Chapter 348: The Temptation of the MPAA

The next day, instead of returning to the office after leaving Kate Beckinsale's home, Charles Capet went straight to the MPAA headquarters on Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

Dan Glickman, the chairman of the MPAA, arranged to meet Charles. As the former Secretary of Agriculture and a member of Congress, Dan Glickman took on the role of MPAA chairman in 2004.

Hollywood was facing a massive writers' strike at the time, and Dan Glickman was eager to see both parties resume negotiations to end the standoff.

"Charles, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers needs to make some concessions. Otherwise, the strike will continue indefinitely," Dan Glickman said. He had recently met with the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance multiple times, but with little success.

Negotiations had resumed a few days ago but failed within a single day.

Charles smiled. "The expectations for the new labor agreement are too far apart. The Writers Guild is asking for quite a lot!"

Dan Glickman shook his head. "Charles, I specifically came here to ask Capet Pictures to take the lead in reaching a settlement with the Writers Guild."

"Even if Capet Pictures reaches an agreement first, the impact on the overall situation will be minimal," Charles considered what bargaining chips the other party might offer.

"Capet Pictures is now the seventh largest film group, stronger even than DreamWorks at its peak. Your support would be a significant boost to the negotiations!" Dan Glickman held Charles' Capet Entertainment Group in high regard.

"The MPAA has always had seven member slots, but since MGM's acquisition by Sony Columbia, the number has dropped to six," Charles looked at Dan Glickman. "I think restoring the MPAA membership to seven would be beneficial!"

Dan Glickman smiled. "Charles, you should know that increasing or reducing the number of MPAA members isn't up to me alone. You need to convince the other members!"

"Capet Pictures' market share is enough for a higher status. The MPAA aims to ensure the growth and expansion of Hollywood. Capet Pictures should no longer face small obstacles and deserves fairer treatment."

Charles wanted Capet Pictures to join the ranks of Hollywood's top players, symbolized by becoming an official MPAA member.

Otherwise, Capet Pictures would remain in the second tier, just below the top players. Becoming a rule-maker meant reaching the top.

"I personally support you," Dan Glickman shrugged. "I can only help lobby for you."

"Mr. Glickman, you should know I'm a businessman. My interests need protection as well!"

If Charles supported the Writers Guild and reached an agreement first, it would put the Alliance in an awkward position and offend many producers.

However, if Charles could use this to gain an official MPAA seat, the effort would be worth it, even considered a bargain.

"Charles, being an official MPAA member requires outstanding contributions to American cinema, and a company's international influence is also crucial!" Dan Glickman knew this was Charles' exchange condition.

"But the six major members won't agree to your joining. Adding a member requires the approval of at least half of the current members," Dan Glickman looked at the young man in front of him.

"Can you secure four votes?"

Currently, there were six members, and more than half meant securing the support of four.

When Charles left the MPAA headquarters, he wasn't in high spirits. Maybe pressuring Dan Glickman through the White House after Obama took office would work best.

The MPAA, serving as the link between Hollywood and the White House, could still be influenced by the White House.

"Boss, how'd it go?" Phyllis Jones asked from the business car.

Charles shook his head and sighed, "No substantial progress. Joining the MPAA as an official member is tough."

Capet Pictures' overseas distribution channels were just being established. Its foundation couldn't compare to the nearly century-long influence of the six majors.

Capet Pictures' recent films like Transformers, Iron Man, and The Da Vinci Code had made quite a splash globally.

Upcoming sequels would undoubtedly increase Capet Pictures' international influence, needing only time.

"Oh, it sounds tough! We've developed Capet Pictures well, but it's still not enough!" Phyllis Jones mumbled as she organized her files.

As the car neared Capet headquarters, writers on strike holding signs were still visible.

"These folks should just go back and write scripts instead of striking," Charles fumed at the sight.

"Yeah, the news said the strike's already caused five to six billion dollars in losses for the Los Angeles area!" Phyllis Jones frowned at the view outside.

"Forget it, it's just annoying to watch," Charles looked away. "We received a report about someone wanting to adapt the memoir The Wolf of Wall Street recently, right?"

"Yeah, both Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment and Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions are interested in adapting it!" Phyllis Jones quickly responded.

"Consider Appian Way Productions. Brad Pitt's company isn't as commercially driven," Charles had secured the rights from Jordan Belfort years ago and now, finally, someone had noticed.

After all, Jordan Belfort couldn't compare to Chris Gardner, the protagonist of The Pursuit of Happiness.

One was a small-time stockbroker on Wall Street, while the other was a nationally famous top black investment fund boss.

"Got it," Phyllis Jones nodded.

Charles' words essentially confirmed that Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions had beaten Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment in this competition.

*****

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