Chapter 163: Saul Zaentz

"How did it go with William Hearst III?" Jim Cort hurried to ask Arthur as he returned to the hall from the room.

Arthur shook his head, "I don't know. He said he needs to think about it. Hearst is also very interested in ESPN. It would be best to collaborate. Otherwise, we will have to compete directly!"

Not only would it cost millions more, but it would also strain relations with the Hearst Corporation. Arthur, currently in a delicate phase, really didn't want to offend a large newspaper publishing group.

Moreover, Arthur didn't believe Hearst would allow Galaxy to fully acquire this 20% stake. If the Hearst Corporation insisted, Arthur would have to seek financing from banks or funds.

KKR has an interest in Hollywood. Arthur could have them set up a film fund, and Galaxy TV could help develop series for ABC Television.

"By the way, one of PolyGram's shareholders, Germany's Siemens Financial Investment Department, has a significant interest in the entertainment industry. And Germany's media giant Bertelsmann Group is the same. If the funds for acquiring ESPN shares are insufficient, you could approach these two German companies.

You should know that Germany is strongly supporting the cultural and entertainment industries. Many companies are actively involved in this area."

Arthur reminded Jim Cort that Galaxy is currently one of the most prestigious independent film companies in Hollywood.

The other one is Carolco, whose owner is also in talks with European investment firms for financing.

Jim Cort nodded, "Hearst surely doesn't want to spend more money either. I believe they will make the right choice."

"Forget about them. Worst case, I'll buy the 20% of ESPN shares myself. Hearst doesn't want to spend much cash anyway," Arthur didn't want to care too much. Anyone obstructing his path to wealth was an enemy!

Soon, Winona Ryder arrived at the party and found Arthur. "Jessica said she helped Galaxy acquire a few novel rights and has handed them over to Mrs. Pascal. Also, the British fantasy novel series you like, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, all the rights are in the hands of Hollywood producer Saul Zaentz.

The rights to The Hobbit were originally with United Artists, but Saul Zaentz bought them from United Artists a few years ago. However, United Artists retained the distribution rights for The Hobbit series."

United Artists had long been acquired by MGM, which means the distribution rights for The Hobbit series are now in MGM's hands.

Arthur had previously entrusted CAA agent Jessica James to acquire some novel adaptation rights for him.

Of course, he wouldn't pass up British author Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series and The Hobbit series.

"Saul Zaentz, huh?" Arthur nodded after thinking for a moment. "Tell Jessica that Galaxy wants to directly acquire his Saul Zaentz Company. After all, Saul Zaentz Company only produced two or three literary films. The most valuable assets are Tolkien's novel rights."

After acquiring Saul Zaentz Company, Galaxy would naturally own various rights to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit series.

Saul Zaentz Company holds complete rights to the novels, including film, television, games, and character names.

The Tolkien Estate only receives a percentage of the royalty revenue. United Artists retains the distribution rights for The Hobbit series. As for The Silmarillion, published by Tolkien's son, it was compiled from his father's manuscripts.

Once Galaxy acquires Saul Zaentz Company, they can then negotiate with the Tolkien Estate to acquire adaptation rights for The Silmarillion.

Winona Ryder smiled, "Directly buy his company?"

"Yes, to avoid future troubles," Arthur decided to nip any problems in the bud. "Negotiating the price should also be easier. Tell Jessica to be bold!"

"Alright," Winona Ryder had no objections. She then remembered something. "By the way, the satirical novel Forrest Gump by Winston Groom, which you emphasized, is also among the recent acquisitions. This novel isn't very famous. It only sold 40,000 copies when published a few years ago. Why did you want to adapt it?"

Taking Winona Ryder to a small lounge, Arthur reassured her, "Don't worry, this novel will adapt well into a screenplay.

We just have to remove the strong satire on American societal issues and turn it into a heartwarming story instead. Removing the satirical content will make it more palatable to mainstream audience tastes, and it will be a hit.

Remember, tell Jessica James to prioritize acquiring Saul Zaentz Company!"

Winona Ryder hugged Arthur, "I'll let her know." She leaned in and gave him a kiss.

After the kiss, Arthur tenderly rubbed Winona Ryder. "You attended the Night on Earth screening all day, aren't you tired?"

"Not really. I can only stay for three days, then I must return to the UK to continue shooting. Next month, I need to take time to promote Father of the Bride. I just hate leaving you!"

"Don't worry, I'll visit you on set in the UK..."

*****

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