Chapter 290: Environmental Troubles

After returning from Irvine to Los Angeles, Arthur went to the construction site of the Galaxy headquarters in Glendale, where a group of people were protesting nearby.

"What's going on? Are these guys just bored or something?" Arthur had no goodwill toward these people blocking the construction. He was planning to move the headquarters by the end of the year.

If this group of people delayed the project, how could the move go smoothly?

Anna Walker, standing beside him, reminded, "Boss, this is the Environmental Organization Association. They say we've taken over city park land!"

Arthur rubbed his forehead, "This was already approved by the city council. Send someone quickly to negotiate and promise some green space."

Environmental organizations were always filled with idlers, and Arthur didn't care to engage with them.

"The company already has people negotiating, and we've even got authorization from Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn!"

"Alright, just start the project as soon as possible," Arthur said, as there wasn't much he could do about it. After the police chased them away, they would just come back.

After returning to the North Hollywood office, Arthur immediately complained to Amy Pascal, "It's really odd how the environmental organization suddenly started causing trouble!"

Amy Pascal shrugged, "Galaxy had a great summer this year, competing well against Universal, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Over the years, Galaxy's reputation in Hollywood has grown, and we want to become full members of the MPAA as well. The traditional six major film groups are always hostile to new competitors!"

Arthur could understand, "Now that QVC and Viacom are bidding for Paramount Communications, both sides are amassing capital.

As for Disney, Michael Ovitz is focusing on Jeffrey Katzenberg. Nothing much to worry about there.

Right now, it's Warner Bros., making a lot of moves. Ever since Gerald Levin took control of Time Warner, his ambitions have only grown!"

Regarding Time Warner, its HBO pay TV channel and Time Warner Cable were pretty good.

As for Warner Bros., Time Magazine, Warner Bros. Publishing Group, Warner Records, and even the newly formed Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment this year - none of these worried Arthur too much.

Amy Pascal smiled, "No need to overthink it. Galaxy's success is a well-established fact."

"Speed and Mrs. Doubtfire were big hits, and this romance film Four Weddings and a Funeral is doing just as well, with North American box office earnings over 60 million dollars and overseas earnings breaking 100 million dollars!"

"Four Weddings and a Funeral is essentially a British film, with British filmmakers except for Meg Ryan. The stories also revolve around British scenarios.

The reason Meg Ryan was invited was, of course, for the North American market. Four Weddings and a Funeral was released first in the UK, then in other European countries and North America.

"In August, Warner Bros.' The Fugitive was amazing too. In just three weeks after its release, it made 90 million dollars in box office," Arthur had to admire Harrison Ford's enduring appeal.

Last year, his starring role in Patriot Games did well, and next year there's Clear and Present Danger, a sequel to the novel adaptation of Patriot Games. The Warner Bros. movies starring Harrison Ford are all high-quality thrillers.

Another veteran star, Clint Eastwood, had a movie In the Line of Fire released this summer, now fetching 80 million dollars in North American box office with no problems breaking 100 million.

Last year, Clint Eastwood's self-directed and starring film Unforgiven vied with Schindler's List at the Oscars with worldwide earnings exceeding a billion dollars.

Besides Harrison Ford and Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson also had many collaborations with Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. liking collaborations with big-name stars seemed reasonable.

Luckily, his own Galaxy films also collaborated with stars like Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jim Carrey, and Brad Pitt!

In the afternoon, Arthur directly had Elizabeth Hurley come over to audition for the female lead in The Mask.

This comedy needed a sexy and gorgeous woman with a great figure as the female lead. Cameron Diaz was good, but Arthur had no time to waste!

"Arthur, you finally remembered me?" Elizabeth Hurley said as she sat cheerfully on Arthur's lap, thumbing through the script.

"This role fits me well. The acting style is very strong, and the actor auditioning earlier was really unique."

Arthur stroked her thigh, "Isn't he quite the comedy genius?"

That was Jim Carrey.

"Yes, his facial expressions are incredibly rich!"

"Don't just think your sexiness in the movie means you're playing a simple eye-candy. This could be a breakout role for you," Arthur said as he touched Hurley's 36C, "a role that will really put you on the map!"

"Indeed, a breakout? Elizabeth Hurley whispered into Arthur's ear, "You mean this movie will do very well? The higher the box office, the more fame for the actors."

"Of course. My judgment is not to be doubted," Arthur said with confidence. Elizabeth Hurley had it all: looks and body.

"Who would doubt you? That Four Weddings and a Funeral hit was quite the success." Elizabeth Hurley felt envious of Hugh Grant, who had earlier gained fame through Arthur's Sleeping With the Enemy, and now with Galaxy's Four Weddings and a Funeral.

"This year you have Se7en releasing, and next year there's The Mask. Am I not treating you well?" Arthur smiled.

"Indeed," Elizabeth Hurley was extremely satisfied with Arthur. After all, being the female lead in an Arthur Smith movie was a fast track.

Look at Nicole Kidman, who rose to fame with Speed, and Winona Ryder, a favorite among many directors for her acting talent.

Elizabeth Hurley reached out to unbuckle Arthur's belt. "Nothing planned for tonight? I'll keep you company!"

Saying that, she knelt in front of Arthur's chair.

Arthur leaned back, his fingers running through her long hair, but thoughts of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Kate Beckinsale came to mind.

One was filming Legends of the Fall, and the other was heading to Oxford University's Paris branch for studies. Such a shame!

*****

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