Bab 486: Chapter 486: Stepping into Hollywood
[Chapter 549: Stepping into Hollywood]
In early March 1996, Gucci officially went public on the New York Stock Exchange, having already been listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange by Investcorp the previous year.
"Gucci's market value exceeded $2.2 billion." Arthur chuckled. "Is Investcorp planning to unload all their shares?"
Emily Shead nodded. "Now the major shareholder of Gucci is you!"
"Interesting," Arthur thought about the upcoming Asian financial crisis. Japan was the largest luxury goods market in the world then.
When that happened, Gucci's stock price was sure to drop, and California Pacific Investment Company would likely buy back some shares at a lower price.
"Inform Gucci's chairman and CEO that Gucci will become a conglomerate and acquire other luxury brands to expand its scale. I'll support them!"
Last year, Gucci's sales had surged, finally shaking off years of struggles.
...
In the evening, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades Beach Villa.
"Alright, no need to report such minor matters to me," Arthur said, putting down the phone while lying in bed.
Carl Anderson had just mentioned how to handle the car accident from a few days prior with Arthur.
"Are you getting up?" Jennifer Aniston nuzzled into Arthur's neck.
"I need to head to New York. Galaxy is going public on NASDAQ in May," Arthur replied, focusing on Galaxy's IPO.
Jennifer Aniston leaned over and kissed him. "Galaxy is finally going public!"
"Yeah," Arthur hugged the beautiful woman in his arms. "Is filming There's Something About Mary going to start soon?"
"Yup. After that, I'll be on to Friends Season 3," Jennifer snuggled against his chest and asked, "Is Winona still at the Carmel ranch?"
"She was there before. Now she's back home near San Francisco with her parents. She wants to take a break for a while," Arthur said, rolling over and kissing the softness of her body...
...
Meanwhile, at Paramount Pictures on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood.
Sherry Lansing and producer Michael Douglas were discussing the potential of hiring the director John Woo for Face/Off.
"Hard Target and Broken Arrow, John has two successful Hollywood films now, especially the one currently in theaters, which strongly displays his personal style," she said.
"Face/Off is leaning towards a crime action theme. John's style and ability might bring a fresh perspective."
Sherry Lansing was an excellent film producer with a keen eye.
Michael Douglas nodded in agreement, looking at Sherry Lansing. "I heard John was recommended by Arthur, right?"
"Yeah, Arthur thought John could give it a shot after reading the script. He might bring us one spectacular new action film," Sherry said with a smile.
Before long, everyone reached a consensus to have a chat with John Woo about the script.
...
Paramount moved quickly; the next day, John Woo's partner, Terence Chang, received the script and a meeting invitation from Paramount.
At the Hilton Garden Inn in Hollywood, John Woo put down the script and looked at Terence Chang.
"The story is great. The idea of a mob boss and a cop swapping faces is really unique -- a classic good vs. evil dynamic. I guess because I've made several dual-hero action films before, that's why Paramount and MGM came looking for me!"
After reading the Face/Off script, John Woo understood the general concept.
Terence Chang smiled, "Broken Arrow has made $55 million at the North American box office and is starting to roll out in Europe. Plus, the reviews are good. Its international performance shouldn't lag behind North America -- much better than Hard Target."
"With an $80 million budget, there are plenty of actors who could play the dual roles," John Woo was excited about managing such a high-budget project.
Terence Chang nodded. "True. I'm actually more optimistic about Galaxy and MGM. Galaxy's collaboration with Golden Harvest on Rumble in the Bronx helped Jackie Chan break into Hollywood smoothly. Now MGM is developing a special Hollywood movie for Jackie Chan. Maybe MGM recommended you to Paramount after agreeing to invest. You have to know, MGM is currently the most profitable movie company in Hollywood and around the world. Galaxy's boss, Arthur Smith, is known as Hollywood's golden boy. Any movie that has Arthur Smith's name attached is bound to earn big money."
As he spoke, Terence Chang stood up. "Let's get ready and head to Paramount for a good talk about this blockbuster Face/Off."
John Woo rubbed his face. "I'll go change!"
*****
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