Chapter 226: Four Weddings and a Funeral

In the office of British Galaxy, Arthur sat in his chair, holding a detailed report on ARM. The future famous chip licensing company is currently in a really miserable state!

Founded in Cambridge, UK in 1978, Acorn Computers developed a new processor using reduced instruction set computing in 1986, named ARM. Two years ago, Acorn Computers faced severe financial difficulties and spun off ARM into an independent chip company.

ARM processors struggled to develop due to being squeezed out by the Wintel alliance (Microsoft and Intel), leading to a significant decision: they would not manufacture chips themselves but instead license the chip designs to other companies for production.

"ARM is seeking investment?" Arthur asked Jim Cort, who was standing nearby.

"That's right. The computer business is currently monopolized by the Wintel alliance, leaving no market for ARM processors. The parent company Acorn also lacks funds, and very few investors are interested in ARM!"

Jim Cort shrugged, "Are you interested in ARM?"

Arthur nodded, "A little. What's ARM's current valuation?"

"Less than $7 million. I've heard that Apple and VLSI Technology have some interest, but ARM is really short on funds," Jim Cort said, looking at Arthur, "Are you really thinking about investing?"

Arthur smiled, "What investment? I want to acquire ARM outright. It's only a few million dollars."

Jim Cort also smiled, "They'll only sell up to 49% of the shares!"

"I don't plan to be involved in management," Arthur said indifferently, "But 49% is fine. Go sign the contract as soon as possible!"

Jim Cort nodded. A three to four million dollar investment was indeed a small amount for Arthur.

After Jim Cort left, Arthur felt quite pleased. ARM would be a company worth billions in the future.

The computer company's days were also tough. Now, companies like Microsoft, Dell, Intel, and IBM were all large companies with high valuations, but Arthur had his eyes on the emerging tech and internet industry.

If he couldn't be an original shareholder, at least he could be an angel investor. Arthur preferred the smallest cost for the greatest gain.

In the afternoon, screenwriter Richard Curtis came to Arthur's office with the revised script and plan for Four Weddings and a Funeral. They discussed the production details of the movie, and the budget was very low, only $6 million.

Besides Hugh Grant, there weren't any big-name actors, and the director chosen wasn't very famous either!

Arthur tapped the desk, "The lead actor, Hugh Grant, is good — humorous and charming. He did well in our previous collaboration, Sleeping with the Enemy."

Richard Curtis nodded, "I also think he should be the lead, but we're having trouble choosing the lead actress!"

Arthur thought about it. In his previous life, Four Weddings and a Funeral grossed over $100 million worldwide, largely due to Hugh Grant. Now, Arthur decided to increase the importance of the female lead, making the British romantic comedy a big hit in America!

"Increase the budget to $15 million and approach Meg Ryan for the female lead. She and Hugh Grant worked together before in Sleeping with the Enemy, which would generate buzz," Arthur wanted to raise the production quality. Meg Ryan's salary was around $4 million now.

Luckily, Hugh Grant was cheaper, his salary increased to $2 million after Sleeping with the Enemy!

"Meg Ryan?" Richard Curtis's eyes lit up. She was America's sweetheart, and her previous collaboration with Hugh Grant was indeed full of buzz.

Moreover, with a $15 million budget, Richard Curtis wouldn't need to scrimp on every aspect!

"Quickly finalize the script and start preparing the crew. I hope the movie can be released next year," Arthur reminded him.

"I understand," Richard Curtis said, then added, "Miss Catherine Zeta-Jones is a rising British star. I think she would be perfect for a supporting role in the movie!"

Richard Curtis knew that Catherine Zeta-Jones was the one who spent that night with Arthur Smith. She fit the role in every way, and casting Catherine Zeta-Jones posed no problem.

Arthur looked at Richard Curtis and, after a smile, said, "Hmm, prepare as quickly as possible. Galaxy British Films will cooperate with you!"

In the evening, the Mayfair Theatre in London was hosting a preview of The Crying Game. This drama, co-invested by Channel Four Films and Galaxy, had already been shown several times.

In the cinema, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Arthur sat in a corner, whispering, "Arthur, this movie seems very deep. It's going to the Venice Film Festival next month, right?"

Arthur smiled, "September is packed with international film festivals. Venice, Toronto, and New York International Film Festivals will all feature this movie!"

The Crying Game was about a political event entangled with a love story, full of political kidnapping, terrorist assassinations, and chaotic themes like sexual identity ambiguity. However, the most stunning aspect was Jay Davidson's portrayal of a transvestite, blending politics with homosexuality. The Crying Game was destined to be a controversial work!

"By the way, Richard Curtis's script Four Weddings and a Funeral, Galaxy plans to invest in its development. You will play a supporting role in it," Arthur said, patting the lady's hand, "As for the lead roles, unless there are any surprises, it should be Hugh Grant and Meg Ryan. The increased investment will help boost your influence!"

Catherine Zeta-Jones nodded, holding Arthur's hand, and asked with a smile, "Elizabeth Hurley's Passenger 57 is set to be released this year. It's her Hollywood debut. Can Four Weddings and a Funeral count as my Hollywood debut?"

Arthur patted Catherine's leg, "Probably not. This movie's cast and crew are mainly British, so it's considered a British film. But I am confident in the success of Four Weddings and a Funeral!"

With that, Arthur turned back to the screen, confident in the ongoing The Crying Game as well.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.