Chapter 289: Chapter 289
On a small road near Honolulu, Gao Yuanyuan was riding a bicycle when she arrived at an outdoor cafe and sat down. Charles was sitting there, idly reading the newspaper.
"Hey, The Departed won awards, Best Picture and Best Director at the Oscars. The Lives of Others also won Best Foreign Language Film," Charles said. Although he wasn't very interested in these, it was nice that Capet Pictures showed up at the Oscars again.
Gao Yuanyuan took a sip of her juice and looked at the newspaper. "The Departed was based on the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, right? A lot of Hong Kong films are pretty good!"
Charles smiled and looked at Gao Yuanyuan, then asked, "Has the filming of Painted Skin finished?"
Speaking of Painted Skin, Gao Yuanyuan had lots to say. "It's finished. The movie is in post-production now and the release schedule is set. It will be released during our National Day holiday. I think it's great. The use of new special effects technology in an Eastern fantasy theme will definitely stand out."
Of course, what was most important was that Gao Yuanyuan was one of the leading actresses in this movie which had an investment of over a hundred million RMB, instantly raising her status.
Gao Yuanyuan sat down next to Charles and asked, "Will Capet International invest in or co-produce any movies in China this year?"
Gao Yuanyuan looked elegant, wearing white shorts paired with a striped sleeveless shirt.
"Do you have a good project?" Charles didn't really mind investing in Chinese films.
The cost of making movies in China was not high at that time, and Capet International had actually not considered this area much.
Gao Yuanyuan shook her head. "The movies I acted in before didn't have much impact. I became famous through TV dramas. Shanghai Dreams was a pretty good art film, and I had a cameo in Rob-B-Hood. In January, there was a romantic movie called Love in the City, but its box office was just so-so."
"Hong Kong's East Asia Media has 30 million RMB in capital. I am an international investor, so I can only cooperate with domestic film companies. You can partner with Lin Chi-ling to start a company. After all, you're an actress, and she's a model. You definitely have an advantage!"
"I know myself. My acting skills aren't as good as many people's. I can't handle roles that demand superb acting, but I have no problem with other roles," Gao Yuanyuan seemed to have a clear self-awareness.
Charles' mouth twitched. So clear-headed? But then again, Gao Yuanyuan indeed hadn't won any major awards.
Lin Chi-ling was just a pretty face, but Gao Yuanyuan had some acting skills. Transitioning from a TV actress to the big screen would take time.
However, Capet International wouldn't participate. Charles could let East Asia Media manage it since he founded East Asia Media to enhance the entertainment business within the Greater China cultural sphere.
"Chinese films?" Charles leaned back in his chair, tapping the table and thinking. The most famous Sino-American co-productions at that time were The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and The Forbidden Kingdom, right?
"I've always wanted to work with Stephen Chow, but unfortunately, he's cooperating with Sony's Columbia Pictures Asia. A few years ago, Kung Fu Hustle was a big hit. This year, Columbia is working with Stephen Chow's Star Overseas to produce a children's sci-fi comedy film CJ7. Such a pity!"
"You mean Sony's Columbia Pictures in Hollywood? That's a big international film company," Gao Yuanyuan naturally knew about the major Hollywood studios - they were all major global players.
"Now, I heard Capet Entertainment is the seventh largest film company in Hollywood," Gao Yuanyuan quickly got excited again, thinking perhaps she could develop in Hollywood someday.
Charles could see Gao Yuanyuan's enthusiastic gaze and understood her thoughts.
He reminded her, "It's not necessary to go to Hollywood. Even if you do, you might only get minor roles to add some diversity by appearances. Doing well in the Chinese market is already really good."
Didn't she notice that even big star Chow Yun-fat was only a minor villain in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End?
"It's different," Gao Yuanyuan kissed Charles on the cheek and reminded him, "After appearing in a Hollywood movie, it will be different when I come back to China!"
Charles understood what she meant. It was inevitable; economic foundations determined one's spiritual pursuits.
"Don't worry, there will be opportunities," Charles reassured her. If he had plans for co-productions, it was only natural to use his own people.
"After you go back, set up a film culture company. I'll get you to handle The Pursuit of Happiness. Apply for a quota and spend some money on promotion and see how it goes."
"Then I'll let East Asia Media invest in your film company. You can invest in TV or film projects on your own. Or, you can get into the artist management business. It's all possible!"
After all, there were no laws against producers getting involved in artist management in China, Japan, or Korea! Alright, antitrust laws were practically nonexistent for Asia.
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