Chapter 96: Takeover Plans

"Are you not participating in the promotional activities after Edward Scissorhands?" After starting a new day, Winona Ryder and Arthur had breakfast and discussed Arthur's upcoming work schedule.

Arthur shook his head, "There's no need. I have a big thing to do!"

Arthur was always someone who dared to think and act in his career. Since he decided to take over Orion, of course, he needed to prepare well.

Should he go to Japan's First National Bank to see if they would support him?

Winona Ryder's face was flushed. She turned to look at Arthur sitting on the sofa, "What big thing do you have this time? Do you already have a new project?"

"There's always a new project," said Arthur, walking over to embrace Winona and feeling her delicate body. "I need to find a bank to support me in developing a film."

Winona nodded, "Do you need me to come back to keep you company at Christmas?"

"No need. It's award season now. It's better for you to do more promotions with the production team," Arthur said, resting his chin on Winona's shoulder. "We will definitely attend next year's Golden Globe Awards Ceremony. We won't be apart for long."

***

At Galaxy Pictures, in Arthur's office.

Tracy Jacobs looked at Arthur sitting in the chair, raised a glass of wine in front of her, "I agreed to join CAA, and Johnny Depp is willing to come with me. Arthur, what do you think?"

Arthur was stunned for a moment, "Are you saying that CAA is also interested in me?"

"Of course, considering your current production capabilities, who wouldn't be tempted? In terms of importance, you're definitely above Depp," Tracy Jacobs didn't hide anything.

Arthur smiled, "My contract only has six months left. Does it matter?"

Now that Arthur had started his own company, how could he still need an agent? The way Tracy handled his things now was somewhat similar to a manager.

"Independent producers having agents is not weird at all," Tracy Jacobs explained.

"Tracy, I am a producer. What I need is a manager to help me run the company," Arthur said, taking a sip of wine. "You should understand what I mean!"

Tracy Jacobs nodded, "Michael Ovitz and Ron Meyer from CAA are very interested in you. Come with me to see them. Maybe there are still places where you need help!"

"There indeed are," Arthur looked at Tracy Jacobs. "Orion's financial crisis has erupted and might go bankrupt next year. I'm preparing to talk to Orion's creditors about taking over Orio by raising debt. CAA just helped Panasonic acquire MCA Group. They should have some connections on Wall Street!"

Tracy Jacobs widened her eyes, "You want to take over Orion? Its debts are very high."

"Don't worry, I have confidence in myself. If the creditors are unwilling, I can wait to talk to the banks after Orion goes bankrupt," Arthur smiled.

Anyway, in the current situation, the choice was on Arthur's side. After all, no one else was willing to be this sucker.

"Then I will go and talk to Mr. Ovitz about your intentions first," Tracy Jacobs still had Arthur's agent contract. Although by the time she officially joined CAA, Arthur's contract would have expired, both Tracy Jacobs and CAA would definitely be willing to provide help in such matters. It wouldn't hurt to have a good relationship with a young man with the potential of a gold-producing producer!

In the afternoon, Arthur went to Orion Pictures to discuss Orion's matters with Jack Brady.

"Arthur, are you serious?" Jack Brady was somewhat uncertain.

Arthur nodded, "Yes, really. Orion and I have cooperated in two movies, and I sincerely want to take over Orion. The profits from Sleeping with the Enemy and Dances with Wolves need to be paid to the investors first. Orion earns the distribution fee.

Orion now has debts in hundreds of millions, with $60 million loans due before June next year," Jack Brady stared at Arthur. "Orion doesn't have the capability anymore.

Paramount is willing to spend $22 million to buy the rights to The Addams Family. I've calculated it. After selling The Addams Family, we should be able to pay off this loan. After that, it will be up to the creditors to decide Orion's future."

Arthur tapped the table and closed his eyes to think. Jack Brady must have calculated Orion's profits after deducting the investors' returns from Dances with Wolves and Sleeping with the Enemy. Plus the funds from selling The Addams Family rights could raise $60 million!

With The Silence of the Lambs releasing in April, the North American box office could exceed $100 million. After deducting the $5 million advance for distribution, Orion's net profit would be about $10 million. Galaxy holds half of the North American rights and should get at least $15 million from the box office. Overseas releases won't be so quick, and the video rental income will come even later.

Arthur opened his eyes, "Jack, Orion's assets cannot be moved now. I can guarantee to make up the $20-plus million before June next year. I need creditors to extend the repayment period of the loan by at least two years and waive the interest!"

Jack Brady smiled, "Actually, it may not require more than $20 million. It's just that after repaying the $60 million due loan, Orion's cash flow will be drained. Selling The Addams Family is to ensure Orion has the necessary funds to distribute the completed films."

Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, Mystery Date, F/X2, Little Man Tate, Off and Running, Eve of Destruction, and The Addams Family are some of the films Orion plans to release next year.

Recently released Mermaids was also distributed by Orion, and there's another Alice coming this Christmas!

After seeing Orion's upcoming plan, Arthur was thoroughly discouraged. No wonder not even the two Oscar films Dances with Wolves and The Silence of the Lambs could save Orion. The combined schedule of these movies is not as good as the still-shooting The Addams Family, and Orion happens to be selling The Addams Family rights!

"Go talk to the creditors. As long as my conditions are met, I can take over the debts, and I can also solve the $60 million short-term loans," Arthur sighed. "But before I take over, no one is allowed to sell Orion's assets without my permission!"

Orion's appalling foresight - the financial crisis was indeed not wrong.

Jack Brady looked at Arthur seriously, "I can only try my best to convince!"

Arthur smiled, "Then I can wait to negotiate with the bank after Orion goes bankrupt!"

Jack Brady was helpless, "Rest assured, if you can bring in funding, the creditors should not make things difficult for you. Taking over is definitely better than bankruptcy..."

*****

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