced the launch of The Hobbit series, bringing back the original director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson, to take the helm.

After legal disputes with Peter Jackson and the Tolkien Estate, as well as MGM's debt crisis, The Hobbit was finally set to begin filming!

With Comcast as their backer, MGM now had some confidence.

Comcast Chairman Brian Roberts attended the launch party for the film, expressing his support for The Hobbit.

"Our Hobbit series will be split into two parts and filmed in New Zealand," explained MGM's current chairman, Steve Burke.

Brian Roberts nodded, asking, "Have you decided which company will handle the 007 sequel?"

"We're still undecided between Sony and Universal. Our previous two collaborations with Sony were quite successful. However, after Capet's restructuring, Universal has cut many projects, but their terms for 007 aren't bad. During the 007 release period, Universal promised us three weeks before and after with no other movie premieres," Steve Burke explained. "It's indeed a tough choice. Universal will significantly reduce the number of films they release starting next year."

For 007's release, having an exclusive six-week window without other major films was a big deal - similar to the treatment given to the Transformers series.

"Has MGM's domestic distribution network shrunk as well?" asked Brian Roberts.

Steve Burke nodded, "Yes, we've downsized recently. Distributing low-budget films might be okay, but for a major film like 007..."

"Work with Universal then. They are willing to help us enhance our distribution channels, and maybe there will be more opportunities for future collaborations," Brian Roberts suggested. He hadn't joined Hollywood to be a mere spectator.

If the distribution network shrinks, improve it. If the production lacks quality, find collaborators. Right now, the most powerful player in Hollywood is Capet-Universal.

"Understood," Steve Burke said with a smile.

...

Soho, Britney's Duplex

Charles sat on the couch, staring at the NBA lottery draft on TV.

"The third pick, not bad!"

"Honey, have some grapes," Britney wasn't interested in the draft. She sat on Charles' lap, feeding him a grape.

"Mm," Charles ate the grape, rubbing Britney's thigh gently. "Oh, I have to go to Spain soon to watch the match!"

Britney Spears nodded, wrapping her arms around Charles' neck. "I know, you've mentioned it over the past few days."

Charles had been with Britney Spears lately. An energetic Britney needed some rest too; daily temptations could be exhausting!

"The Bernabeu, huh? Haven't been there yet," Charles thought quietly to himself.

...

Los Angeles, Capet-Universal

Donna Langley received a call from MGM's Steve Burke about collaborating on the 007 series and immediately sent someone to contact 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

Soon, MGM announced that Universal had secured the distribution rights for the 23rd and 24th installments of the James Bond films. The 23rd, Skyfall, officially began production.

...

Capet-Universal was thrilled, but Sony-Columbia was disheartened. Sony Pictures Chairman Michael Lynton and Co-Chair Amy Pascal sat in their office, staring at each other.

"It's the same 8% distribution commission; MGM chose Universal just to build a relationship," Amy Pascal said, frustrated. She had been so confident, but MGM, in a rebuilding phase, preferred Universal who could lead them forward.

Michael Lynton shrugged, "Everyone knows Capet-Universal is the king of Hollywood now, with franchises like the Marvel series, Transformers, Twilight, Fast & Furious..."

"It's overwhelming; we need to focus on the relaunched The Amazing Spider-Man series," Amy Pascal sighed. "The Men in Black 3 script is complete, and Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith agreed to return for the sequel."

"That's good news!"

Everyone was developing sequels or remakes. Sony-Columbia's first Men in Black film was released in 1997, with the second in 2002.

After waiting so long for Men in Black 3, Sony-Columbia hired writers last year, finally bringing the project to life, with plans to release both The Amazing Spider-Man and Men in Black 3 in 2012.

...

Spain, Madrid

Charles met Kristen Stewart, who was filming in Europe, at the Westin Palace Madrid hotel.

"Hmm, why are you in Spain?" Kristen Stewart asked excitedly as she kissed Charles.

"Honey," Charles hugged her, sitting on the couch, "It's the Champions League final! Didn't you feel the atmosphere here in Madrid?"

Originally, Charles planned to find Maria Valverde to accompany him, but unfortunately, she was already on the set of Game of Thrones.

Ridley Scott's epic war film Robin Hood had been out for half a month, grossing only $85 million in North America and $100 million overseas.

Due to declining reviews, Robin Hood struggled. Ridley Scott shifted his focus to the equally epic fantasy series Game of Thrones.

Kristen Stewart straddled Charles, "Filming in Italy, but yeah, I felt the vibe in Madrid. Arsenal is your team, right? Cool."

"World Cup is next month; are you going to South Africa?" she asked.

"Depends," Charles replied, kissing her neck. "We're not citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so English football isn't as big for us!"

Kristen Stewart laughed, "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, seriously?" She chuckled at Charles' words. "By the way, I can take a few days off here. You free?"

Charles nodded, "Absolutely, just waiting for the team to win the championship and then head back to London for the victory parade!"

Kristen Stewart smiled, "Great, let's stay in Spain and explore for a few days!"

"No problem," Charles said as he kissed her. Kristen Stewart quickly started undressing both of them...

*****

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