Chapter 333: Notorious Film

MGM Resorts' hotel was lavishly decorated, encompassing a vast area. The next day at noon, Arthur and Joey Wong were relaxing by the resort's swimming pool.

Joey, dressed in a sexy bikini, walked over with two glasses of juice.

Arthur immediately put down his phone and kissed the woman. "How do you like it here?"

Joey smiled, "This really is a world of indulgence and pleasures. No wonder so many people love to come here to unwind!"

"Take a few days to relax," Arthur said as he stroked her face. Joey was indeed very beautiful.

Arthur had someone inquire about Sheldon Adelson's Sands Corporation.

Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands Hotel was about to be demolished, but his Venetian Resort Hotel was no simple investment and was quite significant.

Sheldon Adelson owned the Las Vegas Sands Convention Center and had founded the COMDEX, Las Vegas' world-renowned computer expo, the premier exhibition in the information industry.

Arthur took a sip of juice. Sheldon Adelson wanted to sell the Sands Convention Center and COMDEX to finance the construction of the new Venetian Resort.

"Next month is the Oscars. Isn't your film company busy?" Joey asked while leaning on Arthur.

"Not really," Arthur smiled while stroking her arm, "The company has many projects, but all are managed by dedicated personnel."

"By the way, Arthur," Joey suddenly proposed, "I plan to study at the University of Toronto for a few years. I never had the chance before, and now I want to make up for that regret."

Arthur nodded, "No problem, you can also come to study in the U.S. if you want. I can arrange that."

"Shall we go get something to eat and then stroll around a bit? Later, we can go to the Hollywood Theater to enjoy Madonna's performance," Arthur said, kissing Joey.

After lunch, they returned to their room to change clothes and go out. The TV in the living room was playing a trailer for Disney's new film, The Lion King.

"As Disney's big summer animated blockbuster, the marketing for The Lion King is very rich!" Arthur pouted. "The Lion King is definitely the pinnacle of Disney's 2D hand-drawn animation, and Pixar's first 3D animated feature under the Galaxy banner, Toy Story, won't be released until next year!"

"What's up?" Joey saw Arthur standing in front of the TV, looking puzzled.

"Nothing," Arthur shook his head, pulled her close for a kiss, and undid her bra, feeling the softness.

"Mmh," she responded, "Didn't we say we were going out for a walk?"

"Yes, we'll go out after a bath," Arthur smiled, lifting her and heading into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of their heavy breathing echoed...

February, the most important award month, was ahead. Before the Oscars, a series of award ceremonies would take place, including the British Academy Film Awards, the Producers Guild of America Awards, Directors Guild of America Awards, and the Independent Spirit Awards.

Redemption, The Piano, and In the Name of the Father were all competing fiercely.

Glendale, at Galaxy's headquarters, Arthur received a project proposal from Carolco Pictures. When he saw the name, Arthur trembled a bit because it was the notorious Cutthroat Island.

"80 million dollar budget? Pirate-themed?"

Arthur's expression changed. Cutthroat Island can only have this budget? Are they treating it like a child's play?

"Mr. Mario Kassar, Chairman of Carolco, plans to produce a big film this year. Originally, it was to develop director Paul Verhoeven's epic Crusades in collaboration with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

However, after some time in preparation, Carolco abandoned this project and instead put all efforts into developing Cutthroat Island. The director chosen was Renny Harlin."

Anna Walker explained. Arthur was familiar with Paul Verhoeven's Crusades because the male lead was supposed to be Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Unexpectedly, Mario Kassar directly abandoned this big project and instead fully supported Cutthroat Island.

As for Renny Harlin, he had directed Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger and was currently a well-known action director.

"After switching to Renny Harlin, he was dissatisfied with the original script of Cutthroat Island, so he had it rewritten. The female lead was confirmed to be his wife, Geena Davis. The originally set male lead, Michael Douglas, dissatisfied with the revised script, withdrew from the project."

Arthur leaned back in his chair. "This script completely highlights the female lead. Renny Harlin's way of boosting his wife is too blatant."

If Geena Davis hadn't been a top star now, Mario Kassar probably wouldn't have let this script pass.

"Currently, Carolco's distribution contract with Columbia Tristar has expired, and Carolco is looking for a new distribution partner. They also hope to get more financial support from the distributor," Anna Walker continued, thinking again.

"At present, as per Mr. Mario Kassar, Cutthroat Island has already received partial funding from France's Canal+ (Channel 4)."

Arthur smiled, casually tossing the Cutthroat Island proposal onto the table. This film was notorious for entering the Guinness World Records as a box office bomb.

Who would dare touch it? Just a few days ago, Arthur had learned that Universal's Waterworld was already giving headaches, and now he was facing Cutthroat Island!

"By the way, after abandoning Paul Verhoeven's big project Crusades, Carolco has invested in another film of his, Showgirls, a story about the life and loves of a stripper in Las Vegas."

Upon hearing Anna Walker's words, Arthur couldn't help but laugh. Carolco was juggling both Cutthroat Island and Showgirls.

No wonder the company went bankrupt. Cutthroat Island was not only over-budget but also poorly executed!

As for Paul Verhoeven, his successes included RoboCop, Total Recall, and Basic Instinct.

Unfortunately, Showgirls had excessive explicit content, released with NC-17 rating and was a box office disaster.

"Didn't Carolco consider making Terminator 3?" Arthur asked. This IP was sure to make money effortlessly.

Anna Walker smiled, "They did, but director James Cameron is currently preparing a major film about the Titanic's sinking. Right now, he has no time to develop Terminator 3."

Arthur drummed his fingers on the table. James Cameron is already preparing Titanic for 20th Century Fox?

*****

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