Chapter 690

In the afternoon, Charles left the Starlight yacht and took Gao Yuanyuan to the Capet Universal (China) Pictures office. As the headquarters of Universal Entertainment's Asia-Pacific operations, Hong Kong's significance was unquestionable.

Xu Xiaoling, as the head of the Asia-Pacific Film Division, had just spent $6 million to subscribe for 300,000 shares of Capet Holdings.

"The consecutive blockbuster releases of The Green Hornet and Transformers: Dark of the Moon have proven that the Chinese market can now support several films with 1 billion RMB box office potential," said Xu Xiaoling, who was most concerned about the Sino-American film import agreement.

"Are we confident about MPAA's position?" Charles smiled. "Don't worry. According to information from Washington, this is a clause that must be signed in the new trade agreement. Movies represent more than just economic interests. Washington probably values them even more than we in Hollywood do."

Moreover, MPAA had been lobbying Congress on cultural affairs for overseas markets for a long time, with films being a crucial part of it.

Xu Xiaoling nodded. "Remember that Chinese film investment company, DMG Entertainment?"

"The one interested in Iron Man 3?" Charles laughed.

"Yes, $30 million," Xu Xiaoling held up three fingers with a smile, "DMG Entertainment is willing to spend $30 million to buy the distribution rights for Iron Man 3 in China!"

"$30 million?" Charles was taken aback, rubbing his chin, "DMG Entertainment, they really..."

Charles was speechless. 

"The box office for Iron Man 2 was less than 200 million RMB in China," Charles mused, tapping the table. 

"They negotiated based on a box office estimate of 800 to 1 billion RMB. One of DMG Entertainment's partners is a former government official, so they have some unique connections," said Xu Xiaoling nonchalantly. "Maybe DMG Entertainment want to turn Iron Man 3 into a co-production?"

"But there's no way Marvel would collaborate that deeply. Even if they doubled the offer to $60 million, Marvel wouldn't let them participate in the production," Charles shook his head. 

For Iron Man 3, even if DMG Entertainment invested $30 million, it would only be for the Chinese distribution rights. Marvel might consider adding some Chinese cameo roles at most.

"It doesn't matter. China has no clear guidelines for co-productions," Xu Xiaoling shrugged. "Here, personal relationships often outweigh laws, especially in business regulations."

"Anyway, if DMG Entertainment spends $30 million to buy our Iron Man 3 distribution rights in China, we can meet their small demands within reason, like adding Chinese actors in minor roles or bringing Hollywood stars to China for promotions," said Xu Xiaoling.

Charles laughed along, "Of course, we'll need to meet these basic terms."

"DMG Entertainment has big ambitions; they've also invested in the Hollywood film Looper," Amelia had been following DMG Entertainment closely, impressed by their generosity.

"Alright then, if DMG Entertainment is so generous, we shouldn't be stingy. We can accommodate their minor requests since their goal is to gain prestige through Iron Man 3," Charles knew all too well.

Look, our company has invested in Universal Pictures' Iron Man 3...

"Got it, I'll handle it!" said Xu Xiaoling.

...

After traveling from Hong Kong to Beijing, Charles attended several semi-official discussions such as the Sino-American Film Summit and cultural exchange meetings.

As for the Sino-American trade negotiations, there were specialists handling these matters. Charles participated as a Hollywood representative to secure benefits for film exports in the new trade talks.

Outside the Jianguomen Street, Evelyn was in her office looking at her son who seemed uninterested in the Sino-American trade negotiations.

"What's up? Not going well?" Evelyn asked.

Charles shook his head, "It's going smoothly, but it's not going to wrap up quickly. I estimate that it won't be finalized until the end of the year. The details in these things are endless!"

Charles then poured two glasses of red wine, handing one to his mother.

Evelyn looked at Charles, "Is Capet Universal interested in developing The Green Hornet 2?"

Charles laughed, "The Green Hornet 2? We haven't thought about it yet. Maybe in the future; it's a film co-produced by Sony and Universal. Moreover, director Stephen Chow has already signed a new project with us!"

"Are you talking about Kung Fu Hustle 2: Tai Chi?"

"Of course not, it's just called Tai Chi," Charles shrugged.

"If Sony Columbia were developing it, they'd definitely call it Kung Fu Hustle 2: Tai Chi. But at Universal, we're developing a completely new story."

Evelyn tapped her fingers on her wine glass, "Do you think your Tai Chi will be released next year?"

Charles shook his head, "No, it's scheduled for the year after. We're still adapting the script."

"I'm going to meet with some local investment fund managers. I'll head back home in a couple of days. When are you going back?"

"Me? I have to go to Shanghai to check on the Universal Studios resort and then to Osaka, Japan, where they're building the Harry Potter Wizarding World. I'll be back next month."

Evelyn glared at him, "Don't you miss Dashiell at all?" She missed her grandson a lot after being away for so long.

...

In the evening, Charles returned to a traditional courtyard house in Shunyi District. Compared to the Park Hyatt, he preferred it here.

In the bedroom, Charles rolled off Lin Chi-ling with satisfaction, kissed her 34C chest twice, and smiled, "Red Fruit Entertainment is getting more impressive!"

Lin Chi-ling, covered in sweat and blushing, cuddled up to Charles, "It's all thanks to you. These days, Yuanyuan has been accompanying Mrs. Capet and mentioned that Red Fruit Entertainment still has a lot of areas that need improvement."

"It'll take time, no rush," Charles smiled, understanding that his mother liked to bring Hollywood's style into play.

"When are you going to Shanghai?" Lin Chi-ling started kissing Charles' chest.

Lin Chi-ling had also received 10 million in Prada stock, so she was very excited!

Charles, holding Lin Chi-ling, enjoying her curves, said, "After my mom goes back."

And then the woman lowered her head completely.

"Mmm..." Charles ran his hands through her long hair, feeling highly pleased.

*****

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