van helsing was an ambitious project for Universal Pictures, with a total production budget reaching a massive 160 million US dollars.
The actors' salaries weren't particularly high; Hugh Jackman had gained some fame from x-men but was by no means a top-tier superstar, capping at ten million dollars.
As for Kate Beckinsale, fresh off the success of underworld, her salary of 5 to 6 million US dollars was also about right.
Large sums of money were spent on special effects, sets, and action sequences; building sets in Eastern Europe and other endeavors all required significant funds.
Stacey Snider, President of Universal Pictures, was not the top executive but was second only to Ronald Meyer, the chairman of Universal Pictures.
However, Ronald Meyer also served as the COO of Universal Pictures, managing Universal Studios and consumer market businesses.
Stacey Snider held considerable power in Universal's production and distribution, and Donna Langley and Adam Ferguson were her direct subordinates.
Universal Pictures' market has been sluggish in recent years, and General Electric's acquisition of Universal Pictures would undoubtedly lead to changes in its senior management; the most suitable candidate for removal was undoubtedly the underperforming Stacey Snider.
Film serves as the engine of an entertainment and media group, driving a series of industry chains; although its proportion in the profit sector is not large, its importance is immense.
"mr. & mrs. smith has such a large investment, so a summer release is normal. wedding crashers actually has an open slot at Universal and could also be scheduled for a summer release. I have great confidence in this film!"
Charles looked at Stacey Snider, the President of Universal Pictures, who was sitting beside him, and whispered a reminder.
Stacey Snider smiled slightly, then nodded: "I will arrange it properly! I hope you continue to surprise me this time."
"Surprises also need appreciative people!" Charles flattered her, and both of them laughed.
"Capet Pictures is going to set up its own distribution channels?"
Stacey Snider's sudden, casual question put Charles on guard.
Charles nodded and said, "That's right, I plan to distribute some small-budget independent films in North America! Everyone should have some dreams."
Stacey Snider laughed and said, "You shouldn't worry too much; independent distribution companies have always been a market regulator in Hollywood, but unfortunately, most art-house films are commercial failures, leading to the collapse of many independent distributors."
"If you can really develop Capet Pictures, then you will be the next Harvey Weinstein!"
Charles smiled without speaking. The next Harvey Weinstein?
Did he only want the low-level pleasure of playing with actresses in the film industry? Harvey Weinstein's capital could abandon him at any time.
In Charles mind, only two people could be considered Hollywood moguls: Rupert Murdoch, chairman of the News Corporation Board of Directors, and Sumner Redstone, chairman of the Viacom Group Board of Directors.
With tens of billions of dollars in wealth and control of media empires, they represent the pinnacle of Hollywood and even the global entertainment industry.
Soon, the lights in the theater dimmed, and the screen in front lit up; the movie was about to begin.
Charles could understand Stacey Snider's feelings; after all, Universal Pictures hadn't produced any notable works in recent years.
the bourne, whose sequel was just about to be released this year, was a decent action spy film. Last year's Universal release, fast & furious 2: 2 Fast 2 Furious, was also quite successful.
However, the popular character Dom Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, was not satisfied with the script and did not join the project, which was a considerable loss.
Then, many of Universal's other successful films were collaborations with DreamWorks, with DreamWorks handling both production and North American distribution itself.
Charles knew that Universal had the idea of developing a third fast & furious film, and then it went awry. It wasn't until the later reboot with the fourth film that the fast & furious series became unstoppable.
Capet Pictures very much wanted to take over this IP series then. Was there any hope?
"Universal's film library is really good; there are so many monster and dark characters in its inventory," Charles said enviously while enjoying the movie on screen.
"Universal is one of the two oldest film companies in Hollywood, founded in 1912, the same year as Paramount. Although it has changed hands many times, its powerful film library has always been Universal's most important asset!"
Charles smiled. Universal became one of the Big Seven mainly relying on Spielberg's films; otherwise, with Universal's common small-budget horror and comedy productions, it would not have become the giant it is today.
The 131-minute van helsing gave Charles the impression that the unclear plot and weak story were major shortcomings.
Classic monsters revived, and special effects were spectacular, yet even the background story wasn't clearly explained.
For the North American premiere on Friday night, Charles was also in a state of watching a show, because Universal Pictures was going to begin large-scale premieres in many regions worldwide from the start!
With a production cost of 160 million US dollars, plus at least sixty to seventy million US dollars in marketing expenses, it would be quite difficult for Universal to recoup its costs.
After the premiere's publicity ended, it was already half past ten in the evening when Charles and Kate Beckinsale left together.
Following North Highland Avenue to the Hollywood Hilton Garden Inn, Charles returned to the hotel after having stayed there with Camille last time.
Upon entering the top-floor suite, Kate Beckinsale took off her high heels and hugged Charles, saying, "After a few days of rest, I'll have to go to many places for promotions!"
The backless white dress, wavy hair, and classical beauty were indeed quite captivating.
"I had someone prepare dinner; we can have a good meal," Charles said with a smile, as he really didn't want to dampen Kate Beckinsale's enthusiasm.
Charles remembered that van helsing's global box office was only around 300 million US dollars, and North America was only about 120 million US dollars.
"Thank you, you're so thoughtful!" Kate said, then actively kissed Charles.
"Alright, the person delivering dinner will be here soon. Let's enjoy a candlelight dinner first," Charles said, stopping Kate's further advances.
Kate laughed, "Are you afraid I'll run out of stamina? I've been training for action scenes for several months."
Charles wagged an index finger in front of Kate Beckinsale and laughed, "I'm saying that after you eat and gain some energy, you'll be able to handle me!"
"You know, young people like me always have a lot of energy."
Kate Beckinsale bit her lip, then licked it with her tongue, meaning, 'you just wait.'
Then, she took a pack of cigarettes from her bag, pulled one out, lit it, and started smoking.