Chapter 292: Red Fruit Entertainment

Burbank, in Charles Capet's office at Capet Pictures.

"This guy actually became President of the United States?"

Charles, holding the file on Barack Obama, was perplexed. Who would have thought?

Who could have imagined that this man would become America's first Black president? Of course, the economic crisis was his biggest ally.

An African American kid from a troubled background, who later got into Columbia University and Harvard Law School, becoming an elite.

And then he successfully ran for three terms as a state senator in Illinois, won a U.S. Senate seat in 2004, and announced his presidential run this year.

New York State Senator Hillary currently had more support within the party than Barack. They were first and second, respectively; as for Delaware Senator Biden, he wasn't really up there with the top two.

However, the biggest challenge this year for all party candidates was to raise campaign funds.

Hillary had pretty solid support in Hollywood, whereas Barack leaned more towards Silicon Valley.

Hollywood being chaotic was something the Republicans enjoyed, and it also benefitted Barack within the Democratic Party; Hillary, being so tied to Hollywood, would undoubtedly be affected.

Charles imagined himself becoming a welcomed guest once Barack was elected President next year. With wealth and power, Capet Entertainment would surely expand rapidly.

Suddenly, the phone on the desk rang, and Charles picked it up. "Mr. Capet, you have an international call from China."

"Put it through," he said.

"Hey, Charles? It's Yuanyuan," came the voice on the other end.

It turned out to be Gao Yuanyuan calling. Charles smiled and replied, "I know, what's up?"

"I've started a company called Red Fruit Entertainment. Lin Chi-ling also has some shares in it, and we received the three movies you sent us: The Pursuit of Happiness, Live Free or Die Hard, and DOA: Dead or Alive. Your choices really fit our market, and I've already asked people to apply for quotas."

"That's good. Both Live Free or Die Hard and DOA: Dead or Alive are from 20th Century Fox, directed by a Hong Kong action director, Corey Yuen. One's an action movie featuring sexy ladies and the other is based on a game - both should have some market.

I will arrange for East Asia International to invest 5 million RMB in your Red Fruit Entertainment. Can these three movies be released this year?" Charles hardly cared about the Chinese rights to these movies, considering them gifts to Gao Yuanyuan.

Live Free or Die Hard and DOA: Dead or Alive together cost $330,000, whereas The Pursuit of Happiness was his, worth around $150,000 to $200,000, not much in value.

"This year's import quotas aren't full yet. It's not hard to get these movies approved; with some money, they could be released. But even if they get the go-ahead, it might be in the latter half of this year, or perhaps around March or April next year."

"Alright, let's see how they perform first," Charles said, and then hang up the phone.

...

That evening, Charles attended Rupert Murdoch's 76th birthday party at his Beverly Hills mansion.

Given Rupert Murdoch's status, the guest list included no one but the rich and noble. Besides stars from the entertainment industry, other elites from politics and finance also attended.

When Charles's car stopped at the entrance, photographers surrounded him, snapping pictures of various guests.

Once inside, many stars greeted Charles.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Murdoch," Charles greeted the host, as he was a significant figure and not just a hanger-on.

"Charles, you came. Hollywood can't do without you now," Rupert Murdoch said, shaking hands with Charles, adding a cryptic statement.

Charles chuckled and shook his head, "In Hollywood, anyone can leave. The only thing that must stay is capital!"

"True. Enjoy yourself," Rupert Murdoch said, patting Charles on the shoulder.

"Jeff, none of Mr. Murdoch's adult children are attending?" Charles asked.

Jeffrey Godsick, the president of 20th Century Fox, was chatting with him in a corner of the hall.

"His eldest, Lachlan, is handling the News Corp operations in Australia, while his second, James, is managing the Sky News Group in the UK," Jeffrey Godsick explained with a smile.

Rupert Murdoch and his two sons held significant power in News Corp. No one knew which son would succeed him.

After all, Rupert Murdoch was known for his longevity. Charles recalled the saying, "Only the good die young, but the wicked live forever."

"The negotiations for News Corp's acquisition of Dow Jones & Company, how's that going?" Charles asked with a sudden smile.

Jeffrey Godsick shook his head, "You know, I'm Fox's movie division president. Media publishing, that's out of my scope. Les Hinton, head of News International, is handling it. He's one of the seven executive directors at News Corp."

Charles nodded, knowing the acquisition wasn't going smoothly. After all, the Wall Street Journal, under Dow Jones, wouldn't want to join News Corp, known for its sensationalism and vulgarity.

However, without Charles's interference, the subprime mortgage crisis would eventually make Dow Jones's board unable to resist News Corp's onslaught.

After parting with Jeffrey Godsick, Charles realized almost all major Australian stars were there.

Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, and Naomi Watts, among others.

"Almost due, Naomi?" Charles hugged the hugely pregnant Naomi Watts.

"Around August," Naomi Watts, who started dating Australian actor Liev Schreiber last year, replied. She's now six months pregnant.

"Congratulations!" Charles said with some melancholy, remembering the good times he had with Naomi Watts years ago.

However, he cut ties with Naomi Watts last year.

Once the party began, Rupert Murdoch introduced John McCain, the U.S. Republican presidential candidate and Arizona senator, to the guests.

*****

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