Chapter 314: Oxford

As December arrived, Hollywood also entered the high season for award-chasing films. In fact, since mid-November, several new films have been released each week.

Philadelphia from Galaxy was initially intended for awards, with the release date set for December!

In November and December, more independent films were released compared to commercial films, which had substantial marketing budgets. Independent films could only choose to release around the awards season, trying to leave a good impression on the judges.

In North Hollywood, in Arthur's office, he watched as director Frank Darabont left the office listlessly, and Arthur smiled wryly.

Redemption only grossed $28 million at the box office, which was a massive loss compared to its $25 million investment. This left Frank Darabont, who had great confidence in himself, very frustrated.

However, the reputation of Redemption was quite good, making it a popular contender for awards season along with The Piano.

Unfortunately, The Piano, a New Zealand art film, grossed $40 million in North America, with global box office earnings reaching hundred million!

In reality, Arthur wasn't too worried; occasional losses from a few films didn't affect Galaxy much at all.

Moreover, Galaxy had its own USA cable TV station and could continuously replay the movie.

Se7en finally exceeded $100 million in the North American box office, and it did even better in overseas markets, surpassing $100 million!

Not long after, Anna Walker came in to report on some current work progress.

"Sony Pictures Classics was originally formed by Sony to target the independent film market, and it seems Miramax, backed by Disney, is also very confident," Anna said.

Arthur noted that the most active independent film companies were Sony Pictures Classics and Miramax.

"They bought the distribution rights for quite a few international films, and they are quite generous," assistant Anna teased.

Arthur chuckled, "Don't worry, when it comes to real competition with good films, these independent distributors can't match us!"

Arthur wasn't overly confident; it was just that Galaxy, like other major Hollywood distributors, was focusing on some commercial projects.

Overseas art films weren't the focus; Arthur would only buy them when they came across his path because distributing art films carried a higher risk.

USA network did purchase some domestic and foreign film broadcasting rights.

"By the way, Ms. Pascal has already met with Tom Rothman, and he seems interested," Anna reminded.

Galaxy entrusted UTA to reach out to Samuel Goldwyn Films' president Tom Rothman, hoping to bring him over to serve as the head of distribution, and it had been some time now.

"As long as he's interested," Arthur said. Galaxy was no small player now and could compete directly with the Big Six in the film market, so he wasn't afraid Rothman wouldn't be interested.

Meanwhile, Galaxy also needed to integrate its home entertainment market, which included videotapes and television broadcasts, becoming increasingly important with Galaxy's development.

The key thing was that DVDs were about to emerge, which would revolutionize the film industry!

"Right, Luc Besson's Leon: The Professional has wrapped up filming, hasn't it?" Arthur asked.

Anna Walker nodded, "The post-production editing has already begun."

Arthur didn't pay much attention since it wasn't Galaxy's own production, like The Piano, Galaxy only held the North American distribution rights.

If it had been The Mask, Arthur would have cared more. He had already appreciated the rough cut as soon as it was out, and it was also in post-production now.

But all of that didn't matter anymore; Arthur was preparing to go on vacation to Europe. The luxury yacht he had custom-made in Italy had been delivered.

At the moment, it was in Corsica, France, but Arthur had to go to England first because Kate Beckinsale, who had been studying at the Paris branch of Oxford for half a year, had returned to London and was thinking about dropping out.

Oxford, located northwest of London, at the confluence of the Thames and the Cherwell Rivers, was a small town known mainly for its famous university, Oxford University.

And Kate Beckinsale was a student at Oxford University's New College.

London was very cold in winter. When Arthur arrived, it had just snowed a couple of days earlier. Walking along the streets of Oxford had a unique charm.

"Why do you suddenly want to drop out?" Arthur asked curiously, holding Kate Beckinsale on the couch in a small bar near Oxford University.

"Well, I just want to focus on acting," Kate Beckinsale kissed Arthur on the cheek. "This way, I can spend more time with you."

"You're only 20, and you'll graduate in a couple of years. It's Oxford University, after all," Arthur reminded her.

"Look at Hugh Grant; he graduated from Oxford University too, and he's doing great now!"

This year, the release of Four Weddings and a Funeral made Hugh Grant almost the hottest British male star.

"Ah, you don't support me?" Kate Beckinsale had missed many roles because she could only take on acting jobs during the holidays due to her studies.

"Two or three more years won't make a big difference," Arthur said, pinching her waist. "Oxford University is a world-renowned institution; it should still mean something! When you graduate, you can go directly to Hollywood. There will be plenty of opportunities!"

"Alright," Kate Beckinsale replied. At school, she could still participate in some theater performances, but it wasn't the same as making movies outside.

Since running into Harvey Weinstein's assistant once at Cannes, Kate Beckinsale understood the brutal reality of the entertainment industry.

Arthur nodded, "Trust me, just focus on graduating first. During the summer vacation, you can take suitable roles and skip the unnecessary ones. In the future, can't I make you a star?"

"Okay," Kate Beckinsale was not very firm in her decision to drop out. Since Arthur suggested she complete her studies, she could certainly do that.

So, Kate Beckinsale quickly felt at ease. "Arthur, let me show you around Oxford in the next couple of days; it's a college town!"

"Sure, I am also interested in Oxford and Cambridge," Arthur said with a smile.

Soon, the two of them put on their coats and scarves and walked out of the bar, with Kate Beckinsale looking very excited.

She led Arthur around Oxford University, introducing its long history. Oxford had long been a religious and academic stronghold in England, boasting many medieval buildings, and was known for its distinctive tower architecture.

With a population of just over ten thousand, Oxford still felt deeply historical, with over 10% of its population holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

*****

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