Chapter 482: Leaving Disney

[Chapter 545: Leaving Disney]

After chatting for a while with Madonna, Kate Beckinsale approached Arthur. "Trainspotting just premiered in the UK, and it's gotten quite a buzz, stirring up a lot of discussion!"

Arthur smiled, pulling Kate Beckinsale closer to him. "You just got back; why don't you take a few more days to rest? There are quite a few British films set to release this year."

There was Trainspotting, Mr. Bean, the filming of The English Patient, and the newly started Evita.

Kate Beckinsale had wrapped up shooting Mr. Bean in the UK before coming to America.

"Filming Mr. Bean in the UK wasn't exhausting at all," Kate Beckinsale responded. "By the way, is the Evita crew heading straight to Argentina for location shoots?"

"Right. Most of the outdoor locations are in Argentina; after all, she was Argentina's First Lady."

"Madonna is playing Eva Peron; the casting is quite bold," Kate Beckinsale said to Arthur. "I wonder if the Argentinians will accept it?"

After all, Eva Peron was a legendary figure with great significance to the Argentine people.

Moreover, Madonna's tabloid news and scandals had never stopped over the years!

Arthur shrugged. "It should be fine. Eva Peron was a musical performer, and Madonna has prepared extensively for the role."

"This film version of Evita has a production budget of $55 million. The producers and director can't afford to just pick anyone," Arthur added.

"Let's go grab a drink at the bar," Arthur said as he and Kate Beckinsale shared a quick kiss.

...

The car drove away from the Ritz-Carlton and along Santa Monica Boulevard. They passed a theater where a movie was hosting its premiere.

"Broken Arrow; it looks like a new film from 20th Century Fox!" Kate Beckinsale pointed out as she looked out the window.

"Broken Arrow?" Arthur, sitting next to Kate, looked over. "It's directed by John Woo; it's a thriller-action film. The lead actor is John Travolta!"

As Arthur spoke, he couldn't help but caress Kate's thigh. 

John Woo's first film in Hollywood was three years ago, featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme in the action film Hard Target. While it didn't receive the best reviews, it at least made money at the box office.

Moreover, Paramount was preparing a script about a mob boss and a cop switching faces. They were considering casting Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger in lead roles.

I wonder if Paramount is starting to think about John Woo now?

The car arrived at a club near Beverly Gardens, and Arthur took Kate Beckinsale inside.

In the dimly lit bar lounge, Kate leaned into Arthur's arms. "Arthur, Tomorrow Never Dies is being prepared in the UK. MGM has revived this series, and you deserve some credit for that!"

"The main reason is that Pierce Brosnan's performance as the lead is fantastic. Sean Connery's era seems so distant to me! Pierce Brosnan's performance in GoldenEye made me feel like he truly is James Bond!" Arthur said while kissing Kate on the cheek.

"Uh-oh," Kate Beckinsale playfully pressed her lips against Arthur's, her passion igniting.

As Arthur responded, he began to explore Kate's body. Suddenly, he thought of something and asked, "By the way, Kate, do you have any talent for action scenes?"

"Action scenes? I should be okay; I've trained in dance for many years, so I have some foundation," Kate Beckinsale smiled. "Why, you want me to star in an action movie?"

Arthur's hand slid under her blouse, feeling her softness. "Yeah, your physique is fantastic. I actually have some ideas on this front!"

Kate Beckinsale's breathing quickened. "What type of action movie are you thinking about?"

"Fashion, fantasy -- anything could work," Arthur thought it would be great to have Kate Beckinsale team up with Drew Barrymore for Charlie's Angels.

However, it was still early. Such female-led commercial films probably hadn't found their market yet; they'd have to wait until the DVD market expanded.

"Sounds good; I'm all in," Kate Beckinsale said as she leaned in for another passionate kiss.

...

Meanwhile, in Disney president Michael Ovitz's office, the two heads of Miramax, Harvey and Bob Weinstein, sat listlessly on the couch.

"Is it because of Woody Allen's scandal?"

Harvey Weinstein inquired, as Disney was set to fire them from their positions at Miramax.

Michael Ovitz sighed. He always ended up doing the dirty work that Michael Eisner didn't want to handle!

"Harvey, Woody Allen's scandal has indeed caused a bad impact on Disney, but more importantly, Miramax's performance has been awful. In three years, Miramax has accumulated debts exceeding $100 million. Not only did your projects fail to shine at the Oscars, but their commercial failures are downright disgraceful!"

Michael Ovitz shook his head. "Disney acquired Miramax to strengthen the quality of its film business. You were given the greatest autonomy, and yet the results you submitted to Disney were nothing but a series of low-quality films each year, along with nearly $30 million in losses annually. Moreover, you always challenged Disney's boundaries with bizarre, erotic, religious, and lowbrow content that tarnished Disney's brand!"

Just then, Miramax had a Woody Allen film, Mighty Aphrodite, that had gained some traction, but it was overshadowed by the major scandal involving Woody Allen's alleged sexual misconduct with his underage adopted daughter, which was currently being litigated in the Los Angeles court.

Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob exchanged glances, feeling hopeless.

Miramax had seen no success over the years, and debts just kept piling up. After Disney's acquisition, there was no change in sight, and losses continued to grow.

The Weinstein brothers did not have the leverage to negotiate with Disney anymore; Miramax's autonomy had already been revoked.

Even if they didn't leave, they would just be ordinary filmmakers within Disney, the kind that were overlooked.

Michael Ovitz did not want to continue discussing matters with the two, standing up from his chair. "I wish you the best in your future endeavors!"

The Weinstein brothers left Disney, losing Miramax; it was no surprise at all.

*****

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