Chapitre 165: Chapter 165: Banque de Paris
Capet Pictures produced and distributed the heartwarming family road comedy Little Miss Sunshine, which turned an $8 million budget into $60 million at the North American box office and over $100 million globally.
It was another dark horse following the $200 million success of Wedding Crashers in North America. Capet Pictures recovered $45 million just from the box office, while production costs, marketing expenses, and post-release royalties totaled only $20 million.
Capet Pictures' impressive film production capabilities significantly increased its valuation. Despite high debts, Capet Entertainment remained strong.
The operation of two major special effects blockbusters, Iron Man and Transformers, attracted significant media attention and discussion. Each blockbuster had a production budget of at least $100 million, with marketing expenses pushing the minimum total to $200 million per film.
Due to a short-term loan nearing $200 million coming due and the construction of a new headquarters in Burbank, Los Angeles, Charles Capet visited Wall Street to discuss issuing around $500 million in corporate bonds with banks like Banque de Paris and Credit Agricole, which had previously shown interest in Capet Entertainment.
"Given Capet Pictures' current performance, you shouldn't be short on cash. JPMorgan could continue providing film rights loans," a Banque de Paris representative said as he and Charles sat in a nearby cafe.
Charles smiled and explained, "The company recently purchased a 35-acre industrial park near the headquarters. We plan to build three major buildings: two 8-story and one 10-story. We're also constructing our own digital studio, on-location facilities for TV and film, and other services.
The total investment is projected to be at least $100 million, and we may increase our film and TV production and expand our overseas distribution market in the future."
The Banque de Paris representative smiled. It was clear that more funds would be required no matter what.
Of course, Charles did not mention Capet Entertainment's investment division's plans to further invest in film and television technology companies like IX, Dolby, and Netflix.
"According to our research, Hollywood film revenues come from various sources: box office receipts, home video, cable and network TV licensing, international presales, merchandising, derivative products like animation and games, product placements, and other non-theatrical revenues like inflight entertainment," the Banque de Paris representative, who had clearly done his homework, explained.
"Currently, VHS tapes and DVDs are still the major sources of film revenue!"
Charles nodded and smiled, "Yes, overall, home video revenue is roughly double box office revenue. However, Capet Entertainment is still not as strong in developing derivative products. Unlike Disneyland and Universal Studios, we don't have our own theme parks to maximize the value of our downstream products.
Although we acquired Marvel and have toy manufacturing operations, we mainly focus on developing Marvel characters. But I'm considering selling the toy manufacturing business to fully establish brand licensing partnerships with major toy companies like Hasbro or Mattel."
The Banque de Paris representative nodded and smiled, "Given Capet Pictures' current movie return rates, issuing corporate bonds should easily attract investors. I've also been authorized to strengthen our cooperation with Capet Entertainment in the film and television industry."
"I'm sure we will," Charles said, getting up to shake hands with the Banque de Paris representative.
Shortly after, Dona Williams approached Charles at his table, "It looks like Banque de Paris really likes giving loans!"
Charles smiled. Dona had just escorted the representative out. "Didn't you know? Since the early 20th century, France has been called the 'usury imperialism'?"
"A country built on usury, lending capitalism is in their bones!"
Dona nodded, puzzled, "But French capital isn't nearly as strong as U.S. or even German capital nowadays!"
"Oh, that's because Banque de Paris offers better terms than Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, or Barclays. They just want my Capet Pictures to engage more with the French film and television sector," Charles shrugged. Initially, he preferred German capital.
But those stiff Germans couldn't understand Charles' romanticism, unlike the efficient French.
"However, don't we have good relationships with Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley? They have significant investments in the entertainment industry."
Charles smiled and replied, "The folks at Banque de Paris aren't as experienced as them, and you know I don't enjoy wasting time chatting with those older guys."
After finishing, Charles stood up. Dona handed him his coat, which he casually dusted off after putting on.
"I didn't come to New York just for work. I'm here to attend the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Isn't it much better than staying in Los Angeles? Watching all those tall, beautiful Victoria's Secret Angels on the runway."
Dona Williams stuck out her tongue; no wonder the boss came to New York after only a few days in Los Angeles.
Indeed, Capet Entertainment had strong momentum now, making it easy to issue corporate bonds. Charles Capet didn't even need to do the persuading himself.
"Going to the office or heading home?" Dona asked after they got into the business car.
"Straight home. I really can't stand New York's dreadful weather," Charles said, already thinking about relaxing by the fireplace with a glass of red wine.
"By the way, I found a sitcom script the TV department received last night, The Big Bang Theory. It's quite good. Capet Television should directly invest in producing this sitcom. I'm sure a TV network will pick it up," Charles said, reclining in his seat. A gem like that couldn't be missed.
"Sure, I'll notify Phyllis as soon as we get back."
Charles nodded, still thinking about Martin's novel A Song of Ice and Fire. The old guy was holding tight to the novel rights.
How could he persuade him? Perhaps teaming up with HBO, Showtime, or Starz to develop it together?
After all, only these premium channels would invest heavily in developing such a series.
"Forget it, let's just go home first," Charles muttered, tired of the myriad tasks.
*****
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
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