Chapter 88: Johnny Cash's Biographical Film

The last day of the Cannes Film Festival was the closing ceremony, which was also the time for the awards ceremony. The red carpet in front of the Palais des Festivals was the grandest.

Many Hollywood stars chose today to attend the red carpet ceremony. Angelina Jolie appeared in a cool black suit, and Brad Pitt attended in full dress with his wife, Jennifer Aniston.

Charles found the Coen Brothers, independent filmmakers who were participating in the Cannes Film Festival, and handed them the novel No Country for Old Men.

The Coen Brothers came to the Cannes Film Festival this time because their film, the black comedy The Ladykillers, starring Tom Hanks, was selected for the main competition!

The Coen Brothers had a project planned for next year, but they agreed to start writing the script for No Country for Old Men once the ongoing project was finished.

The Palais des Festivals was quite large. It had not only 15 theaters but also the Lumiere Hall, where the award ceremony was held, alongside nightclubs, casinos, and numerous conference rooms.

While the 57th Cannes Film Festival was holding the awards ceremony, Charles was in his hotel suite, hosting a couple of filmmakers.

Director James Mangold and his producer wife, Cathy Konrad, had a script they had been preparing for several years and were looking for investment.

"A biographical film of Johnny Cash," Charles read their proposal seriously. Johnny Cash was a famous American country music master, born in the 1930s and passed away last year. His second wife also passed away.

Cathy Konrad explained, "We mainly want to capture Johnny Cash's story of falling to rock bottom due to drug addiction after becoming famous, but with the help of his second wife, he rises again and achieves great success.

We've got Johnny's good friend, James Keach, on the team to help with the script. For the lead roles, we chose Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. This will definitely be a fantastic film!"

Joaquin Phoenix's acting was excellent, and Reese Witherspoon was well-known for Legally Blonde.

Charles couldn't help but smile inwardly. Isn't this Walk the Line? And James Mangold and Cathy Konrad had received guidance from the Cash couple multiple times while adapting the script.

Moreover, the Cash couple had also designated Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon as the best choices to portray them!

"The script is good; the story is very inspirational and full of love!" Charles said as he put down the proposal.

"Will Carpe Industries support it?" James asked, somewhat excited.

"Carpe Industries will develop this movie. You two can start preparations as soon as possible. Ideally, it can be released next year. Carpe Industries has decided to start self-distributing films this year!" Although Charles considered finding an actress under his mother's agency, he eventually gave up because Reese Witherspoon had received so much support.

"The film can start filming in three to four months," Cathy Konrad said.

"Alright, when we get back to Los Angeles, we can allocate the budget for the company," Charles replied. Perhaps the biggest gain from this Cannes Film Festival was the development of Walk the Line.

After seeing off James Mangold and Cathy Konrad, Charles called in Philip to inquire, "How did the talks with the European distributors go?" Carpe Industries needed to establish a distribution network, and preparing for the international market was essential. Getting to know international distributors was always a good thing.

"I met with several distribution companies; they showed interest in Carpe Industries' films, and the potential for future cooperation is high," Philip, who had previous experience with distribution, replied. Overseas pre-sales rights have always been an important financing channel for independent film companies.

Charles nodded. This would indeed make things a bit more troublesome, as they'd have to negotiate with each company individually, making it difficult to fix release dates.

The big six studios had their own complete overseas distribution channels, which allowed them to release movies simultaneously in many countries and regions globally.

"Take it slow, let's first establish the distribution network in North America. International distribution will come step by step," Charles understood the importance of patience.

"By the way, I met representatives from EuropaCorp, and Luc Besson invited you to visit Paris!" Philip added.

"I am indeed interested in EuropaCorp, formed by Luc Besson. It so happens that I plan to head to Paris tomorrow!" Charles was eager to meet the renowned French director. It's not often you find a top French commercial filmmaker!

After Philip left, Charles also changed his clothes and left the hotel for the harbor, boarding a luxurious yacht over thirty feet long that he had previously rented.

Marion Cotillard was on the deck, enjoying the sea breeze and champagne. When she saw Charles return, she immediately pulled him down to sit beside her.

"Finished dealing with things?" Marion Cotillard handed Charles a glass of champagne while asking.

*****

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