Chapter 408: The Sorrow of Small Figures

Los Angeles, Burbank, Disney.

Michael Ovitz came to Michael Eisner's office and explained to him that they could sign a 7-album deal with pop queen Janet Jackson for just $75 million!

Michael Ovitz, filled with joy, thought this was a rare opportunity, but to his surprise, Michael Eisner simply took one look and shook his head: "When did Disney ever need to spend big money to sign superstars? We cultivate our own!"

"Cultivate our own?" Michael Ovitz was taken aback; since when could Disney cultivate its own superstars?

Disney princesses were all about nurturing teenage idols.

"Eisner, Janet Jackson isn't just Michael Jackson's sister. Her album sales are nothing short of phenomenal!" Michael Ovitz was really reluctant to give up.

Michael Eisner stood up and patted his old friend's shoulder, "Ovitz, you need to understand something - Disney's main focus is the family-friendly market for kids and families. Michael Jackson's child molestation case is still ongoing, and Disney can't afford to be associated with any negative news about children!"

Soon after, a somewhat dejected Michael Ovitz left Michael Eisner's office...

...

Two days later, Galaxy Records held a press conference announcing their $65 million, five-album deal with Janet Jackson!

Meanwhile, the year 1995 had just begun, and a Hollywood escort scandal broke out. After more than two years of investigation, the Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss was sentenced to prison. Found guilty of 37 charges, including prostitution, money laundering, and tax evasion, Heidi Fleiss was sentenced to 3 years in prison!

In a ranch villa in Raymond County, Carmel Valley, California, Governor Pete Wilson let out a sigh of relief, "At least they only brought down a few stars!"

Arthur's expression was intriguing, "Seems like these Hollywood folks really can't make it to the big league."

The names Heidi Fleiss provided were all Hollywood-related, such as movie producer Robert Evans and actors Jack Nicholson and Charlie Sheen.

No notable figures from the political or wealthy elite circles were exposed.

Clearly, in the eyes of high society, Hollywood is just not on the same level!

Pete Wilson smiled, "Arthur, you're different - you're not just Hollywood. Even if you are, you're already at the top tier."

Arthur shook his head, "I'm not standing up for Hollywood; it's just a bunch of uncultured and immoral upstarts. It's just that, compared to Washington, Hollywood is too easily exposed to the sunlight. You, in Washington, dwell in the shadows!"

In terms of darkness, Washington's political circle is definitely no less sinister than Hollywood's entertainment circle.

Among Heidi Fleiss's clients, the majority were politicians, then celebrities, and foreign tycoons.

"If Heidi Fleiss talks too much, she probably won't live to attend the hearing. If she didn't realize that, she wouldn't have become the queen of Hollywood madams!"

Pete Wilson shrugged, "The main reason I asked to see you is to get your opinion on California Proposition 187. With California bordering Mexico, there are just too many illegal immigrants."

Arthur spread his hands helplessly, "That's just a game between your two parties. What opinion can I have? The key issue of whether Proposition 187 is unconstitutional lies in Washington, not in California."

Then, Arthur stood up from the sofa and stretched, "Besides, I'm still young and don't want to get involved in these matters just yet. There are currently many people more capable than me who should be dealing with these issues. What I should be doing now is enjoying life!"

Arthur was only 26 years old at the time, of course, he wouldn't engage in those old folks' political battles. Developing relationships and expanding resources were what he should be focusing on.

"What about you and Willie Brown?" Pete Wilson asked about Arthur's relationship with the Speaker of the California State Assembly.

Arthur smiled, "Well, a friendly relationship. You don't need to worry too much; California swinging too far left isn't good for me either!"

"That's good," Pete Wilson felt somewhat reassured. After Clinton came to power, the democratization of Hollywood had accelerated a lot.

But Arthur Smith was different; he would surely become a Hollywood giant in the future. No one could know what heights he would reach in Hollywood.

By evening, Pete Wilson left Carmel Ranch, believing that Arthur Smith's achievements would at least be on the level of Louis Mayer!

...

Los Angeles, Hollywood, in the offices of independent film distributor New Line Cinema, New Line Cinema's head Ira Deutchman was chatting with film producer Arnon Milchan. Arnon Milchan, one of the founders of the independent production company Regency Enterprises, was developing a low-budget Western.

Ira Deutchman looked at the proposal, "Norwegian director Nils Gaup, and you want James Caan for the lead role?"

Arnon Milchan nodded, "His fee isn't high, and he fits the character of a dominant boss well."

After all, James Caan's earlier performance in The Godfather was quite good.

Ira Deutchman shook his head and reminded Arnon Milchan, "You've spent the last few years in Israel or Europe, so you might not be up-to-date with Hollywood. James Caan has been blacklisted in Hollywood since leaving prison. No producer or director dares to hire him!"

"What?" Arnon Milchan, an Israeli Jew who had been training at home before recently returning to Hollywood, was puzzled.

"Arthur Smith," Ira Deutchman whispered, "James Caan offended Arthur Smith before going to prison. After getting out last year, he hasn't had any work. He could only get small supporting roles in movies before, but after getting out, every producer and director shut the door on him. If you hire him, are you planning for this movie to never be released?"

Certainly not; New Line is a small American distributor, and Regency came to New Line precisely to get it released.

"Arthur Smith, no wonder. Who would be willing to cross him for a Hollywood bottom-ranker?"

Arnon Milchan understood, "I'll ask director Nils Gaup to find someone else!"

Nils Gaup, a Norwegian, was also shooting his first Hollywood film and didn't expect James Caan to have offended the infamous Arthur Smith.

Ira Deutchman nodded, "With the momentum of Galaxy MGM, Arthur Smith wields immense power. He probably doesn't even remember James Caan, but people below him know, and many will suppress Caan to curry favor with him!"

That's the sorrow of small figures.

*****

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