Kapitel 94: Chapter 94: Take Over Orion?
"Arthur, you know the situation with Orion. Investors want to pull out, and the company's assets may be auctioned," Mike Medavoy sat with Arthur in the hotel lounge. "High debts and no new investors are willing to take over. Filing for bankruptcy might be the best option!"
"What about European capital?" Arthur inquired.
"Europe?"
"Germany just unified. I heard Deutsche Bank and Bertelsmann Group are interested in venturing into international film investment," Arthur explained.
Mike Medavoy chuckled. "Is there anything worth investing in Orion now? Do you know what Orion's most valuable assets are? The development rights of RoboCop 3, the distribution rights of The Silence of the Lambs, and the rights to the currently filming The Addams Family!"
Arthur nodded. "I did hear that Orion raised $30 million this year to develop the fantasy comic series The Addams Family."
"Actually, a while ago, I did discuss with Wall Street investors hoping to bring funds to keep Orion running," Mike Medavoy said, shaking his head. "But investors have no confidence in Orion right now. Arthur, Orion has a relatively complete North American distribution system, and they've been making their own films since the late eighties. The production team is quite experienced. Orion just needs a good captain!"
"Hm, what do you mean?" Arthur seemed to have some understanding of Mike Medavoy's meaning.
"Take over Orion," Mike Medavoy stared into Arthur's eyes. "With your current production talents, you could surely persuade the bank to support your management of Orion. As long as you continue to develop excellent movie projects like Sleepless in Seattle and Sleeping with the Enemy, Orion could quickly bounce back. Besides, Orion was established in the seventies, and it has some recognition. There are some movie rights in their library too!"
Arthur frowned. "But Orion has nearly $200 million in debt?"
"Negotiate with the creditors and see if they agree to a partial debt cancellation; otherwise, Orion will have to file for bankruptcy and be managed by the bank, which would eventually lead to it being acquired at a low price by another company," Mike Medavoy analyzed. "Even if they don't agree to cancel the debt, at least negotiate for extended repayment terms to allow you to start new projects.
Dances with Wolves and Sleeping with the Enemy, along with next year's The Silence of the Lambs, could bring in enough revenue for the first payment.
By then, if you take over Orion, you'd be looking at just over $100 million in debt. Your new projects would need your own investment, and you could freely handle Orion's assets."
Arthur was taken aback. Orion's biggest asset right now would certainly be the fantasy blockbuster The Addams Family that's currently in production.
Orion would sell overseas rights to fund projects, and The Addams Family's North American rights are still held by Orion!
"Let me think about it," Arthur felt a jolt in his heart - that was the feeling of excitement, he was genuinely tempted.
At that time, a debt of just over $100 million didn't seem much to Arthur. Another movie like Sleeping with the Enemy would easily cover it.
Unlike Orion, Arthur wouldn't mess around, develop random projects or sell pre-emptive overseas rights. He preferred models like The Silence of the Lambs, pre-selling overseas distribution rights on a revenue-sharing basis.
Mike Medavoy patted Arthur's shoulder and continued to smile. "You're confident and ambitious. This is both a challenge and an opportunity!"
Watching Mike Medavoy leave, Arthur felt a rush of excitement. Taking over Orion, with the recommendation of the former chairman, was undoubtedly an opportunity.
Arthur's heart raced uncontrollably; this feeling of excitement was irresistible!
"Sir, can I have this dance?" A young beautiful lady suddenly approached Arthur as he was getting up from the sofa.
Although Arthur was in a good mood, he wasn't really in the mood to dance. Just as he was about to wave her away, he realized the lady looked familiar.
"It would be a pleasure," Arthur extended his hand to her, and they walked to the dance floor.
"I'm Cameron Diaz. You were amazing in Edward Scissorhands," said the young lady, who was currently a model, just 18 this year.
Arthur smiled. "Really? With your great figure, you must be a model, right?"
Cameron Diaz indeed was a blonde beauty with youthful glamour, full of collagen and a curvaceous figure.
Hearing Arthur's question, Cameron Diaz chuckled, "I'm modeling in Japan, but I might move to Europe next year."
"That's great," Arthur admired the approximately 175 cm tall Cameron Diaz, her figure indeed impressive.
The bustling Japanese entertainment market was indeed the favorite launchpad for new European and American models. Naomi Watts also started her modeling career in Japan.
However, while Cameron Diaz was on her path to success, Naomi Watts, with her 165 cm height, did not find the same success.
"You're Arthur Smith. Can I just call you Arthur?" Cameron Diaz's hand rested on Arthur's shoulder as she smiled.
Arthur nodded. "Of course!"
"Arthur, is it hard to act in movies?" Cameron Diaz asked.
"Not really," Arthur shook his head. "Are you thinking of joining the entertainment industry?"
"I don't know," Cameron Diaz seemed uncertain, "My agent says modeling is a short-lived career. I'm just considering my future."
Arthur agreed. "Indeed, many models aspire to transition to acting," then he looked at the sexy maiden in front of him. "You only recently started modeling, right? Already considering a transition?"
"Planning ahead, Arthur," Cameron Diaz then leaned closer to Arthur. "Could you teach me some acting tips?"
"That would require private tutoring sessions!"
"Is that so? Would your private tutoring fee be high? I'm just a small-time model," Cameron Diaz said and laughed.
"You'll find out then!"
Cameron Diaz nodded, then leaned in even closer, taking a card from her chest and slipping it into Arthur's pocket. "You can call me. I'll be in Los Angeles for Christmas. I'd like to hear about how to become an actor!"
Arthur looked at Cameron Diaz - placing a business card there was indeed a smart idea.
*****
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