Chapter 259: Breaking Bad

During Halloween, Capet Pictures' Matrix Pictures released Saw IV in 3,150 theaters across North America, achieving a successful opening weekend with $32 million.

Additionally, Capet Records' country music label Big Machine Records saw one of their artists, Taylor Swift, release her first self-titled album Taylor Swift, which achieved impressive first-week sales.

Movies, TV shows, music albums - Capet Entertainment's businesses progressed in parallel.

Arriving in New York, Charles Capet quickly accelerated the production of the TV series Gossip Girl.

The newly formed wireless TV network CTV aimed at the teenage market and soon signed a premiere agreement with Capet Television.

For Odette Annable, who was eager to act, Charles did not disappoint her and directly cast her as one of the leading roles, Queen B.

As for Queen S, the stunning Blake Lively took on that role, while Leighton Meester played another slightly less prominent character.

However, it was just a teenage drama after all, and Charles certainly wouldn't waste too much of his precious time on it.

In the Capet Pictures office on Greenwich Street, Manhattan, Charles put down the script in his hand and smiled helplessly.

"A story about a downtrodden middle-aged man dealing drugs in New Mexico, and he's also a major villain."

The script outline on the desk was titled Breaking Bad.

"Last year, Vince Gilligan discussed this script with several networks like Showtime, FX, TNT, HBO, but they all tossed Breaking Bad into the trash," Phyllis Jones mentioned, assuming the boss wasn't interested.

"Buy it!"

"What?" Phyllis Jones was stunned for a moment, then looked at the boss again. "Buy it? We're going to develop it?"

Vince Gilligan had previously been involved in writing for The X-Files, but was this story really marketable?

"This script can be developed. Have Vince Gilligan refine the script, and Capet Television will handle the development and production," Charles smiled. Although Breaking Bad had a slow start, the first season's ratings would eventually build up to make it a legendary show.

Much like the script of Mad Men, Breaking Bad was another gem overlooked by others but picked up by Capet Television.

"Alright!" With the boss's decision to develop the show, Phyllis Jones naturally had no objections.

Charles nodded. After Phyllis Jones left the office, he looked up at the gray sky outside the window in New York.

November in New York was noticeably colder than Los Angeles.

In the evening, Charles Capet and Scarlett Johansson, who had just returned from promoting The Prestige in Europe, went to a bar in downtown Manhattan together.

This year, Scarlett Johansson had several movies released consecutively: Scoop, The Black Dahlia, and The Prestige, showcasing her stunning beauty to countless people.

"The Prestige was pretty good. Christopher Nolan is indeed a trustworthy director," Charles said, sipping his drink while watching a band perform on stage in the dimly lit bar, holding Scarlett Johansson close.

"Oh, The Prestige mostly relied on Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman's performances. My role wasn't that significant," Scarlett remarked. Among her three movies this year, The Prestige performed the best.

Scoop and The Black Dahlia were independent dramas. They received decent reviews but did not fare well at the box office.

Scarlett's most successful film so far was still Wedding Crashers. DreamWorks' The Island had also shaken her confidence a bit.

"This has been a busy few years for you, even though many of them are art films. Are you holding up alright?" Charles asked with genuine concern.

Scarlett nestled closer into Charles's arms and laughed, "It's been a bit exhausting, so I've taken a long break this year."

Then she looked at Charles with a hint of reproach, "But you've been abroad for half the year, and I couldn't find you at all!"

Charles chuckled, "Yes, I've spent quite a bit of time in Asia this year." He said, kissing her ruby lips.

After the kiss, Scarlett seemed to think of something, "Do you know David Ellison from Skydance Productions?"

"David Ellison? I've only met him at a party in LA. Didn't he invest in Flyboys, which was a total flop?" Charles wondered if Ellison was trying to compete with him for a woman.

That would be interesting. After all, David was Larry Ellison's son - money wasn't an issue for him.

"A few months ago, I also met him at a film discussion. He seems to have a big interest in aviation movies," Scarlett recalled. Despite David being a trust fund kid, his $60 million investment in Flyboys which made only $13 million domestically and $4.7 million overseas, was pretty much a disaster.

Charles laughed, "Well, trust fund kids always need to find some fun in life. When you mentioned him, I thought he was chasing you."

"Chasing me?" Scarlett laughed and playfully grabbed Charles, "Most people in Hollywood know I'm your girl. Who would chase after me?"

"And you, isn't having me enough? With Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway - there's no telling what's going on there, not to mention Megan Fox and Keira Knightley!"

Charles patted her playfully, then whispered in her ear, "Can't help it. You're just too good. Isn't it you who always leaves me wanting more?"

"You're just a playboy!" Scarlett complained but couldn't deny Charles's irresistible charm, both generally and in bed.

Just as Charles was about to say something, a commotion erupted near the stage, electrifying the atmosphere.

Looking towards the stage, a striking female singer had stripped off her jacket and skirt, leaving only her underwear as she sang passionately, riling up the bar's patrons.

Scarlett looked over too, "Talk about energy!"

Charles had a flash of inspiration. This outrageous style reminded him of someone.

He needed to find out if this singer was the person he was eagerly expecting.

*****

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