Arthur Smith's Hollywood Odyssey

[Chapter 602: Warner MGM Collaboration]

In the penthouse suite of the MGM building, Arthur sat on the sofa, flipping through a newspaper. He couldn't help but exclaim, "I can't believe Sony's low-budget movie Anaconda made over a hundred million dollars worldwide!"

Anaconda grossed fifty million in North America and a total of one hundred thirty million globally.

Kate Beckinsale chuckled, "That's about what we made with Species, but Anaconda didn't get much critical acclaim."

"As long as it brings in the box office, that's all that matters," Arthur said, showing no concern for the critical reception of B-movies; profit was the priority.

"The lead actress is Jennifer Lopez," Arthur glanced at her photo and directed, "Have Galaxy Records sign her and that girl group Destiny's Child."

Destiny's Child included Beyonce, who would become a cash cow in the future; as for Jennifer Lopez, while she'd have many films ahead, her music career would far surpass her acting achievements.

Kate nodded, "The deal with Destiny's Child is all set; they'll release a single later this year. What about Jennifer Lopez? Has she recorded any movie soundtracks?"

Arthur leaned back on the sofa, setting his newspaper down. "Don't worry, she'll have major opportunities ahead. By the way, what's the deal with that Canadian named Frank Giustra?" David Komansky mentioned him specifically in front of Arthur.

"Oh, he's a mining investor from Canada who used to work in banking. This year, he started a film company in Vancouver called Lionsgate. He acquired a small Canadian film equipment company and a distributor to set things up," Kate explained.

Arthur nodded, realizing that Frank Giustra was indeed the owner of Lionsgate, and the first bridge in Vancouver was called Lions Gate Bridge!

"It seems the film industry is becoming increasingly attractive to external investors," especially since Galaxy was now valued at thirty-five billion dollars.

"Now, there are quite a few small independent film distributors popping up," Kate sat in Arthur's lap. "They mainly focus on violent, bloody, and horror films, much like our Orion label."

Arthur placed a hand on her thigh and kissed her. "Sony's new head of U.S. entertainment has started running things, hasn't he?"

"Yeah, it's Howard Stringer, the former president of CBS." Kate quickly responded.

The previous year, before Galaxy acquired CBS, Howard Stringer had left CBS to join TELE-TV as Chairman and CEO; Arthur logically handed over the presidency of CBS to Nick Davis, the head of USA Networks.

As they talked, Kate pecked Arthur on the cheek a few times. "Howard Stringer is now in charge of Sony's film and music divisions."

That included Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Group.

...

Later that evening, in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, Arthur drove a Ferrari F40, taking Charlize Theron to an upscale Italian restaurant. Scream 3 had just finished shooting and was set to be released around Halloween.

"I have a comedy film, Trial and Error, coming out in a couple of days. I'll be part of New Line's promotional tour," Charlize said, primarily landing roles as a pretty face without much substance.

Arthur cut into a piece of steak. "Hmm. I'm going to introduce you to someone later."

Charlize nodded, then settled in to enjoy her meal.

Not long after, Arthur brought Charlize to a nearby bar's private room, where Warner Bros. co-chairman Terry Semel awaited him.

"Arthur, good evening," Terry Semel greeted with a hug.

"Good evening, this is Charlize," Arthur pulled her to sit beside him.

Terry Semel nodded at Charlize, then turned to Arthur. "Did you call me here for a specific reason?"

Arthur got straight to the point. "You guys have the script for The Matrix and are looking for collaboration, right?"

"You're referring to the concept from the Wachowski Brothers, aren't you?" Terry Semel smiled. "It's a fascinating script, and a lot of people think highly of it."

The Wachowskis had submitted their concept to Warner Bros. a few years earlier. It was compelling, but they insisted on directing it themselves and wanted to refine the script; however, as newcomers, Warner was hesitant to trust them. They later provided another script titled Assassins and directed Bound.

Assassins featured Sylvester Stallone, released the previous year, marking the Wachowskis' entry into the entertainment industry; last year, their self-directed low-budget erotic drama Bound received positive reviews.

Now, Warner Bros. was finally ready to back the Wachowskis' The Matrix, but because the brothers had yet to prove themselves commercially, Warner's budget for the project was somewhat limited.

"MGM is willing to collaborate, just like we did with Paramount on Face/Off and Fox on Titanic," Arthur expressed his intentions clearly; he couldn't secure the Wachowskis' script for The Matrix. If Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, or Michael Bay had an enticing script, it would be snatched up by Galaxy.

Terry Semel glanced at Arthur. "Do you believe in this film?"

Arthur remained composed, shaking his head. "I didn't get the script; some in production are optimistic about it."

Terry Semel thought for a moment. "Warner Bros. can relinquish international distribution rights."

Arthur nodded. "For the female lead, I'd like to recommend Charlize Theron. There are quite a few action sequences in The Matrix. Charlize studied ballet for years; she can definitely handle it. I believe with training, she'll excel in the action scenes."

Terry Semel looked over at Charlize, then back at Arthur. "We still haven't cast the male lead, though. However, for the female lead, we definitely need someone with a great physique and athletic ability."

"Sure, when it's time for auditions, let's have Charlize meet with the Wachowskis to talk it over."

Arthur didn't worry about her rejection; the status of female roles in films was significantly lower compared to male actors.

"Rest assured, the Wachowski Brothers are diligently preparing for the pre-production stage. It won't be long before they start officially planning it," Terry Semel said, shaking Arthur's hand. "We're looking forward to collaborating with MGM!"

*****

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