In November, many parts of the United States had already entered winter, but the California sunshine still kept the temperature in a comfortable range.
A silver ferrari 360 drove into Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, east of Santa Monica.
In a screening room at Mubao Pictures, a rough cut of "underworld" was playing.
Producer Henry Winster, director Len Wiseman, and lead actress Kate Beckinsale, along with Peter Schlessel, head of Mubao Pictures, were all watching "underworld" on screen.
The dark visuals combined with Gothic architecture created a stark underworld, with centuries of conflict between vampires and werewolves.
The lead actress, dressed in a tight leather suit and a black trench coat, showcased a cold and sexy physique.
The film's strength lies in its focus on the grievances and feuds between different races of vampires and werewolves, with a pervasive dark, decadent aesthetic and cool styling that is highly artistic;
Its weaknesses were also apparent: the linear plot and a world view lacking logic made the story much less compelling.
"We still need to cut some unnecessary dialogue, and the fight scenes will appear more numerous," Peter Schlessel offered his opinion first, stating that the runtime absolutely needed to be reduced.
"This is just a rough cut, and some of the post-production for certain shots isn't even finished yet; it still needs time," Charles Cape said. Len Wiseman indeed disliked using special effects, but in some places, they were absolutely necessary!
Charles Cape's visit this time was to watch the film's effect with everyone and then discuss distribution with Mubao Pictures.
"The focus of promotion and distribution is still Kate. Currently, she has also taken on the lead role in Universal Pictures' monster action blockbuster 'van helsing,' which has generated significant buzz. 'underworld' is scheduled for next September, avoiding the brutal summer box office," Peter Schlessel told Charles Cape and Henry in the adjacent small conference room.
"Then we have enough time to perfect the film's post-production work," Henry added.
Charles Cape nodded. He had thought Mubao Pictures would release "underworld" in March next year, especially since "resident evil," released in March this year, earned over 40 million US dollars in North America and over 62 million US dollars overseas with a production budget of 33 million US dollars.
And since "resident evil 2" is scheduled for 2004, couldn't "underworld" fill that gap next year?
However, it's quite normal for distribution companies to hold onto films; as long as it's not a delay of one or two years, it's considered normal.
For example, "Phone Booth," a low-budget film invested in by 20th Century Fox, was completed in November 2000, but only began screening at the Toronto Film Festival in September of this year.
It was scheduled for release in November this year, but unfortunately, a sniper tragedy occurred in Washington D.C. and Maryland a few days ago, so 20th Century Fox postponed the release until March next year.
After leaving Sony Pictures Studios, Charles Capet went directly to the Ranch Park Tennis Club with Kate Beckinsale.
After a sweaty tennis session, the two sat on chairs to rest.
"The investment budget for 'van helsing' seems to be 100 million US dollars. Universal is playing big this time," Charles Cape said with a smile, taking a sip of water.
Kate Beckinsale pulled out a cigarette, lit it skillfully, took a puff, and laughed, "Universal Pictures is very good at developing these kinds of monster movies like vampires and werewolves."
Charles Cape agreed. Universal originally made its name with these types of horror monster films. Later, Spielberg's sudden rise allowed Universal to start producing commercial blockbusters, solidifying its position.
"Where are you filming this time?"
"Eastern Europe, Prague in the Czech Republic. There are many suitable outdoor locations there," Kate Beckinsale hadn't been back long from Budapest, and now she was heading back again.
"Action films are also good. Commercial blockbusters now can't do without action scenes, so you can go in that direction. You've seen in recent years that action films with strong female leads have good box office," Charles Cape suggested. Now it seemed that he and Len Wiseman were just ordinary friends. Was Charles Cape breaking up a potential couple?
"Charlie's Angels," "resident evil," and "lara croft: tomb raider" are all examples. Raising the banner of feminism, how great!
"I know. Warner Bros. is investing 100 million US dollars to film the DC female hero 'Catwoman'," Kate certainly paid attention to films with strong female leads. This 'Catwoman' was a big production.
"Halle Berry, this year's oscar best actress winner, is playing Catwoman," Charles Cape shook his head, saying nothing. Finding a black actress to play Catwoman—was this the right time for that?
Racism is indeed a taboo in the United States, but there's no "Black Lives Matter" yet, and discrimination against black people is quite evident.
Well, besides white people, american discriminate against other minority groups, in order: Mexican Americans, African Americans, and asian americans.
"Your 'lost in translation' is coming out soon, right?"
Kate Beckinsale and Charles Cape had also spent half a month together in Budapest. Charles Cape was a worthwhile investment.
"It's being released before Christmas. Focus Features has started promoting it now. It's a small-budget film, so the release scale won't be very large," Charles Cape said.
"Alright, let's go have dinner!" Charles Cape said, standing up.
"Hmm, tonight, your place or mine?" Kate asked while tidying up.
"Mine, you're a bit too easily spotted by reporters right now," Charles Cape answered without thinking. Hollywood paparazzi are second only to entertainment gossip reporters in the UK.
The notoriety of the British paparazzi is well-known, absolutely the best in the world!
Driving away from Ranch Park, he saw many protesters in the square not far away through the window.
"The United States is going to resort to force again, aren't they!" Kate glanced at the so-called anti-war protest.
"Soon. Since 9/11 last year, the White House has been heavily attacking terrorism. Iraq has even been labeled as an 'axis of evil,'" Charles Cape said with a mocking expression. Weapons of mass destruction?
Iraq's oil is the real reason!
"Don't worry, Britain will certainly send troops. It seems many more British men will die fighting for the United States."
Kate Beckinsale gave an awkward laugh and squeezed Charles Cape's leg.
"Alright, let's not talk about it. As Hollywood stars, it's best for you to talk less about politics!"
Kate shook her head and said, "It's you american who talk politics; we foreigners rarely discuss your American politics."
"That's true. At least you're from Oxford University, unlike most low-educated Hollywood stars!"
Charles Cape strongly agreed. Most Hollywood stars are simple-minded, and a life of debauchery is their daily pursuit.
As long as it raises their profile, thoughtless comments are the norm, and there's no telling how many stars have suffered for their words.