Chapter 473: Chapter 473: Settling Michael
In the restroom of the Sunset Tower Hotel, Kate Beckinsale leaned against the door, occasionally turning her head to kiss Charles Capet, who was leaning over her back.
After a while, Kate Beckinsale turned around and squatted in front of Charles.
"Dear, I need to touch up my makeup first; you go ahead," said Kate Beckinsale, disheveled, as she pulled out a cigarette, ready to light it up.
Charles took out a tissue to wipe the stains from the corner of her mouth, nodded, and said, "Alright, I'll go then!"
As soon as Charles returned to the banquet hall, he bumped into Anne Hathaway. Dressed in a custom-made white Versace strapless evening gown, Anne Hathaway's fair skin, beautiful appearance, and bright red lips made her look even more stunning.
"Charles, congrats!" They hugged warmly, and Anne Hathaway's tone was filled with obvious excitement.
"Don't worry; Capet Pictures has already secured the rights to the novel Silver Linings Playbook. The company will proceed with the development as planned," Charles said, patting her on the shoulder.
"You were also nominated for the Best Actress award at this Oscars for your performance in Rachel Getting Married; you did a great job. Trust me, I'm now a recognized Oscar whisperer; I'll definitely help you win that Best Actress Oscar!"
Silver Linings Playbook is the movie adaptation of the novel that Capet Pictures acquired.
Anne Hathaway smiled and nodded, her big smile making people imagine all sorts of things. "By the way, Capet should have its own celebration party later. Are you going to attend?"
Charles shook his head. "No, I have to meet with Michael Jackson. Do you have plans for the next few days?"
"Going to attend New York Fashion Week," Anne Hathaway replied.
"Okay. I'll send you a big gift in a few days," Charles said before kissing her on the cheek and leaving the Sunset Tower Hotel.
After leaving the hotel, Charles headed to the Holmby Hills community in Beverly Hills, where AEG Live had rented a villa for Michael Jackson and his family.
"Boss, I brought what you asked for. It's just a rough draft," Phyllis Jones followed Charles to meet Michael Jackson.
"That's enough," Charles said. As their car stopped in front of Michael Jackson's villa, Michael was there to greet them.
"Michael, you don't look too good," Charles remarked after following Michael Jackson into the house.
Michael Jackson was thin, looking tired, and his spirits were low.
"Charles, thank you for coming personally. I've been prepping for the upcoming concert, suffering from insomnia every night. The pressure's just a bit much," Michael Jackson smiled, inviting Charles to sit and asking if he wanted anything to drink.
"Two cups of coffee," Charles knew why Michael Jackson's pressure was high; AEG Entertainment kept pushing him to increase his concert dates to 50 shows.
Moreover, their attitude towards Michael Jackson wasn't very friendly!
"Is Capet Records and Viacom on bad terms?" Michael Jackson asked, somewhat teasingly.
Charles took a sip of coffee, smiled, and said, "It's mainly due to conflicts with Viacom; they are an important asset for them. In terms of business competition, it's not about right or wrong; it's just business!"
Charles and Michael Jackson chatted casually for over ten minutes.
Michael Jackson then proactively asked Charles, "I don't know when I'll release another album. Does Capet Records still want to sign a record deal with me?"
Charles nodded, smiling, "Sure, without any time constraints. Release it whenever you get inspired. But if you have time, you could release singles first. Life still has to go on!"
Michael Jackson agreed with Charles' viewpoint, "Indeed, life has to go on."
"AEG Entertainment provided you with a loan. I just acquired West Pacific Union Bank; I can help you with the mortgage loan issues," Charles said, looking at Michael Jackson.
"I have a good relationship with Philip Anschutz; they won't make things difficult for you. The more stressed you are, the worse your health will be. Don't forget about your three kids; you're their closest family member!"
...
With the successful conclusion of the 81st Academy Awards, Capet emerged as the biggest winner, grabbing all the spotlight.
Slumdog Millionaire had already grossed over $100 million at the North American box office. The Reader had also reached $25 million in North America, and thanks to the Oscars, its screening expanded again.
At the same time, The Reader's limited overseas release had already earned $30 million and Slumdog Millionaire, which had earned $90 million, started a large-scale overseas expansion!
Slumdog Millionaire's box office performance shone during the awards season. Among the art films released at the end of the year, only Gran Torino, written and directed by Clint Eastwood, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, could compare.
Gran Torino had currently grossed $140 million in North America and $80 million overseas.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button currently had $115 million at the North American box office and another $170 million internationally!
"The Oscars are losing their influence. No wonder the viewership keeps dropping," Charles sighed, slumping in his office chair.
Phyllis Jones, nearby, explained, "This year's ratings were decent though, 36 million viewers. Last year, the Oscars had their lowest viewership ever at 32 million. Having Hugh Jackman as the host did bring back some viewers this year!"
From the millennium until now, the Oscars had fluctuating viewership. In 2008, due to the writers' strike, the show was poorly prepared, resulting in low ratings.
In 2003, the Iraq war news occupied many American TVs, causing the Oscars to have only 33 million viewers.
In other years, the Oscars often had over 40 million viewers. Now, it's less than 40 million.
Well, the Super Bowl still pulls in over 100 million viewers. This year, NBC's Super Bowl broadcast had 98.7 million viewers!
"Has Michael Jackson's press release been held yet?" Charles asked.
Phyllis Jones nodded, "Capet Records and Michael Jackson have signed a three-way cooperation contract. Capet Records guaranteed Michael Jackson through West Pacific Union Bank, and AEG Entertainment has transferred Michael Jackson's assets to West Pacific Union Bank!"
Charles nodded again and added, "Make sure they monitor Michael Jackson's health and mental state. And the number of Michael Jackson's concerts needs to be reduced. Even if they don't reduce them, they need to spread them out over a longer time period."
"Um, Michael Jackson decided on 20 concerts at London's Millennium Dome," Phyllis Jones reminded.
"It's the maximum he can handle. No more can be added. Plus, Michael said he's planning to release an album next year!"
"Now, Michael Jackson and AEG are just in a simple cooperative relationship. Even if he held just one concert, it wouldn't matter to them," said Charles, shaking his head. Michael Jackson's shares in Sony ATV Music Publishing are no longer mortgaged to AEG.
With Capet backing him now, neither AEG Entertainment nor Sony Music would dare mess with him!
Moreover, as Charles knew, Michael Jackson had a bunch of unpublished songs accumulated over the years.
"By the way, get that The Hunt project started as soon as possible. Adapt the script, choose a director. I hope this movie can be released by the end of next year at the latest!"
Anything less would be against what Charles had promised Michael Jackson; he couldn't go back on his word.
*****
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