Chapter 397: Chapter 397: The Lion King Plagiarism Controversy
"Osaka Universal Planning Corporation! MCA Universal is preparing to build Universal Studios in Osaka," Arthur put down the newspaper.
Now Panasonic is in chaos, and they still have time to think about Osaka Universal Studios?
Arthur shook his head. Osaka Universal Studios was likely going to be similar to Tokyo Disneyland - a franchise operation.
They paid an annual brand licensing fee, with Japanese companies responsible for construction and operation.
Arthur wasn't too focused on these things right now. He was more concerned about another story: Disney's animated film The Lion King, which had gone viral globally this year, was embroiled in plagiarism controversy.
The Lion King was accused of plagiarizing the 1960s Japanese anime production, Kimba the White Lion, causing quite a stir in Japan. Kimba the White Lion was based on the manga Jungle Emperor by Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka.
The Lion King was claimed to be Disney's "first original story-based animation" by the studio.
"Back when The Lion King was released in Japan, didn't it cause protests? A large number of Japanese manga artists and animators signed a petition accusing Disney of plagiarism?" Arthur looked at his assistant Anna across the table.
Anna Walker shrugged, "Uh, Osamu Tezuka has been dead for five years. Takayuki Matsutani, president of Tezuka Productions, spoke out as well. When people use animals as character models, it's hard to avoid these similarities. The Lion King and Jungle Emperor are two completely different works, so The Lion King is entirely an original creation of Disney's long-standing exceptional production techniques!"
Arthur immediately understood. "Seems like Disney settled things with the rights holders of Jungle Emperor."
One has to admit, Japan has a lot of creative talent, with many pioneering mangas. Hollywood has borrowed heavily from Japanese manga settings over the years.
"Alright, time to head back. The annual budget meeting for Galaxy is about to start," Arthur said, getting up.
...
In the evening, Rosamund Kwan, who came to Japan lay satisfied in Arthur's arms. "Joey Wong has been studying in Canada?"
"She just enrolled this year. Anyway, she doesn't want to act anymore," Arthur stroked the smooth back of the beautiful woman.
Rosamund Kwan blinked, "No wonder there's been no news since she left. You were supporting her from behind?"
"She has no plans to return to acting?" Rosamund Kwan asked.
Arthur shook his head, "I don't think so. Besides, Hong Kong cinema is starting to decline, and the biggest overseas market, Taipei, also has issues."
"Alright," Rosamund Kwan kissed Arthur's chest a few times. "Not planning to take me to see her?"
Arthur smiled, "Might not be the best idea?"
Rosamund Kwan rolled her eyes. "You think she doesn't know you have other women? Let's take a chance to visit her together in Canada!"
"Hmm, okay," Arthur was happy to have Rosamund Kwan and Joey Wong together.
"Relax, I'll help you smooth things over," Rosamund Kwan said, showing a meaningful smile.
...
Back in Los Angeles, Galaxy's film Daughter of the Earth had already been released, but in November, the hottest movie was still Interview with the Vampire.
Tom Cruise didn't need much introduction, and another top leading man Brad Pitt had already gained fame from Se7en and Legends of the Fall.
With the support of these two Hollywood stars, Interview with the Vampire opened to a box office of $36 million. After ten days, its North American box office had accumulated $63 million!
At the end of last month, MGM released Stargate, produced by Carolco, which opened with $16 million; after three weeks, its North American box office had surpassed $50 million. Director Roland Emmerich was still perfecting the script for the sci-fi film Independence Day.
...
At the Hollywood Garden Hotel, Arthur and Michael Bay, director of Bad Boys, were discussing Arthur's previous idea, The Rock.
"A group of marine officers, dissatisfied with the US government's handling of compensation and benefits for fallen and retired soldiers and their families, stormed a military base at night and seized a batch of advanced missiles loaded with biological weapons.
They set up their base in Alcatraz, threatening the US government with missile launches to demand fair compensation for the deceased. The government sends in a weapons scientist to investigate.
At the same time, the weapons expert enlists the help of a top agent who once escaped from Alcatraz to complete the mission..."
Michael Bay's eyes lit up. "You mean that Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco?"
Arthur nodded, "Yes, that prison has its own stories, and setting the main battlefield there is perfect. Also, this is an exciting thriller action movie with plenty of large-scale scenes. It's an upgrade from Bad Boys."
"The script will soon be adapted and refined by MGM with new writers," Arthur explained.
Michael Bay had no objections. He had just finished his debut, Bad Boys, this year, and now Galaxy and MGM were letting him prepare another action film.
However, The Rock was still just an idea, and the script would take some time to be perfected. They estimated filming would start next year, with a release the year after.
As Michael Bay left, Arthur knew well his style: he was known for his aggressive editing, great music, and frequent use of explosions.
As for storytelling, forget it. He didn't have that talent - a classic popcorn director with action and explosions as his trademarks!
Now that Michael Bay was just starting out, he would follow the script closely, but after Bad Boys and The Rock were released, he would be on his own.
Arthur found Amy Pascal. "Carolco's Cutthroat Island has a lot of controversies, and the budget keeps increasing. It will certainly face problems. You should keep a close eye on them. Carolco's future is in great danger!"
Amy Pascal nodded, "I know. Many film companies have their eyes on Carolco's rights to Terminator 3. Given the current situation, Carolco definitely cannot develop Terminator 3. James Cameron's films are very expensive to produce!"
James Cameron - Arthur knew he was preparing the story for Titanic.
As for Terminator 3, the rights were not going to be cheap.
*****
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