From Hollywood to Media Empire

"Dona, find this year's Saint Denis Film Festival short film records. There's an Asian newcomer director named James Wan who made a thriller short film for the festival. Find him as soon as possible," Charles immediately instructed his assistant upon returning to Carpe Productions.

The Saint Denis Film Festival was a well-structured nonprofit organization with many short and feature films, most of which were sponsored by the festival and had records available.

"I found him. James Wan and his friend have already returned to Melbourne!" In less than three days, Dona found the information.

"Contact them. Carpe Productions is interested in their short film. Bring them to Los Angeles, and we'll cover their travel expenses," Charles instructed without hesitation. He had to secure this opportunity.

Meanwhile, after waiting for about half a month, the funds from Columbia TriStar, Constantin Film, and Village Roadshow reached their accounts.

At the Beverly Hills Roosevelt Hotel, Charles met director Ang Lee to discuss the filming of Brokeback Mountain.

Such a sensitive film related to homosexuality naturally wouldn't have a large budget, and the actors' salaries would be low as well.

With a budget of $15 million, Ang Lee was very interested in this novel adaptation but needed a long time to prepare.

"No problem. The film schedule is at least set for next year. There's an Australian actor, pretty good at acting, named Heath Ledger. We can have him audition," Charles recommended.

"Sure, this novel seems to have also attracted the interest of Focus Features' James Schamus. We can contact Focus for distribution," Ang Lee, who had a good relationship with Schamus and had informed him about the Brokeback Mountain novel, mentioned.

"Even better. We worked with Focus Features on Lost in Translation, and they handled the distribution," Charles had planned to approach Focus Features for distribution as the North American box office had peaked, and it was time to collect.

After their discussion, Charles and Ang Lee had dinner together before parting ways. A few days later, Ang Lee and his agent would visit Carpe Productions to sign the contract.

Charles had just opened the door of his Ferrari 360 when he saw Mel Gibson hurriedly entering the hotel.

Charles stared at Mel Gibson's back for a few seconds. Had The Passion of the Christ not started filming yet?

Wasn't he funding it himself? Did he find a distributor after the filming was completed?

Back home, Charles called his mother, Evelyn, asking her to keep an eye on the development of that film.

Information-wise, agents were quite resourceful!

The next morning, Charles arrived at the office, and Dona informed him that James Wan had arrived in the U.S. and would meet them that afternoon at the office.

"Perfect," Charles was a bit thrilled and immediately called his mother to come to Carpe Productions that afternoon. There was good news.

Clearly, he intended to introduce this director to his mother. Good opportunities should be kept within the family.

In February, the warm weather in Los Angeles was quite pleasant in the afternoon.

An Asian, relatively skinny and a regular-looking Caucasian got out of a taxi parked in front of Carpe Productions in Burbank.

"This should be the place!" The Caucasian said to the Asian next to him.

The Asian nodded, looked at the sign, and said, "Can't be wrong. Let's go in!"

After notifying the front desk, the two were led to a meeting room on the second floor, where Charles greeted them.

"Charles Carpe, owner of Carpe Productions. My assistant should have briefed you," Charles shook hands with the two and then sat down, with coffee being served.

"Hello, I'm James Wan, the director of the short film. This is Leigh Whannell, the screenwriter, and lead actor of the short film," the Asian responded quickly and took out the copy of their short film from his bag.

"Good, you brought the copy of the short film. Smart thinking," Charles appreciated their preparedness.

"Hasn't any film company been interested in your short film's concept?" Charles asked, thinking Lions Gate should have noticed them by now.

James Wan, and his good friend Leigh Whannell shook their heads and responded helplessly, "We played the short film in the open square of the Saint Denis Film Festival for a few days. Not many people were interested. Lions Gate had a buyer who seemed a bit interested, left us a contact number but never followed up. Carpe Productions is the first film company to actively contact us."

"I see. How about we check out the short film in the screening room? I'm sure you've researched Carpe Productions. We have the resources to support you," Charles smiled.

"Of course, and we're very grateful!"

Afterward, Charles led the two, along with his mother and a few other company employees, to watch the short film in the screening room. The film was rough and short, about ten minutes long, and clearly lacked funds for proper production.

"It's indeed pretty gory and horrifying," Evelyn, sitting at the back, felt somewhat uncomfortable, finding it too bloody.

Charles nodded, "It does have gore and horror, but it's too short!"

"Sir, we can perfect the screenplay and need funding to produce a complete film," Leigh Whannell quickly responded.

"Go back home, and if the company decides, we'll notify you," Charles said with a smile.

James Wan and Leigh Whannell looked at each other, then at Charles Carpe, their disappointment evident, and left Carpe Productions with heavy hearts.

*****

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