Chapter 180: Golden Harvest Films

Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong.

Vivian Chow took Arthur to her 1,600-square-foot mansion. "I just bought this place this year!"

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "This area shouldn't be considered a wealthy neighborhood, right?"

It's near Kwun Tong, and 1,600 square feet is less than 150 square meters!

"It is. It cost almost 5 million HKD, and I bought it on a mortgage," Vivian explained. "Hong Kong is building a new airport nearby. The money you gave me last time, I invested in real estate!" she added.

Arthur nodded. "The property prices in Hong Kong do rise quickly. Remember, you can sell it in about six or seven years. But it doesn't matter either way."

He intended to warn her about the upcoming 1997 financial crisis but realized that property prices would recover quickly afterward.

"Don't worry, investing in Hong Kong real estate is worth it," Arthur laughed, pulling Vivian to sit on the sofa. "I plan to have my assistant buy a villa in Repulse Bay. When I visit Hong Kong, we can stay there. You could live there permanently."

"Ah, um..." Vivian was about to say something when Arthur kissed her.

After the kiss, Arthur brushed her hair. "Has anyone in Hong Kong given you trouble?"

Vivian shook her head. "No, many movie bosses are very polite to me now, knowing I have connections with a Hollywood big shot."

"Let's head to Golden Harvest. I spoke with Raymond Chow on the phone last night. Today, I want to discuss film rights with them," Arthur said, planning to visit the mainland afterward. He had already arranged his passport, and it would be a waste not to go.

"Okay," Vivian nodded.

Soon after, Arthur and Vivian arrived at Golden Harvest Films, where senior executives Raymond Chow and Leonard Ho personally greeted them.

"Mr. Smith, welcome, welcome!"

"Huimin (Vivian), you look more beautiful each time," Raymond Chow greeted Vivian Chow.

"Mr. Chow, Mr. Ho, hello!" Vivian said, somewhat reserved.

Arthur smiled and got straight to the point. "How have you considered my offer? $2 million for the North American rights to Armour of God II: Operation Condor and Police Story 3: Supercop, sold to Galaxy Films."

Currently, Jackie Chan's films didn't fetch much in North America. Few people knew him, and the video market wasn't as large as the future DVD market. Videotapes were quite expensive.

Raymond Chow exchanged a glance with Leonard Ho and then spoke. "Mr. Smith, Golden Harvest has invested in several Hollywood productions, with mixed results," Raymond Chow sighed. "Since Bruce Lee's death, we've been trying to cultivate Jackie Chan as the next international star. But it seems his success in Hollywood has been limited."

Arthur laughed. "Kung fu movies do have a market in Hollywood. Jackie Chan's films haven't utilized his strengths. Also, some humor don't translate well. Maybe you should develop a Jackie Chan action movie set in America. Focus on strong story elements and everyday realism. For example, running a supermarket or restaurant and dealing with bullies, corrupt cops, and thrilling action scenes."

As Arthur explained, Leonard Ho's eyes lit up. "Mr. Smith, you mean shooting an action film set in America, with Jackie Chan's thrilling stunts as the highlight?"

"Exactly. You shouldn't try to turn Jackie Chan into a typical American action star. That won't work," Arthur shrugged. "The Protector failed because of this. The director must understand Jackie Chan."

Raymond Chow looked at Arthur. "Mr. Smith, you're Hollywood's golden boy, a genius screenwriter, and top producer. Your insights into movies are unparalleled. Golden Harvest has not forgotten the goal of going international. Is Galaxy Films interested in collaborating on a film?"

Raymond Chow glanced at Vivian Chow and smiled. "I think Vivian would be a great lead too! Also, we'll sell the North American rights to Armour of God II: Operation Condor and Police Story 3: Supercop to Galaxy Films for $1.5 million."

Vivian was surprised but stayed silent. Arthur smiled. "I heard Armour of God II: Operation Condor, released earlier this year, was the highest-budget film and lost some money?"

Raymond Chow nodded. "Jackie Chan went to many locations, wasting a lot of money. It cost over 100 million HKD and indeed lost money."

"Now, the budget for Police Story 3: Supercop is 70 million HKD. Jackie Chan's movies have always been the highest budget in Hong Kong," Leonard Ho explained.

Arthur tapped the table. "Let's invest 100 million HKD together to produce a Jackie Chan action movie in America. Prepare the script first, and let your team lead the production. Galaxy Films will handle the Hollywood side."

"Alright," Raymond Chow always wanted Hong Kong films to break into America. After hearing Arthur's ideas, he felt inspired. With Hollywood backing, Golden Harvest had no reason to hesitate.

"Golden Harvest has an office in America. We can communicate anytime. Jackie Chan is currently filming Police Story 3: Supercop in Kuala Lumpur. After he's done, we'll discuss the script with him," Leonard Ho explained.

"Good. Make sure the script is polished, and choose the right director. Take your time and maybe send someone to do on-site research," Arthur suggested.

"Rest assured, this is 100 million HKD. We'll take it seriously," Raymond Chow laughed. The overspending on Armour of God II: Operation Condor was an exception.

"Mr. Smith, we've prepared dinner at the hotel. Please enjoy some Hong Kong cuisine," Leonard Ho invited.

"Alright..."

*****

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