Chapter 272: Sherry Lansing

"Arthur, let's chat next time. I have to leave now!" Frank Mancuso stood up, shook Arthur's hand, nodded to Jennifer Connelly, and then left.

"The current situation at MGM is really regrettable," Arthur sighed deeply as he watched Frank Mancuso's departing figure.

Frank Mancuso replaced John Calley as CEO of MGM-United Artists.

Lyon Credit Bank was making MGM an independent distributor, focusing solely on low-budget projects. Can it work?

Jennifer Connelly spoke up, "MGM indeed hasn't had any big releases. Last year, there were almost no films due to legal issues, and this year's releases are also few!"

Arthur chuckled, "They're still in the middle of a legal battle over the 007 rights. That's MGM-United Artists' lifeline."

MGM's extensive library still provided the company with significant annual revenue; in other aspects, they couldn't compare to Arthur's Galaxy!

At the Marmon Castle Hotel, the main creators of Paramount's newly premiered drama Indecent Proposal were also celebrating there.

Director Adrian Lyne and the three leads, Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson, and Robert Redford, attended with their partners.

"Demi Moore has really mastered the art of seduction. She's booked another film, Disclosure, with Michael Douglas," Arthur said playfully as he snuggled Jennifer Connelly on the sofa.

Jennifer Connelly smiled back, "Demi and Sharon Stone are Hollywood's two biggest sex symbols now!"

Arthur nodded, "Just like Meg Ryan and Julia Roberts are the queens of romantic comedies."

"Indecent Proposal grossed over $18 million in its opening. Despite the polarized reviews, it's generating a lot of buzz. Newspapers are optimistic about its box office performance," Jennifer Connelly explained.

"It's similar to Basic Instinct. Demi Moore's figure in the movie isn't bad either," Arthur said, patting Jennifer Connelly affectionately. "You wouldn't want to take on such roles, would you?"

"No way! I've taken on sultry roles before, but they flopped. Plus, Demi Moore gained massive fame from Ghost. I don't have her allure," Jennifer Connelly said, knowing her sexy appeal was different from Demi's.

"Hmm," Arthur nodded and kissed Jennifer Connelly's neck. "Being a sex symbol doesn't go far - even in high-profile films, the script and storyline are crucial. Movies like Basic Instinct and Indecent Proposal are excellent scripts enhanced by erotic scenes."

...

At night, in the Beverly Hills villa, Arthur, lying in bed, caressed Jennifer Connelly's chest, "Dear, do you have to leave Los Angeles?"

"Yes," Jennifer Connelly breathlessly replied and then leaned in to kiss Arthur's lips.

"Mhm," after a passionate kiss, Jennifer Connelly relaxed, snuggling close to Arthur, "Besides a new film to shoot, I have Mrs. Doubtfire promotion activities to attend. Do you want me to stay with you?"

Arthur shook his head, "No need, it's easy for us to meet."

"Hmm," Jennifer Connelly said, starting to kiss Arthur's chest, "Frank Mancuso has joined MGM, and Paramount also announced a new CEO, Sherry Lansing!"

"Yes, she's the first real female head of one of Hollywood's Big Six," Arthur responded, exploring her body with his hands. "Sherry Lansing has been collaborating with a Paramount producer for years. Given Paramount's ongoing sale negotiations, I thought they'd wait until after the deal settled to change leadership."

Jennifer Connelly smiled and explained, "Arthur, Pascal is already managing Galaxy superbly for you. At 35, she's the president of the company just below the Big Six!"

"That makes me even more impressive, becoming the head of a film group below the Big Six at 24," Arthur smirked. Who could top that?

"Yes, you're the best," Jennifer Connelly teased.

He pondered MGM and Paramount's change of CEOs. As long as MGM didn't develop new 007 series, there was no need to worry.

As for Paramount, Sherry Lansing had good vision, but Forrest Gump was already a Galaxy project. It was out of her reach.

Unlike the newly appointed Frank Mancuso at MGM, Sherry Lansing couldn't be considered an outsider at Paramount. Paramount Pictures' Chairman Brandon Tartikoff announced his retirement in May, and film industry veteran Sherry Lansing, 49 years old, would assume the chairman role.

Although she was the first female leader among Hollywood's Big Six, Sherry Lansing had extensive experience.

In the early 80s, Sherry Lansing was the production manager at 20th Century Fox. She later co-founded her own production company, maintaining a partnership with Paramount Pictures.

Hit films from a few years ago, like Fatal Attraction, and the upcoming Disclosure, were soft erotica dramas she developed with director Adrian Lyne and actor Michael Douglas!

*****

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