Chapter 532: CIA Agent

[Chapter 597: Evil in Many Forms]

As the largest financial investment in Hollywood to date, Titanic had constantly faced troubles since its inception. With the production costs soaring to $200 million, it became a frequent point of comparison with the previous year's release Waterworld, garnering much attention.

The enormous pressure weighed heavily on director James Cameron, and throughout the film's production, various difficulties in working with him, along with incidents of crew members falling ill, were reported.

Moreover, the film being shifted from a summer release to the Christmas season further fueled skepticism regarding its potential success.

...

In a small meeting room at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, Orange County.

"Are you Chase Brandon?" Arthur sat across from a middle-aged man.

"Yes, good afternoon, Mr. Smith."

Chase Brandon was a manager at a specialized CIA organization focused on Hollywood.

"What can I do for you?" Arthur had maintained contact with high-ranking CIA officials, and this time, they had requested a small favor from him.

Chase thought for a moment before speaking, "Mr. Smith, you know, the CIA has long been synonymous with evil. Thus, to restore our image, we will need to invest a considerable amount of time and execute various plans to portray ourselves in a light we wish to present to the public."

Arthur casually responded, "Changing the public's perception of the CIA through Hollywood films isn't just your job; doesn't the Department of Defense, the FBI, and even local police departments do the same thing? Over the past few years, author Tom Clancy has come into your CIA's line of sight, hasn't he? Several of his novels were adapted into films."

Movies like The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, and Clear and Present Danger didn't just stir up strong patriotism among American audiences; they also helped restore some of the CIA's image. After all, the protagonists were noble CIA agents, with Harrison Ford becoming a star in mainstream American cinema.

"There are still quite a few negative scripts circulating about the country; we can't keep up, but we hope to restore the CIA's reputation," Chase glanced at Arthur. "So, we hope to receive some support in this regard."

The CIA's prior reputation indeed represented evil and brutality, but after the late 80s, it sought to increase its influence in Hollywood, leading to some improvement in its image.

Arthur rubbed his eyes, "I'm currently the chairman of Galaxy Group, managing a media conglomerate worth over $32 billion. Do you think I have time to bother with any ridiculous movie plots?"

Arthur wore an expression that questioned whether this was the CIA's typical conduct.

Chase awkwardly chuckled, "That wasn't my intention. What we're hoping for is that when Galaxy receives some heavier scripts, you could consider the CIA during development. Or, you could let us assist with the filming, similar to the collaboration with the FBI during the production of The Silence of the Lambs; just like the collaboration with the Pentagon during Forrest Gump."

Arthur understood; they wanted a positive film about a CIA agent, and the larger the impact, the better. After all, the influence of Harrison Ford's Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger wasn't enough yet.

Arthur pressed his temples. "MGM plans to adapt Robert Ludlum's trilogy: The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum. When that happens, the CIA will send someone to assist, and the casting will favor a young, handsome lead."

"Robert Ludlum, huh?" Chase nodded, recognizing that many novels featuring the CIA existed; however, adapting them into impactful films wouldn't be easy. The CIA was seeking Galaxy's help because Galaxy was the current Hollywood powerhouse, known for its outstanding production capabilities!

Nonetheless, Chase was just trying to find an opportunity to connect with Arthur Smith. After all, the film production process ultimately needed to connect with the filmmakers and directors involved. Arthur Smith's position was unique; he wouldn't waste time with trivial matters.

"By the way, Mr. Smith, it seems Galaxy Music is currently dealing with trouble involving rap feuds in death row records. We've initiated a plan targeting black gangs, and soon, a large number of gang members will be in prison." Chase explained.

Arthur stood up, "I trust that the courts will handle this appropriately and impose serious penalties."

Chase nodded.

Arthur was all too familiar with those guys; they were deeply intertwined with local police departments, and the CIA mainly operated overseas. Given domestic circumstances, the CIA would certainly not have the convenience of the FBI, but any effort was better than none.

Noticing Arthur moving toward the window, Chase understood that he was about to leave. At the door, he said, "Mr. Smith, someone asked me to convey that you shouldn't worry about Indonesia; everything is developing well."

Arthur nodded, "Please pass along that I dislike trouble. The economic collapse in Indonesia is a perfect opportunity for cleansing. I certainly don't want to see this happen again in a few years."

After Chase left, Arthur felt confident that his message would be understood. The mastermind behind Indonesia, Defense Minister and Supreme Commander Wiranto, had completed his mission.

...

A short while later, Carl Anderson approached Arthur. "Carl, moving forward, keep an eye on the changes within Indonesia, especially Wiranto. If he leaves Indonesia, I need to know where he goes."

Carl nodded. Individuals at that level of government often chose to live abroad as wealthy expatriates once they exited.

"The Asian Tigers?" Arthur chuckled; Indonesia and Thailand had recently faced issues, and next would be Malaysia and the Philippines.

With Indonesia on the verge of collapse, the economy was indeed a mess, with international capital aggressively acquiring Indonesian industries.

Fortunately, Arthur was leading Western Oil in extracting oil and gas on Java Island.

Additionally, he had the Ritz-Carlton group purchasing land on Bali to prepare for a resort hotel development; Bali, famous for its stunning natural beauty and warm climate, was Indonesia's well-known tourist paradise.

Moreover, a private island purchased by the Seraphim group in the northern waters of Bali was also under construction.

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