Chapter 244: Chapter 244: Venice
Venice, a water city in the northeast of Italy, is a small coastal town in the northern Adriatic Sea, a subsidiary sea of the Mediterranean.
It was Charles Capet's first time visiting Venice. Compared to the commercial focus of the Cannes Film Festival, the Venice Film Festival was more artistic.
After disappearing for several months, Charles Capet once again appeared in the eyes of the mainstream European and American media. No matter what, Capet Pictures' The Da Vinci Code with its more than 750 million dollar box office was an undeniable success.
Many people realized that after producing Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Da Vinci Code, and The Departed, Capet Pictures could no longer be regarded as just another independent film company.
After arriving in Venice, Gao Yuan Yuan went to participate in the events of the Rob-B-Hood crew, while Charles stayed at the Bemude Villas Hotel instead of residing on Lido Island where the Venice Film Festival was hosted.
After all, Venice is composed of more than 100 islands and nearly 200 canals. Finding a quiet and beautiful villa hotel was not difficult.
The Devil Wears Prada was promoted by the film's director, David Frankel, along with the main stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.
"North America hit 100 million dollars, and overseas box office is already crossed 100 million too," Charles said, putting down his file bag. "Anne, you must feel like a big star now!"
Leaning against the window, Anne Hathaway came over and sat down beside Charles. "But I must thank you for the opportunity. The success of The Devil Wears Prada is all thanks to your keen eye!"
"But you haven't been seen in Hollywood these past few months. A lot has been happening," Anne Hathaway noted.
Charles patted her shoulder and stood up to admire the sea view from the window. "I'm fully aware of what's happening in Hollywood, but it doesn't really concern you much."
Anne Hathaway thought for a moment and reminded, "I heard some rumors. They say Capet Pictures might be bought by some media group?"
"Yes, AT&T, Doncaster, even General Electric have expressed interest, along with several Wall Street investment funds," Charles commented confidently. Capet Pictures had no shortage of buyers over the years.
"Entertainment tabloids usually just talk nonsense," Charles said, shaking his head. This topic wasn't particularly interesting to discuss with Anne Hathaway.
"Is Becoming Jane finished shooting?" Charles inquired.
Anne Hathaway nodded and smiled, "We finished in June, and I think it turned out pretty well."
Charles returned to the sofa, leaned down to kiss her cheek, and smiled, "I've found that the current Anne Hathaway really is America's princess, a true epitome of grace."
"The evening's film premiere on the red carpet is sure to make the journalists go wild!" Anne Hathaway stood up, wrapped her arms around Charles's neck, and smiled sweetly. "You've been in Venice for two days, but haven't really appeared much."
"Tonight is the premiere of your own movie, followed by a celebration party. Will you be there?" she asked.
Charles nodded, "Of course, I'll be there. The movie is going to expand its release in Italy, Spain, Japan, and other regions."
"I never expected The Devil Wears Prada to make such a huge box office hit. Now brands are lining up to have me endorse them," Anne Hathaway said. Although she gained fame from The Princess Diaries, it wasn't as impactful as The Devil Wears Prada.
With a production budget of $35 million and advertising costs about $10 million, North America's 120-million-dollar box office meant Capet Pictures netted roughly $70 million.
The net box office revenue in North America alone was around $25 million, after excluding about $7 million in post-screening bonuses for the cast members.
The Devil Wears Prada indeed made Charles a lot of money, given the additional revenue from overseas markets, global home video sales, internet, and television license fees.
"What reward would you like for the success of this movie, of which you played no small part?" Charles whispered intimately into Anne Hathaway's ear.
Anne Hathaway kissed him lightly on the lips and smiled, "How about you take me on a tour around Europe for a few days? Italy has beautiful scenery and ancient architecture, or we could visit Milan."
"Of course, that's no problem," Charles agreed, not minding staying in Europe a few more days if it meant having the charming Anne Hathaway for company.
"I have quite a few scripts in discussion, comedy, thriller, drama; all kinds of producers and directors are reaching out to me," Anne Hathaway said, wanting a good break.
"Yeah," Charles smiled, holding her close and kissing her. Anne Hathaway had only just arrived in Venice to meet Charles that day.
At this moment, there was no need for any emotional build-up; she eagerly responded to his passionate kiss.
"Hey!" As Anne Hathaway undid Charles's belt, he released her and smiled, "Honey, you're addicted!"
Anne Hathaway licked her lips and blew softly into his ear, "Honey, don't you miss me?"
Charles's hand on her waist idly caressed a few times, feeling a little moved, "Didn't you just arrive in Venice last night? Don't you need some rest?"
"You rest with me, and then keep me company tonight at the film premiere," Anne Hathaway said, kneeling in front of Charles.
"Mm..." Charles once again felt Anne Hathaway's familiar service, the same as before!
The Mediterranean sea breeze blew through the window into the room, cooling Charles's heated body as Anne Hathaway's wild attentions calmed him.
Afterward, neither Charles nor Anne Hathaway went out for lunch, opting instead to have it delivered to their room.
After resting all afternoon, the two of them appeared together on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival at 5 PM to attend the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada.
*****
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