Chapter 188: Cliche Romance Novel

In the evening, Charles lay on the bed with a new book in his hand, Twilight, and he was surprised to see that it had already been published.

It's a young adult romance novel about the tumultuous love story and love triangle between a human girl, Isabella Swan, and a handsome vampire, Edward Cullen. The story also includes elements of vampire legends, werewolf stories, school life, horror suspense, and comedic adventures.

Megan Fox walked into the room, climbed onto the bed, and looked at Charles holding the Twilight novel. She laughed and said, "You like this kind of book too? It came out at the end of last year, and I heard it's been quite popular."

Charles put down the novel and frowned, "Was it published last year?"

He genuinely didn't know. He wondered if the movie adaptation rights were still in the author's hands.

"Yes, it's considered a young adult romance literature. It's the author's first novel and has a big market among women," Megan Fox also liked it a lot.

Hero saves the damsel in distress, love at first sight, love triangles, brotherhood, family feuds - a cliche Mary Sue novel.

Seeing Megan Fox enjoying it so much, it wasn't hard to guess why this series became such a hit.

Megan Fox didn't care what Charles was thinking. She moved closer to kiss him gently.

Soon after, the woman took the initiative to unbutton Charles's pajamas and slid down. Before long, Charles took control and began to make love to her from behind.

...

The next day, in Burbank, at Capet Pictures, in Charles's office:

"I dreamed of a girl and a handsome vampire lying in the grass. They were in love, but the vampire had to repress his thirst for the human girl's blood," Phyllis Jones smiled.

"This is from a dream the author, Stephenie Meyer, had, which led to the creation of the novel."

Charles nodded, signaling Phyllis Jones to continue. He had asked Phyllis to gather information about the novel early that morning.

"Stephenie Meyer began writing in 2003 and finished quickly. She didn't know many people and had no experience publishing a novel," Phyllis Jones explained. "In 2004, her sister accidentally discovered the manuscript and recommended it to a literary agent. Then they started looking for a publisher. The publishing house in Phoenix signed a publishing agreement with her and started editing and promoting it.

The original title was Universe King, but the publisher suggested Twilight, and the names of the characters Edward Cullen and Isabella Swan were also changed by the publisher."

Charles nodded and said, "I'm interested in the film adaptation rights!"

Phyllis Jones shook her head, "It was bought by Viacom's V Films at the end of '04."

V Films is the film production company under V Music Cable Network, managed by Paramount Pictures.

"It's with Paramount?" Charles frowned. He knew the series would eventually be developed by independent film company Summit Entertainment. For now, it seemed Paramount hadn't developed it yet and Summit had bought the adaptation rights.

Most novels had their adaptation rights bought before publication, mainly through an option purchase agreement.

For example, The Devil Wears Prada novel had its film adaptation rights bought by Charles six months before it was published.

After all, only a small fraction of novels actually get adapted into movies.

"Paramount hasn't paid much attention to it, but I heard someone is adapting the script. However, this type of novel doesn't have a large market in film adaptations. It's uncertain if Paramount will proceed to the actual planning stages," Phyllis analyzed based on the information received.

Charles nodded and instructed, "Keep an eye on this novel with the production team. If Paramount gives up, Capet Pictures should take over the project directly."

The Twilight series was a must-have. Though cliche and not highly regarded, its box office potential was undeniably high!

Phyllis Jones nodded and continued her report, "Boss, the Juno project's director is young filmmaker Jason Reitman. Last year, he directed a drama called Thank You for Smoking that caught public attention, and he has done a detailed plan for Juno. Jason Reitman already auditioned the lead actress Ellen Page yesterday. He's very satisfied and thinks the role was made for her."

Jason Reitman's father was Ivan Reitman, the director of blockbuster films like Ghostbusters and Twins, not just any small figure in Hollywood.

"And the actors for the couple?" Charles asked again.

"The company has given a budget of 7.5 million dollars, but the film needs some promotion too. Jennifer Garner is willing to lower her fee to participate and can get supplementary bonuses," Phyllis Jones explained.

"Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck's wife, right," Charles tapped the table. Jennifer Garner had some fame, mainly as the leading actress in Daredevil and Elektra adaptations.

Getting some big-name actors to participate in an indie film was good for everyone involved. And if the film succeeded, the deserving compensation would follow.

Charles recalled Jennifer Garner earning 8 million dollars from the success of Juno.

Typically, Garner's fee for a commercial film lead role was only about 5 million dollars.

Charles closed his eyes for a moment, thinking. Juno, mostly revolved around Ellen Page. Still, the movie was so successful that even supporting actors benefited.

"Get Kate Beckinsale as the supporting actress and raise the movie's budget to 10 million dollars. We can also find a somewhat well-known actor for the male supporting role," Charles said. Kate Beckinsale, as one of his own, had higher recognition compared to Jennifer Garner. Being British, her fees naturally were lower than American actors.

Currently, Beckinsale's pay for her franchise Underworld: Evolution was just 6.5 million dollars; for other films, even less.

If not for Charles getting her into The Departed and Iron Man, she might have been stuck doing low-budget horror films like Vacancy.

"Kate Beckinsale!" Phyllis Jones's eyes lit up. Iron Man was slated for a 2007 summer release, and having Pepper Potts in an indie film would be great promotion.

The boss had a good eye, after all.

*****

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