Kapitel 511: Chapter 511: A Lot Happened
[Chapter 576: A Lot Happened]
After returning to Los Angeles, Charlize Theron prepared for filming Scream 3. As for Arthur, he was getting ready to visit Las Vegas to check on the demolition of the Sands Casino Hotel, especially since Arthur had invested $200 million in the Venetian Resort.
At the same time, Galaxy MGM acquired the catalog of Carolco Films for $47 million in cash, gaining the rights to films like Basic Instinct, Total Recall, and Die Hard 2.
At the Wilshire Hotel, Disney held a press release where the board announced the firing of group president Michael Ovitz. Having spent less than two years with Disney, Michael Ovitz left with quite a few scars.
...
In Arthur's office at Galaxy headquarters, he leafed through a newspaper and said, "Looks like Disney has really had quite a year, huh?"
Kate Beckinsale chimed in with a laugh, "It's been lively over there, with Jeffrey Katzenberg's lawsuit against Disney; and the scandal regarding NBC's producer Jamie Tarses."
While still in the middle of a year-and-a-half contract with NBC, Disney secretly negotiated with Jamie Tarses, hoping she would break her contract to join ABC. But things blew up when the media caught wind of the situation, pointing the blame at Michael Ovitz.
It was Michael Ovitz who had recruited Jamie Tarses, leading to Michael Eisner's outrage over the media reports, which forced Ovitz to publicly apologize to mitigate the damage.
Though everyone knew Ovitz wasn't the one who leaked the information, the already displeased Eisner was not about to let this opportunity to suppress him slip by. This situation served as the spark that led to Michael Ovitz's dismissal.
Arthur glanced out the window, "Next, I bet Disney won't appoint a new president. Even if they do, it will probably just be a puppet for Michael Eisner. What a shame; anyone with a mind wouldn't want to be reduced to a mere assistant handling Eisner's errands."
As news of Michael Ovitz's departure hit the headlines, it sparked a major discussion in the entertainment circle, while Michael Eisner signed a ten-year contract with Disney. Eisner stated, "I will miss the exceptional energy, immense creativity, and outstanding leadership that Michael Ovitz brought to Disney. We worked together, and we are long-time friends; our relationship in life and business will continue to develop."
Unfortunately, media quickly reported that some of Ovitz's colleagues at Disney only saw him as a struggling president, now viewing him as a pawn that Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner could discard at will.
The backlash was swift, as an incensed Michael Eisner hit back. Fortune magazine highlighted an email from Eisner:
First, Michael Ovitz was labeled as a mental case with character flaws; he was cunning, untrustworthy, and only looked out for himself. All his problems started and ended with these character defects.
Second, it was clear that Michael Ovitz lacked any real capability.
Eisner stated that no one could change these two points, leaving everyone anxious to see what would happen next.
...
At the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, Arthur discussed the situation at Disney with Peter Chernin, president of the News Group.
"ABC has only your Galaxy-produced Friends and The X-Files; the rest of the programmes are practically unwatchable," Peter Chernin seemed pleased.
Arthur raised an eyebrow, "That's enough! I'm quite curious about all that has transpired in the time I've been away from the States this year."
"Yeah, a lot has gone down. Disney's acquisition of ABC is hardly a success compared to your CBS acquisition." Peter mentioned, enviously.
The combination of Galaxy's production talents with CBS's marketing made for a greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts effect.
ABC was a large entity, but Disney's merger hadn't even begun to integrate fully within a year.
"Alright, I'll take my leave. Please keep a close eye on the Titanic project. After all, MGM is really putting cash on the line!" Peter Chernin chuckled.
Arthur nodded, "Don't worry, there won't be any issues."
...
Before long, Arthur ran into Sony producer Gary Foster, whom he had met while working on Sleepless in Seattle.
"Arthur, good evening," Gary Foster shook Arthur's hand.
"What's wrong? You look troubled," Arthur remarked from the couch, noticing his friend's distress.
Gary shrugged, "Sony has been prepping the project The Mask of Zorro for a few years now. The original producer, Steven Spielberg's work landed in my lap, and I'm a bit stressed about it."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, "Martin Campbell abandoned 007: Tomorrow Never Dies to direct your Mask of Zorro. The leads Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are a perfect match as well."
Since GoldenEye, which Campbell directed, had been a huge success, MGM and Eon Productions would surely want him to continue with the Bond franchise. However, Martin Campbell chose The Mask of Zorro instead.
Gary looked at Arthur, "The lead guy is confirmed as Antonio Banderas; he is Spanish. The female lead you are talking about is the same Catherine Zeta-Jones, the supporting actress from Sense and Sensibility?"
Arthur looked surprised, they haven't decided on the female lead yet, have they?
"Yup, that's her. She perfectly embodied classical beauty in her earlier works. Haven't you settled on a lead yet?"
Gary nodded, "We've been considering Hispanic or Latin actresses, so the lead female is still up in the air. Catherine Zeta-Jones, you just reminded me! She also appeared in the recently released Titanic TV film, and she is indeed perfect for 19th-century style!"
Arthur smiled, "Alright, just have her audition, and she will surely impress you."
Gary chuckled, "Arthur, you always have a good eye for talent. The Mask of Zorro doesn't start shooting for another three months, so there's plenty of time for her to train in sword fighting and other action scenes."
Arthur sighed internally, realizing that he had been a bit too quick in speaking; it really hadn't dawned on him that The Mask of Zorro hadn't even begun production yet.
As for Catherine Zeta-Jones, having mentioned her, Arthur knew Gary Foster would undoubtedly pursue her.
A lucky hit...
*****
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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