Chapter 62: Audition

After receiving a $1 million royalty from Sleepless in Seattle, Arthur now had a total of $1.6 million in funds.

In a year, he had become a millionaire, which wasn't too shabby!

In the evening, Arthur and Jennifer Connelly emerged from the AMC Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, having just enjoyed a screening of American Pie.

"Arthur, this American Pie is based on your script, and now it has grossed over $20 million! It's a success!" Jennifer Connelly hugged Arthur's waist.

Arthur, hugging her shoulder, turned his head to give Jennifer a quick kiss, then pursed his lips, "The box office is undoubtedly a success, but I don't really like the movie. It feels meaningless. Let's go home; you need to leave Los Angeles to start shooting tomorrow. Get some rest," Arthur said as he and Jennifer Connelly walked towards the parking lot.

"Arthur, look! There are so many people over there. Must be some major event, right?" Jennifer Connelly suddenly pointed towards the Roosevelt Hotel not far away.

A red carpet stretched towards the hotel, surrounded by layers upon layers of fans and media reporters!

"That's a grand event hosted by Time Warner, celebrating their win against Sony. Now the Burbank Warner Bros. Studio entirely belongs to Time Warner."

"This scale, did Warner invite the whole of Hollywood? This seems even grander than the Oscars!"

Arthur knew about this since it was a major victory for Time Warner. "Previously, Columbia Pictures and TriStar Pictures shared the Burbank studio with Warner Bros., but they moved to Culver City last year. Now, the Burbank Studio belongs to Warner."

"Heh, soon, Panasonic from Japan will be acquiring MCA Group, and soon Universal will belong to a Japanese company too," Arthur explained as he opened the car door for Jennifer Connelly with a smile.

"Arthur, you seem to know a lot!"

"Caught it on the news. You know the situation in Japan now," Arthur said as he started the car.

Since Jennifer Connelly was leaving Los Angeles the next day, they went back to her house.

That night, after her bath, Jennifer Connelly lay down on the bed, embracing Arthur, "Arthur, you dropped out of California State University, why was that?"

"Well, probably for the same reasons you dropped out of Stanford," Arthur laughed. "If I had been at Stanford, I might have reconsidered."

Jennifer propped her head up, "Why don't you continue your studies now? You can afford it."

Arthur pinched her cheek, "I'm already a millionaire. Why waste time at college? In Hollywood, not many even have high school diplomas."

"I believe, with my current level, dealing with some filmmakers who didn't even finish high school is not a problem. Few in Hollywood are graduates from prestigious schools like you!"

There are many instances of Hollywood stars being manipulated by agents, financial managers, or Wall Street investors.

Many stars come from humble backgrounds, enrolling briefly in drama schools before diving into the entertainment industry without systematic learning, and this hedonistic lifestyle can easily corrupt them.

"Yeah, but I think you're different. California State University, Northridge's film school is not well-known," Jennifer leaned on Arthur's shoulder.

"In just a year after leaving school, you've had two scripts adapted into films, and a third one will be released this year. Even students from USC or UCLA haven't achieved that!"

"Your way of thinking is quite interesting," Arthur kissed her, "It's too early to talk about this. People only see your glamorous side. My achievements aren't worth mentioning yet. Let's see when I can become a centimillionaire."

Last year, Arthur had told his friend Fat Simon about his small goal of making $100 million. He was now a step closer as a millionaire.

"Centimillionaire," Jennifer leaned closer for a kiss, "You need to work hard."

"Yes, I have many dreams," Arthur said, flipping over onto Jennifer.

"One must be to know all the beautiful women in Hollywood!" Jennifer teased, pulling Arthur in for a kiss...

In Los Angeles at the MGM headquarters, now known as MGM/UA Entertainment since MGM merged with United Artists in the early 1980s.

Arthur went for an audition for the role of a thief in "Thelma & Louise." He was mainly curious about the actors auditioning for this role.

"Hi, Arthur, what brings you here?" In MGM's audition room, Brad Pitt immediately recognized Arthur Smith walking in.

"Hey, Pitt, you're here too," Arthur hugged Brad Pitt, "Auditioning for the con man role?"

Brad Pitt nodded, "Are you also..."

"Yes, you guessed it right," Arthur patted Pitt's shoulder and looked around the room. So many stars, huh?

There was Nicolas Cage, still youthful at 26. He had a leading role in Wild at Heart this year.

Also present were Robert Downey Jr., George Clooney, and Brad Pitt - all future A-list stars, though currently on the fringes of Hollywood.

Only Nicolas Cage and Robert Downey Jr. had played lead roles, but in low-budget indie films that made little impact.

"Arthur, you're a producer now, and Sleepless in Seattle grossed over a hundred million. No need to compete for these small roles, right?" Brad Pitt pulled Arthur aside.

"True, it's a small role, but it's directed by Ridley Scott, and this script is special," Arthur sat down. "Don't worry, with my professional producer's eye, your chances are quite high. But now that I'm here, it's a bit of a long shot for you!"

Brad Pitt couldn't help but smile bitterly, "Mr. Smith, don't forget, in Iowa, I was the one who carried you back to your room when you were drunk."

Arthur softly reminded Brad Pitt, "Remember to show off your physique during the audition. You've read the script, right? The thief attracts the female lead with his charisma. Among these people, even I have to acknowledge your charm. Others won't stand a chance!"

George Clooney was good, but currently not eye-catching and too mature. Saying he's a college student in the film would be too jarring.

As for Nicolas Cage and Robert Downey Jr., even Johnny Depp might be more suitable!

"Show my physique?" Brad Pitt pondered. Arthur, meanwhile, used his social skills and approached Nicolas Cage.

*****

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