Chapter 321: MPAA

After the MPAA's internal meeting, the association's chairman, Jack Valenti, found Lew Wasserman and slightly frowned, "This, isn't it a bit too much?

You know, the MPAA was originally founded by the Big Eight members. United Artists merged with MGM, RKO stopped its business, and Disney joined, forming the current Big Seven members.

Having Galaxy join and bringing back the glory days of Hollywood's Big Eight members, wouldn't that be good?"

Although Jack Valenti was the chairman of the MPAA, his main responsibility was to handle communications between Hollywood and Washington D.C.

This time, Galaxy reapplied to join with highly impressive achievements, and the White House was supportive of it, considering Arthur Smith was a significant ally of Clinton who deserved a return of favor.

Lew Wasserman smiled, "Jack, this is what everyone wants. Galaxy is too young. It's only been around for four years. Even though they've made remarkable achievements, it doesn't mean anything!"

"What do you mean 'doesn't mean anything'?" Jack Valenti shook his head, "Besides their own cable TV network, USA, Galaxy has also established the Carmike chain of multiplex cinemas, and they are in publishing with the Mirror Group.

The Galaxy Studios in Glendale has also been completed, and Galaxy is moving in. Galaxy has already become a force in Hollywood that cannot be ignored.

Movies, TV, publishing, cinemas - they're a diversified media group now. Although Galaxy lacks heritage, its growth is powerful.

You and I both know, despite Arthur Smith's youth, he is undeniably a genius in film business management, even comparable to Louis B. Mayer or Howard Hughes.

Moreover, he backed Clinton!"

You people may only slow down his progress a bit by opposing him now, especially considering the backing from Panasonic and Sony, is there really a need to offend him?"

Lew Wasserman sighed, "The pie is only so big. The more Galaxy eats, the less there is for everyone else. Becoming an official MPAA member is not that easy. Galaxy is developing too fast, and if the foundation isn't stable, it won't be sustainable!"

Jack Valenti took a sip of his drink. He knew that within Hollywood, both internally and externally, powers were deeply intertwined. "Is this instigated by News Corp and Viacom?"

Lew Wasserman kept silent, taking a sip of his drink. MCA Universal wasn't doing very well.

With Panasonic as the parent company, he, considering retirement soon, wouldn't think too much about it.

Currently in Hollywood, besides the dominant Time Warner, the newly acquired Paramount by Viacom and News Corp are global media giants.

Although Galaxy is formidable, they are unwilling to give up their deserved interests. The MPAA's rating system is a good form of restraint.

Major distributors release so many movies annually not just because of strong capital but also due to the MPAA's suppression of non-members!

Sumner Redstone had just acquired Paramount and was ready to expand significantly, but Galaxy's momentum made him take it seriously.

...

At 555 Melrose Avenue, Paramount headquarters, in the office of chairman Sherry Lansing, Mel Gibson came back again to discuss his script for Braveheart.

Sherry Lansing smiled, "William Wallace's story is indeed good, but such a scale of investment must be carefully considered by any film company. However, I have already discussed it with 20th Century Fox. We'll jointly invest in this historical epic."

Braveheart would be a joint venture, with Paramount handling the North American distribution and 20th Century Fox responsible for international markets.

After all, Mel Gibson's budget for Braveheart exceeded $70 million, and Sherry Lansing's current strategy was to reduce risks through joint investments.

Upon hearing this, Mel Gibson immediately smiled, "That's great, I promise to deliver a satisfying film."

Sherry Lansing nodded, "Of course, both we at Paramount and 20th Century Fox have great confidence in you. But, for such a big production, we can't hire non-A-list actors. So, William Wallace's role needs you to perform!"

"Direct and act?" Mel Gibson frowned and explained, "Just this year, I did The Man Without a Face, which I directed and acted in. It was exhausting.

Moreover, Braveheart is an epic war film with many large-scale scenes. If I'm both directing and acting, it might not bring out the best in the film.

Also, William Wallace was only 28 when he died, and I'm already 39. The age doesn't match!"

The Man Without a Face was Mel Gibson's directorial debut, in which he also acted. The global box office was only $32 million, and the reviews were mediocre.

However, this directing experience gave him a lot of insight, and he didn't want to exhaust himself again by both directing and acting. It was better to choose one - either director or actor.

Sherry Lansing shook her head, "Mel, having you as the leading actor is the joint will of Paramount and 20th Century Fox. You know, a film with such a budget needs a superstar to join; the director's fame isn't enough!"

For a film of this scale, without a superstar with significant box office appeal, who would green-light Braveheart?

Mel Gibson really liked the script of Braveheart and wanted to propose, "I have a great candidate for the lead role who fits perfectly.

It's Brad Pitt. You've seen the success of Se7en, and his age is just right. He has an excellent appearance and is currently filming Warner Bros.' Interview with the Vampire. In terms of fame, he will soon become a Hollywood superstar. He's perfect for the lead role!"

"Brad Pitt? He is indeed outstanding," Sherry Lansing still shook her head, "But you should understand, the success of Se7en is mainly due to the script and director David Fincher's shooting method.

Braveheart needs a genuine Hollywood superstar. Mel, you taking the lead role is our condition for investing!"

After thinking it over, Mel Gibson finally nodded and agreed to star himself.

After Christmas, Arthur, vacationing in Mallorca of the Balearic Islands from Sardinia, hadn't been paying much attention to Hollywood news these days.

After all, with Christiana Reali and Sophie Marceau accompanying him, nothing else seemed important for the moment!

*****

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