Chapter 27

Los Angeles, Universal City Theatre.

DreamWorks' remake of the Japanese horror film The Ring held its North American premiere.

Charles was also present, and Evelyn, as Naomi's agent, was also in attendance.

Some of Naomi Watts' friends like Nicole Kidman, Heath Ledger, and other celebrities were also there.

The premiere of The Ring was well-organized, and DreamWorks had invested significantly in it.

"Who could've thought that just a little while ago, Naomi Watts was just an obscure borderline actress," Evelyn reflected. The allure of overnight fame in Hollywood always attracted countless people.

Charles laughed lightly and remarked, "Without Mulholland Drive, Naomi Watts would likely have faded away just like countless other dreamers who never made it."

Evelyn nodded. Now, Charles was no longer the carefree young man he used to be. He had transformed into a rising new producer in Hollywood and the owner of a film production company.

"Are you worried about the release of Lost in Translation?"

"Worried about what? The release date is set, and Focus Features won't really invest that much in promotion. We have to rely on word of mouth," Charles said helplessly. Distributing a film wasn't as simple as just handing it off to a theater chain and getting it screened.

Without resources, you couldn't even meet the person in charge of the theater chain. One or two films wouldn't grab their attention.

Distribution companies have a series of distribution agreements with theater chains and need to provide a steady stream of films for cinemas.

Commercial cinemas welcome movies, but large-scale public screenings require a huge promotional budget. Without financial support, it's tough to handle.

The payroll for a large number of service personnel in distribution channels is also a big expense: market, marketing, planning, downstream peripherals, and further television distribution, online licensing, etc.

Charles casually eyed Scarlett Johansson, who was being interviewed by reporters, along with Sofia Coppola and the lead actor Bill Murray. Lost in Translation didn't have many promotional highlights.

Perhaps Sofia Coppola's identity was the best promotional point.

"Bill Murray is a veteran comedy actor, Sofia is the daughter of the Coppola family, and a 30-year-old new female director. There's still some buzz there," Evelyn said, managing Sofia's affairs, although her involvement was quite flexible and minimal.

Just like Charles, whose work was also partially managed by Evelyn, essentially fulfilling the duties of a manager.

"Lost in Translation is the first real production by Carpe Films. It's very significant. Don't worry, I'll take it seriously!"

Charles didn't want to let the opportunity to make money slip away.

"By the way, has Keira Knightley's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl wrapped up? Does she have any new projects?" Charles asked. The Pirates of the Caribbean series was a massive cash cow.

Evelyn nodded with a smile, "She's currently filming a romance movie in the UK called Love Actually. It's about ten different love stories and features many great actors."

"Next year, when Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl releases, Keira will definitely become popular. By then, she should polish her acting skills too. Johnny Depp's look is very appealing, and with his performance, he'll become the absolute core of the film!" Charles kindly reminded.

An actress like Keira Knightley needed continuous practice to improve her skills and maintain resources even after moving on from the Pirates series.

Charles chatted with his mother while casually observing the film crowd, not paying attention to the fans at all.

"George A. Romero is here. I heard Universal is planning to remake his zombie movie!" Evelyn suddenly mentioned.

"Yeah, George A. Romero, the godfather of zombie movies, the writer-director of the Living Dead series," Charles thought, considering the remake of Dawn of the Dead.

Zack Snyder? Is he about to break out?

"Which one are they remaking? Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, or maybe Day of the Dead? Those are the most famous in the zombie trilogy."

Evelyn shook her head, laughing, "I heard about it from someone, nothing specific yet!"

Charles pondered for a moment, then said, "I discovered a young director who does commercials and filming, named Zack Snyder. He's really talented. Maybe you should sign him. Who knows, he could be the next Michael Bay."

"Really? Zack Snyder!" Evelyn had faith in Charles' judgment. After all, he was her son, and Keira Knightley's contract had turned out to be a great success.

Charles nodded. Dawn of the Dead would likely find its way to him since low-budget horror films could be breakout hits. Charles was eyeing Snyder for that muscle-bound film 300 that depicted the Persians in a negative light.

Soon, the screening for The Ring was about to start. Evelyn left early, asking Charles to take Scarlett home afterward.

In the theater, Scarlett found her seat but couldn't see Evelyn, just Charles.

"She had some urgent business. I'll take you home later!" Charles explained from the side.

"Home? Oh, come on, I'm 18 this year already. Do we really need to do this?" Scarlett Johansson had indeed turned 18, but her birthday was in November.

Charles glanced at her casually. No wonder she was known as the embodiment of a sex symbol, with such a curvaceous figure.

"You're not living with your mother anymore?"

"Nope, she stayed with me for a few days while I was filming in Japan, but I haven't seen her since," Scarlett Johansson said.

"Let's just watch the movie!" When the lights dimmed, only the glow from the screen remained in the theater.

"I heard the original version of this film scared someone to death in Japan. Haha!" Charles teased.

"Hmm," Scarlett Johansson nervously grabbed Charles' hand and snuggled closer.

"So, do we still watch?"

"Relax, I'm here. What are ya afraid of?" he said, gently patting her.

As the movie played, with the unfolding plot, the audience started to scream or breathe deeply. The horror effects on screen provided strong visual shocks.

By mid-movie, Scarlett was almost nestled entirely in Charles' arms, and holding the sexy bombshell made Charles' mind wander.

"How about we leave?" Scarlett Johansson suddenly suggested.

"Leave?" Charles thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Let's go!"

Then, Charles left the theater with Scarlett Johansson.

In the car, as soon as the door was closed, they started kissing passionately.

They drove straight back to Charles' place in Santa Monica!

*****

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