Chapter 325

After leaving the Neverland estate of Santa Barbara, Arthur returned directly to Los Angeles. As for whether Michael Jackson would reach an out-of-court settlement with the Chandler family, Arthur truly had no idea.

However, Arthur believed his words might give Michael some warnings. In his previous life, Michael Jackson had spent over $20 million on settlements!

What Arthur didn't expect was that Michael Jackson had already sold half of ATV Music Publishing's shares to Sony.

That was really quick.

In Arthur's office in Glendale, after listening to his assistant Anna's report, Arthur didn't feel much. It was about the upcoming Golden Globe Awards for American Film and Television.

In 1993, Galaxy had a stellar performance, greatly enhancing Galaxy Films' influence!

At a nightclub in West Hollywood, Arthur was hanging out with Madchen Amick, who had just finished filming Forrest Gump, and Hugh Grant, who had flown in from the UK.

"Arthur, I really have to thank you this time," Hugh Grant beamed, having become the hottest British actor thanks to the success of Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Arthur took a sip of his drink, "Hey, you earned it with your own effort!"

Four Weddings and a Funeral grossed nearly $300 million worldwide, a box office record for a British film.

"I heard Galaxy is planning to collaborate with Studio Films to adapt Mr. Bean?" Hugh Grant suddenly asked.

"Yes, but Richard Curtis is busy with a new series now, so we'll have to wait until he's done with his current project," Arthur revealed without hesitation.

Hugh Grant smiled, "Let me know if you need anything!"

Arthur, holding Madchen Amick, couldn't help but remind Hugh Grant, "You're very famous now, but don't neglect your acting skills. Romantic comedies are easy to shoot and even easier to act in. It's easy to get lost in commercial success. You should spend some time honing your craft, perhaps in British theater or some independent films. After all, independent films are very challenging and great for personal growth!"

Hugh Grant had recently taken on several commercial romantic comedies that paid well. Hearing Arthur's advice, he calmed down.

"Wow, you have great foresight," Hugh Grant nodded seriously, "Your advice is really good!"

Arthur also nodded, lifting his glass for a toast. Unfortunately, Britain didn't have many dashing actors like Hugh Grant at the moment.

Veterans like Anthony Hopkins could only play supporting roles, and method actors like Daniel Day-Lewis lacked commercial appeal.

Arthur hoped that Hugh Grant could become the face of British actors. Solely acting in romantic comedies wouldn't get him far!

At night, Arthur and Madchen Amick returned to her Hollywood villa.

"Arthur, you seem to really believe in Hugh Grant?" Madchen Amick asked, lying on Arthur's chest.

"Yes, he's pretty good. I think he can become the Brad Pitt of Britain," Arthur said, fondling her.

"British actors have an inherent gentlemanly charm that many directors love. But romantic comedies don't help an actor grow!"

"Got it," Madchen Amick trusted Arthur completely, and since her popularity had quickly risen by sticking with Arthur, she wasn't doubtful of his words.

Looks like she'll be taking on fewer romantic roles in the future.

"Alright, time to rest," Arthur said, patting Madchen Amick.

...

Hollywood reported that Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) acquired independent film distributor New Line Cinema and film production company Castle Rock Entertainment simultaneously;

TBS Group Chairman Ted Turner, New Line Cinema Chairman Robert Shaye, and Castle Rock Entertainment President Alan Horn jointly attended the signing ceremony!

As the second-largest independent distributor after Miramax, New Line's value was indeed considerable. Similarly, Castle Rock Entertainment's production capability was not to be underestimated. With TBS backing them, they became a formidable opponent.

At The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Amy Pascal was chatting with Alan Horn, "Is director Rob Reiner still busy with the crime comedy North?"

Alan Horn shook his head, "The film has wrapped up shooting and is in post-production. It will be released in the summer!"

Due to Castle Rock Entertainment's partnership with Columbia TriStar, the distribution of these projects under their hand was primarily by Columbia TriStar.

Although New Line also had distribution capabilities, their previous collaboration with Castle Rock Entertainment was an investment agreement.

Now, after New Line and Castle Rock both belonged to TBS, they would integrate, but Castle Rock and Columbia TriStar's projects still had priority!

"Alan Sorkin submitted a script and hopes to collaborate with Rob Reiner again, it's a political drama called The American President. Maybe Rob Reiner will be interested in that." Amy Pascal explained with a smile.

"Really, Alan Sorkin's script, let's pass it to Rob Reiner. I believe he might be interested."

Alan Sorkin initially made a name for himself with his debut screenplay A Few Good Men. But his subsequent work Malice did not make much of a splash. Now that Alan Sorkin had handed over The American President to Miramax, it quickly caught Amy Pascal's attention.

Castle Rock previously collaborated with Arthur on Sleepless in Seattle, and later, they worked with Galaxy on A Few Good Men as well as Redemption. Their cooperation philosophy was quite good!

"This time, congratulations to you all, TBS is no small potato," Amy Pascal took a sip of her drink and offered her congratulations; TBS, TNT, CNN, Cartoon Network, and other cable channels were strong backers.

Alan Horn smiled slightly, "The importance of Castle Rock doesn't compare to New Line. Even though we all belong to TBS, in movie business, New Line will be the primary focus!"

No doubt, TBS's acquisition of New Line Cinema's assets plus debts amounted to $500 million, with founder and chairman Robert Shaye receiving about $100 million in profits; Moreover, Robert Shaye still called the shots at New Line, operating independently, much like Miramax under Disney.

A while later, Ted Turner specifically sought out Amy Pascal, "I never thought that an independent film company from back in the day, after acquiring Orion, would transform into a film group that can influence the Hollywood landscape in just a few short years. TBS always wanted to acquire Galaxy, but the chances seem slimmer than ever now."

Amy Pascal shook her head, "Mr. Turner, TBS Broadcasting Group is a renowned American cable TV conglomerate, and CNN alone made many media groups drool with envy; Galaxy's main business is still in the film industry, TBS is in the news business!"

Of course, according to Arthur, even if there would be a merger, it would be Galaxy acquiring TBS;

It would never be TBS acquiring Galaxy, and now Galaxy had already set its sights on MGM.

"Amy, nothing is absolute. The combination of film and television is the trend for media groups now; TBS's TV distribution and promotion capabilities paired with Galaxy's content creation abilities would surely make a formidable partnership."

Ted Turner was genuinely optimistic about Galaxy Films, especially valuing Arthur Smith; In just two short years, Galaxy not only acquired USA Network but also took stakes in ESPN and BET, two specialty cable channels; More importantly, Galaxy's market share in films last year surpassed that of Hollywood's six major studios, claiming the top spot!

Amy Pascal shrugged, "Perhaps you can discuss with Arthur."

"Alright, excuse me, I'm going to meet some other guests!"

"Please go ahead, Mr. Turner," Amy Pascal smiled and nodded.

On the other side, after Jon Peters, Co-CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, finished his chat with Alan Horn, he also walked towards Amy Pascal.

*****

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