From Hollywood to Media Empire

That year's Christmas wasn't as lively compared to the past. 9/11 still instilled a sense of fear in many people.

There were also significantly fewer Christmas cards being sent and received, as people were worried about any unpleasant occurrences.

Evelyn's late-blooming actress, Naomi Watts, had finally seen the fruits of her labor. Just after finishing the filming of The Ring, new roles were already coming her way.

In a small office rented by Carpe Productions in West Hollywood, Megan Fox and Charles Carpe, who had just arrived in Los Angeles, were tidying up the place.

The more Charles looked at it, the less satisfied he was. He needed to rent a bigger space now that he had some money. However, he couldn't even afford employees at the moment.

"This is Carpe Productions?" Megan Fox joked as she sat on a chair.

"It's temporary," Charles said as he opened a distribution contract sent over by Tom Hanks' production company.

Tom Hanks had arranged for IFC Films, an independent film production and distribution company with its own arthouse theaters, to release My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Under Tom Hanks' persuasion, IFC Films agreed to take only 15% of the box office as a distribution fee. Carpe Productions would be one of the co-producers, with Hanks' company handling most of the production and investment.

Without Hanks' influence, the distribution fee would have been higher, probably over 18%. As part of the production team, Charles would only get paid after the theaters, distributors, and other costs were accounted for, and profits were split.

The basic revenue share was very low, thanks to the lack of bargaining power. Major film companies, which handled both production and distribution, could charge up to 30% of the box office for distribution if the director or actors weren't influential enough. This could render the production team financially insolvent, leaving directors, actors, and producers without a cut.

The accounting precision of major film studios was something even Wall Street elites admired.

The contract stipulated that IFC Films had to spend at least $1.5 million on advertising for the movie's promotion and ensure it opened in no fewer than 100 theaters.

The release date for My Big Fat Greek Wedding was set for next year.

After reading the contract, Charles called his mother to inform her of the specific release date and asked if they might need help, as post-release promotion would certainly involve celebrities.

"By the way, has Sofia contacted you?"

"She has. She said she'll show you the script once it's fully polished," his mother, Evelyn, explained over the phone.

"Great. Let her know that once the movie is released, Carpe Productions is ready to support her directorial debut."

"I will. Sofia and I have known each other for nearly ten years, so there's a bit of camaraderie there. That's why she came to me directly with movie inquiries," Evelyn added.

After hanging up the phone, Charles sat in a chair, tapping his fingers on the table. The April release, a limited opening, meant time was needed for long-term screening.

Revenue sharing wouldn't be immediate. The quickest way to earn money would be to wait for positive reviews and then use the revenue-sharing contract to secure a bank loan.

Megan Fox stood behind Charles, massaging his shoulders. She leaned down and kissed him lightly, offering comfort, "Don't worry, once the movie is out, things will be fine. After all, tons of movies don't even make it to theaters each year, going straight to DVD!"

"Relax, I'm not worried," Charles replied, grabbing the hand of the woman on his shoulders.

"I'm just thinking about how to make money quickly."

He pulled Megan Fox onto his lap. Earning his first pot of gold would indeed take time.

*****

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