Capítulo 149: Chapter 149: Donna Langley
A cafe on Plaza Street, Universal City, Hollywood.
"Donna, I'm sincerely inviting you to manage Capet Entertainment. The number of movie and TV projects has increased so much that the overall management and operations of the company are consuming too much of my time," said Charles as he formally invited Universal's Executive Vice President, Donna Langley, to join Capet Entertainment as president.
Donna Langley smiled slightly. Mr. & Mrs. Smith has now surpassed $100 million at the North American box office and $200 million in overseas markets!
"Two years ago, when you were negotiating with Focus Features about the distribution of Saw and Brokeback Mountain, that was our first meeting, wasn't it?" Donna Langley said nostalgically.
"At that time, I wanted to sign a long-term movie cooperation agreement with you, but you didn't agree and only signed a three-year, three-film distribution contract with us. Now, the first film has just been released, and you're already poaching me from Universal to join your film company."
Charles nodded and laughed, "Stacey Snider has confirmed she will leave Universal to join DreamWorks and assist Steven Spielberg. General Electric's vision for NBC Universal doesn't quite fit with Universal's own development!"
Stacey Snider, the current president of Universal Studios, was set to leave when her contract expired next year and would join DreamWorks as president.
Donna Langley, aware of the changes within Universal, looked at Charles and asked seriously, "What are you planning to turn Capet Entertainment into? Your costly acquisition of Marvel has left many puzzled."
"I support big productions, grand promotions, big stars, and high-concept marketing. However, I have more faith in the future of special effects blockbusters. Marvel is a treasure, and I discovered it early!" Charles said nonchalantly.
"So, developing Iron Man and Thor under Marvel Studios isn't just a plan; you're actually going to develop them yourself?" Donna Langley was somewhat surprised.
"It appears the failure of Hulk hasn't affected you much!" she remarked.
Charles thought for a moment and smiled, "Marvel Studios' positioning for movies is family-friendly popcorn films, focusing on special effects and visuals without needing too much artistic and thoughtful content."
Donna Langley nodded, indicating that this was a purely commercial route.
"Charles, I appreciate your invitation, which also acknowledges my abilities. However, I still need some time to think it over. After all, I've worked at Universal for many years," Donna Langley said, weighing her ambition and considerations between staying at Universal or taking a leap with Capet Entertainment.
Charles nodded and smiled, "Of course, everyone has their career plans, but I still hope we can work together to lead Capet Entertainment forward!"
"Alright!"
Subsequently, Charles stood up and shook hands with Donna Langley.
"Let's go," Charles said after Donna Langley left, ready to head back to the office with Phyllis Jones.
Once inside the business car, Charles casually picked up a newspaper to read.
On the prominent cover was a large photograph of Tom Cruise kissing director Steven Spielberg on the cheek.
"What the heck? Wasn't last night the New York premiere of War of the Worlds? Did they kiss?" Charles asked Phyllis Jones, sitting next to him.
"This was Tom Cruise directly kissing Spielberg on the cheek at the premiere last night. Anyway, lately, everything Tom Cruise does is unexpected and bewildering," Phyllis Jones said, looking unfazed. "Spielberg was both angry and embarrassed!"
"Jumping on the couch, shouting matches, and now this forced kiss incident," Charles shook his head.
"Isn't Mission: Impossible III about to be filmed? Isn't he worried about affecting his partnership with Paramount?"
"I don't know, but Tom Cruise's erratic behavior has become a hot topic for many people," Phyllis Jones speculated that it might be related to Tom Cruise's beliefs.
"I bet Paramount's PR department is in a frenzy handling Tom Cruise's recent crises," Charles said, putting down the newspaper. After all, Tom Cruise's Cruise/Wagner Productions was Paramount's most intimate partner.
Tom Cruise's movies had contributed 15% of Paramount's box office revenue over the past decade!
"By the way, boss, do you have anyone in mind for the supporting actress in The Departed? The cast needs to be finalized by August." Phyllis Jones asked.
"For the psychologist in The Departed, right?" Charles leaned back in his chair, pondering.
"How about Kate Beckinsale? Her age and acting skills are quite suitable!"
Kate Beckinsale only had one film this year, Click, and her available resources were dwindling.
However, Kate Beckinsale had never asked Charles for any roles, but Charles certainly couldn't treat her unfairly.
Phyllis Jones nodded. If Charles Capet said Kate Beckinsale was suitable, then she had to be suitable.
"After Saw III, the director for the fourth installment will change. James Wan seems to have a new idea with his friend, and Universal is supporting him to develop a new movie," James Wan had previously signed a three-movie contract with Matrix Pictures, and the Saw trilogy was completed.
"The director for Saw IV will change next year, right?" Charles said as he reached inside the woman's suit skirt, caressing her thigh.
"It's a new director, Darren Lynn Bousman. Matrix offered a budget of $9 million," Phyllis Jones explained. Even though Saw III had a production budget of $12 million, a significant portion was the director's fee.
The production cost of Saw was just $1.5 million at the time; then Saw II had a budget of $5 million, and Saw III $12 million!
James Wan was a good director but not quite suitable as a producer. If Charles remembered correctly, Universal was going to collaborate with James Wan on Dead Silence, a horror movie that eventually bombed at the box office.
The Insidious series and the Conjuring universe were on par with the Saw series. Charles knew the plot well - the Insidious script could be written by James Wan's screenwriting friend, Leigh Whannell.
The Conjuring story seemed to be based on real events from the 1970s, requiring time and effort to secure adaptation rights!
"Matrix Pictures had a pleasant and harmonious collaboration with James Wan. I'm sure if he has new ideas, he'd come back to work with Matrix Pictures," Charles said, planning to sign several more movie contracts with James Wan.
The Saw series, distributed by Matrix Pictures, was now Capet Entertainment's trump card.
*****
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