From Hollywood to Media Empire

"Carpe Films, yes, I am Charles Carpe of Carpe Films!"

"What? The overseas distribution for Carpe Films hasn't been sold yet, we only have an agreement with Columbia TriStar International for the Asian market. Europe and Australia are still in our hands!"

"Alright, let's talk after the Golden Globe Awards!"

In Burbank, after hanging up the phone, Charles thought about how Lost in Translation had attracted many distributors. However, the offer from Universal Pictures' international distribution arm was just too low.

Charles had no intention of excluding other international distributors. He had previously collaborated with Constantin Film from Germany and Village Roadshow Pictures from Australia.

Why refuse them now?

The reason he didn't want to discuss it right away was that Lost in Translation had been nominated for five awards at the Golden Globes: Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Best Director, and Best Screenplay!

Of course, he had to wait until after the Golden Globe Awards ceremony in mid-January to discuss distribution.

It was 3 PM Pacific Time in Los Angeles.

The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills was the venue for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

Produced by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the Golden Globes were often seen as a precursor to the Oscars.

This year, the biggest contenders were Chicago and Lost in Translation, fiercely competing in Best Director and Best Acting categories in the Musical or Comedy segments.

Though the Golden Globe Awards didn't start until 5 PM, the venue was already packed with people, and the red carpet was glittering with stars.

Upon arrival, Charles found Sofia Coppola and Scarlett Johansson.

"Where's Bill?" Charles asked, referring to the film's lead actor, Bill Murray.

Sofia, dressed in a black gown, hugged Charles and laughed, "He's over there, being interviewed!"

"Charles, looking sharp today!" Scarlett Johansson also hugged him.

Charles smiled and joked that his handmade Italian suit wasn't cheap!

"Let's go inside. We still have two hours; I want to sit for a while!"

Charles extended his arms, and Sofia Coppola and Scarlett Johansson each took one, walking with him down the red carpet.

Both Sofia and Scarlett were well-recognized, but who cared about a producer like Charles?

After walking and stopping several times, Charles entered the media hall for interviews while others continued along the red carpet.

The Golden Globes took place in a banquet-like hall where attendees sat at tables, circling around the stage for the awards ceremony.

Charles waited alone for nearly half an hour when Sofia Coppola joined him.

"How are you feeling? Nervous?" Sofia smiled as she poured herself a glass of water.

"Nervous?" Charles shook his head. "Look at the nominees: Drama - The Hours, Gangs of New York; Musical or Comedy - Chicago, and our Lost in Translation."

"Three of those are from Miramax, and Chicago has a solid reputation and a North American box office of $30 million, with its release scale gradually expanding."

Lost in Translation premiered a week earlier than Chicago and had just crossed $25 million at the North American box office.

Sofia patted Charles and laughed, "I know Harvey Weinstein is fierce in award publicity, but Miramax is focused on the Oscars two months later. Besides, do you think Miramax can sweep the Golden Globes?"

Charles chuckled, "Good point. Their focus is indeed on the Oscars. Chicago, Gangs of New York, and The Hours may all have good reputations, but Roman Polanski's The Pianist is critically acclaimed through the roof."

Recently, the Los Angeles Times had published extensive coverage of Roman Polanski's old case of sexual assault involving an underage girl.

Harvey Weinstein's moves hit hard; Polanski had been a fugitive from American justice for years, even if both sides' lawyers had likely settled things out of court.

However, Polanski still couldn't enter the U.S.; in Europe, he could do as he pleased since European film industries had less stringent moral and legal constraints than Hollywood.

"Are you ready to attend various film festivals and such?" Sofia asked.

Charles was after profit, while Sofia Coppola sought fame, each wanting something different.

"The BAFTA Awards are in February, followed by the Oscars. We've also submitted for the Venice Film Festival in September," Sofia quickly responded after thinking for a moment.

"As for other awards submitted by various distributors, it depends on the schedule."

Charles nodded in agreement, aware that domestic distributors would promote the film internationally at different film festivals, such as the Tokyo International Film Festival, the French Cesar Awards for foreign films, and the Italian David di Donatello Awards for foreign films.

"Lots of stars here tonight!" Charles remarked, watching the celebrities entering the banquet hall, noting that the front rows were reserved for movie stars closest to the awards stage.

Further back were the staff members and, beyond them, TV actors and members of international film crews.

"Starting this year, the Golden Globes will be held in late January. Previously, they were scheduled a few days before the Oscar nominations. Now it's been reformed!" Sofia remarked, seemingly keeping up with such details.

"I think the Oscars will now be held in late March, with nominations announced in February. The ceremony is usually in Kodak Theatre in late February," Charles recalled, noting that the Academy Awards were also moving to a February spot.

The Golden Globe nominations were revealed in early January, with the ceremony in late January; Oscar nominations were announced in early February, with the Oscars held in late February at the Kodak Theatre.

This was the awards timeline Charles remembered!

"Alright, I'm going to greet the My Big Fat Greek Wedding crew," Charles said, spotting Nia Vardalos entering the hall.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding had also been nominated for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

Nevertheless, its momentum didn't seem to rival Chicago or Lost in Translation, despite being a box-office hit.

"Hey, Nia!" Charles hugged Nia Vardalos.

"Charles, good to see you. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are also here!" Nia Vardalos replied with a smile.

*****

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