underworld began its full North American release on Friday, opening in 2,915 theaters and grossing $23 million at the North American box office in its opening weekend, becoming the weekend box office champion.
For a low-budget film with a production budget of only $22 million, this is a good result.
The second weekend brought in $9.5 million, and based on the buzz, it's clear that underworld is quickly cultivating its own audience.
The dark, decadent aesthetic, the cool and stylish look and action of the female lead, plus the inherent appeal of vampire and werewolf culture, all contributed.
underworld is definitely a commercial success, and as a producer, Charles was asked by the production company to participate in promotions with the crew.
This included appearing on TV talk shows, accepting professional interviews from the media, and hosting interactive themed events for underworld.
From New York to Los Angeles, the crew then had to travel to Europe, with London and Berlin being the two most important promotional stops.
In the early morning, at Charles Santa Monica Palisades beach rock villa.
Kate Beckinsale leaned down and kissed Charles awake, saying, "It's getting late, I need to leave for the airport!"
Charles opened his eyes, looked at Kate Beckinsale, and then at the window.
"You'll be the main promoter in the UK, then the director's team will go to Berlin, and there are also the cities of Rome and Paris!" Charles said, sitting up. The crew members would definitely spend a lot of time on planes in the coming days.
"I'm going to London and Paris, but I shouldn't stay too long. I'm a supporting actress in the great director Martin Scorsese's new film, the aviator, and I need to shoot my scenes," Kate Beckinsale explained.
"the aviator, the Howard Hughes biographical film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchett?" Charles still had an impression, but it wasn't very deep.
Kate Beckinsale nodded, "I'm playing Ava Gardner, and Cate Blanchett is playing Catherine Hepburn." As for Howard Hughes, that would, of course, be Leonardo DiCaprio.
Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio are indeed old partners. However, Xiao Lizi's acting skills are not yet mature; he only screams hysterically in films.
He has excellent taste in scripts and works with big-name directors and actresses, but his acting still needs to mature.
For the infernal affairs script in Charles hands, there was no more suitable director than Martin Scorsese, as Francis Coppola was already retired.
"Be careful on the road," Charles hugged Kate Beckinsale and kissed her for a while, then she left for Los Angeles International Airport.
As soon as Charles arrived at Capet Pictures, he received a call from his mother.
"It's done! I met Charlize Theron in Venice, and she agreed to let me be her Agent!"
"That's great! But be more careful when choosing scripts. Not many beautiful actresses have good taste in scripts!" Charles said, pondering whether to mention Britney Spears.
However, Britney probably hadn't called his mother yet, so he decided to wait until his mother received Britney's call.
Of course, if Britney didn't call, Charles would be out of options!
"Alright, your film underworld had a good box office. Where are you now?"
"Oh, I'm back in Los Angeles. The others went to Europe for promotions. saw was also promoted at the Toronto Film Festival a few days ago, and it's scheduled for release next month!"
After hanging up the phone, Charles went to his office.
"Donna, has Universal sent any news about wedding crashers?"
Donna Williams shook her head. Universal hadn't given any instructions yet.
"the 'passion of the christ' has finished filming and is in post-production editing. Mr. Gibson wants to talk to you about the film's distribution and marketing. Also, brokeback mountain will wrap up filming at the end of this month and enter post-production!"
Charles nodded. the passion of the christ was indeed a troublesome matter; no major distribution company was willing to handle its release!
Hollywood distributors generally scoff at religious films. Not only do they not make money, but they always attract boycotts from religious groups.
Charles found the phone number of David Bruce, one of the producers of the passion of the christ, and called him directly.
"Charles, congratulations, underworld is a successful film!"
"Thanks, David. Is the distributor for the passion of the christ still not confirmed?" Charles asked.
"We've contacted all seven major studios, but the feedback hasn't been good. Even the independent film labels under the big film companies are making excuses!"
"Alright, after the passion of the christ is edited, send a copy to each Catholic diocese in the United States for viewing and listen to their opinions. The bishops of the various dioceses in the Los Angeles and New York archdioceses, in particular, are key targets for our observation," Charles had to raise the banner of catholicism, as Jesus is a belief for all Christians.
"Screen the film in the dioceses, invite bishops and faithful from the archdioceses and various dioceses to watch it, and contact a few small independent distributors. They don't have as many concerns; they just need to see the profit."
"The story of the Bible, the bishops will definitely support us, Amen!"
Regardless, for such a high-grossing film, Charles certainly hoped it would be released as soon as possible.
With the support of catholicism, the boycott from judaism could also be accepted. For religious themes, there would always be various moralists coming out to resist.
"I'll arrange it as soon as possible!" David Bruce also hoped the film would be released.
Ah, the jewish people are indeed an insurmountable hurdle in America. They have too much power in finance, politics, and media.
Wall Street, Washington D.C., and Hollywood, their influence is indeed significant. Especially in Wall Street and Hollywood, there are too many jewish people.
Charles didn't want to be too deeply involved with the passion of the christ. Offering ideas, yes! But other matters, he didn't want to manage too much, after all, his side was just an investor.
Of the major Hollywood studios, except for Sony, most have a significant number of Jewish shareholders. It's understandable that they wouldn't distribute the passion of the christ, as it's a major stain on the jewish people. Who would bring up a stain?
Sony is a Japanese-owned company and never gets involved in various sensitive topics in the United States. It's the type that needs to appease all sides.
IFC Films, Magnolia Pictures, New Market Films, and Summit Entertainment, these small independent distributors are the targets.
Even Lionsgate Films wouldn't, as Lionsgate's major shareholders are also Jewish, and it would be very difficult to distribute this film even if the chairman wasn't Jewish.
"Universal Pictures is waiting for my funds?" Charles curled his lip. With a budget of only over $40 million, Universal was being too petty.
"Forget it!"