Chapter 553: Too Much Personality is Not Good

The arrival of 2010 continued Hollywood's fiery momentum, led by the hottest movie at the time, Avatar.

In 2009, the robust performance of the North American movie market seemingly made people forget about the economic downturn, with an annual box office record of $10.6 billion.

Capet Pictures, with an annual box office of 2.7 billions, unhesitatingly became the record-breaking number one, astonishing everyone with a market share of more than 25%. Combined with Universal's 850 million, they have crossed 3.5 billion, accounting to 33%!

After New Year's, Charles Capet returned to New York from Europe and met with Arianna Huffington from The Huffington Post at the Capet Building.

"Charles, you chose to support Jerry Brown's campaign for California governor!" Arianna Huffington inquired with some uncertainty.

Charles nodded, "Yes, he has considerable support within the party!" He then laughed and said,

"Michael Bloomberg has been elected as the Mayor of New York City for the third time. This guy is something else."

Arianna Huffington laughed, "If you wanted to run for Mayor of Los Angeles, it would be no problem!"

Wouldn't someone on the Forbes billionaire list have an easy time getting into politics?

"During Christmas, Meg Whitman and I met, and she wants your support in her campaign for California governor. What do you think?" Arianna Huffington asked.

Charles laughed, "Meg Whitman, the former chairman of eBay, huh? Forget it. She's better off staying in business!"

Given California's current situation, Arnold Schwarzenegger had already ruined the Republican Party's reputation.

Charles suddenly remembered that back in 2003, Arianna Huffington had also run for governor of California!

"Do you want to get into politics?" Now that Arianna Huffington had Charles's support, she could make a bid.

Arianna Huffington shook her head, "It's not the right time yet. External factors are the main things in political campaigns. The current job suits me well, and Capet's media influence is growing stronger every day, which is great!"

During lunch, Charles overheard Phyllis Jones mentioning Mel Gibson.

"Hmm, what's up with that guy?" Charles wiped his mouth and asked with a smile.

"Robert Downey Jr. recommended him to Marvel!"

"Pfft, looks like Mel Gibson's social circle isn't that bad after all. Quite a few celebrities are speaking up for him," Charles shook his head. For the past few years, Mel Gibson has been constantly apologizing and repenting. His desire to survive is strong.

Phyllis Jones laughed, "But Mel Gibson is also in a lot of trouble. Domestic violence scandals have been mentioned by some newspapers, and last year's divorce lawsuit isn't over yet. I heard he has assets worth $850 million. If he divorces directly, he'll have to give up half!"

"$850 million, that's a lot of money," Charles now had a clear understanding of the financial strength of these Hollywood stars. Those who had a knack for managing their finances were indeed very wealthy.

"Forget about him. Mel Gibson still has a considerable influence, and his extreme right-wing views have a decent market among America's white population. If it weren't for his careless anti-Semitic remarks, this wouldn't have happened," Charles knew well enough that there were many right-wing forces among Jews as well. Despite everything, Mel Gibson was still a centi-millionaire.

He was still living a good life, just his acting career got derailed.

"It seems like Jodie Foster has always been campaigning for him," Phyllis Jones added.

"Heh," Charles scoffed, "I used to have some respect for Jodie Foster, but now she's just like everyone else."

"Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Robert Downey Jr., and Sean Penn, they're all very close friends," Phyllis Jones was always keen on Hollywood news.

"They're quite a bunch, indeed! Birds of a feather flock together. Each is riddled with scandals. I just don't understand why Jodie Foster would mix with this crowd."

Although talented people indeed have personalities, this group has too much personality.

Drinking, violence, marijuana - these are their daily staples!

"Focus Features is distributing Edge of Darkness, originally Aiken Pictures' work, with Mel Gibson starring. Should we..."

"No, let's not," Charles shook his head, "It's a low-budget film, no big deal. The theaters don't want to screen Mel Gibson's movies now. Just make sure our major films stay clear of this minefield. Do we need his scandals to boost our publicity and attract attention?"

Mel Gibson was still a mega-star. He didn't lack roles in independent films.

"But remind Marvel to caution Robert Downey Jr. I don't want Mel Gibson's issues affecting Marvel Studios' plans. People can have their own thoughts and personalities, but they shouldn't impact the company. Marvel's series is mainstream entertainment, and public perception is vital. Constantly defending an alcoholic, domestic abuser only makes audiences angry!"

Marvel films were a quick way to fame; actors flocked to join the Marvel family.

It's not you who chooses Marvel, it's Marvel that chooses you, giving you fame and fortune!

Phyllis Jones nodded. The importance of Marvel Studios within Capet Pictures was self-evident. It was undoubtedly the cornerstone for Universal's future dominance in Hollywood and had to be taken seriously.

"By the way, boss, Mrs. Capet wants Nicole Kidman to go for her second Oscar for Best Actress for her role in The Blind Side. Any strategy?" Phyllis Jones smiled.

"Strategy?" Charles rubbed his chin, "I'm one of the top Hollywood moguls now, and I still have to think about such small matters? Just have the company spend more on PR. The Capet team is more professional than I am!"

Charles no longer bothered with the Oscars. Earlier, he promised to help Anne Hathaway compete for the Best Actress Oscar on a whim.

Nevertheless, these were minor issues, hardly a distraction for Charles. A casual instruction was enough.

"The Blind Side is an inspirational film with a great box office. We can start from the public's standpoint. It's politically correct enough that I believe the Academy's judges won't ignore it," Charles reminded, as his mother's suggestion needed to be respected!

"When did my mother return?"

"Two days after Christmas, Mrs. Capet returned from the Caribbean because she wanted to successfully merge i this year. There's a lot to do."

"The previous attempt to merge i wasn't successful?"

Phyllis Jones nodded, "It was rejected!"

"Let's go," Charles said, now full from his meal.

*****

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