Chapter 238

"Oneesan, why did this East Asia International Japan Corporation choose me?" Ayase Haruka asked as she sat in a car with her senior, Kyoko Fukada, heading to the headquarters of East Asia International Japan Corporation located in Shibuya. Originally part of Horipro, Ayase Haruka had suddenly received an order to transfer.

"This office may be new, but it has strong connections with TV stations and some movie companies. They think you're a promising actor worth developing," Kyoko Fukada said while driving her newly bought Ferrari 430, advising Ayase Haruka, who sat in the passenger seat.

"Who knows, maybe you'll get to act in Hollywood someday!" Fukada added.

"I heard that besides me, Ishihara Satomi also transferred," Ayase Haruka said with some concern.

"Don't worry. President Okada is a nice guy and very capable. Plus, I'll take care of you!" Kyoko Fukada reassured her. Although Fukada hadn't transferred, anything good for East Asia International Japan would benefit her as well.

...

Charles Capet observed the new headquarters location two blocks away from Capet Pictures in Shibuya.

"Charles, Mr. Takahashi called to say that Sony's President Ryoji Chubachi has sent an invitation for dinner!" Lin Chi-ling, who worked as Charles's personal translator, reported to him.

"Ryoji Chubachi... Alright," Charles responded. He was more familiar with Howard Stringer and Kaz Hirai. Chubachi had been appointed as president only last year, but Charles remembered that he was later replaced by Howard Stringer.

Charles was well aware of Sony's current struggles, particularly the high-definition DVD format conflict, which was one of Sony's most critical projects.

While Capet Pictures' movies always performed well at the box office previously, they hadn't reached the heights of a film like The Da Vinci Code. Moreover, they produced fewer movies back then.

But things had changed. Last year alone, Capet Pictures released several movies, including the Academy Award winner for Best Picture, No Country for Old Men.

That year, Capet Pictures had nearly ten films ready for release. The Da Vinci Code, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Departed had already grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide.

Next year, there were live-action releases like Transformers and Marvel's Iron Man. Sony had to pay attention to Capet Pictures now.

Releasing new films in high-definition Blu-ray DVDs would undoubtedly have more impact than older films.

In the evening, Charles dined with Ryoji Chubachi in Roppongi Hills. As expected, Chubachi tried to persuade Capet Pictures to support Sony's lead in Blu-ray high-definition DVDs.

Of course, Charles was not foolish enough to offer direct support to Blu-ray DVDs. After all, HD DVD players had been released earlier that year, and they were cheaper than Blu-ray DVD players.

Although Blu-ray players had more hardware manufacturers supporting them and offered greater storage capacity, and Charles knew that Blu-ray would eventually win, it was still a fierce battle. Everything had to be based on real benefits.

"So, thinking about supporting the Blu-ray format?" Donna Langley asked over the phone from Los Angeles.

"Yes, Blu-ray has more advantages, and the Blu-ray Disc Association is working on lowering prices. But it's still a bit early. Sony is a bit anxious. Let's see what they're willing to offer. When you negotiate, make sure to get the best deal," Charles replied. After all, a winner had to emerge eventually.

Sony had already spent a lot. Look, they even acquired MGM Holdings.

"Don't worry. Capet Pictures is significant enough for them to take us seriously. We're only missing an extensive library now!"

Donna Langley was now the president of Capet Pictures and in charge of the company's overall management, leaving Charles to set the broader direction.

After hanging up, Charles, who sat on the sofa, massaged his temples. Not long after, Lin Chi-ling brought over a document.

"Charles, this is from Mr. Takahashi. He said it's what you wanted!" Lin Chi-ling immediately recognized it as a script.

Charles smiled and said, "This is a script from Korean director Kwak Jae-yong. Do you know his Korean romance films My Sassy Girl and The Classic?"

"This year, he also worked on a Korean gangster film Daisy, with Jun Ji-hyun as the lead."

Lin Chi-ling nodded. "My Sassy Girl was a hit all across Asia. Is this his new movie script?"

Charles noticed the fervent light in Lin Chi-ling's eyes. "Cyborg She, a script he completed in 2003, was revised several times before being handed to Japanese producer Yamamoto Ichiro last year. I found it in the company and had Takahashi buy it directly!"

"Kwak Jae-yong wants to break into the Japanese market. This script is his stepping stone."

That's why Charles had asked for Ayase Haruka at the company. This script seemed perfect for her.

"Another Japanese movie?" Lin Chi-ling pouted. "Aren't you going to develop Chinese-language films? They don't have to be big productions like Painted Skin, smaller-budget films would work too!"

Charles lifted her chin. "You really want to act in movies, don't you?"

Lin Chi-ling nodded. Of course, she did.

"You know, for Chinese-language films, we face many restrictions as a foreign company - the review system, distribution rights. Plus, the Chinese movie market is still too small. Capet International Pictures won't waste time developing regular movies," Charles explained, although he did have a lucky break with Painted Skin.

Lin Chi-ling sat on Charles's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. "But you've already given East Asia International Japan the freedom to develop films. Hong Kong's East Asia International can do the same!"

"Alright, why don't you look up any Chinese-language films in need of funding? I'll have East Asia International invest, and I can get you a role!"

Bringing funding into groups was easy.

Charles did remember some Chinese films that made money, but he couldn't recall them offhand. He needed to see or hear specific information first.

"Really? Then can I go back to Taiwan for a while before returning?" Lin Chi-ling had already transferred her Japanese management contract to East Asia International Japan, but her base was still Taiwan, and she dreamt of acting in Chinese-language films.

"Sure, I'll be in Japan for a while," Charles said, considering that the East Asia International registered by Lily Ying was still just an empty shell.

Now that East Asia International Japan was up and running, its parent, East Asia International Media, should also start making moves in the Chinese-speaking market.

*****

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