Chapter 343: Charlize Theron

The next day, Charles woke up with Charlize Theron in his arms, and it was already 10 a.m. Since Charlize had to fly back to the set in the afternoon, the two stayed home and had their meal there.

"Burning Plain was actually invested by Magnolia Pictures," Charles said, a bit surprised.

"Is there a problem? The main parts are played by three women. Kim Basinger and a young actress named Jennifer Lawrence. She's quite talented," Charlize casually explained.

Charles shook his head, "No problem, just that the parent company of Magnolia Pictures, 2929 Entertainment, is owned by Mark Cuban, the owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks!"

2929 Entertainment not only had Magnolia Pictures but also an art house theater company. Magnolia Pictures had movie distribution capabilities because Mark Cuban wasn't short of money.

Charlize just smiled, laid back in Charles's arms, stretched her long legs on the sofa, and continued flipping through a magazine.

Charles had just heard the name Jennifer Lawrence - it had to be the future "J-Law"!

"Oh, have you watched Keeping Up with the Kardashians that's been airing recently? Its ratings are good. Another reality show you launched is a success," Charlize remarked, seeing information about the Kardashian family in the magazine.

"Heh, I don't have time to watch this stuff. Keeping Up with the Kardashians can do whatever as long as it gets good ratings. They want fame, and I get profit!"

Kim Kardashian even had her sex tape released online this year. She aimed to surpass Paris Hilton as the top internet celebrity.

Keeping Up with the Kardashians' first season aired in November on E! Entertainment!

"Are many shows going on hiatus or being cut down because of the writer's strike? Does it affect your company?" Charlize asked.

Charles glanced down at Charlize, whose rosy cheeks and slightly open nightgown were a sight to behold. He reached out, feeling the softness.

"The third season of Prison Break, which is airing, has to cut down. It started in September, and they only shot a bit over a third. They hurriedly filmed a few more episodes, but the third season only has 13 episodes in total. The plot is too intense to write easily," Charles explained.

"Charles, wasn't last night enough for you?" Charlize murmured, feeling his touch and recalling the previous night's activities, starting to get tempted.

Charles leaned down, kissed her on the lips, and smiled, "Charlize, you're simply irresistible!"

In the afternoon, Charles personally drove Charlize Theron to Los Angeles International Airport.

...

After spending a perfect weekend with Charlize Theron, Capet Pictures announced the formation of its animation division.

Chris Meledandri, former head of 20th Century Fox Animation, was appointed to lead Capet Illumination Animation Production Company.

Their first animated feature, Despicable Me, directed by Chris Meledandri and Pierre Coffin, began production immediately.

Despicable Me, an animated film focused on a supervillain, was scheduled for release in 2010.

Compared to the hefty budgets of DreamWorks Animation and Pixar's animated features, Despicable Me's budget was much lower, only $70 million!

Meanwhile, Saw V, released by Matrix Pictures during Halloween, grossed $57 million in North America and over $100 million worldwide.

The British film Atonement earned over $80 million overseas and reached $50 million in North American box office.

After more than a month of the Hollywood writers' strike, efforts by various parties led to the re-initiation of labor negotiations between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the two major writers' guilds.

At the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, representatives of the AMPTP and the two writers' unions finally began talks.

...

In a Hilton Hotel conference room, Charles and Rupert Murdoch stood by the window, watching some supporting writers parade below.

"Charles, do you think there will be a result?" Rupert Murdoch asked.

Charles smiled, "The differences are too big!"

"Yes, the differences are too big," Rupert Murdoch smiled back.

"By the way, you're facing some trouble acquiring Arsenal, aren't you?" Rupert Murdoch inquired.

Charles nodded, "Indeed, shareholders led by Peter Hill-Wood oppose my takeover. Now that Arsenal is performing well, it's challenging!"

"Need help?" Rupert Murdoch asked with a smile, "You know, News Corporation has some connections in the UK."

Charles looked at Rupert Murdoch and nodded, "After Christmas, I'll need News Corp to drive the public opinion and pressure the Islington Council where Arsenal is located. Arsenal can't handle a grueling schedule. The more pressure from public opinion, the better!"

Rupert Murdoch nodded, "News Corp will cooperate with you, and now acquiring a Premier League club is much easier than it was ten years ago."

"Let's go, Charles, accompany this old man for lunch!"

*****

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