Chapter 100: Michael Ovitz

In the morning, the Pacific breeze blew in, and a few rays of Los Angeles sunlight streamed into the picturesque bedroom. Arthur lay on top of Jennifer Connelly, kissing her impressive 32D breasts.

Jennifer Connelly, with her eyes closed, moved a little and, feeling the unusual sensation on her chest, laughed. "Arthur, take it easy!"

"Hmm…" Arthur lifted his head and kissed Jennifer on the lips, savoring the softness.

"First thing in the morning, and you're already thinking about it?" Jennifer Connelly responded, wrapping her arms around Arthur's neck and reminding him, "I have to wear a low-cut dress for the shoot. Don't leave marks where people can see!"

Arthur let go of her and looked down. "It's perfect, just a little red mark that will soon fade."

"The Rocketeer is being released under the Disney label, not Touchstone Pictures. It's a PG-13 movie different from a movie like Billy Bathgate."

"Hmm," Jennifer Connelly agreed, acknowledging that Arthur had a point, and offered her lips…

With the arrival of the new year, a Japanese electronics group had acquired two American film companies, creating a new landscape in Hollywood!

At the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Arthur and CAA Chairman Michael Ovitz attended the Golden Globes nomination dinner together.

Michael Ovitz, 45 years old, managed the largest talent agency in Hollywood and was a typical Jewish businessman who saw nothing but profit.

"Arthur, why not just comfortably be a producer? With CAA handling all the other details for you, you could call the shots in Hollywood!"

Michael Ovitz certainly liked Arthur Smith. His talent showcased the power of a top producer, who was far more influential than a top star.

"Call the shots?" Arthur sipped his drink and looked at Michael Ovitz. "I heard a magazine ranked Hollywood power players this year, and you, Mr. Ovitz, are number one!"

"Arthur, do you have time to follow gossip news?" Michael Ovitz shook his head. Talent agencies couldn't participate in production, and CAA couldn't have all the stars.

In front of real entertainment moguls, Michael Ovitz was nothing. MCA Universal Chairman Lew Wasserman, who also started as an agent, could point at Ovitz's nose and scold him.

The reason was simple: capital power. The annual revenue of a talent agency was less than that of a major film studio's single movie.

Moreover, agencies and artists had a cooperative relationship. If a movie company got angry, it could easily entice stars to switch agencies.

It's no wonder that high-level agents ultimately sought to work at film companies. The platforms of a small pond and a big lake are entirely different.

Arthur smiled, took a sip of his drink, and said, "I met with representatives from Salomon Brothers Investment Bank and Chase Manhattan Bank a few days ago. They are willing to give me an $80 million credit line if I successfully take over Orion Pictures, using the funds for film development. Moreover, the Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Fuji Bank, and Bank of Tokyo are jointly offering me a $40 million five-year loan for Galaxy Pictures' business expansion."

"Really? Congratulations!" Michael Ovitz genuinely admired him. The success of Sleepless in Seattle and Sleeping with the Enemy revealed Arthur Smith's tremendous potential to investors.

"Mr. Ovitz, you are aware of the current international situation. The Eastern European giant is about to fall, and the ideological conflict is ending. Hollywood is entering another golden era. Wall Street, Hollywood, and Washington D.C. are working together. Congress is amending the law to allow the merger of TV stations and film studios. When that happens…"

Arthur smiled a knowing smile.

"At that time, ABC, NBC, and CBS will be items on the shelf," Michael Ovitz understood.

"Fox will also strive to acquire local TV stations to expand its influence, then establish its news network to compete with the big three. The wave of entertainment industry mergers will begin!"

Arthur nodded and patted Michael Ovitz on the shoulder. "How big can a talent agency get? Its upper limit is just that."

Michael Ovitz unconsciously smiled after Arthur left. "Is he considering my future development direction?"

On the other side, Arthur, who had talked so much with Michael Ovitz, wasn't really thinking about his future. 

Michael Ovitz's success at CAA, with ever-increasing star salaries, wasn't good for Arthur. If Ovitz joined a film company, he'd be much easier to control.

Arthur then ran into the beaming Kevin Costner. Dances with Wolves had already grossed $80 million at the box office and had many Golden Globe nominations. Self-directed and self-acted, Kevin Costner had every reason to be jubilant.

"Arthur, you mentioned a story about a retired agent protecting a singer from a hidden assassin and eventually falling in love with her?" Kevin Costner, who knew Arthur well from their meetings at Orion Pictures, inquired.

Arthur specifically mentioned his script for The Bodyguard.

"Yes, a retired agent who once protected President Reagan and felt deep regret after the assassination attempt. He's invited by singer Melun's manager to guard her…"

Arthur described the story. The script for The Bodyguard had been adapted early on. Originally, the male lead regretted not protecting Kennedy during his assassination. But it was the 1990s, and using Kennedy's assassination meant an older actor. So Arthur changed it to Reagan's assassination attempt.

Kevin Costner smiled, "I trust your judgment, Arthur Smith, but I still need to see the script first."

Arthur nodded, "Of course, I'll have someone bring it to your agent."

Arthur understood Kevin Costner's real thoughts. Dances with Wolves was sure to do well at the Oscars. He wouldn't sign any projects until after the awards.

Arthur planned to develop it a few months later and was prepared to offer Kevin Costner top-tier pay.

*****

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