From Hollywood to Media Empire

The shooting schedule for My Big Fat Greek Wedding was less than two months, around fifty days.

It was a low-budget independent film with a production budget of $5 million, which wasn't bad. At least it was better than those B-movies with budgets of just one or two million dollars.

Charles was on set every day. Even though he was young, he wore the producer's badge. Mrs. Hanks seemed to also value Charles highly.

The crew, although simple, was professional. The scenes were easy to set up, and they had to complete the movie within the budget.

The shooting progressed smoothly. After all, it was just a low-budget romantic comedy; not too challenging.

"Next door is the Chicago crew, the musical adapted musical film. They're having a wrap party tonight, and I got an invite," Rita Wilson said, looking at Charles in a restaurant.

"Want to go? You get to see the beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones! Didn't you say she's gorgeous?"

Rita Wilson and Evelyn Carpe, Charles's mother, got along well when Evelyn visited the set. They both had kids, so they had plenty to talk about.

"I know. The male lead is Richard Gere, the female lead is Renee Zellweger, and the supporting actress is Catherine Zeta-Jones," Charles said, pretending to be deep in thought, "The decline of musical films is inevitable. Even if Chicago succeeds, it'll just be a flash in the pan. Miramax is distributing this film, and the Weinstein brothers have quite an eye for movies. I heard director Rob Marshall added new elements to Chicago, combining musical with crime, so it might be refreshing."

Rita Wilson wasn't surprised. He always acted mature beyond his years.

"Alright, get ready and come with me tonight. Your mom said you used to love parties, but now you're always on set. Are you really that interested in movies?"

Charles had indeed stayed obediently on set for almost a month. He nodded and smiled, "I've been pushing for my mom to support My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I plan on making it my stepping stone to success. Once it's successful, I'll have the capital to develop more movies!"

Rita Wilson smiled and said, "Even though the entertainment industry is booming, more movies lose money than make money. You need to think it through."

"I know. The development of the film industry can't be rigid. The appearance of VHS tapes in the 1980s brought the first fast lane for movies, the first golden decade. In the 90s, the arrival of VCDs and DVDs ushered in the era of blockbusters. The entertainment industry is currently in its golden growth period. Independent film production companies are emerging rapidly with the increase in home entertainment revenue," Charles said with a smile, "Mrs. Wilson, look, even Hollywood's major six studios have started cultivating their independent labels or acquiring famous ones. Now is the best time. Let's see who makes it to the end!"

Rita Wilson sighed, "It's also the worst time. Independent film production companies are being suppressed by the major studios. Either they join them, or they get blocked from distribution channels."

"So, capital and channels are essential. You can't make too many mistakes," Charles said confidently.

Rita Wilson still thought Charles was too young to see the full picture. But since he was just a small player now, it didn't hurt to dream.

That evening, at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago, the Chicago crew organized a grand party.

Charles thought about the high-grossing film company with envy. Chicago had a global box office revenue of $300 million with a budget of less than $50 million, with $100 million from North America alone. That was something to be jealous of.

Following Rita Wilson in, he was undoubtedly nobody; no one would care about him.

Charles didn't mind. His main focus was finishing My Big Fat Greek Wedding and waiting for its release.

As for other ambitions, who could say now? Nonetheless, Charles hoped to get more support from Tom Hanks, perhaps to develop another low-budget movie.

He went to a corner and sat on a sofa, lost in thought. The lack of funds was the main problem.

Scanning the hall, it was like a madhouse - many were crew members, while the stars gathered in groups chatting.

Indeed, Catherine Zeta-Jones was quite stunning. At 31, Charles couldn't help but take a few more glances at her. However, she had married Michael Douglas, who was 25 years her senior. What a pity!

"Charles, come over!" Rita Wilson suddenly waved at him from not far away.

Charles got up and walked over. Next to Rita Wilson was Catherine Zeta-Jones.

"Catherine, this is Charles Carpe, the producer of our crew. He's a huge fan of yours!"

"Good evening, Ms. Zeta-Jones. It's a pleasure to meet you!" Charles genuinely thought she was beautiful, wearing a sexy red low-cut dress. Wasn't she cold? It was November in Chicago, not exactly warm.

*****

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