Chapter 130: Chapter 130
"This role is fantastic. The script is adapted from last year's bestselling novel The Devil Wears Prada, and I get to act alongside Meryl Streep. I love it!" Anne Hathaway said excitedly to Charles Capet in the reception room of Capet Pictures after finishing reading the script.
Charles Capet nodded. Anne Hathaway and her agent had already received the script and were here to discuss the contract.
"The movie should start shooting in New York in the fall, with a filming period of three months, and it will be released next summer. Go back and prepare for your role!"
Anne Hathaway nodded and, encouraged, asked Charles, "I really need to thank you for this. Could I treat you to dinner?"
Charles was momentarily taken aback. He looked at Anne Hathaway and then nodded, "Friday night works."
"Great!" With Charles' confirmation, Anne Hathaway happily left the reception room.
The budget for The Devil Wears Prada was $35 million. Anne Hathaway's current salary was around $3 million, while Meryl Streep's was between $5 million and $6 million.
After returning to his office, Charles reclined in his chair as Phyllis Jones massaged his head, saying, "LV has provided a lot of branded clothing, along with other brands. The film won't lack for fashion elements."
"Now, the company has sent someone to New York to search for suitable buildings for filming."
Charles pulled Phyllis Jones into his lap, kissed her on the neck, and said, "After the Oscars, I'll probably be spending some time in New York!"
"Boss, Dona went to San Francisco again. She said the company named YouTube has been established. Is it really that important?" Phyllis Jones asked with a hint of doubt.
Charles nodded and smiled, "Important, very important!"
After dealing with matters in San Francisco, Dona Williams would head to New York ahead of time. Tom Ford's eponymous brand was about to be established, and Dawn Investments was expected to participate in the investment.
"How is Ridley Scott's preparation for The Departed coming along? Has Brad Pitt agreed to join?"
"He has agreed to play Billy. He'll be acting opposite Christian Bale. Brad Pitt is quite the hot topic right now, and it seems he went on vacation with Angelina Jolie!"
Charles shook his head. That guy, even though Jennifer Aniston was America's sweetheart, he still managed to cheat during their marriage. Impressive.
If Johnny Depp wasn't busy with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the sequels to Pirates of the Caribbean, Charles would really want Depp to play Billy.
"Did you come across any promising independent films or new directors at the Sundance Film Festival?" Charles inquired.
Phyllis Jones shook her head, "No, but at this year's Sundance Film Festival, George Lucas promoted Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith."
"Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith will be released in May. George Lucas has finally finished the six-part series!"
Lucasfilm could live off the Star Wars series for a lifetime, reflecting America's deep affection for the franchise.
"By the way, boss, Brokeback Mountain is now showing in 2,100 theaters, and its North American box office has surpassed $70 million. The Golden Globes and Oscar awards have boosted its box office!"
Charles nodded. Brokeback Mountain, a low-budget film, had really surpassed expectations, achieving both critical and commercial success.
"Oscar, huh," Charles mused while caressing Phyllis Jones' thigh. Million Dollar Baby and The Aviator were the competitors.
While Brokeback Mountain was excellent, its subject matter was a tough sell. Would the Academy give the Best Picture Oscar to a film about a gay romance?
Charles shook his head, dismissing the thought, and asked about the progress of the TV show Prison Break.
"The crew has been assembled. As per your instructions, we'll shoot the pilot first and present it to the network. If they're satisfied, we'll proceed with the series," Phyllis quickly explained.
"Where's the shoot taking place, in Chicago?"
Phyllis Jones nodded, smiling, "Yes, in Chicago, because that's where the story is set."
Over the weekend, Charles, casually dressed, drove to Anne Hathaway's beachfront villa in Long Beach.
"Charles, you're here. I'm preparing the meal!" Anne Hathaway, dressed in a short skirt and white blouse, greeted Charles warmly as he stepped inside.
"I thought you'd pick a restaurant. I didn't expect it to be your place," Charles remarked, noting the tasteful decor of Anne Hathaway's two-story beachfront villa, spanning 3,500 square feet and featuring extensive glass materials for ocean views.
"I'm quite good at cooking. Relax in the living room for a bit!" Anne Hathaway said as she headed back to the kitchen.
Feeling a bit bored, Charles picked up the script in front of him. It seemed to be another script Anne Hathaway had received.
"Havoc?" Charles skimmed through it. The story was about two young girls getting caught up in the gang culture of Los Angeles, leading to tragic consequences.
Anne Hathaway had a rather risqué role in this low-budget independent film.
Anne Hathaway, seeing Charles flipping through the script, walked over and shrugged helplessly, saying, "This is a low-budget independent film shot in 2003. It was only this year that New Line Cinema bought the distribution rights, and they're planning to release it directly on DVD instead of in theaters."
"This script... you were really bold. The scenes in there aren't mild at all," Charles put down the script, puzzled. In 2003, Anne Hathaway was supposed to be preparing for The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
"After filming The Princess Diaries, I kept being called Princess Anne. Maybe there was some rebelliousness inside me, so I took the role," Anne Hathaway said casually, feeling it was a normal part of an actress's job.
Charles was helpless. What could he say? She didn't want to be a "pure" actress, but the audience always cast her in that light.
"Let's eat. I want to try your cooking anyway. My mom's cooking isn't great," Charles said, standing up and heading to the dining table with Anne Hathaway.
Anne Hathaway took out a bottle of red wine, poured some for both of them, and said, "Let's have a drink!"
Charles raised his glass and nodded. After drinking, would he still be able to drive home?
*****
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