Chapter 534: Harry Potter

[Chapter 599: Harry Potter]

Since Galaxy acquired CBS, Arthur had been focused a lot on the reorganization of CBS's broadcasting division, specifically the television business, although the main revenue still came from cable television. With Galaxy's strong content production capabilities, CBS managed to maintain solid ratings, even outperforming ABC and NBC!

However, in cable television, USA Network was currently the top player, while other channels faced fierce competition. Arthur had always had ideas for kids' family programming. The most influential channels were Disney Channel and Viacom's Nickelodeon.

With Time Warner's acquisition of TBS, they also gained control over its managed Cartoon Network, which was largely thanks to TBS's purchase of the original MGM animation studio, Hanna-Barbera. Cartoon Network now boasted resources from both Hanna-Barbera and Warner Bros. Animation.

As for CBS's family channel, their resources were limited, but with Galaxy's acquisition of Marvel and Pixar, they had gained some confidence.

"Kids' entertainment shouldn't be underestimated!"

In her Beverly Hills Westwood villa bedroom, Kate Beckinsale sighed as Arthur held her close.

"Right?" Kate replied, snuggling against Arthur's chest and giving him a kiss.

"By the way, are we really going to adapt the novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?" Kate asked curiously.

"I heard the author is a single mother named J.K. Rowling, who was living in poverty and relying on welfare. She received PS3,000 for the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in the UK, while the American rights fetched a bidding price of $100,000," Arthur said, feeling a pinch at the corner of his mouth. It was hard to believe that the future famous J.K. Rowling had such a rough start.

Arthur was sending someone to negotiate the film adaptation rights and merchandising for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and naturally included the rights for future sequels, which she was likely still working on.

"It will be adapted. Once the novel gains some fame, we can move forward. By then, there might be three or four sequels," Arthur thought. He definitely wouldn't miss out on the Harry Potter franchise. But he couldn't help but wonder if, without this cash-cow project, Warner Bros. had other alternatives.

...

A few days later, the adaptation rights for the novels Sex and the City and the Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone series were acquired by Galaxy. They were new works and just being published, so the costs weren't too high.

Arthur later learned that Galaxy UK Publishing had only printed 500 copies of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for its first publication. Apparently, there was a lack of confidence in this book, which explained why so many publishers had rejected it.

...

As summer approached in May, Galaxy MGM's blockbuster Tomorrow Never Dies had premiered in over 2,800 theaters across North America, earning $25.4 million in its opening weekend. Meanwhile, There's Something About Mary, which had been in theaters for a month, had already grossed over $90 million.

Additionally, with the passing of James Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli at the end of last year, this was the first Bond film not fully produced by him. Albert R. Broccoli was 87 years old at the time of his passing, and the main production work for Tomorrow Never Dies was taken over by his children, Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Tomorrow Never Dies continued the success of its predecessors, with Pierce Brosnan reprising his role as Bond, adding a more natural feel to his character.

The New York Times noted, "The film's action sequences are thrilling and laced with humor, making it a fast-paced visual feast."

The Washington Post commented, "The plot did seem a bit absurd and had its fair share of flaws, but the pacing was well controlled, and the film was highly entertaining, with explosive highlights in each scene. Pierce Brosnan's performance was as excellent as ever, and the addition of Asian actress Michelle Yeoh added much to the film."

Though Tomorrow Never Dies didn't receive as much acclaim as the previous GoldenEye, it was still considered a successful summer popcorn flick.

...

In New York, at Galaxy Tower.

In his office, Arthur looked at a copy of the Wall Street Journal, which reported on the recent IPO of an online bookstore called Amazon. Amazon launched on NASDAQ at $18 a share, with a market value of $438 million, and the stock price rose to $23.50 on the first day.

"Amazon, an online bookstore," Arthur chuckled. There were plenty of competitors for Amazon now.

He promptly called Anna Walker to arrange a meeting with Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos. Arthur wanted Galaxy to become one of Amazon's major shareholders.

...

Moments later, Winona Ryder entered Arthur's office.

"You're here looking for investment?" Arthur teased as he pulled her onto his lap.

Winona had received the script for Les Misérables and wondered if United Artists was interested. This was the lengthy novel by French author Victor Hugo.

"Yeah, I've had enough time off. The script came from director Billy August," Winona reminded Arthur, recalling the director of the British drama Howards End. She had acted alongside Meryl Streep and Glenn Close in that British art film.

"This European director's work does have a strong artistic flair," Arthur smiled, assuring her, "Don't worry, I'll make sure United Artists invests in this adaptation."

Since it was a low-budget art film, and Winona had shown interest, Arthur had no reason to hesitate; United Artists was, after all, known for its independent art films and international releases.

"Hmm, I'll also need to shoot in Europe," Winona said, leaning in to kiss Arthur on the cheek.

"Are you sure you're fully rested?" Arthur asked.

He then reached down to caress Winona's thigh and kissed her gently.

"I've rested enough. If I rest any longer, Hollywood might forget about me," Winona laughed, wrapping her arms around Arthur's neck and giving him a kiss. With her in his embrace, Arthur passionately reciprocated her deep kiss.

*****

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