Chapter 376: The Malcolm Show

With the arrival of September, Arthur returned to Los Angeles. Jim Carrey's comedy The Mask achieved a remarkable success, earning more than 300 million dollars globally.

In North America alone, it earned more than hundred million, making Galaxy even more confident about the upcoming Dumb and Dumber!

"Jim Carrey's next paycheck will probably be on par with top male stars," Amy Pascal said with a smile as she sat on the sofa.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective hadn't even been released when The Mask was being filmed. Fortunately, The Mask wasn't released yet when signing for Dumb and Dumber!

"Warner Bros. made an early deal with Jim Carrey for Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, offering a $7 million paycheck," Arthur leaned back in his chair. "Next year, Jim Carrey's paycheck will definitely reach top-tier levels."

Then, Arthur handed a script to Amy Pascal opposite him. This was The Malcolm Show by New Zealand writer Andrew Niccol.

"It's an interesting and thought-provoking concept. The world is a scam, and life is just a show!"

Amy Pascal took the script, "Is this the script you've had people bid against Scott Rudin recently?"

Recently, a lot of negative news about Hollywood producer Scott Rudin surfaced in newspapers:

The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and magazines like Premiere and Vanity Fair all reported negatively against Scott Rudin.

Scott Rudin was accused by many former employees of abuse and assault, having a volatile and irritable personality, and being extremely self-centered. Additionally, some black individuals who previously worked with Scott Rudin stated he was a villain, a racist, and an irresponsible scoundrel!

When Scott Rudin wanted to spend $1 million to buy The Malcolm Show script, Galaxy MGM immediately offered $1.2 million.

Compared to Scott Rudin, who still needed to seek support from major production companies, Galaxy MGM didn't have to waste time.

Moreover, Scott Rudin was now suffering from a tarnished reputation and declining credibility!

Amy Pascal smiled, "The Malcolm Show is quite ingenious, with strong social commentary. Developing it won't be easy."

Arthur nodded, "Find the right people to develop it. The budget for this movie isn't the same as a typical indie film!"

Alright, at a glance, Arthur recognized that The Malcolm Show was actually The Truman Show.

The protagonist, Truman Burbank, lives in a colossal reality show where his life is just a spectacle for others.

Arthur felt grateful to Scott Rudin. If it weren't for the recent media spotlight on Rudin, this script might have gone unnoticed.

That evening, Arthur arrived at Feihong Yu's apartment in Culver City. Feihong Yu had just returned from China, preparing to start school.

Although she interned at Galaxy, she still had to return home during summer break.

"Galaxy has already negotiated with the China Film Group to introduce Speed as the first major Hollywood revenue-sharing film," Feihong Yu said, "However, getting Speed to screen in China won't be easy. Provincial film companies will resist. Opening this door will threaten their job security!"

Arthur chuckled; he wasn't really focused on the Chinese market at the moment. Speed being the first revenue-sharing imported blockbuster.

Arthur put an arm around Feihong Yu's shoulder, his other hand resting on her thigh, "Was it all negotiated by Yang Yanzi?"

[Note: Yang Yanzi is Galaxy Hong Kong manager.]

"Yeah, and also, Rumble in the Bronx did well in North America. Hollywood's New Line Cinema spent $24 million to acquire the North American rights for Drunken Master II, Dragons Forever, and the still-in-production Thunderbolt!"

Arthur leaned in to breathe in the woman's scent, "Really? Three films for $24 million, New Line Cinema is quite generous."

"Rumble in the Bronx had a big impact. With an investment of less than $10 million, it grossed over $70 million worldwide."

"Yeah, we also have the rights to two of Jackie Chan's older films. We'll release them next year," Arthur said as he began kissing Feihong Yu on the face.

"If they do as well as Rumble in the Bronx, buying them for $8 million will indeed pay off," Feihong Yu said while lying down on the sofa with Arthur.

"It's tough, but if the North American box office for these films exceeds $10 million, combined with the home video market, New Line Cinema can at least break even. If the box office exceeds $15 million, they'll definitely profit!"

Arthur said and then started kissing the woman on her exposed chest.

"No wonder Galaxy didn't buy them. A $15 million box office isn't easy," Feihong Yu said while stroking Arthur's back, "Oh, by the way, the construction of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Beijing is proceeding quickly. The main building is already finished, and they're currently working on the interior!"

Arthur lifted his head and couldn't help but praise, "You even paid attention to the hotel's construction progress. I haven't pampered you for nothing!"

Feihong Yu was getting more beautiful and charming, blending fashion with intellectual allure.

Feihong Yu smiled, running her fingers through Arthur's hair, "I've always cared about your business!"

"Mm," Arthur said as he shut her mouth with his lips, pulling off her bra in the process and feeling her soft chest.

"Mm...mm," Feihong Yu responded passionately, their tongues and lips intertwined, as she helped remove their tops and unbuckled Arthur's belt...

*****

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