Chapter 293: Sherry Lansing

"Collaboration among major studios to develop films?" Arthur listened to Sherry Lansing's suggestion with skepticism. Cooperation between Hollywood's Big Six is rare.

After all, they all have comprehensive global distribution systems. Who would get the distribution rights? Would major studios act merely as film investment companies?

"Do you mean that Galaxy-Orion is now a major Hollywood studio?"

"Isn't it?" Sherry Lansing looked serious and explained, "Galaxy-Orion is a rising star in Hollywood, but its international distribution system is incomplete. Collaborating with Paramount means yielding international distribution rights, securing stable financial backing for investments.

Compared to seeking international financing for Galaxy-Orion's big productions, having a stable Hollywood company fund and solve distribution issues is a boon!"

Arthur thought for a moment. Damn, isn't this the future model of DreamWorks? They had their own distribution network domestically while leaving the overseas market to Hollywood's Big Six.

Sherry Lansing saw Arthur contemplating and continued, "While Galaxy-Orion collaborates with various independent production companies and distributes artistic films, I've researched, Arthur, that your primary focus remains Hollywood commercial films, with increasing investment and marketing costs. Wall Street investment firms can provide loans for your projects, but the risks are all on Galaxy-Orion!"

Arthur smiled, "Sure, the risks are ours, but so are the biggest profits. I need to think this over."

"That's fine, think about it," Sherry Lansing picked up on Arthur's reluctance. Galaxy-Orion's independently developed projects were highly popular.

Why yield international interests? Just for stable funding? Galaxy-Orion didn't lack investors.

"Actually, having Paramount as an MPAA member backing you means your projects - whether in scriptwriting, filming, or marketing - will be smoother."

"Arthur, I hope you'll consider my proposal. Film investment is inherently risky; having someone share that risk is beneficial. Nobody can always succeed, right?"

Just like Arthur's own produced Redemption, which was a commercial flop, wasn't it?

Looking at Sherry Lansing's departing figure, Arthur slightly frowned at her last words. Did she really think that the MPAA alone could suppress him?

At that moment, MCA Universal's president Sidney Sheinberg walked over. "Arthur, what do you think of the new Paramount chairman?"

Arthur smiled slightly, "Perhaps Paramount will start cutting back on film investments!"

From Sherry Lansing's words, it seemed she intended to do something about film production costs, not liking to invest heavily.

Sidney Sheinberg, in good spirits from the success of Jurassic Park, also felt favorable towards Arthur after he invested in Schindler's List last year, being a Jew.

He reminded Arthur, "Did you know that Paramount Communications acquired five amusement parks from Kings Entertainment Company (KECo) for operation?"

Arthur nodded, "I know, they've all been rebranded with the Paramount name - Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Canada's Wonderland, Great America, and Carowinds Amusement Park. Running amusement parks isn't simple business, and Paramount hasn't put much effort into it!"

This was just a new attempt by Paramount Communications' chairman Charles Bluhdorn, entirely different from the movie-themed resort model of Disneyland and Universal Studios.

Sidney Sheinberg looked at Arthur, "Don't you have any thoughts on this?"

"No, Galaxy-Orion isn't large enough to support a theme park. We lack the foundation and the investment is too large," Arthur shook his head quickly. "No investment firm would dare support a new film company venturing into theme parks."

"Orlando's Universal Studios has been open for three years, and British Truk Films, an investor, is considering selling shares," Sidney Sheinberg said, patting Arthur's shoulder before walking away.

Arthur grimaced. Paramount wanted to collaborate on films, while Universal hoped he would invest in Universal Studios?

Orlando's Universal Studios was co-invested by MCA Universal and Truk Films; Arthur wasn't interested in theme parks now.

Arthur sighed, "Seeing Galaxy-Orion's momentum, everyone wants a piece of the pie. Whether on projects or for my funding!

Theme parks burn money. If Paramount manages them well, transforming them into movie-related resorts could be fun. But five parks at once? Who would dare invest so much?"

Universal Studios just now managed a second park after so many years!

"Arthur, was that the new Paramount chairman, Sherry Lansing?" Catherine Zeta-Jones approached hurriedly after seeing Arthur finish chatting.

"Yes, Hollywood's first female studio head. She's competent," Arthur's current deputy Amy Pascal was also good, but no match for Sherry Lansing in terms of experience and ability.

After all, she had proven herself at Columbia and 20th Century Fox.

"By the way, during the filming of Four Weddings and a Funeral, was Hugh Grant's relationship with Meg Ryan unusual?"

Catherine Zeta-Jones nodded, "They collaborated before and are good friends!"

Meg Ryan was already married with a child nearly two years old. Rumors with Hugh Grant wouldn't look good.

Still, without evidence, Arthur was indifferent. It could even help promote the film.

"Whatever, that's normal in Hollywood," Arthur kissed the woman's cheek. "Is the shooting for Legends of the Fall on schedule?"

"Pretty quick. Alberta, Canada's scenery fits well - the vast plains are beautiful," Catherine Zeta-Jones hugged Arthur's neck. "Mr. Anthony Hopkins joined the crew with me, took good care of me, and taught me some acting skills. He suggested I take part in stage plays to improve my acting."

"Okay, let's go back!" Arthur kissed her lips.

*****

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