From Hollywood to Media Empire

"Did you say there's a good script?" Nicole Kidman asked Charles.

Charles nodded and explained, "It's a genre film about vampires and werewolves. It's different from those old Universal ones, it's more of a noble Gothic dark style. Artistically, it's nothing special. It's a commercial film, a bit like that Resident Evil live-action adaptation coming out next year."

Speaking of game adaptations, last year's Tomb Raider was the most successful, and its sequel was already filmed and set to release next year.

Nicole Kidman pondered for a while. She was feeling quite ambitious and wanted to produce movies herself.

"Let me take a look at the proposal later. I'll get back to you after I read it."

Charles nodded and then left.

"This Charles Carpe, he's young and ambitious!" Nicole Kidman vented to her friend Naomi.

"Maybe he really sees potential in it!" Naomi shrugged. "Are you interested too?"

Nicole Kidman nodded and smiled, "I am indeed interested in investing in films now. A few years ago, a female director from New Zealand, Jane Campion, got the rights to adapt a novel into a script. She's been hoping I'd play the lead. I invested but did not play the lead. The role was too bold. Meg Ryan, who's seeking a career change, agreed to play the lead."

"Investing in movies can easily result in losses," Naomi was still somewhat concerned.

"It's a low-budget film with a $10 million production cost. Jane Campion, who won the Palme d'Or at Cannes for The Piano, has good enough skill!"

Nicole Kidman's been Mrs. Cruise for over a decade, and she had saved a considerable amount of money, around fifty to sixty million dollars. Besides, she wasn't funding the entire production herself.

Meanwhile, Charles had Len Wiseman give the project proposal to Nicole Kidman and then wait for her response.

Soon, Len Wiseman handed over the prepared proposal to Charles.

"The script's pretty much done, along with storyboards and various directives," Charles said while flipping through the documents. It seemed this editor was eager to direct his first film.

After handing the script to Nicole Kidman, Charles and Len Wiseman waited for her reply until after the New Year.

It wasn't until after the Golden Globe Awards in 2002, where Moulin Rouge won Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Actress - Musical or Comedy, and Best Original Score, that they heard back.

At the Golden Globes, Charles and Len Wiseman went to Sony Entertainment's headquarters in Culver City, Los Angeles.

Screen Gems, a subsidiary of Sony, specialized in producing and distributing horror, thriller, and other non-mainstream B-movies.

Nicole Kidman's film In the Cut would be released by Screen Gems.

Outside the Screen Gems president's office.

"Charles, this is Screen Gems' president Peter Schlessel. Screen Gems has some interest in the Underworld script," Nicole Kidman informed Charles. Although she wasn't interested in Underworld, she forwarded it to Screen Gems as a favor.

"Thank you, really appreciate it!" Charles was genuinely thankful since the distribution of the film, one of the most critical aspects, was now secured.

"Wiseman, make sure you perform well!" Charles had been spending a lot of time with Len Wiseman, as Carpe Productions was deeply involved.

"Understood," Len Wiseman knew he had to persuade Peter Schlessel on how much Screen Gems would invest.

"Sir, our vampires in this story are different from the usual. They involve genetics..."

Charles listened on the side and had to admit that Len Wiseman, with his background in art, had a way with words, especially in describing his character directives.

Peter Schlessel listened and nodded approvingly, "Not bad, Screen Gems can distribute this movie but can only provide $5 million as production funding."

"Five million dollars!" Len Wiseman and Charles had different reactions. One was relieved to finally have a backer, while the other knew more funding was needed.

"Sir," Charles suddenly spoke after Len Wiseman finished, "we have Kate Beckinsale lined up to play the lead role Selene!"

"Kate Beckinsale?" Peter Schlessel was surprised, and Len Wiseman was even more shocked. When did this happen?

"Kate Beckinsale agreed to star?" Peter Schlessel asked.

Charles nodded, "We are very confident we can persuade her to play the lead!"

"If Kate Beckinsale agrees to star, Screen Gems will increase the investment to $10 million!" Peter Schlessel decided.

After leaving Sony Pictures, Len Wiseman was still puzzled.

However, Charles didn't bother to explain. Right now, securing Kate Beckinsale was crucial. Whether recruiting other actors or continuing to attract investors, they needed her star power.

"Wiseman, we'll divide and conquer. I'll go with my mother to meet Kate Beckinsale, and you contact Constantin Film, Village Roadshow Pictures, and other film investment companies. The budget for Underworld needs to be at least $20 million," Charles said.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.