Chapter 209: Non-English-speaking markets

"Hollywood's Galaxy Cinemas has been very successful. The concept of large multiplex theaters has been well received, and Carmike Cinemas is planning to promote it widely," Amy Pascal said as she sat down on the sofa.

Arthur was interested in the theaters primarily because of Galaxy's distribution. "Carmike Cinemas expanding is definitely a good thing for us. It will increase our distribution capabilities."

"However, Carmike's strength is still somewhat lacking compared to other major theater chains. I heard MGM-United Artists is selling their United Artists Theater circuit. I wonder if Carmike has the guts to go for it?"

Currently, the largest theater chains in the United States were General Cinema, Loews Cineplex, and AMC.

It seemed like another wave of mergers was coming to the U.S. theater market.

"Investing in Fanfan — do you want to get involved in French film production?" Amy Pascal asked.

Arthur shook his head. "Hollywood films are enough. For English-speaking areas, we can have our own production studio. As for other languages, unless we come across a great script, providing funding and participating in production should be sufficient.

In places like France and Japan, Galaxy's branch offices should primarily focus on their main business, expanding Galaxy Films' influence locally, and promoting in the secondary sales markets such as VHS, LaserDiscs, and TV."

If you can handle English films, you can dabble in other language films when you have the energy. English films have the largest market now.

As for dedicated French, German, Spanish, or Italian films, they don't have much significance now. If there were to be a choice, Spanish films would be the way to go.

No other reason than the sheer number of Spanish-speaking people in Latin America. The influence of Spanish in the Americas is second only to English.

Amy Pascal laughed. "These things can't be rushed. The French and Japanese branches are almost ready. They can start operating this year. We'll need more time for the German and Spanish markets."

The UK was a given, sharing the same roots with Hollywood. Galaxy UK Films was not only responsible for film distribution in the British Isles but also for production.

France and Japan were the first non-English-speaking markets Galaxy started to set up in and now were about to start operations.

"Working with local film companies a few times will help understand the market. Bertelsmann Group in Germany is familiar with us. Strengthening that partnership is good.

Since Germany's reunification, its economy has grown significantly, better than many other European countries. For the Spanish market, we can start by targeting Mexico and Central America. Florida is close to Central America; California borders Mexico. There are many Latinos in the U.S."

"Alright. Are you not going to the screening of The Bodyguard?" Amy Pascal noticed Arthur's casual attire and already guessed.

"Uh, you can go instead," Arthur said, standing up and giving Amy Pascal a hug. "I want to enjoy the beaches and waves of Cannes for a few days!"

Amy Pascal sighed. "Arthur, how about making a high-profile appearance with Sophie Marceau these days? Getting photographed by the press could boost Sophie's media presence, helping with the promotion of A Few Good Men."

Arthur frowned. "Hasn't Sophie had enough exposure in Cannes these days?"

"That depends on who you're comparing her to. Look at Sharon Stone's media presence now," Amy Pascal pointed out.

"Sharon Stone's Basic Instinct has made her incredibly famous. The international box office for Basic Instinct will undoubtedly be huge! And after funding The Shawshank Redemption, the company's current cash flow is low, unless you divert funds from the promotional budget for upcoming releases."

Arthur rubbed his forehead. "Does Speed have no funds for production now?"

Amy Pascal nodded. "We don't. But Village Roadshow and Castle Rock Entertainment are willing to support us."

"Village Roadshow can participate, trading Australian and New Zealand rights for some funding. Castle Rock and Polygram can be left out," Arthur thought for a moment.

"Also, UFA Film Company in Germany can sell the German distribution rights. Once The Bodyguard is released, things will be better. Speed won't start filming until at least August."

After Amy Pascal left, Arthur felt a bit overwhelmed. There was the $40 million shorting of the ruble by Pacific Investment Company in California, the acquisition of ESPN and BET shares, the purchase of The Lord of the Rings rights, and the acquisition of Mirror Group Newspapers...

"Arthur, you finally made it to Cannes?" A seductive fragrance filled the room as the sexy Sophie Marceau walked in and sat on Arthur's lap, her French kiss still lingering.

"Sophie, the newspapers have been full of discussions about your beauty these days," Arthur said, holding the warm and fragrant beauty in his arms.

Sophie Marceau glanced at the newspaper on the table. The photo was a glamorous shot of Sharon Stone, the lead actress of Basic Instinct. "Right now, the most talked-about thing in Cannes is this controversial film. Sharon Stone is more famous than me!"

"Once A Few Good Men is released, things will change. Sharon Stone won't shake off the sex symbol label," Arthur said, nuzzling his face against Sophie's white chest. "The influence of Hollywood movies is far beyond that of the French art films you've been in before!"

Sophie Marceau laughed and tousled Arthur's hair. "Alright, wasn't the time you spent in Paris a few days ago enough for you? Don't say I didn't warn you. You should take it easy. With so many women around you, aren't you afraid of dying in bed someday?"

"I work out regularly. You saw my skills last time," Arthur said, biting Sophie's chest.

"And I'm not Hugh Hefner of Playboy. Thousands of women, taking pills every day just to have sex now!"

Sophie Marceau giggled. "I've heard about him in the U.S. They say he keeps dozens of young, sexy Playboy Bunnies in his mansion in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles. Every day, celebrities throw parties there!"

Arthur looked up. "Pretty much. The Playboy Mansion is L.A.'s number one den of debauchery."

"Come on, have lunch with me. I have to attend a film meeting this afternoon," Sophie Marceau said, standing up and straightening her clothes.

"You sure are busy!"

*****

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