章 331: Chapter 331
"What's up? You look pretty happy," Arthur noticed Nicole Kidman couldn't hide her smile.
Nicole Kidman nodded, "Warner Bros. has chosen me to star in the sequel movie Batman Forever! I'll be going to shoot this movie directed by Joel Schumacher with Val Kilmer!"
Arthur wrapped his arm around her waist and smiled, "That's great. A big-budget movie like Batman Forever, with an investment of over a hundred million dollars, has a significant impact. It's going to greatly boost your popularity."
Such a commercial blockbuster was very suitable for Nicole Kidman at that time!
"Hmm, I heard they're still looking for big-name stars for other roles," Nicole Kidman glanced at Joel Schumacher and Tim Burton in the distance.
Tim Burton had stepped back to be a producer, but since he directed the first two movies, he still had some say in the film!
"Tommy Lee Jones is playing Two-Face; this has already been reported in the news. As for the Riddler, it seems they're still deciding," Arthur was well aware. Projects of this scale always attract attention from movie studios.
Just like Universal's Waterworld, which was undoubtedly a hot topic!
After staying in New York for a few days, Arthur went to Boston to meet with Edward C. Johnson III, the chairman of Fidelity Investments.
Fidelity Investments was not only interested in Arthur's Ritz-Carlton but also very optimistic about Galaxy.
Subsequently, Arthur's advisor, Jim Cort, met with Deutsche Bank USA President Clemens von Hibbert and Vanguard Chairman John Bogle, seeking funding guarantees for Galaxy's upcoming acquisition of MGM!
Meanwhile, Arthur was specially keeping an eye on Michael Jackson's scandals. "Michael Jackson's sister testified against him, it seems to be very unfavorable for him."
Anna Walker nodded, "The hearing in Santa Barbara court is indeed unfavorable for him, and the out-of-court settlement negotiations have not stopped."
Arthur had previously advised Michael Jackson against spending large sums on out-of-court settlements, as it might encourage others to do the same.
It seemed Michael Jackson had somewhat heeded Arthur's advice. After all, it was already mid-February, and Arthur had not heard news of Michael Jackson spending over 20 million dollars to settle!
"By the way, did the Houston Rockets complete a trade?" Arthur asked. Now that he was also an NBA team owner, he had received a call from Clippers Chairman Frank Gray, but he hadn't paid much attention.
"Yes, the new owner of the Houston Rockets is named Leslie Alexander, and he just completed the trade for 85 million dollars," Anna Walker was well aware of this information.
What? The same price as I bought the Los Angeles Clippers?
Buying the Los Angeles Clippers directly threatened Donald Sterling!
"Since Michael Jordan retired, NBA attendance has dropped significantly, and several teams are seeking to sell," Anna Walker explained.
Arthur stretched lazily, "I know. By the time Michael Jordan will come out of retirement, I just hope the new stadium project for the Los Angeles Clippers will be completed!"
...
When Arthur returned to Los Angeles, it was already late February. Joey Wong came from Toronto to visit Arthur.
Compared to the mild climate in Los Angeles, Toronto was much colder at that time.
Driving along Interstate 15 from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in a BMW Z1, Joey admired the vast and magnificent scenery along the way, excitedly, "Arthur, Americans seem to love road trips, don't they?"
"Indeed, most have tried it. The expansive highways and large land make cars a very important mode of transportation."
Arthur chuckled, placing his hand on Joey's thigh and caressing it, "How was it? Were you bored alone in Toronto?"
"It was fine, very relaxed. Not many people know me there, I had a quiet and peaceful time and could travel to many places," Joey patted Arthur's hand.
"It looks like there's a rest area ahead, should we stop for a break?"
Arthur nodded, "Of course!"
Soon, they arrived at "Baker Gas Station" ahead, greeted by a giant thermometer standing tall.
"This is the world's largest thermometer built three years ago and this gas station has turned into a small town with inns, a mall, bars, and restaurants," Arthur explained to Joey, holding her.
"Wow, it's really tall!"
"Hehe, it's 41 meters high and cost 700,000 dollars," Arthur pointed out.
In truth, Arthur found it quite tacky, but standing on the desolate side of Interstate 15, passersby would often stop to admire it.
Soon, they went into a Mexican restaurant to grab something to eat, "Arthur, Rumble in the Bronx has been released in Hong Kong and its box office performance is good. When will it be released in the US and Canada?"
Arthur took a sip of his drink, "It hasn't been decided yet. We need to wait for it to be released in other Asian markets first, at least in Japan before we consider a North American release."
One couldn't blame Arthur; the investment level for Rumble in the Bronx wasn't Arthur's primary focus.
"I have faith in Jackie Chan, so the promotional effort won't be small," Anyhow, Rumble in the Bronx was initially planned by Arthur in Hong Kong a few years ago.
"I understand. When I went back to Taipei this time, I heard that the foreign film import policy in Taipei had changed, causing conflicts between Taipei's film distributors and Hong Kong's production companies. Now, it's easier for Hollywood movies to enter Taipei than before," Joey explained.
Arthur nodded, "That's why Galaxy has started planning an office in Taipei to handle the distribution of Galaxy's works there!"
The Taipei market was different from Hong Kong, with a population of over 20 million and a strong economy.
*****
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