Chapter 427: 20 Million Club

"Arthur, I'm heading to the set, when are you returning to the States? I want to see you off at the airport!" asked Vivian Chow as she bid farewell to Arthur in the suite of the Regal Hotel.

"No need for that. You focus on filming. Take a break and come to the U.S. or Canada for a vacation," Arthur replied, holding her and gently smoothing her hair. "I'll be waiting for you there!"

"Alright then," Vivian responded, wrapping her arms around him and delivering a passionate kiss, "see you then..."

...

Later in the afternoon, Arthur visited MGM International's office in Hong Kong to discuss the local film market with Mary Krause.

"Last year, Galaxy's Forrest Gump grossed 33 million HKD here, The Mask got 18 million HKD, yet The Shawshank Redemption only made 1.07 million HKD," Arthur noted. "The previous year, Speed made 46 million HKD and Schindler's List got 19 million HKD!"

Arthur smiled, "Lunar New Year is the most important season for Hong Kong box offices, followed by the summer holidays. Each chain has its main offerings, and Western films rarely get these prime slots." Additionally, the sheer number of films releasing in Hong Kong each year made it difficult for any to have extended runs.

"We've also discussed with other smaller chains like Emperor Motion Pictures and Sil-Metropole. They're open to Western films, especially Emperor, which has dealt in international films before," Mary explained.

Despite this, the Asian market is primarily dominated by Japan and South Korea, making Hong Kong, the so-called "Hollywood of the East", less easy to penetrate.

"I get it. Hong Kong is quite like Hollywood; action films are the mainstream here, and there's not much market for art films," Arthur sighed.

...

The next morning, Arthur was awakened by the ring of a phone. Rosamund Kwan in his arms also slowly opened her sleepy eyes. Arthur reached for the phone. "Hello."

"Arthur, something back home will take at least another week to finish. You go back to America first; no need to wait for me," Joey Wong's voice came through.

"Oh, okay."

"Yeah, I'll find you when I'm back in Canada!"

"Sure."

After hanging up, Arthur rubbed his face. It seemed like Joey Wong wouldn't be returning to Canada soon. It was just early April, so there was no rush.

"Arthur, is something wrong?" Rosamund Kwan softly asked from his embrace.

"Nothing," Arthur shook his head, looking at her and gently caressing her again, giving her a few kisses.

...

Arthur left Hong Kong but didn't head straight back to the United States; instead, he went to London, England.

By mid-April, GoldenEye had finished editing and awaited its July release!

At Buckingham, the MGM International UK headquarters, Arthur sat in a chair reviewing the company's report:

The drama Daughter of the Earth, led by Jodie Foster, grossed $33 million in North America but $106 million worldwide.

Jim Carrey's comedy Dumb and Dumber raked in a whopping $130 million in North America and $250 million globally.

In comparison, Emma, adapted from Jane Austen's novel, only managed $22 million in North America and $40 million worldwide.

Arthur glanced at Anna Walker, "The plan for Dumb and Dumber 2 is underway, right?"

Anna Walker nodded, "Yes, the project is in place. However, Jim Carrey has had three consecutive blockbuster movies, so his salary has become astronomical."

"Just now, Columbia Pictures signed a contract for a black comedy movie with Jim Carrey, and his agent negotiated a $20 million fee for him!"

Arthur spoke calmly, "You're talking about Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, right? It's surprising that Columbia TriStar would offer such a high price; the market is getting inflated again. Jim Carrey's comedies have low costs but high box office returns. He is indeed valuable.

See if you can negotiate well with Jim Carrey for Dumb and Dumber 2; if it doesn't release next year, it will definitely be out the year after. $20 million it is."

"Understood!"

Jim Carrey didn't like filming sequels, but earlier, Galaxy had signed a three-movie deal with him, including The Mask and Dumb and Dumber, leaving one more. Whether it's The Mask 2 or Dumb and Dumber 2, Galaxy was willing, but given the current situation, Dumb and Dumber 2 seemed more feasible!

Arthur flipped through the report in his hand, "Is the lead for the biopic Evita still undecided?"

Anna Walker shook her head, "Madonna Ciccone really wants the lead role and has written numerous letters to director Alan Parker. It seems like she's also learning vocal performance and is quite confident about securing the lead for Evita!"

"Madonna Ciccone!" Arthur laughed, definitely her -- Evita is adapted from the musical of the same name, and the director and producers have the most say.

...

In the afternoon, Arthur met with James Bond series producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to discuss the promotional work for GoldenEye. He also expressed his regret over their father Albert Broccoli's severe illness and hospitalization.

...

That evening, at the London Marriott Hotel, Arthur attended a funding meeting for Carolco Films, where company chairman Mario Kassar was looking to attract capital investment to avoid bankruptcy.

PolyGram Entertainment's Michael Kuhn clinked glasses with Arthur, "Arthur, isn't Galaxy interested? The licenses for the Terminator series and the First Blood series, plus Galaxy MGM still has to handle Carolco's film distribution!"

Arthur laughed, "Both Canal+ and 20th Century Fox made offers, but they were all rejected, weren't they?"

Michael Kuhn understood, "Seems everyone's waiting for them to go officially bankrupt to acquire the assets they want from the bank!"

Arthur didn't like these disruptors. The previous surge in Hollywood star salaries had Carolco to thank. Like this year, Sony Columbia offered Jim Carrey $20 million to shoot Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and $12.5 million to Demi Moore for Striptease! These are currently the highest salaries for male and female stars.

"Everyone's main focus is on Terminator 3," but right now, 20th Century Fox is in the lead since James Cameron is honeymooning with them. Without James Cameron, would the Terminator still be the Terminator?

After chatting with Michael Kuhn for a while, Arthur stepped away. Even though Galaxy MGM and PolyGram still collaborated, the British side of MGM Entertainment was doing increasingly well. Not only were they managing film production and distribution, but they also oversaw MGM UK's film studio and the Galaxy Palace Cinemas. Meanwhile, PolyGram U.S. had developed the capability to self-distribute low-cost films without solely relying on Galaxy.

...

"It's been a while since I've seen you, Arthur!" Elizabeth Hurley, a new Bond girl involved in MGM's GoldenEye promotion, hugged Arthur. "I've been in Asia, just got to the UK a few days ago. Let's head back," Arthur said as he and Elizabeth Hurley left the hotel and returned to her apartment.

"Let's go," Elizabeth Hurley, currently riding high on the success of The Mask, where her beauty and allure were recognized, now took on the role of Bond girl, further boosting her profile!

"Did you watch the rough cut? How was it?" At Elizabeth Hurley's place, she handed Arthur a glass of wine.

Leaning back on the couch, Arthur took the glass, sipped, and smiled, "It's been too long since Sean Connery's time, but current Bond, Pierce Brosnan, I think he's the best. Bond's been lying low for a few years, and this year, it's going to make a big splash!"

Elizabeth Hurley laughed and kissed Arthur, "Let's go take a bath."

Putting down his glass, Arthur pulled the sultry Elizabeth Hurley into his embrace, feeling her curves. "No rush!" The two then began kissing...

*****

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