After two months in theaters, "lost in translation" is basically finishing its run, with only a few cinemas in the suburbs still showing it.
However, it doesn't matter much anymore; "lost in translation" concluded its North America run with a box office of 42 million US dollars!
The cinemas took 47%, Focus Features collected a 15% distribution commission, leaving 15.96 million US dollars. Focus Features invested 4.8 million US dollars in promotion and distribution, so Capet Pictures, as the production company, was left with 11.16 million US dollars.
Capet Pictures invested 4 million US dollars in production costs and another 1.2 million US dollars in later promotion and distribution, making Capet Pictures' net income 5.96 million US dollars!
This 5.96 million US dollars is the base for the profit-sharing ratio among the crew members, representing the net profit from the North America box office.
Cape was quite generous, waving his hand and giving a 3 million US dollar bonus to the crew members. Typically, the main creators would get 25% of the net profit, so Cape was definitely better than other film companies.
As for overseas revenue, sorry, the main creators were all newcomers with no fame, and Bill Murray was just an old-school comedian with not much commercial appeal.
The remuneration for art-house films is not high to begin with, and everyone received an advance payment; Charles bore all the risks himself.
Even if Evelyn was his mother, she couldn't say anything. Money was earned, and fame was gained, so what was there to be unhappy about?
Now, Capet Pictures' total capital in its account reached 63.6 million US dollars. Of course, there were still lawyer fees, taxes, and other expenses to be paid, leaving Capet Pictures with 60 million US dollars in funds.
"brokeback mountain" requires a production budget of 15 million US dollars;
"wedding crashers" is still undergoing script revisions, and the script for "saw" that was eyed also involves a very small investment.
As for the Oscar nominations announcement, Nia Vardalos of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" received a nomination for best original screenplay, which doesn't have much to do with Cape;
However, "lost in translation" received four Oscar nominations: Oscar for Best Picture, best director, best actor, and best original screenplay.
But, who are the competitors? "the hours," "the pianist," "Chicago," and "gangs of new york"—whether it's for best picture, best director, or best actor, "lost in translation" really has no advantage.
The Oscar Academy judges are not like those journalists from the Foreign Press Association; "the pianist" has already received soaring praise.
Miramax's musical "Chicago" is favored by the Oscar and also has high praise. However, the critically acclaimed "the pianist" is truly not afraid to go against the musical "Chicago." From every angle, "the pianist" has a much greater chance of winning.
Otherwise, the shrewd tactics of the PR master Harvey Weinstein wouldn't have been so deliberate. So, this year's Oscar for Best Picture race is basically a choice between "the pianist" and "Chicago."
The best director will certainly be one of the directors of these two films. Martin Scorsese's "gangs of new york," although nominated, really can't compare to the other films.
Sofia Coppola certainly hoped that Cape could spend money on some PR, but Cape didn't want to waste that money!
"So, 'lost in translation' really doesn't have much of a chance?" Evelyn came to Capet Pictures and was drinking coffee in Charles office.
Charles shook his head and said, "The distributors are Focus Features and Columbia TriStar International. They don't have many ideas now, so what can I do?"
"Alright, Sofia didn't have much hope either. She came today to ask you about your thoughts on James Wan."
"Oh, it's already settled?"
"God, two newcomers, isn't it simple for me to sign them? How could they have objections, and knowing that you are my son, they have great expectations for your support in their film development!"
"It's fine, 1.5 million US dollars. Let them turn their idea into a film. An initial 300,000 US dollars will allow them to complete the script and begin preliminary preparations," Charles had already thought it through thoroughly. 1.5 million US dollars is enough for a new director's remuneration and filming.
Compared to the other world, where Lionsgate Films invested 1.2 million US dollars for filming, Capet Pictures was more generous, so James Wan and others could directly receive an advance payment.
"1.5 million US dollars! That's enough," Evelyn also had no objections. Currently, there are hundreds of films in Hollywood with budgets under 1 million US dollars each year.
"By the way, Mel Gibson's 'the passion of the christ' can't find investors, and currently, there are no distributors to support it!"
"Is it because the subject matter is niche and difficult to make money, or is it due to obstruction from the jewish people?" Charles asked very seriously.
Evelyn frowned, "Charles, it's best not to have any ideas about this project. You know the jewish forces in Hollywood."
"It's probably both. After all, religious films have never been commercially successful, and various problems always arise."
Charles sneered, mocking, "Everyone knows what the jewish people are like. 'the passion of the christ' is filmed entirely according to the Bible. The jewish people are just hiding it;"
"A group of people who would even betray their faith for profit. If they knew that 'the passion of the christ' could make money, they might be the first to extend an olive branch."
"Charles you're right, but most religious films are money losers, and that's the biggest reason why investors can't be found!" Evelyn's family is, of course, Catholic, and they have no particular feelings about judaism.
Charles smiled and nodded, "Don't worry, I know. Now that the company is picking up, I won't mess around!"
There are many jewish people in Hollywood, and many in the entertainment and media industries are jewish people. DreamWorks is a film company entirely controlled by jewish people.
What a pity! What kind of soul does Charles have? Who cares if it's catholicism, judaism, or Islam? Capital has no religious boundaries!
Why can't Capet Pictures invest in "the passion of the christ"? It's the most successful R-rated film, a movie that grossed over 600 million US dollars worldwide.
And it's not about being friends with the outspoken Mel Gibson; it's just an investment!
However, with "brokeback mountain," a homosexual-themed film, and "the passion of the christ," a religiously taboo-themed film, if you add a film type with a racial discrimination theme, Capet Pictures is going to soar.
"Boss, Mr. James Schamus from Focus Features will be in Los Angeles in three days and would like to meet you," reported assistant Donna Williams.
"Okay, arrange it," Charles had directly sold the North America home entertainment market for "lost in translation" to Columbia TriStar, and UIP wouldn't get a share of the overseas market either.
I wonder what James Schamus's expression will be then? However, this time, they will definitely be discussing the distribution of "brokeback mountain."