"Donna, find the short film records from this year's Saint-Denis Film Festival. There's a new asian american director named James Wan who submitted a thriller short film. Find him as quickly as possible." Charles Capet, upon returning to Capet Pictures, immediately had his assistant handle this matter.
The Saint-Denis Film Festival is a well-established non-profit organization with many short and feature films, but many are festival-funded and have traceable records.
"I found him! James Wan and his friend have already returned to Melbourne!" In less than three days, Donna had found the information Charles wanted about the asian american youth.
"Contact them. Capet Pictures is interested in their short film. Have them come to Los Angeles, and we'll reimburse their travel expenses," Charles didn't hesitate; he had to snatch them up.
Meanwhile, after waiting for about another half a month, funding from Columbia, Constantin Film, and Village Roadshow Pictures also arrived.
At the Beverly Hills Roosevelt Hotel, Charles met with director Ang Lee to begin discussions on the filming of "brokeback mountain."
For a sensitive film like this about homosexuality, the budget would certainly not be large, and actor salaries would be very low.
With a 15 million dollar budget, Ang Lee was very interested in adapting this novel, but he needed a long time to prepare.
"No problem. The film's release is scheduled for next year at the earliest. There's an Australian actor, Heath Ledger, with excellent acting skills. We can have him audition when the time comes," Charles also recommended someone.
"No problem. It seems James Schamus of Focus Features is also interested in this novel. For distribution, we could approach Focus," Ang Lee had a good relationship with him and had mentioned it to James Schamus after receiving the "brokeback mountain" novel; it seemed to have left an impression there.
"That's even better. 'lost in translation' was a collaboration with Focus Features, and they handled its distribution." Charles had already intended to approach Focus Features. The North America box office had pretty much peaked; it was time to collect the money!
After talking with Ang Lee, the two had dinner together and prepared to leave. Ang Lee and his Agent would go to Capet Pictures to sign the contract in a few days.
As Charles opened the door of his ferrari 360, he saw Mel Gibson hurrying into the hotel entrance.
Charles stared at Mel Gibson's back for a few seconds. Had "the passion of the christ" not started filming yet?
Didn't he fund it himself? Did he only find a distributor after it was finished?
After returning home, Charles called his mother, Evelyn, and asked her to keep an eye on the development of that film.
In terms of information, Agents are always well-informed!
The next morning, Charles arrived at the company, and Donna informed him that James Wan had arrived in the United States and would be coming to the company for a meeting that afternoon.
"Excellent," Charles was a little happy. He immediately called his mother, asking her to come to Capet Pictures that afternoon, as there was good news.
Clearly, he was about to introduce another director to his mother; good things should always go to his own people.
In February, that afternoon, the warm Los Angeles climate gave a rather comfortable feeling.
A relatively thin asian american youth and an ordinary Caucasian youth got out of a taxi parked at the entrance of Capet Pictures in Burbank.
"This must be the place!" the Caucasian youth said to the asian american youth beside him.
The asian american youth nodded, looked at the sign, and said, "No mistake, let's go in!"
After being announced by the front desk, the two were led into a reception room on the second floor, where Charles met them.
"Charles Capet, owner of Capet Pictures! I believe my assistant has already explained the situation, right?" Charles shook hands with the two, then sat down and had someone bring three cups of coffee.
"Hello, I'm James Wan, the director of this short film, and this is Leigh Whannell, also the screenwriter and lead actor of the short film," the asian american youth quickly replied, simultaneously taking out a copy of the short film he had previously shot from his bag.
"You brought a copy of the short film, excellent!" Charles felt increasingly that they were thoughtful and prepared.
"Didn't any other film companies see potential in your short film concept?" Charles asked. Shouldn't Lionsgate Films have noticed it?
James Wan, also known as James Wan, and his good friend Leigh Whannell shook their heads, opening their mouths with some helplessness: "We played the short film for a few days in the open plaza at the Saint-Denis Film Festival, but not many people saw its potential. There was indeed a buyer from Lionsgate Films who seemed a little interested, but he only took our contact information and never contacted us."
"Capet Pictures is the first film company to actively contact us."
"I see. How about we go to the screening room to watch the short film? I'm sure you've researched Capet Pictures; we have the capability to support you," Charles said with a smile.
"Of course, we are very grateful!"
Subsequently, Charles took the two, along with his mother and several other company employees, to watch the short film in the screening room. The short film was not long, only about ten minutes, and it was quite rough, clearly made with little funding.
"It's certainly terrifying and bloody," Evelyn, watching from the back of the room, even felt a bit uncomfortable in her heart; it was too gory.
Charles, however, nodded, "Bloody and terrifying, it certainly has that, but it's too short!"
"Sir, we can refine the script, but we need funding to shoot the complete film," Leigh Whannell quickly interjected.
"You two go back for now. The company will notify you once a decision has been made," Charles said to them with a smile.
James Wan and Leigh Whannell exchanged glances, then looked at Charles Capet. Their disappointment was evident, and they left Capet Pictures in low spirits.