章 570: Chapter 570: Greek Mythology Movies
In late April, the 09-10 UEFA Champions League semifinals began, with Arsenal facing Lyon and Inter Milan going up against Barcelona.
In the first leg, Arsenal won 2-0 at home against Lyon, and Inter Milan triumphed 3-1 at their home ground against Barcelona.
At the end of the month, as the second leg approached, Charles wasn't worried about Arsenal defeating Lyon; he cared more about Inter Milan's coach Mourinho.
The Champions League final was bound to be a match of unrivaled attack against the master of ultimate defense!
"David, can Arsenal win the Champions League at the Bernabeu this year?" Charles leaned against the headboard, talking on the phone with David Dein, the person in charge at the Arsenal club in the UK.
"Uh, we're very confident about the second leg against Lyon. Inter Milan is also likely to defeat Barca and make it to the final. Although Inter Milan doesn't look strong on the surface, they've played well this season, especially in defense," David Dein expressed his confidence over the phone.
"Arsenal really needs the Champions League title. Wenger will not give Mourinho the chance!"
"Yeah, anyway, we're second in the Premier League right now, so let's focus on the Champions League title. We promised to bring the Champions League title to Arsenal, can't go back on our word," Charles said.
Arsenal had won the Premier League twice in a row, barely missing out on a three-peat, which was a bit of a pity.
However, Chelsea performed well this year, and Arsenal was willing to accept being league runners-up for the sake of the Champions League title!
"Haven't you also formed a British-style football team in Miami? When's their first match?" Britney Spears asked, caressing Charles's abs.
Charles patted the girl, "Hmm, Miami FC will officially join the league next year. They'll be playing at the Bank of America Stadium then!"
Britney pouted, "This year's Super Bowl was held at your Bank of America Stadium, and you weren't even in the States. The British rock band The Who was the halftime show's performer."
"It was in early February, and I was in Asia at that time," Charles replied, focusing more on the political and commercial investment in the Miami Dolphins than their performance.
However, Miami had a large Latin population with many immigrants, so some Latin-style promotion was necessary.
The Bank of America Stadium was not only home to the NFL's Miami Dolphins but also the MLB's Florida Marlins.
But now, the Marlins were building a new stadium in Miami and would relocate from the Bank of America Stadium by 2012.
The next day, Charles returned to Los Angeles while Britney went to Las Vegas for an event.
"Does MGM plan to reapply to join the MPAA as a full member?" Charles asked Donna Langley.
Donna Langley shook her head, "According to Steve Burke, probably not. The annual membership fee is at least tens of million dollars. MGM is currently positioned as a domestic independent distributor; it depends on whether Comcast rebuilds MGM's international distribution channels!"
Establishing international distribution channels wasn't easy. It required more than just money; continuously good movies were needed.
"Never mind, MGM's decline won't change anytime soon," Charles knew Comcast was new to Hollywood and didn't have high expectations.
"Are we confident in securing the international distribution rights for the James Bond sequel?"
Donna Langley smiled bitterly, "It's quite challenging. Sony Columbia and MGM's Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace both succeeded greatly. Old connections beat new acquaintances, and right now Comcast is focused mainly on Bond and The Hobbit IPs!"
After Donna Langley left, Charles called Steve Blount of Universal Studios Resorts and Consumer Products Group to his office.
"Two things: First, when Tom Williams' contract ends in September, you will take over as the Chairman of Universal Studios Resorts and Consumer Products Group. Make sure Shanghai Universal Studios starts construction. Second, negotiate with Jeffrey Katzenberg from DreamWorks Animation to get the IP licensing for Universal Studios."
Charles was straightforward with his intentions, "I've talked to Jeffrey Katzenberg before. He's eager to monetize DreamWorks Animation's IPs."
Steve Blount nodded, "The preliminary work for Shanghai Universal Studios has already begun. The Shanghai government needs to resolve many supporting facilities."
"Can the Harry Potter theme park area at Universal Orlando open on time?" Charles pondered and asked again.
"It will open on time!"
...
At night, Charles drove his Mazda RX-7 FD to Alexandra Daddario's villa in the small seaside town of Venice.
In the bedroom, Charles held Alexandra Daddario with a satisfied expression, "Honey, you're really irresistible!"
Alexandra Daddario's figure was indeed unforgettable.
"Charles," Alexandra Daddario looked at Charles with her sapphire-like eyes, her cheeks still blushing, "You won't be in the country for the next few months?"
Charles nodded, "Do you like this house?"
"Yes, I do," Alexandra Daddario smiled, "You're very good to me!"
"Has Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief already been released?" Charles recalled Donna Langley's mention of Greek mythology films and the Warner Bros. remake, Clash of the Titans, which had grossed over 150 million dollars in the North American market since its release earlier that month.
Currently, Relativity Media was also preparing for a Greek mythology film, Immortals.
"Yeah, it released in February. It grossed only 88 million dollars in North America and over 220 million worldwide," responded Alexandra Daddario, speaking about her first starring role in a commercial film.
With a production cost of 95 million dollars, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief had average box office performance but decent reviews.
*****
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