Chapter 223

"Are you saying that Tom Hanks' producing partner Gary Goetzman is also interested in adapting this stage play?" In the London office of Capet Pictures International, Charles Capet was chatting with Mamma Mia! producer Judy Craymer.

"Good thing I got the jump on this," Charles smiled. After all, he had secured the adaptation rights last year and was working with Judy Craymer to develop it.

As for snatching yet another film that could make Tom Hanks a fortune, Charles felt no pressure. Hanks was a Hollywood superstar who certainly wasn't hurting for cash.

Judy Craymer shook her head, "You can't see it that way. Tom Hanks' independent film company isn't on the same level as your Capet Pictures now. They definitely won't be able to move as quickly as you guys.

The original stage play writer Catherine Johnson has already completed the initial script adaptation. And female director Phyllida Lloyd, who directed Mamma Mia! on Broadway, is also on board.

Phyllida Lloyd has a lot of preparatory work to do. There are so many songs in the play. The scriptwriter has to create a narrative structure that goes beyond the music and discuss with the director which songs to use based on the lyrics and storyline."

Charles glanced at Judy Craymer. Still in the early stages of preparation, and the script was only at the first draft?

"Didn't Capet Pictures give you $2 million for the initial pre-production? Judy, tell me, will we not be able to release Mamma Mia! next year?" Charles seriously suspected that the Brits spent most of their time drinking tea - morning tea, afternoon tea, and all sorts of random tea breaks.

Preparing for a release of Mamma Mia! next year might mean pushing it back a year.

"Um, maybe by the end of the year. We've already started casting..." Judy Craymer's explanation left Charles thinking that a release next year seemed too rushed.

"Get in touch with Meryl Streep. She fits the mother role well and has great appeal. Can you imagine the buzz if the audience sees Meryl Streep singing and dancing in a film?

As for the father role, the actor you recommended, Pierce Brosnan, is also good. James Bond singing and dancing in the movie - sounds great too.

For the others, take your time casting them..."

To speed up the process, Charles had no choice but to save time on casting, given that he only had experience from the stage play production of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

After Judy Craymer left, Charles talked to James Tunan about the upcoming release of the fashion workplace movie The Devil Wears Prada.

"North America, the UK, France, and Italy will have simultaneous releases. The promotional budget is sufficient," James Tunan added. He wished to have simultaneous releases in more regions, but Capet Pictures didn't have the capacity, and the costs would be high.

Besides, The Devil Wears Prada didn't have that kind of influence. Relying on Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway alone wasn't enough.

"Who's in the UK right now?" Charles asked.

"Emily Blunt is in London. Anne Hathaway was in the UK for promotional activities earlier but has returned to the US. Emily Blunt will come over for the North American premiere!"

Charles nodded. There was no choice; North America was the most important market. The actors would have to do more traveling. Promotion was exhausting.

Charles stood up and checked his watch. It was the Brits' afternoon tea time.

In the evening, Charles had to attend a fashion party hosted by Givenchy, a brand under LV. He decided to bring Emily Blunt, who was staying in London, as his date.

At his luxurious house in Knightsbridge, Charles walked out with Emily Blunt dressed in a simple, stylish black Givenchy evening gown.

A business car was parked at the door. Just as Charles was about to step in, Emily Blunt tugged his hand and pointed to an orange Lamborghini Gallardo parked nearby.

"Charles, how about we take this car?"

"Alright," Charles looked at it and, after thinking for a moment, nodded. "Sure, no problem!"

Then, he waved off the business car driver and got into the Lamborghini Gallardo with Emily Blunt.

"Charles, you look really sharp tonight. This Givenchy suit is perfect for you," Emily Blunt complimented from the passenger's seat.

Charles laughed as he drove, "You look gorgeous too, a blooming English rose!"

"No," Emily Blunt responded with a smile, "More like an English rose that's already been picked by you."

The party was at a venue near the Thames in Chelsea, not far from where Charles lived.

Upon arrival, Charles leaned in and kissed Emily Blunt, "When are you heading to the US?"

"The North American premiere is on Thursday, so I'm planning to go on Tuesday - that's the day after tomorrow!" Emily Blunt explained, referring to the North American premiere of The Devil Wears Prada.

"Aren't you going back?" she asked.

Charles shook his head, "I have to go to Asia. I'm leaving the UK tomorrow."

July was coming up quickly, and Charles had already delayed quite a bit. Phyllis Jones and Dona Williams had gone over half a month ago.

"Oh," Emily Blunt nodded, "Do you want me to stay with you tonight?"

*****

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