Chapter 148: Vivian Chow

"Asian cinema, it's all about Hong Kong. Quite a few Hong Kong martial arts films have a market in America," Arthur said as he danced with Vivian Chow in the hall.

"Is it because of Bruce Lee?" Vivian Chow responded with a smile.

Arthur nodded, "Yes, Bruce Lee made the martial arts movies popular. Now, Jackie Chan's action comedies also have some fans in the videotape market. I heard you're an actress too, Vivian?"

"I've acted in movies and television, but I was mainly a host and singer before," Vivian Chow said with a smile.

"Is this your first time in America?"

"Yes, I came to represent Hong Kong Cable Television (TVB) at the New York Film Festival for a film called Bloody Dawn. This is my first time in America."

"The New York Film Festival is not as prestigious as the European ones," Arthur shook his head.

"The Silence of the Lambs has already been released in Hong Kong, right?"

Vivian Chow nodded, "Yes, it has. It's Mr. Smith's work, right?"

Arthur smiled, "Just call me Arthur. Do you have any plans for tomorrow? I'd like to invite you to see The Phantom of the Opera."

"Ah, tomorrow?" Vivian Chow was a bit taken aback and felt a bit embarrassed. "I might have to shoot some album covers tomorrow. I just joined PolyGram this year and released a new album."

"Oh, that's a small matter. Come with me," Arthur said, leading Vivian Chow to Michael Kuhn, an executive at PolyGram.

"Arthur, what's up?" Michael Kuhn looked at Arthur and Vivian Chow with a puzzled expression.

Arthur spoke directly, "Vivian is going with me to see a musical tomorrow. I heard you have arranged for her to shoot album covers?"

Michael Kuhn smiled helplessly. As the Executive Vice President of PolyGram Group, he found it odd that Arthur was coming to him with this minor issue involving a Hong Kong artist.

"Arthur, you decide. I'll have our Hong Kong office cooperate with you. How about that?" Michael Kuhn, of course, didn't know Vivian Chow but looked at her and said, "Vivian, this is the famous Hollywood prodigy Arthur Smith, the owner of Galaxy Films. He can boost your career immensely!"

"Alright, go back and rest well tonight. I'll pick you up tomorrow!" Arthur said as he hugged Vivian Chow before getting into his car.

Vivian Chow watched in a daze as Arthur's luxury car drove away.

"Vivian," her assistant and manager walked over, "I just looked up the man you were dancing with. He's really impressive!

Arthur Smith, only 22 years old, is a screenwriter, actor, and film company owner. He founded Galaxy Films two years ago and this year acquired the old Hollywood studio, Orion Pictures.

This year's Oscar-winning Best Picture 'Dances with Wolves' was produced by his company. He's Hollywood's youngest centi-millionaire!"

"Is he really that amazing?" Vivian Chow's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes, he is. He just came to New York after attending a launch event for his company's new movie in Los Angeles. The lead actor is Tom Cruise!"

"He invited me to see a musical tomorrow and said he would pick me up," Vivian Chow felt a bit lost.

"Ah, well," The manager spread her hands helplessly, "We just received notice that we can stay in New York for a few more days. PolyGram has no other work arranged for you. You can wait for the album cover and photo shoot to be rescheduled."

The next day at noon, Arthur arrived at the Imperial Hotel in a red Ferrari F40 to pick up Vivian Chow!

"Vivian, we'll have lunch first and then enjoy the musical," Arthur said with a smile. 

"Okay, the car is beautiful," Vivian Chow smiled as she sat in the passenger seat.

"Do you want to try it? We can go to the highway by the lake," Arthur suggested.

Vivian Chow shook her head and explained, "In Hong Kong, we drive on the left side, so I can't."

"Oh, right," Arthur realized, jokingly adding, "The British always like to do things differently. Most countries drive on the right side. Like the UK, Japan, and Australia, they drive on the left side. It's really silly!"

These are all Commonwealth countries. Luckily, Canada is like the US, driving on the right side. As for Hong Kong, it's still a British colony, so they follow the British system.

They arrived at the Plaza Hotel's upscale restaurant, where Arthur led Vivian Chow to their reserved spot. "The French cuisine here is excellent, and you can overlook Central Park!"

Arthur thoughtfully pulled out the chair for Vivian Chow, "Of course, the menu offers a wide variety of tastes!"

"Thank you, Arthur," Vivian Chow said, taking in the restaurant's classic ambiance and the view of Central Park outside the window.

"This place is really nice!"

"It's okay," Arthur replied, then called the waiter to start ordering.

"Vivian, since you need to shoot album covers and magazine photos, I'll help you arrange it," Arthur said after ordering.

"Isn't that too much trouble for you?" Vivian Chow felt a bit embarrassed.

Arthur shook his head and smiled at her, "It's no trouble at all, especially for a beautiful lady like you. The photographer has previously shot covers for Whitney Houston and Madonna. Since you're now a singer, it should be fitting."

Vivian Chow was surprised again, knowing they were international superstars. "Thank you so much."

Arthur casually replied, "It's nothing. I can also introduce you to them. Whitney Houston is currently filming my movie The Bodyguard..."

...

"Your album and magazine cover shoot has been arranged. We'll shoot at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco," Arthur said as he dropped Vivian Chow back at the Imperial Hotel. "I also have some business to take care of in the Bay Area. We can go together!"

"Thank you, it's really kind of you," Vivian Chow hugged Arthur. Over the past few days, Arthur had taken her to several high-end receptions, giving her a glimpse of the grand scenes.

Arthur smiled and kissed Vivian on the cheek, "No problem, I can even arrange for you to shoot an MV in the U.S.!"

Vivian quickly shook her head, "That's not necessary, the company wouldn't approve."

"Don't worry, I like Hong Kong movies too. Jackie Chan has been in a few Hollywood films without much success, but his work has cultivated a niche fan base in the video market. Galaxy Studios plans to help Jackie Chan break into Hollywood.

Maybe soon, I'll be working with Hong Kong film companies to develop projects. When that happens, Hong Kong actresses will definitely be needed. You'll have your chance!"

While Arthur showed Vivian around New York, he also systematically learned about the Hong Kong entertainment industry.

Currently, Taiwan was the most important overseas market for Hong Kong films, followed by Japan and Korea, and then Southeast Asia, including Singapore.

"Hollywood, me?" Vivian looked at Arthur with wide eyes, "I'm not even considered a top actress in Hong Kong."

Arthur shook his head, "Jackie Chan will be the main draw, and the actresses will be there to complement him. If I say you can do it, you can do it! Alright, get some rest. Tomorrow, we fly to San Francisco..."

Meanwhile, back at the Puck Building, Arthur was on the phone with Amy Pascal.

"Steve Jobs doesn't oppose selling Pixar, but the price is high. They want $42 million!"

"$42 million?" Arthur laughed, "That's not a bit high, that's sky-high. Steve Jobs doesn't have time to manage it, and it's losing money every year. He got over $100 million after leaving Apple and has spent a lot on NeXT. He must need money. Forget it, I'll be in San Francisco tomorrow. I'll talk to him personally!"

For Arthur, acquiring Pixar was essential, and he was determined to get it at any cost.

Arranging Vivian's shoot in San Francisco was partly because he valued Pixar's animation so much.

"Scent of a Woman starts filming in November. Have you met Al Pacino?" Amy Pascal asked on the phone.

"Yes, I've met him. The school in New York is also set. We'll start filming next month," Arthur replied. It was already October, and the filming of Scent of a Woman would take about 15 weeks, wrapping up next year.

*****

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