After two days in Thousand Oaks, Charles told Britney to just cooperate with the public relations team and not worry about other things.
By the end of November, Lionsgate Entertainment's acquisition of Artisan Entertainment was complete, totaling a purchase price of $100 million. Lionsgate already had its own North America distribution system, so the first step was layoffs.
Artisan Entertainment's marketing and operations departments were the primary targets for layoffs, and Charles also planned to use this opportunity to expand Capet Pictures.
He planned to establish a distribution department and also expand the advertising and commercial operations staff, as Capet Pictures was preparing to self-distribute its films.
"wedding crashers" was quickly greenlit with a production budget of $42 million. Universal invested 30% for global distribution, with profits split proportionally.
The rest was to be covered by Capet Pictures, as Universal was most optimistic about "mr. & mrs. smith," a commercial action blockbuster.
Charles's producer fee, plus the initial investment in the script, all needed to be factored in, meaning Capet Pictures needed to invest $25 million!
Although Charles had taken out a $15 million loan, he didn't need to use all of it yet. "saw" grossed $55 million at the North America box office. After Rogue Pictures took its 12% distribution commission and deducted theater shares, there was still $22.55 million in revenue remaining.
Rogue Pictures also had promotional and distribution expenses, but these weren't calculated yet and would be deducted after overseas box office settlements.
The North America box office profit from "saw" would be almost enough, with Capet Pictures only needing to invest around $2.5 million.
"Charles, the 'wedding crashers' project is now finalized. Let's discuss the 'mr. & mrs. smith' project. A $100 million budget, no problem!" Donna Langley was very confident about the current situation.
Charles Capet was different now; his vision was truly impressive.
"Just like 'wedding crashers,' Universal needs global distribution rights and will take a 10% commission. We will invest half of the funds and fully cooperate with Capet Pictures in producing this film. You decide on the actors!" As a co-producer, Universal was letting Charles take the lead.
"The director's opinion is also very important, and we still need to discuss it with director Doug Liman," Charles also needed to contact actors, as big stars' schedules needed to be considered.
"Filming should be able to start in March next year. Universal Pictures is changing ownership; will there be any major impact?"
Donna Langley shook her head, "No, General Electric's acquisition of Universal Entertainment will not lead to significant internal personnel changes."
"When will we sign?"
"Pfft, Charles, you're worrying too much. Both your 'mr. & mrs. smith' and 'wedding crashers' are being led by me. Don't worry, I'm very optimistic about the films' prospects." Donna Langley found Charles's concerns somewhat amusing.
Charles nodded helplessly. He wasn't worried at all, he just wanted to know what stage the acquisition negotiations were at.
"Ms. Langley, it's a pleasure to work with you! Capet Pictures will make you proud!"
"I hope so!"
The two stood up and shook hands, then Charles left Universal City.
Donna Langley sat in her chair and lit a cigarette after Charles left.
Her assistant asked, "Why didn't you discuss the distribution of the 'saw' sequel with Charles just now?"
"James has already inquired. Charles has his own ideas for the sequel! In the future, Universal will probably only be able to compete for the overseas market." Donna Langley and Charles had not discussed the sequel to "saw" during their recent conversation.
"Capet Pictures wants to distribute it themselves?" The assistant was a little confused. "Can Capet Pictures meet the massive personnel and capital requirements for distribution?"
Establishing distribution channels also requires maintaining relationships with theater chains, involving downstream industry chains such as theater distribution, television, DVD, online on-demand, and airline hotels.
It also requires purchasing film distribution and film promotion costs. Without massive financial support, small companies cannot manage it.
After all, many independent distribution companies are subsidiaries of theater companies, with their main business being operating cinemas, and film companies rarely produce their own films.
"He's a young man, he probably wants to try distributing some low-budget films himself. With his current film achievements, it won't be difficult. Many people on Wall Street will definitely support him!"
Donna Langley had previous work experience at 20th Century Fox and Paramount. Young people like Charles Capet were rare.
In the evening, Charles drove to the vicinity of the Tianhou Temple in Chinatown, downtown, to meet Camille, whom he hadn't seen in several months.
"Hi, Charles!"
Charles stopped his corvette and saw Camille waving.
"Come on, I'll take you to a great Chinese restaurant!"
After Camille got in the car, Charles drove her skillfully to Yiyuan Chinese Restaurant, one of Los Angeles' best chain Chinese restaurants.
It was a Sichuan cuisine style, but also had other cuisines.
"Can you eat spicy food?" Charles himself could eat a little mild spice.
Camille nodded, "I can!"
Charles quickly ordered a few dishes and then smiled as he introduced, "I've been to this place many times. Many Chinese restaurants in Los Angeles aren't authentic; they can't even be considered Chinese food."
"This one is good, authentic Chinese chefs, not second-generation immigrants who haven't even been to China!"
"Charles, you like Chinese food very much?"
"Not just Chinese food, I'm also very fond of Chinese culture. My Chinese is much better than many Chinese people!"
"Really? That's so cool!" Camille looked surprised. "Oh, by the way, I heard you work in film before. What exactly do you do?"
Camille, with her short blonde hair, had somehow dyed her hair back to that color again.
"My name is Charles Capet, and Capet Pictures is my film company. 'saw' is a film I developed myself!" Charles no longer concealed it. Producers are behind the scenes; who among ordinary people would pay attention?
"Wow, 'saw'!" Camille stood up excitedly. "Many cinemas near our school screened it, and many students thought it was great!"
"The creative killing methods, though scary, make people unable to resist watching."
"Alright, you're graduating next year, right? What kind of job are you planning to do? I can help you," Charles said, shrugging.
"I'm very interested in law now and plan to apply to Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles to study law. I want to become a lawyer in the future," Camille said with a smile.
"My father is a lawyer, and my mother is a ballet actress!"
"A lawyer, that's good!" Charles maintained contact with Camille, not only because she was beautiful and fit Charles's aesthetic, but also because she was smart and had a good life plan.
As for Elizabeth, Charles had completely forgotten her.