After dinner, Charles turned on the TV to watch the commentary on Fox News Channel.
Naomi Watts, who had finished tidying up, also came over and sat on the sofa to watch with him. "Arnold Schwarzenegger is actually running for governor of california, isn't that incredible?"
"This guy has always wanted to be President of the United States!" Charles retorted.
"A star and a politician, what a difference," Naomi shook her head.
"His approval rating is very high; the main opposition comes from Hollywood stars!"
"Why is his approval rating so high?"
"Heh, the public has always thought politicians were black-hearted liars full of empty words. Suddenly, a tough guy from the movies wants to enter politics. This contrast in psychology keeps his approval rating high!"
Fox News Channel is a Republican Party supporter, and they were full of praise for Schwarzenegger. Charles felt awkward just watching the host speak.
Unsurprisingly, CNN and NBC were certainly promoting the Democratic Party faction.
Next year is another presidential election year, and the United States will be lively again.
Charles said, putting his arm around the Lady's shoulder with a humorous tone, "Americans love to get involved in these things, but many of them don't even know how many states there are in the country!"
"If you ask them to name a few historical figures, they'd probably mistake Bismarck for a British prime minister and Churchill for a cigar salesman."
Naomi Watts had been in the United States for a long Time and understood it well. Compared to Europe, the United States was much rougher.
"The vast gap between rich and poor has created class antagonism between the elite and the lower classes, and liberalism has made many ordinary people too undisciplined!"
Charles listened to Naomi Watts' assessment, nodded, and smiled, "The neoliberalism of the Reagan era probably unleashed everyone's true nature. But Hollywood stars should thank Reagan; he's the one who made their incomes skyrocket!"
"By the way, who is the male lead in 'King Kong'?" Charles suddenly asked, realizing he seemed to have forgotten.
"It should be Adrien Brody, the newly crowned Oscar winner for Best Actor, but everything has to wait for the production company's official announcement," Naomi Watts said. Even though she had signed a contract, she couldn't say she was the female lead because the preparation for 'King Kong' would take a long Time, especially for the set design.
Naomi Watts had blonde hair, and Charles reached out and ran his fingers through it.
"Is this for the movie?"
"During the audition, the director wanted me to appear with bright blonde hair," Naomi Watts said. Although she was naturally blonde, the dazzling blonde hair seen in movies was usually dyed.
It usually has some brown tones; Charles himself also has blonde hair with some brown.
"'King Kong,' with a budget of over $200 million, Universal is going big." 'hulk' also had an investment of over $100 million, but its box office and critical reception were not ideal.
'van helsing' is also a blockbuster, with a budget exceeding $100 million. Universal has also scheduled its release for next year, and now they are preparing 'King Kong,' with each budget larger than the last.
"What are you thinking about?" Naomi Watts asked, leaning against Charles.
"Hmm," Charles looked down, able to see the view inside the Lady's low-cut camisole.
He smiled and said, "It's getting late, let's rest!"
After a good night's sleep, early the next morning, Naomi Watts crawled out from under the covers, covered her mouth, and ran into the bathroom.
Half an hour later, a refreshed Charles, having finished washing up, began eating breakfast.
"Why aren't you eating?" Charles saw that Naomi was only drinking coffee, and the breakfast eggs and ham on her plate remained untouched.
Naomi Watts shook her head. "It's all protein. I had quite a bit early this morning, and now I don't feel like eating anymore."
"Uh, that makes sense!" Charles suppressed a laugh and quickly finished his meal, remembering what she said!
"Alright, I'm off to the company!"
In October, the California election took place, and incumbent governor Gray Davis was directly recalled. At the same Time, the new governor was also chosen.
"Now, the elected 32nd governor of california is Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger, an Austrian immigrant, was a bodybuilding champion before entering Hollywood to become a movie superstar..."
In Beverly Hills, the TV in the Capet Manor living room was broadcasting live from the State Government Capitol Building in Sacramento, the capital of California, where the host was announcing the election results.
"Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger defeated 146 candidates..."
"Now, President Bush is delivering his speech..."
Charles pressed the remote control button and turned off the live broadcast.
Getting up to grab a beer from the fridge, Charles went out to the garden, where he could overlook Los Angeles while drinking his beer.
'saw' is set to be released this month, a golden cash cow.
He pulled out his phone and called Donna, "Have the company compile a list of small cinema chains in North America, those with around 1000 screens or less, that we have an interest in acquiring."
"Okay!"
Building a distribution channel was imperative. After Artisan was acquired, Charles could recruit experienced professionals in distribution.
As for cinema chains, major Hollywood companies now have some channels they control. The 'Paramount Decree' prevented film companies from monopolizing vertical operations, thus splitting the exhibition sector.
Now, this decree is practically defunct. Film companies do not operate cinema chains now due to profit and cost considerations. The industry chain is not suitable for operating large-scale cinema chains.
Of course, there are also anti-monopoly laws, but current film companies almost all have their own cinema chains, though their scale is relatively small.
The relationship between film companies and cinema chains is primarily one of cooperation and opposition.
Charles intended to build a distribution channel and acquire a small cinema chain as an entry point. Distribution requires substantial capital and a steady supply of films to sustain it.
If they were to distribute three or four films a year, the promotional and distribution costs would not be small, and purchasing films would also require a significant cash flow.
Charles was not in a hurry now; he would take his Time. Capet Pictures would produce more films, build its brand, and facilitate cooperation with cinema chains.
However, Charles was not prepared to simply wait for 'wedding crashers.' If Universal wasn't interested, Charles would either develop it himself or collaborate with other film companies.
As for 'mr. & mrs. smith,' Charles believed Universal would make the right choice. General Electric was already in acquisition talks.
Is General Electric short on money now? That's certainly impossible; it will probably have to wait until next year to begin.
"Mom, I'm planning to start the 'wedding crashers' project here!"
Evelyn wasn't surprised by Charles's call; Capet Pictures and ETA still had many collaborations.
"Has Universal invested?"
"Not yet, but I'm not waiting. The initial preparations won't cost much. If Universal continues to waste my Time, I'll find other companies to collaborate with!"
"You're planning to rely on the income from 'saw'?"
Evelyn understood her son; he was very decisive in his actions, having been through things before.
"Are you confident?"
"Yes!"