Chapter 507: A Dim Outlook for Blockbusters

[Chapter 572: A Dim Outlook for Blockbusters]

That night, in Santa Monica, at a Pacific Palisades seaside villa, Winona Ryder handed Arthur Smith a script. "Two young actors that Jessica managed came up with a story. Take a look!"

Jessica James, now a senior partner at UTA, had clients like Winona Ryder and Nicole Kidman.

"Let me see," Arthur said, flipping through the pages while sprawled on the sofa. Was that Good Will Hunting by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck?

"These two are newcomers, but Matt Damon has been around for a while. He's 26 now and starred in Francis Ford Coppola's The Rainmaker this year," Winona explained. "He also features in Courage Under Fire, directed by Edward Zwick, alongside Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan, that film about the Gulf War. Jessica has high hopes for him."

Winona Ryder continued her explanation. Arthur knew all about Edward Zwick, who had directed the earlier Legends of the Fall for Galaxy.

"The story is pretty touching; it's just a low-budget indie film. Just let United Artists take care of it, they've got ready-made actors," Arthur chuckled. After all, the script was written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Let them play the leads; it sounded like a plan.

"Hmm," Winona wasn't too concerned about the low-budget indie concept, moving directly onto Arthur's lap. "At the gala, you were discussing Titanic with Mr. Peter Chernin. Is MGM planning to get involved? Twentieth Century Fox's Titanic is already over budget; the papers aren't optimistic about it."

Arthur leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, reaching under her nightgown to caress her softly. "Don't worry; James Cameron is different."

"Alright," Winona said as she slipped off her nightgown and threw herself onto Arthur...

...

After several days of discussions with Twentieth Century Fox, MGM agreed to provide $65 million for the production of Titanic. Thus, MGM secured the North American distribution rights while Twentieth Century Fox kept the international rights. Additionally, MGM was set to contribute another $30 million for marketing when the film hit theaters.

"It really is a blockbuster..." Amy Pascal, with Arthur's approval, began to collaborate with Twentieth Century Fox.

Nearby, Bill Mechanic, president of Twentieth Century Fox, chuckled. "We should trust Arthur's vision. Everyone says James Cameron is a madman, yet Arthur Smith is Hollywood's golden boy!"

"Let's hope so," Amy Pascal nodded slightly, recognizing that MGM was about to invest nearly $100 million for North American distribution rights to a single film.

...

As November rolled around, the results of the 1996 U.S. presidential election were announced, and Clinton was re-elected without much surprise!

At a mansion by the Potomac River in Washington D.C., Clinton hosted a private celebration following his victory. Arthur Smith attended the event with Kate Beckinsale.

Arthur mingled with California Senator Dianne Feinstein and clinked his glass against hers. "After Ambassador Walter Mondale steps down, he's gearing up to compete for the position of Secretary of Defense."

Dianne Feinstein was a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Rules Committee, and the Select Intelligence Committee. She also planned to join the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. After winning re-election in '94, her next campaign was in 2000, and with California's political backing, she was well-known in the Senate.

"Don't worry, we'll nominate him," Dianne reassured Arthur, patting his shoulder. "This time, the Jews won't gain too much. The President understands we can't be overly trusting of them. The new cabinet won't have more Jewish members."

"That sounds good," Arthur agreed. "Regarding the plan to harvest Asia, I suggest we shouldn't focus solely on Hong Kong. We must also be cautious with Russia, primarily targeting Southeast Asia and Korea."

"And why's that?"

"Russia won't follow the rules, and the government will definitely intervene. As for Hong Kong, after the return next year, it'll be too confident," Arthur replied, shaking his head. "China's economic policy will wholeheartedly support Hong Kong, and Hong Kong's financial capacity is not weak. It won't yield much in return. Let Jewish capital over there take its chances; they'll crash and burn. Here, I'll focus our efforts on Korea. I aim to make Korea the next Indonesia!"

With the assistance of the International Monetary Fund, he planned to gain complete control over the Korean economy.

Dianne Feinstein glanced at Arthur. "Your significance is evident now; your opinions carry substantial weight for many people. If you're choosing Korea, you must have some ideas about their chaebols, right?"

"Exactly; South Korea's chaebols are averaging over 300% in liabilities, and the interest rates on short-term loans are exceedingly high. It's a prime opportunity," Arthur's eyes sparkled with ambition. "Korea is definitely not Japan; the gap is still very visible."

Japan was simply too powerful with an economic scale that matched 70% of the U.S. -- it was no easy nut to crack.

"I don't know the specifics, but I'll convey your opinions," Dianne Feinstein wouldn't dismiss Arthur's insights lightly.

After Galaxy's stock debut this year, their market value had skyrocketed to $32 billion. They had film companies, nationwide broadcast networks, basic cable services, pay cable services, and more. Arthur Smith's resources had become incredibly formidable!

Later at the gala, Arthur encountered another California Democrat, Senator Barbara Boxer. However, his rapport with her was not as strong. Although they were both elected to the Senate in 1992, her left-leaning tendencies were quite apparent. Nowadays, even within the Democratic Party, conservative forces were significantly stronger than the liberals.

That night, back at their hotel, Arthur held Kate Beckinsale close in bed. "Tomorrow, let's head back to Los Angeles."

Kate planted a few kisses on Arthur's chest and smiled. "You're in and out so quickly; you're so young, participating in these political events must be a challenge for you."

"Not really; it's just a mutual benefit," Arthur replied as he leaned forward to kiss her passionately.

"Mmm," Kate responded enthusiastically, embracing the man, and before long, the room was filled with the sounds of a woman's soft gasps!

*****

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