Chapter 393

When Arthur left the Seraphim base in Colorado and returned to Los Angeles, it was already late October.

The security company didn't bring much profit to Arthur; it was more about safety.

As for Mary Klaus, she was just an ordinary beautiful employee at Seraphim. After all, the salary there was quite high.

Former FBI and CIA members were no big deal; who can resist money?

Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel.

"Telecom industry in Mexico?" Jim Colt was a bit helpless. "Arthur, it's very difficult to enter this type of industry, especially in a country like Mexico. Competition with Telmex isn't even the main issue. Even American phone businesses entering Mexico would be targeted by Telmex. The Carso Group holds significant power in Mexican politics and business."

Jim Colt wasn't surprised that Arthur wanted to enter the communications industry. The market for wireless communications was booming.

Arthur knew this too, so he didn't expect too much. However, with domestic communication companies, Arthur had more confidence.

"Alright then, looks like we'll have to wait for the right opportunity," Arthur said calmly, aware that Mexico wasn't his home turf.

Last year, TPG joined forces with Air Canada, GE Capital, and Aviation Partners to acquire the bankrupt Continental Airlines.

TPG and Aviation Partners are now restructuring and managing Continental Airlines.

"Arthur, actually, the Southeast Asian region is developing well now, their economies are growing rapidly, and they've taken on many outsourcing orders. And they pursue neoliberal economic policies, lifting foreign exchange controls to attract international capital," Jim Colt said with a smile.

"Relying on exports and pegging their currencies to the dollar - their stock markets are on fire right now!"

"Southeast Asia," Arthur knew well, Asia had giants like Japan and the "Four Asian Tigers" - Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Arthur glanced at Jim Colt, smiling, "A superpower can reap the world as they wish. Maybe I should take some time to vacation in Southeast Asia."

Jim Colt nodded, "I've heard Thailand and Malaysia are good places. You should check them out, Arthur..."

...

Later, Arthur encountered Disney Chairman Michael Eisner at the hotel event. Michael had just gone through a rough patch with Jeffrey Katzenberg and had also recovered from a serious illness. Arthur was surprised that he seemed alright.

"Good evening, Mr. Eisner," Arthur shook his hand.

Michael Eisner smiled, "I can't believe Galaxy acquired MGM so quickly, it's truly incredible. MGM, one of Hollywood's icons, was almost ruined. We are all grateful to you!"

"Even without me, someone else would've helped MGM out of its troubles," Arthur said, not out of modesty, but because MGM's film library was truly valuable - it was just a matter of time.

Michael Eisner nodded, "Now we're both official members of the MPAA. The conflict between Ovitz at CAA and Galaxy should come to an end."

"Mr. Eisner, what disputes can there be among businessmen?" Arthur's smile broadened. With two strong-willed people now at Disney, interesting days were ahead.

Especially comparing Jeffrey Katzenberg, who left Disney, Michael Ovitz, now Disney's president, wasn't known for films.

Would Michael Ovitz, who ruled with an iron fist at CAA, be content to become Michael Eisner's loyal follower like the late Frank Wells?

"Yes, Hollywood's progress depends on our joint efforts," Michael Eisner said. He was still in the honeymoon period with Michael Ovitz, sharing power without Katzenberg.

Michael Eisner felt confident about his solo control over Disney.

"So, Arthur, what do you think about the founding of DreamWorks?" Michael Eisner smiled. "After all, these three are no small figures in Hollywood, and DreamWorks' business spans animated features, live-action films, TV production, home entertainment, records, and film processing."

"They are a strong competitor," Arthur said, shrugging. "But it won't be that fast. DreamWorks won't do anything small-scale; animation production takes time. Setting up a theater distribution system and a home entertainment department isn't simple. Is Disney worried about competition from DreamWorks?"

Michael Eisner patted Arthur's shoulder, "Does Disney fear other animation companies? By the way, isn't there a Pixar Animation Studio under Galaxy? They're releasing their first 3D computer-animated feature, right?"

"Yes, it'll be out next summer!"

"Good, young people should try new things more," Michael Eisner showed disdain for 3D computer animation.

2D hand-drawn animation was the soul, after all.

After chatting with Arthur, Michael Eisner joined Roy Disney in the lounge. Roy, now back in charge of Disney Animation, had also seen their conversation.

"We shouldn't underestimate Arthur Smith. When Galaxy acquired Pixar, we almost signed a production contract with them," Roy Disney furrowed his brow. "Now, Pixar's first animated feature is about to debut. The hype around 3D animation needs serious attention."

Back then, under Jeffrey Katzenberg, Disney's animation reached new heights, and he valued 3D computer animation greatly.

Katzenberg's idea was to control Pixar through strict agreements, developing and eventually swallowing Pixar.

Roy Disney, a key member of the Disney family and the board, had been a staunch supporter of placing Michael Eisner at Disney's helm.

Over the years, Roy Disney remained Michael Eisner's loyal ally.

Thus, Michael Eisner treated him with respect, "Roy, you don't really think computer software can produce hits like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, or The Lion King, do you? In half a century, who has directly competed with Disney Animation? No matter how capable Arthur Smith is, does he understand animation production?"

Michael Eisner was confident. Roy Disney, too, believed that 2D hand-drawn animation was Disney's core and didn't think Pixar could compete with Disney.

*****

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