Chapter 181: The New Year

In the Peninsula Hotel, Arthur's assistant, Anna Walker, reported to him, "Sir, the house in Repulse Bay is ready. Would you like to take a look?"

Arthur checked his watch; it was only 3 PM local time. "Later, we'll go after picking up Vivian. By the time difference, it should be New Year's Eve on the West Coast of the United States, right?"

With daylight savings, there's a 16-hour difference with the West Coast and a 13-hour difference with the East Coast.

Anna Walker smiled, "It should be around midnight in Los Angeles!"

"This is my first time celebrating New Year's abroad. Any news from the US?" Arthur asked.

"UTA has poached three agents, including Jessica James, and some star clients from CAA, as well as six agents and many clients from ETA. Also, Tom Hanks is planning to sign with another agency and hasn't renewed with CAA," Anna Walker informed him, knowing exactly what Arthur was asking.

"That's fast," Arthur mused, surprised that UTA had managed to poach so many people from his former agency, ETA. It seemed Tracy Jacobs joining CAA from ETA had been a smart move.

"Any news from CAA? Has Michael Ovitz done anything?" Arthur asked, smiling.

Anna Walker shrugged and smiled, "Of course, they tried to retain Tom Hanks, but he didn't renew. It's his freedom, after all."

"Alright, I've been in Hong Kong for over a week. It's time to leave," Arthur decided.

"Anna, you can go back home directly. I want to stay for a while on vacation."

Anna Walker nodded, "I'll notify you if anything comes up."

In the evening, Arthur picked up Vivian and headed to the villa in Repulse Bay. The 5600 square-foot house, plus a garden of the same size, amazed Vivian.

"Not cheap, right?" Vivian marveled at the luxurious villa.

"Less than 50 million HKD, it's okay," Arthur said, looking at the sea view from the window. "I'm planning to stay for a few days and then return home."

"So soon?"

"It's not that soon," Arthur laughed, "I've been resting for over ten days already."

He hugged Vivian from behind and kissed her cheek.

...

Finally, on January 11, 1992, after being away for over half a month, Arthur returned to the US!

At the same time, Marvel's Spider-Man and X-Men movie adaptation rights were officially acquired by Galaxy.

The Addams Family's North American box office had also surpassed 100 million dollars and began its overseas release.

At the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel, Arthur met with Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson.

"Arthur, did you have a falling out with Michael Ovitz?" Tom Hanks asked with a smile.

Arthur shook his head helplessly, "Michael Ovitz is too arrogant. He needs a lesson."

"The Oscar for Best Actor isn't easy to get," Tom Hanks reminded.

"Don't worry, Tom. With my script and your acting, there's no problem. Just make sure to nail your role in Philadelphia; it'll be a pleasant surprise!" Arthur said, patting Tom Hanks on the shoulder.

Rita Wilson also smiled, "You're quite confident, Arthur!"

In fact, Tom Hanks switching from CAA to ICM didn't make much of a splash. ICM was also a top player in Hollywood's agency business. The support they offered wasn't any less than CAA's. If Arthur Smith could really get Tom Hanks the Best Actor Oscar, Tom Hanks would surely be grateful.

After chatting with Tom Hanks and his wife, Arthur encountered Lew Wasserman, the CEO of Universal Entertainment.

Lew Wasserman approached Arthur, "I heard you've been having some issues with Michael Ovitz at CAA lately?"

Arthur looked at Lew Wasserman, wondering why this old guy hadn't retired yet. Universal had been sold to Panasonic, wouldn't it be better to enjoy life?

"There are many talent agencies in Hollywood," Arthur knew Lew Wasserman had long-standing grievances with Michael Ovitz, so he directly said, "CAA has crossed some lines. Michael Ovitz doesn't seem to understand who really calls the shots in Hollywood."

Lew Wasserman smiled, "What's your idea?"

"Can you convince Spielberg to end his cooperation with CAA?" A big name like Spielberg didn't need to pay CAA commissions. He was a noble client for CAA. Spielberg had his own team to handle his business affairs.

Lewu Wasserman thought for a moment, "That's something I can try." Lew Wasserman and Spielberg had been friends for years, and Universal had deep ties with Spielberg!

"Then, we can get several movie companies together to confront CAA. Michael Ovitz has made a lot of enemies over the years," Arthur said with a laugh. "Make CAA feel the pain, and they'll realize Michael Ovitz is the real culprit."

"Ha, a partnership structure is the easiest to break from the inside out..."

*****

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