Chapter 159: Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr.

The day after Arthur acquired shares in BET, another bombshell dropped in the American sports world!

At the Great Western Forum, the home court of the Los Angeles Lakers, the team's star player, Magic Johnson, faced a crowd of journalists from all over the country to announce shocking news: "Due to promiscuity and drug abuse, I have tested positive for HIV. As a result, I am choosing to retire."

At 32, Earvin "Magic" Johnson was a superstar of the NBA in the '80s. Alongside Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics, he was a leading figure of the league, known as part of the "black and white duo."

Johnson had spent all 12 seasons of his career with the Lakers, during which he won three NBA MVP awards, five NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards, and was named to the All-NBA team 10 times (nine of those in the First Team) and was a 12-time NBA All-Star.

In the office of Galaxy, Arthur set down the newspaper he was reading, which detailed the recent news of Magic Johnson's retirement. "With Kareem retiring two years ago and now Johnson gone, the Lakers' competitiveness is going to drop significantly."

One must keep clean!

At that moment, Amy Pascal, who had just returned from New York two days ago, knocked and entered. "The budget for Scream 2 is $14 million, and Sam Raimi plans to start filming by the end of the month.

However, Frank Darabont's The Shawshank Redemption is progressing slowly. This guy has high standards for the script!"

Arthur smiled. "No rush. If Frank wants to take his time preparing, let him. It doesn't matter."

Amy Pascal nodded. "Scent of a Woman has already started filming, and Al Pacino's performance is as solid as ever. By the way, what did you think of the rough cut of The Bodyguard?"

The action film The Bodyguard, starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, had finished shooting and was now in post-production, including dubbing and editing.

"The Bodyguard," Arthur thought for a moment. "It's a straightforward commercial action film. With a star like Kevin Costner and a music icon like Whitney Houston, it has great promotional potential. I think it's a pretty good popcorn movie! But remember, songs are main draw for this movie!"

In the evening, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Arthur attended a party. The main creators of The Silence of the Lambs, including director Jonathan Demme, and leads Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, were all present.

With some Golden Globe and Oscar judges, film critics, and journalists in attendance, this event was helpful for promoting The Silence of the Lambs.

"I'm still not used to this way of socializing," Jonathan Demme admitted. Previously a director of small comedies and horror films, the success of The Silence of the Lambs had left him feeling a bit out of place.

Arthur patted his shoulder. "This is how Hollywood works. The Silence of the Lambs is a success both commercially and artistically. Now, attending these parties with critics and academy voters is very beneficial for the film's promotion.

Early next year, we also need to host our own media events for the film. Besides the quality of the film itself, promotion and public relations are essential for winning awards!"

Jonathan Demme smiled awkwardly. "I didn't realize how complex things could be at this level."

"It's not too bad," Arthur understood his concern. PR essentially involves spending money, hosting parties, and offering gifts.

Good food and drink for the guests, along with small parting gifts!

Arthur whispered, "I've arranged for a thousand copies of The Silence of the Lambs on VHS to be given as gifts. Especially for those living in the suburbs or older judges who might not have easy access to theaters, they need to see The Silence of the Lambs!"

Jonathan Demme's eyes widened. These gift tapes were certainly not the ordinary $40-$50 ones but likely the $80-$90 collector's editions. Arthur had invested over a million dollars in this!

"Is this really okay?" Jonathan Demme worried about the possible negative repercussions.

Arthur smiled. "Don't worry. Their income isn't very high, and everyone does this. We're just giving to more people!"

The Silence of the Lambs had already been released in the U.S. in April, and its VHS and laser disc rentals and sales had started around August and September.

Regarding the fact that the largest source of pirated VHS tapes and laser discs every year was these Oscar judges and critics, that was unavoidable.

It was a way for them to profit by receiving gifts and then reselling them!

After chatting with Jonathan Demme, Arthur also talked with Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.

"Have you finished filming your scenes in A Few Good Men?" Arthur asked upon hearing that Anthony Hopkins had joined the cast of Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Anthony Hopkins nodded. "It took less than three weeks to complete, but the director said there might be reshoots later. Right now, the focus is on the lead actors."

"I see," Arthur smiled and leaned in to ask quietly, "Now that you're a representative of Hollywood's finest actors, how do you find Tom Cruise's performance?"

Anthony Hopkins paused. "Tom's performance is commendable. He is serious and has a very skillful way of expressing himself."

How was he supposed to answer that? Anthony Hopkins glanced at Arthur and quickly changed the topic. "Actually, I'm quite interested in seeing your performance in To Die For. You played a delinquent student very well."

Jodie Foster laughed, "Anthony, that was Arthur's natural role..."

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.