章節 398: Chapter 398: United International Pictures
Arthur Smith had Amy Pascal pay attention to Carolco, preparing to acquire the company directly after its bankruptcy liquidation. Of course, the rights for sequels to Rambo and Terminator would likely be auctioned off, but the film library assets of Carolco were still valuable to Arthur, potentially generating some revenue in the future DVD era.
With the success of Forrest Gump, director Robert Zemeckis's career reached new heights. Not long after the movie's release, the USA Network even aired a 30-minute documentary called Through the Eyes of Forrest Gump.
"Arthur," Monica Bellucci, who had just returned from a trip to Italy, said as she approached Arthur, who was watching a young man in the distance.
"You're here," Arthur smiled, shifting his gaze from Leonardo DiCaprio, who was still an unknown at the moment. However, his performance in last year's What's Eating Gilbert Grape, starring Johnny Depp, was commendable and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
"Do you have high hopes for that young actor?" Monica Bellucci followed Arthur's line of sight and also noticed Leonardo DiCaprio chatting with a young model.
"This kid just needs a chance," Arthur shook his head. At just 20, Leonardo DiCaprio was indeed handsome.
Monica Bellucci chuckled, "Hollywood is full of young people in need of opportunities!"
"Let's go back," Arthur, at that moment, wasn't particularly interested in future celebrities. ...
Halloween had just passed, and Thanksgiving and Christmas were next. Los Angeles had a strong festive atmosphere.
Meanwhile, pop king Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of rock legend Elvis Presley, announced their marriage, shocking America!
Michael Jackson was still embroiled in the Chandler child molestation case, which, although not as sensational as the O.J. Simpson trial, was still attracting a lot of attention.
In Monica Bellucci's villa in West Hollywood Hills, Arthur was leaning against the headboard, talking on the phone with Michael Jackson. "Congratulations!"
"Arthur, thank you. Next time we meet, Lisa and I would like to invite you to dinner. Is that okay?"
"Of course! The current lawsuit is in your favor, so I believe the court will soon declare you innocent," Arthur reassured him.
"I must thank you again; Galaxy's help has been immense," Michael Jackson sincerely said over the phone.
"It's my pleasure," Arthur smiled, looking at Monica Bellucci nestled in his arms. "You should rest early!"
"Yes, goodnight..."
After hanging up, Arthur caressed Monica Bellucci's 36D chest. "At the beginning of the year, I had a feeling Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley were dating. Who would've thought?"
"Arthur," Monica Bellucci kissed Arthur's chest and excitedly said, "I got a supporting role in a Universal sci-fi drama called 12 Monkeys. The male lead is Hollywood action star Bruce Willis!"
"Yes, 12 Monkeys," Arthur knew of this mind-bending sci-fi film.
"Yes, 12 Monkeys. It's a strange movie title. The script is about a time-travel story," Monica Bellucci continued, seeing Arthur's interest. "It's based on a 60s short film called La Jetee by French director Chris Marker. Producer Charles Roven invited director Terry Gilliam to helm it. The budget is only $30 million, but Bruce Willis loved the script and agreed to take it at a significantly lower salary!"
Arthur then flipped over, enjoying the sensation of Monica Bellucci's 36D chest. "Bruce Willis is known for his tough-guy image. He probably wants to diversify his roles, just like Stallone and Schwarzenegger who ventured into comedies."
However, Stallone's comedic attempts were less successful compared to Schwarzenegger's.
"Yes," Monica Bellucci wrapped her legs around Arthur's waist and kissed him passionately.
...
In the Galaxy office in Glendale,
Amy Pascal approached Arthur. "UIP, co-owned by Paramount and Universal, invited MGM to rejoin."
UIP was initially a joint international film distribution company formed by Paramount, Universal, and MGM. However, MGM had long withdrawn from UIP.
United International Pictures (UIP), headquartered in London, United Kingdom, was founded in the early 1980s by MGM, Paramount, and Universal as an international film distribution company.
UIP had offices in 16 countries around the world and collaborated with third parties in over forty other countries to distribute films from the parent companies through theaters, home video, and television in overseas markets.
However, after Kirk Kerkorian's second acquisition of MGM, the company exited UIP and closed its domestic distribution department to focus on the hotel business.
After that, MGM-United Artists' distribution was handled by United Artists' distribution channels.
...
At the Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard.
Paramount Chairman Sherry Lansing and Arthur Smith sat in the hotel's cafe, discussing matters related to UIP.
"Europe is the most important market, and Galaxy MGM has already established its own distribution offices in the UK, France, Germany, and Spain," Arthur said. "Joining UIP could indeed save some costs, but it's not convenient. An independent international distribution channel is needed to maximize value."
Arthur continued, shaking his head, "Galaxy MGM can form joint distribution companies with other film companies in specific countries and regions, but UIP covers almost all developed European countries and the Australian market. What I want is for MGM to have its own independent international distribution channel."
Rebuilding MGM International Pictures now had strong support from Galaxy and MGM's deep roots, making it not very difficult.
Sherry Lansing sighed and smiled, "That's a shame."
Arthur smiled back, realizing that it was probably Sherry Lansing who strongly wanted MGM to rejoin UIP.
After all, MCA Universal's Lew Wasserman still had considerable courage, and Sherry Lansing was currently the most fond of joint productions among the seven major film groups.
Cost-cutting and budget reductions were Sherry Lansing's cautious methods, but with the development of special effects technology, high-concept films with big productions, big promotions, and big scenes would become more and more marketable.
It was clear that Arthur had little interest in MGM joining UIP, and Sherry Lansing had no choice but to leave the Roosevelt Hotel.
Arthur leaned back in his chair, took a sip of the coffee on the table, and thought about Paramount. Next year's Braveheart would be a competitor.
At Universal, Jurassic Park: The Lost World was what Arthur was really paying attention to for the future.
Sony was preparing Men in Black, and over at 20th Century Fox, George Lucas was beginning to write the story for the Star Wars prequels.
Warner Bros. not only had Batman but was also planning to reboot Superman's story, based on The Death of Superman comic.
Disney Animation was full of ambition, and MGM had also started the James Bond series.
In such a competitive time, even DreamWorks was ready to stir things up. Hollywood was getting more and more interesting!
*****
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