บท 159: Chapter 159: The Lives of Others
Charles decided to go to Germany. Kate Beckinsale also wanted to go to Berlin to promote Underworld: Evolution as Constantin Film was a co-producer of the movie.
Coincidentally, Charles was one of the producers of the Underworld series, so he could accompany the promotion team to Berlin.
Constantin Film arranged a welcome banquet at the Adlon Kempinski Hotel banquet hall near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin Mitte to welcome Charles and his party.
Charles, holding the elegantly dressed Kate Beckinsale, joked, "Looks like you're quite popular here in Germany, huh?"
Kate Beckinsale shook her head and smiled, "This is to welcome you, Charles Capet. You now represent a new force in Hollywood!"
"How come Wiseman didn't come to Europe? He's the director, suits this kind of event more," remarked Charles, noting that the promotion in Europe seemed to rely solely on Kate Beckinsale.
"Probably promoting in North America. After all, Screen Gems has to take care of its main market," added Kate. The North American market was directly handled by Screen Gems, whereas overseas, it was mainly managed by Columbia TriStar International.
"Charles, Kate, welcome!" Bennett Eizenegger, the head of Constantin Film, greeted them warmly and shook hands with both.
"Good evening, Mr. Eizenegger. I'm just going to get a glass of wine," Kate Beckinsale wisely stepped aside, giving the two time to talk.
After toasting with Bennett, Charles joked, "You see, you Germans are so serious that you scared the beautiful Kate Beckinsale away."
Bennett Eizenegger remained stern and asked seriously, "Charles, do you have any other plans for your visit to Berlin? German cinema is currently facing comprehensive challenges, with almost all top ten box office slots held by Hollywood movies.
There are only one or two German films. The recently formed German Federal Film Fund has set an annual budget of 60 million euros. Does Capet Pictures have a new project to participate in?" inquired Bennett.
The German Film Fund, the EU's Creative Europe program, and now the German Federal Film Fund all had policies to support European cinema, indicating that European filmmakers had been struggling against Hollywood for a long time.
"Bennett, I've always been happy to collaborate with German film companies. As an international co-production company, German production companies have always been excellent!" replied Charles.
Well, German film companies mainly focused on film investment. Co-productions were also aimed at tax rebate applications.
Constantin Film was part of the publicly traded Focus Communication Group based in Switzerland, with its German base in Frankfurt, focusing mainly on film investment and production.
Germany's entertainment industry had been developing slowly, with capital investment a significant business scope.
Bennett Eizenegger, who started as a director and was already older, was led by Charles to sit in a corner of the banquet hall.
"I understand your urgent desire to develop German cinema. But these things cannot be rushed. With Germany's population of 80 million, only around 150 films are produced each year. Excluding those 100,000-euro documentaries and short films, the number is even lower."
"Strengthening cooperation with international partners, especially Hollywood filmmakers, has always been a way for you to promote local films," noted Charles.
"But Mr. Eizenegger, the ever-stricter film tax rebate subsidies in Germany have made it increasingly difficult for film companies to secure government support. Is there a good solution?" asked Charles.
Bennett Eizenegger shook his head, "All these measures are to encourage the development of local films. In fact, it's not difficult to secure funds from the German Ministry of Culture; just co-produce some German-language films."
Charles smiled. Who said Germans were rigid? They knew when to bend the rules when necessary.
"By the way, I came across a political thriller, The Lives of Others. It was completed last year but hasn't been released yet. I heard it's very realistic. Capet Pictures hopes to get the distribution rights for North America and the UK," stated Charles.
Bennett Eizenegger nodded, "I'm aware of that film. Many German artists participated for free, although it was the director's first feature film. It's an excellent thriller filled with suspense."
"I will arrange for you to meet with the production team to discuss distribution," assured Bennett.
Charles nodded. He discovered The Lives of Others after coming to Berlin. It's about the political surveillance in East Germany during the Cold War.
Shortly after, Kate Beckinsale returned to Charles's side with a bit of frustration, "I can now understand why German filmmakers don't focus on local films."
"It's because the entertainment industry here doesn't have much of a market!" added Kate.
But Charles laughed, "Actually, Germany's entertainment industry isn't bad. It's still the largest economy in Europe with a population of 80 million. Their industry is just shackled by several layers."
With a government supported entirely by the U.S., what could Germany truly decide on its own?
The Jewish community wouldn't allow German capital to control the media either. That's why, rather than developing in Hollywood, the leading European power still lagged behind smaller countries like Sweden and Belgium.
Even if there are successful Germans in Hollywood, they rarely return to Germany. Directors like Roland Emmerich and the beautiful Diane Kruger are good examples.
Kate Beckinsale didn't overthink it and decided to cooperate with the movie's promotion. "I have to go to Hamburg after tomorrow, will you come?"
Charles shook his head and smiled, "I've got my eyes on a German film. I plan to bring it back to America for release."
Charles knew The Lives of Others was one of Germany's best films. Capet Pictures had become an independent distributor, so releasing some foreign films in the North American market was quite normal.
"A German film, not a co-production?" Kate inquired further.
"No, it's a German film about East Berlin during the Cold War. I need to discuss it with the producers over the next few days," Charles replied, feeling a bit sad about German cinema, which focused mainly on World War I, World War II, or stories between East and West Germany in the past.
"A local German story? Do you have an interest in that?" laughed Kate Beckinsale, given Charles's young age.
Charles pouted, "Just because I didn't go to college doesn't mean I can't be interested in history."
"Let's go back to our rooms and rest. This party is boring," remarked Charles.
*****
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