In Los Angeles, Charles had just attended the premiere of "brokeback mountain" at the University of Southern California's Shrine Auditorium.
As soon as he stepped out of the theater, many reporters surrounded him.
A reporter from the Los Angeles Times asked, "Charles, what film do you think 'brokeback mountain' should be compared to?"
"A comparison? How about 'The Bridges of Madison County'? That's a dreamlike love!"
The reporters thought for a moment, and many of them unconsciously started to laugh.
A Fox News Channel reporter asked, "Charles, recently many groups believe that 'brokeback mountain' is inappropriate because it links the American symbol of cowboys with homosexuality. What's your view on this?"
"My view? Can America's freedom not accommodate a same-sex couple?"
A reporter asked, "Larry H. Miller, the Utah billionaire and owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz, has banned the screening of 'brokeback mountain' in his theaters, stating that 'this film deviates from traditional family values and is very dangerous.'"
Charles expressed a look of regret and said, "I can only say it's a pity. Homosexuality should be treated the same, not scorned and opposed. I also find it very regrettable and perplexing that the new governor, governor Schwarzenegger, vetoed California's same-sex marriage legalization bill!"
Seeing that many other TV and newspaper reporters seemed excited, Charles quickly waved his hand and hurried out of the theater.
After getting into his business car, Charles rubbed his eyes, took a sip of wine from Donna, and said, "Tell the driver to go straight home. Let the crew members handle the rest of the matters."
"brokeback mountain" had other producers, a director, and so on; Charles would not waste too much time on one film.
"Fox News Channel has always supported conservatives, but other channels like CNN and NBC are very supportive of homosexuality," Donna Williams whispered as a reminder.
"Don't worry," Charles said. "Whether it's Fox News or other conservatives, they wouldn't dare to casually criticize homosexuality. While supporting homosexuality isn't as politically correct as not discriminating against Black people, openly speaking against it would still draw public criticism."
Charles wasn't too worried about these things. Discrimination against Black people has always existed, but no one dares to speak out publicly.
The same goes for homosexuality. How can you be part of the free world if you don't support it? Anyway, just saying it is enough.
"I didn't expect Larry H. Miller to be the first to openly oppose it in Utah. The Jazz owner is a celebrity, isn't he?" Charles shook his head, saying with some regret, "Doesn't he understand the saying 'the gun shoots the bird that sticks out'?"
"brokeback mountain" has many supporters, and the LGBTQ+ community can also make their voices heard. Isn't this just asking for trouble?
"He is a Mormon; his family has followed the orthodox teachings of mormonism for generations," Donna explained.
There are many factions within mormonism: devout, peripheral members, and atypical ones. Most people are also drawn to the practice of polygamy.
Although it's illegal, it certainly exists in Utah. After all, mormonism did previously stipulate that polygyny and polyandry could lead to heaven after death.
It was later abolished, but many Mormons still support this system, and Utah is the Mormon stronghold! The state's laws for bigamy are also less severe than in other states.
"Whatever, Larry H. Miller only operates a few cinemas; his main business is car dealerships."
Charles leaned back in his chair, no longer thinking about it. After all, the film "brokeback mountain" really is about gay cowboys, so controversy is inevitable.
After the car entered Hollywood Boulevard, the Halloween atmosphere was clearly felt through the window.
Donna then brought up another matter: "Matrix Pictures is releasing 'Saw II,' and it's opening in over 2,900 theaters!"
Charles casually said, "It's a sequel, and the first one had good word-of-mouth. The budget for promotion and distribution exceeded 7 million US dollars."
"However, 'Saw II,' which opens on Friday, is also arguably our least controversial film this year!"
Having been involved in "the passion of the christ" and producing "brokeback mountain," it was unexpected that the bloody and violent "Saw II" turned out to be the most normal one.
On Friday, "Saw II" had its premiere the previous night at the Pacific Dome Theatre on Sunset Boulevard.
Strong competitors released at the same time included Sony's horror film, the American version of "The Grudge," which opened in over 3,300 theaters in North America and grossed 39 million US dollars on its opening weekend.
Meanwhile, Matrix Pictures, a subsidiary of Capa Film Company, released "Saw II" in 2,900 theaters on Friday, also achieving 32 million US dollars and becoming the weekend box office champion.
Sony's American version of "The Grudge" had a second-weekend North American box office of 22 million US dollars, ranking second, with a drop of 44%.
After ten days of release, "The Grudge"'s total North American box office has already exceeded 70 million US dollars. It's also a remake of a Japanese horror film, with a production cost of only 10 million US dollars.
Comparing Sony's remake of "The Grudge" with DreamWorks' remake of "the ring," one can only say that DreamWorks is not doing well. Who knows where that 55 million US dollars in production costs went?
It was American Election Day, and the voting for the new president was on this day. Charles, who already knew the outcome, naturally couldn't be bothered to waste time paying attention.
"Saw II" had joyous box office results, so what else was there to say?
"Boss, 'Saw II' will also be released in France, Australia, and Germany in the coming days. Other regions will have to wait," Fili Jones reported on the work progress to Char.
EuropaCorp is distributing in France, Village Roadshow Pictures in Australia and New Zealand, and Constantin Film in Germany.
After all, they are old friends who have collaborated with Capet Pictures, so entrusting them with distribution means Capet Pictures will get a better share of the profits.
"For other countries and regions, for the Japanese market, find a few more film companies to compete. The Japanese market is large and they like horror films. For the rest, let Philip and The Big Six's international distribution groups make contact." Charles also had no choice; overseas distribution requires not only connections but also resources!
"However, Capet Pictures should also set up distribution offices in places like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. These are major markets. If suitable personnel are available, it's best to establish distribution networks in these countries first."
As for other places, there's no choice but to work with distribution agents. Charles will need to spend a lot of money, time, and energy just to manage these major markets well.
"Understood!" Fili Jones's ability to become Charles personal assistant certainly proved her competence, and her work style was very much to Char's liking.
She was indeed capable and efficient!