Chapter 87: Paula Wagner

In October 1990, Japan's renowned electronics manufacturer Panasonic acquired MCA Entertainment Group for billions of dollars.

The assets included Universal Pictures, MCA Television Group, MCA Home Video and Pay TV, and MCA Music (which included Geffen Records, purchased from David Geffen for $500 million in March this year).

There were also publishing companies, chain cinema companies, part of the American cable network (USA), the Hollywood Bowl, and Universal Studios Theme Park in Hollywood, plus the newly opened Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida (a joint venture between MCA and the UK's Rank Organization).

Former MCA Universal Chairman Lew Wasserman, once the top figure in Hollywood, managed MCA Group with President Sidney Sheinberg. 

Now, Panasonic President Shoichiro Irimajiri and CEO Masayoshi Tsukamoto were the heads of MCA. Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita had passed away last year, missing the opportunity to see Panasonic acquire this American entertainment giant.

Arthur put down the newspaper, noting that Japan's stock market seemed to be declining, but the world's second-largest economy was still formidable.

"Arthur, this actor is great. The audition was fantastic. She has an innocent look amidst the horror. You found someone excellent from Australia," said Sam Raimi at Galaxy Films, feeling satisfied with Naomi Watts' performance.

Arthur stood up. "Get ready as soon as possible. The sooner we start shooting, the better. We've secured a soundstage at Universal Studios, so Scream will be filmed there!"

Sam Raimi nodded. Arthur then went to the lounge to meet Naomi Watts. "You don't have an agent yet, right?"

Naomi explained, "Nicole has already introduced me to an agent. She should be arriving soon."

Arthur sat down and gestured for Naomi to sit as well. "You don't have to be so formal. Your audition was excellent. The film will start shooting soon, marking your Hollywood debut. Hollywood is definitely a tough place, but it can make some people famous overnight. You've seen the recent success of Demi Moore and Julia Roberts, who were relatively unknown before."

Naomi smiled. "The competition in the entertainment industry has always been fierce. You've given me this rare opportunity in Hollywood, which has already changed my life. I don't know how to repay you."

Arthur looked at Naomi. "By offering yourself?"

"If you want, I can't think of a reason to refuse," Naomi replied with a smile.

Arthur touched his face. "Ah, being young and handsome has its perks. Prepare for the role in the next few days and participate in rehearsals. Scream is planned as a series!"

Naomi nodded seriously. "I'll work hard. This is a rare opportunity, and I intend to seize it."

Soon, Naomi Watts' agent arrived at Galaxy Films.

"It's you?" Arthur rubbed his forehead, surprised to see Jessica James.

Jessica patted Arthur's shoulder reassuringly. "Nicole Kidman contacted Winona Ryder and suggested I represent her. Then she recommended Naomi Watts as well."

"Both are the leads in your new films, Arthur Smith. Do you think I'd refuse? They may be newcomers, but I trust your judgment!"

Arthur nodded. "Newcomers' pay is low!"

Jessica smiled. "That's okay. The pay doesn't matter much. Just provide some living expenses."

"Arthur, Nicole Kidman is also in good hands with me. I can handle small matters for you and keep an eye on Winona."

Arthur rubbed his face. "Where is Winona now?"

"She's in New York, having just come from Chicago, as Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael is about to premiere," Jessica replied after sipping her coffee. "Don't worry, everything's fine!"

"Okay. Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts both have solid skills from their drama school days," Arthur reminded. "They'll easily stand out given the right opportunities."

Jessica leaned closer to Arthur. "Romantic comedies are trending now, and many studios are looking to develop more of them. What do you think?"

Arthur sat down. "Romantic comedies always have a market, plus they're low-cost. But they're very story-dependent. A good story can make it a hit, while a bad one will flop. Why do you ask? Is Winona getting scripts for romantic films?"

Jessica nodded. "But they're mostly indie art films, more drama-oriented."

"No rush," Arthur advised. "Let's wait until Edward Scissorhands premieres. It's set for December by 20th Century Fox. Winona has three films coming out, so she's busy. New projects can wait until next year. Plus, she shot Father of the Bride this year, which will also be released next year!"

"Alright," Jessica agreed, feeling Winona didn't need to rush into new projects.

That evening, Arthur's agent, Tracy Jacobs, called him to a club in Beverly Hills.

"What's up? Couldn't you tell me over the phone?" Arthur asked.

Tracy looked worried. "Paula Wagner asked me to come, and she wanted you here too."

"Paula Wagner?" Arthur didn't recognize the name. "Who is she, and what does she have to do with us?"

"She's Tom Cruise's agent, the one who discovered him!"

Arthur was taken aback. "Tom Cruise's agent wants to see us? Is it because of those recent tabloid rumors?"

Tracy sighed. "Probably. Tom Cruise's image is very important, especially post-fame. He's very careful about rumors."

Arthur smiled. "Alright, let's see what Paula Wagner has to say. In Hollywood, if she can't see through this, her only claim to fame might be discovering a young Tom Cruise."

Tracy nodded in agreement...

*****

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