In the minimalist office of Capet Pictures in West Hollywood, Evelyn, Charles, and Len Wiseman were all seated in chairs.
"Is it scheduled for today?" Charles asked his mother.
Evelyn nodded, responding, "Lisa will bring Kate over to discuss. It'll be up to you two to convince her then."
Charles nodded, and soon after, Kate Beckinsale and her Agent, Lisa Kestler, arrived together.
"Charles, did you secure the investment?" Agent Lisa inquired.
"Mubao Pictures promised 10 million US dollars, but it's still not enough. We've contacted Australia's Village Roadshow Pictures and Germany's Constantin Film, and they are also very interested in our movie," Charles said, then looked at the beautiful Kate Beckinsale, who possessed an oriental charm, and asked, "How about it? How does underworld sound?"
Kate Beckinsale nodded, saying, "I haven't acted in this type of movie before, and there are quite a few action scenes!"
"That's right, it's this style, but it can also become your style. An actress should have her own unique charm and style," Kate Beckinsale had just become known to audiences through the blockbuster pearl harbor, but she was seen as merely a pretty face.
However, thanks to the popularity of pearl harbor, her fame was still high, and many film companies would certainly want to leverage her popularity to develop movies.
"In underworld, Kate is the absolute female lead, the soul of the movie," Charles said, looking at Len Wiseman, and chuckled, "I believe you've already seen the styling we've prepared for Kate in the movie; it's absolutely outstanding."
Agent Lisa nodded. underworld was a commercial film, designed to highlight the female lead.
"So, what about Kate's salary? 2.2 million US dollars is really too little. Kate's current worth should be at least 4.5 million US dollars!" Lisa's presence indicated that the major issues were resolved; now the important thing was to negotiate the salary.
"Kate only received a newcomer's salary of 50,000 US dollars for pearl harbor, didn't she?" At this point, Evelyn also spoke.
Lisa shook her head, smiling, "Things can't be looked at that way, Evelyn!"
One was from CAA, the other from ETA. Often, there was no need to say much; everyone understood.
"4.5 million US dollars is too much. An advance payment of 1.5 million US dollars, plus 5% of the North America box office profit share for Kate!"
"2.2 million advance payment, 9% of the North America box office profit share!"
Charles shook his head, stating seriously, "A 2 million US dollar advance payment, 7% of the North America box office profit. This is the highest offer, and Kate must sign a three-film cooperation agreement!"
The negotiations were difficult. As an Agent, Lisa naturally demanded a high price for Kate Beckinsale's first movie after her role in pearl harbor.
After all, the widespread negative reviews for pearl harbor were no secret, and the box office didn't meet expectations, though it wasn't realistic to say it incurred significant losses.
Overall, Kate Beckinsale had gained recognition.
Finally, after discussion, Kate Beckinsale signed a contract for three underworld films, with the first film's salary being 2.2 million US dollars plus a percentage of the North America box office profit.
"It's a success! Village Roadshow Pictures and Constantin Film will invest 6 million US dollars, and the distribution for Australia and Germany will be handled by them respectively," Len Wiseman was excited now.
"Excellent. That makes 16 million US dollars. You should quickly prepare the crew, select the cast, choose filming locations, and determine the filming schedule as soon as possible," Charles said, rubbing his temples.
"With the distribution contracts from Mubao Pictures and the other two companies, I should be able to secure 6 to 7 million US dollars in bank loans, and then the budget will be complete!"
"Mom, please ask a lawyer to help us apply for German film tax refunds. With Constantin Film involved in our project, it should be simpler."
Charles had long considered this. For independent films seeking European tax funds, Germany's film fund was the most generous.
Soon, throughout February, the underworld crew began preparations, and Charles secured a 6 million US dollar bank loan with the distribution contracts.
Now, the production budget for underworld was 22 million US dollars, which was sufficient. Kate Beckinsale's involvement indeed made the crew's preparations much easier.
Finding actors, scouting locations, and other tasks, which had been partially prepared, could now be accelerated with the funding in place.
Capet Pictures served as the production company, while Mubao Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, and Constantin Film were the distributors, jointly producing the film.
And the 2002 Hollywood extravaganza, the Academy Awards Ceremony, arrived as scheduled. my big fat greek wedding received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Charles didn't pay too much attention. The most interesting aspect of this Oscar was Halle Berry, the African-American actress, winning the oscar best actress winner award for Monster's Ball.
She became the first African-American actress to win an oscar best actress winner, making Oscar history.
After the Oscar, it was April, and Charles's mind suddenly became tense.
Because my big fat greek wedding was finally going to be released. IFC Films found 108 theaters for its premiere.
At Capet Pictures, Charles sat alone in his office chair, lighting a cigarette.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and Evelyn walked in with a joyful expression, not even noticing Charles sitting in the chair, smoking.
"Charles, Keira Knightley got the female lead role in pirates of the caribbean! It's a fantasy epic blockbuster with an investment of over 100 million US dollars, comparable to pearl harbor. The competition was really fierce!" Evelyn was too excited; Keira had finally secured the female lead!
"Congratulations then. Is Keira preparing for the role?" Charles asked.
"She's gone back to the hotel. She'll return to the UK with her mother the day after tomorrow, then wait to join the crew for filming."
Charles nodded. Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johansson both seemed to be under 18.
"By the way, is there no news at all from Sofia Coppola?" Charles still remembered the lost in translation script.
Evelyn shook her head, analyzing, "She's probably waiting for my big fat greek wedding to be released to see how it performs, then she'll decide whether to contact Capet Pictures."
Charles thought about it and agreed. Otherwise, who would waste time on him?
"The movie is opening tonight. Aren't you going to see it? Just sitting here alone?" Evelyn asked, puzzled.
"Where's your sexy girlfriend? Is she still in Florida?"
"She's studying, she's only 17. I'm already 20 this year, what kind of conversation can I have with a minor?" Charles explained vaguely.
Evelyn also sat down, knowing her son was a bit nervous now, so she stayed to keep him company.