章節 228: Chapter 228: Chairman of China Film Group
As the boss of Capet Entertainment in Hollywood, Charles Capet's status was quite high, though he rarely made public appearances when in Hong Kong.
When he wasn't in his villa in Deep Water Bay, he was sunbathing on his yacht or chatting with Lily Ying and others at Dawn Investments' office.
If it hadn't been for Matrix Pictures' desire to hold a grand press conference, Charles likely wouldn't have agreed to an interview before leaving.
"Charles, you finally came?" In the suite of the China World Hotel in Beijing, Charles welcomed Britney Spears, who was touring in China.
"Oh, darling!" Charles quickly hugged the girl, and they kissed passionately like long-lost lovers.
Sitting on the couch with the girl, Britney kept holding onto Charles tightly. "You've been here for a while, haven't you? Why didn't you come find me? I had concerts in Tokyo, Seoul, and Shenyang last month!"
"Busy with things, haha," Charles had genuinely forgotten about Britney Spears' recent tour in Asia.
"However, it's a bit troublesome to hold concerts in China," Britney continued with a helpless tone.
"Oh, how so?" Charles was puzzled.
"For my world tour in '04 to '05, there were supposed to be five cities in China, but we didn't pass the approval because of some issues, and I didn't have the energy to make big changes, so I gave up," Britney shrugged.
"For what reasons?" Charles looked at Britney in his arms and laughed, "Couldn't be too sexy, right?"
Britney nodded, "Pretty much. Back then, I had to make significant costume changes to perform in China. You know, making those changes for just a few concerts isn't worth it."
Charles nodded, understanding that world tours are meticulously planned, involving costumes, songs, dance routines, and more, making substantial changes quite difficult.
"So, this year's 15 Asian concerts aren't as sexy, huh?" Charles smiled.
"Yeah, you said you didn't like me being too sexy either. I listened to you. Plus, with just 15 concerts, I only do four per month. It's very relaxed, more like a break. I can also record my concert album on the side!"
Four concerts a month? Most artists do three a week! This is more of a vacation!
"I'm also staying in China for a while. There are a lot of people here. Your concerts will attract a bigger audience and do you a lot of good," Charles said as he held the girl closer.
"I know, the fans here are really enthusiastic, but there are just too many people. I'd always heard China had a large population, but now I see for myself. The cities are crowded!"
"Charles, didn't you miss me?" Britney blew into Charles' ear and started moving her body sensually.
"Of course, I missed you," Charles kissed the girl on the cheek and reached into her t-shirt.
"Charles, I want to get a boob job, make my B to a C. What do you think?" Britney suddenly suggested.
"Hmm," Charles was playing as he spoke, "You're great just as you are. I really like it, no need for a boob job!"
"Don't you like big-breasted women?"
"Uh, you're really great as you are. Getting a boob job or butt implants isn't good for your health. Trust me, don't mess with that stuff!" Charles preferred natural.
"Oh, alright. Anyway, I won't be chasing a sexy image too hard anymore," Britney said, feeling relieved. She didn't have any scandals lately. Maybe she wasn't the most talented in music, but her youthful, beautiful appearance and stage presence were enough.
Charles didn't say anything more. He kissed the girl again and casually took off her white t-shirt.
...
"Good afternoon, Mr. Capet!"
"Ah, good afternoon, Mr. Han!"
Charles Capet met Mr. Han Sanpin, the Chairman of China Film Group Corporation regarding importing Capet Films.
At present, China's entertainment market had only opened up to private film companies for a few years. The China Film Group Corporation, being a state-owned enterprise, held a senior position in the industry and, along with Huaxia Film Company, was one of the two companies with the right to distribute imported films.
The power of China Film was undisputed, and no private film company could yet compare to these state-owned enterprises.
"Capet Pictures has developed really fast," Chairman Han had to admit.
"Thank you," Charles smiled.
For Capet Pictures' movies to enter China, it was impossible to bypass the China Film Group Corporation since any cooperation or commissioned production with an overseas background requires China Film's involvement.
"Any thoughts on co-producing a movie between Capet Pictures and our Chinese film companies?"
"A co-production?"
"Yes, a movie that showcases Chinese culture and features Chinese actors in major roles," Han Sanpin reminded, "The Chinese market is still small, and a hundred million yuan investment can't be recouped here alone!"
"But no rush, I know this isn't something that happens overnight. For now, I just hope Capet Pictures will deepen its cooperation and exchanges with our Chinese film industry," Han Sanpin added.
Charles nodded, "That's workable. Capet Pictures has also set up an office in Beijing to handle the distribution of our films. There'll be plenty of opportunities for collaboration."
"Charles, you know our Chinese film censorship rules: we only allow 20 imported films a year. Co-productions not only get a higher share but don't count towards the quota!"
Charles smiled. The Chinese film market was indeed unique.
"I've considered China-US co-productions, but unfortunately, I can't find a good project," Charles sighed. "After all, the cultural differences between the East and the West are too significant; balancing both sides is really hard!
Another issue is your producers' share ratio is too small."
Chinese theaters were too dominant. Previously, after contributing to the film fund, local productions only got 35% of the box office revenue.
"In Hollywood, we usually do a step deal. For high box office hits, my distribution company can get at least 57%, and even low-budget indie films can get over 45%. This is because Capet Pictures isn't as domineering. The Big Six studios in Hollywood get 5% more for their high-grossing films!" Charles chuckled. For blockbuster sequels or VFX-heavy films, the Big Six could get up to 65% of the box office share.
After all, in the first four weeks, the distribution company takes the lion's share with a decreasing slope, and the box office mainly concentrates in the first month.
In his previous life, Disney's Marvel adapted movies roughly got 65% of the North American box office.
The Big Six distributors in Hollywood were much more dominant than cinemas. If theaters took a bigger share, producers couldn't profit and wouldn't invest in new movies.
Han Sanpin nodded helplessly, "Hollywood has a mature industry chain. The main income for theaters isn't just box office. As far as I know, their main revenue is from selling popcorn, cola, hot dogs, and various ads.
We're different. Our main income is from the box office. Producers get hardly any revenue from DVDs or other audio-visual products, let alone licensing."
Charles agreed. China's film revenue model was too simple. Movies released by Capet Pictures had high box office takings, but revenue from DVDs, the audio market, and TV licensing filled Capet's accounts.
Otherwise, how could Charles have directed Dona to invest in stocks of IMAX and Dolby, and taken out over a hundred million dollars to invest in China?
Because Capet Pictures had a healthy cash flow, it had just issued corporate bonds for financing.
"Congratulations, Charles, your The Da Vinci Code has grossed over 700 million dollars worldwide!"
Han Sanpin couldn't help but admire Charles Capet's prowess.
Charles smiled, "The Departed is also about to be released. I'm quite confident, though it's a pity it can't pass the Chinese censors!"
Han Sanpin patted Charles' shoulder, "We only have 20 slots for imported movies each year. Besides Hollywood, other countries also compete for these slots, and we select based on suitability."
"Understood!" Charles had built a good relationship with Han Sanpin, which would benefit Capet Pictures' future in China.
"Great, let's drink again!" Han Sanpin poured another glass for Charles.
*****
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