Chapter 143: MCA Universal

Arthur didn't want to delay too long, so he signed the adaptation authorization agreement with Marvel as quickly as possible.

For $2.3 million, Galaxy obtained the five-year film adaptation rights for Spider-Man and the X-Men series from Marvel. Marvel would receive 5% of the royalties from each movie.

Marvel still retained the rights to comics, television, anime, and merchandise, with the agreement effective from February 1992.

"Are you planning to develop Spider-Man?" Amy Pascal asked.

Arthur shook his head, "Not so soon, it'll take at least a few more years. I'm just securing the rights for now," he said while shaking the agreement in his hand.

"It's a pity that we don't have the rights to Fantastic Four right now," Arthur felt it was a real shame.

"Otherwise, we would have acquired it all together!"

"Not necessarily. The Batman adaptations have been pretty good, and the previous Superman movies were decent, though the sequels got worse," Amy Pascal pondered, thinking they might really be able to adapt Spider-Man.

Arthur smiled, "Then let's wait. If we get a suitable script, we can go ahead!"

"Also, here are the actors selected for Scent of a Woman. Take a look," Amy Pascal said as she handed Arthur a file.

Arthur mostly wanted to see who they had cast for the supporting roles. "Chris O'Donnell!"

Previously, Arthur had seen names like Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Brendan Fraser on the audition list.

Since the director's team chose Chris O'Donnell, it was fine. After all, they were all newcomers.

"Al Pacino is in New York, right?" Arthur looked up and asked.

Amy Pascal nodded, "He's found a school for the blind and is learning how to portray a blind person!"

"Alright, if the preparatory work is done, then start shooting as soon as possible," Scent of a Woman had been in the works for a while, it was time to start filming.

Afterward, Arthur left the company and drove his Toyota Supra straight to Malibu.

Since Nicole Kidman was traveling with the film crew to promote her movie To Die For at a film festival, Arthur was going to attend a yacht party and planned to take Jennifer Connelly with him.

On the way, Arthur noticed many people wearing Walkman and looked at his own car, which was also made in Japan.

The Walkman, a Sony product, and his Toyota car--Japanese manufacturing, Arthur had to admit, was really impressive!

Currently, Japan's real estate bubble had burst, and the Tokyo stock market had dropped 20%. Japan's economy was entering a sluggish period.

Columbia TriStar belonged to Sony, MCA Universal belonged to Panasonic, and it was said that Time Warner was now negotiating with Japan's Toshiba and Itochu Corporation to sell some shares!

"Arthur, why did you specifically ask me to come back?" Jennifer Connelly was practicing tango to prepare for Scent of a Woman.

Arthur, hugging Jennifer Connelly, sat on the sofa and explained, "Tonight, we're going to a yacht ball. Some top executives from movie companies and bankers will attend."

"I see."

Arthur gently stroked Jennifer Connelly's cheek and smiled, "You're so sexy and beautiful, you'll definitely be the center of attention for all the men."

This yacht ball was initiated by the current MCA Universal Chairman Lou Wasserman.

He invited Panasonic Chairman Matsushita Masaharu and President Tanii Akio, as well as many Hollywood filmmakers and stars!

Jennifer Connelly hugged Arthur. "You hit the nail on the head. The Rocketeer was a box office disaster, making only $46 million in North America. In the UK, it grossed just 1 million pounds. Disney lost a lot of money!"

"Disney made a lot from Pretty Woman last year, so losing a bit doesn't matter," Arthur said, kissing the lady on the neck.

"But your performance in The Rocketeer was fine - sexy look, competent acting!"

"Unfortunately, The Rocketeer's box office and reviews didn't meet expectations. It's another blot on my resume," Jennifer Connelly had only experienced failure with The Rocketeer.

"What's the hurry? There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Let's change clothes and head over," Arthur wasn't worried at all.

Another golden age of cinema was beginning!

That night, at Los Angeles King Harbor, on a luxury yacht near the coast, a group of filmmakers and Hollywood stars, led by MCA Universal executives, enjoyed the Pacific night.

Panasonic Chairman Matsushita Masaharu, 79 years old and the son-in-law of Matsushita Konosuke, was the second president of Panasonic and stepped down in the late 70s.

The third president was Yamashita Toshihiko. The current president is Tanii Akio, the fourth president of Panasonic!

MCA Universal CEO Lew Wasserman made over $300 million by selling his stock during the Panasonic acquisition of MCA Universal, a very profitable deal for him.

"Arthur, I think Galaxy should sign an international distribution agreement with us. Universal has Universal Pictures International (UIP) partnering with Paramount overseas. And now, Universal has the support of a Japanese conglomerate, so there's no worry about funding!"

Lew Wasserman could now focus entirely on running MCA Universal, and Galaxy's Arthur Smith had already caught his eye.

Arthur glanced at the other side, where Matsushita Masaharu, Tanii Akio, and others were chatting with Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis.

"The Japanese don't understand how to run a Hollywood film company, nor do they know how to make movies. Making machines and making movies are two different things," Arthur smiled.

"In New York, I also talked with Sony America's president Mickey Schulhof. Galaxy won't sign an exclusive international distribution agreement with just one film company. Columbia TriStar, MCA Universal, Warner Bros, Disney, and Paramount could all be partners with Galaxy!"

Lew Wasserman was noncommittal. Now, he was just a professional manager hired by Panasonic, not an MCA Universal shareholder. "That way, Galaxy's margin for error will be lower."

"An independent film company has to bear its own risks. You're confident you can run Galaxy successfully?"

Arthur took a sip of his drink and replied, "The international economy is thriving right now. It's a great time for Hollywood to implement a globalization strategy, even for an independent film company. It should have an international vision.

If I can secure the North American market and simultaneously open up international channels, Galaxy could eventually replace MGM and become the true seventh major Hollywood studio!"

"Well said, Arthur. You certainly have ambition and determination," at this moment, MCA Universal President Sidney Sheinberg came over.

"Let's hope it comes true. The competition will be fierce."

Competition? Would Arthur be afraid of that? Galaxy didn't mind sharing the pie!

*****

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