Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Crash
"There's a movie called Crash by a new director discussing racial discrimination. It was directed by Paul Haggis, who not only directed but also wrote it himself!" Dona Williams handed the information to Charles.
"He's brought together stars like Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, and Thandie Newton to act in this indie film!"
"The budget is very low, only $6 million. A lot of the stars either didn't take any pay or took very little, and some even paid for their own flights."
Charles nodded. He knew about Crash; it had been released in Canada in 2004 in his past life but didn't screen in Los Angeles, so it hadn't been part of the Oscars for the 2004 films, which is the ceremony held in early 2005.
After Lionsgate purchased the distribution rights, it was released in 2005, thus participating in the 2006 Oscar Awards. That year, Brokeback Mountain competed and lost the Best Picture award to Crash.
One of the Oscars' biggest misses? Charles shook his head internally. Brokeback Mountain couldn't have won Best Picture. There's no way the conservative, old white men at the Oscar committee would give the Best Picture award to a movie about gay men.
Perhaps ten years later, with a shift in America's political direction, it might have a chance.
"Paul Haggis also wrote the script for Million Dollar Baby!" Charles was a bit surprised. Was that his script too?
"Yes, the script for Million Dollar Baby was completed three years ago. Paul Haggis adapted it from a short story, and producer Albert Ruddy had started preparing to have Paul direct it. They cast Sandra Bullock and Morgan Freeman, but there were disagreements over the director, so Sandra dropped out."
"Then the producer cast Hilary Swank for the lead role. Unfortunately, they couldn't find funding for the film. The producer then got Clint Eastwood for the male lead, with Morgan Frerman as a supporting role."
"Clint Eastwood had no confidence in the director and wanted to drop out. So, the producer asked him to direct it, and he agreed."
"Unable to find investment in America, the producer went to Japan and Europe, raising $20 million through overseas distribution presales. This year, Warner Bros. acquired the remaining investment to secure the North American rights."
Dona Williams explained it very clearly. This is the arduous process of making a Hollywood movie, from concept to script to filming.
Hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars in investment aren't handed out easily. Individuals like Charles who personally fund movies are rare.
"The movie hasn't started filming yet, has it?" Charles hadn't heard any external reports yet.
Dona shook her head, "It's already on Warner Bros.' schedule to start filming next year. The production team is currently in preparation."
Clint Eastwood, along with Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman.
At that moment, Charles didn't care about either Crash or Million Dollar Baby. Building his own distribution channels was more important.
"Pay attention to Pacific Theaters. They have a total of 46 theaters with over 300 screens, mostly multiplex cinemas spread across California!" This was a suitable target Charles found in the theater information he collected.
In the evening, at the Chateau Marmont Hotel on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, it was Hollywood's party time.
Peter Jackson, Ang Lee, Nicole Kidman, Orlando Bloom, and Johnny Depp, along with several Hollywood directors and stars, attended.
The Chateau Marmont Hotel was quite famous in Hollywood, known for its debauchery, wealth flaunting, and various sensational news, including deaths.
In his past life, Scarlett Johansson's infamous elevator scandal happened here, but that was after she attended the Oscars for Lost in Translation.
Now, with Lost in Translation releasing earlier, she attended this year's Oscars. Would it still happen?
Charles felt different now compared to before. After several consecutive box office hits, his status had completely changed.
The announcement by Universal of the hundred million-dollar blockbuster Mr. & Mrs. Smith had also boosted his profile.
More people actively greeted him; more women approached him, and, naturally, more smiles were directed his way.
"Lee, good evening!" Charles shook hands with director Ang Lee.
"Good evening, Charles!"
"I heard Brokeback Mountain has faced a lot of distribution resistance. James was complaining to me," Charles said with a smile.
"The subject matter is a bit bold, and the promotional strategy needs careful planning. I believe James will sort it out. I heard you also made some suggestions. Starting the promotion at next year's European film festival sounds like a good idea," Ang Lee responded with a smile.
"Compared to Europe, American conservatism is much stronger. Europe might be more accepting. In America, it could face some resistance, but it shouldn't impact the big picture," Charles said. Next year, he had another sensitive film, The Passion of the Christ, pressing upon him.
After chatting with Ang Lee for a while, Charles got to know other Hollywood stars in the hall, including Johnny Depp and Robert De Niro.
"My fair elven princess, may I have the honor of this dance?" Charles extended his hand like a gentleman to Liv Tyler.
"Of course!" Liv Tyler smiled, taking his hand as they moved to the dance floor.
*****
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