Chapter 72: Village Roadshow Pictures

Arthur, despite his eagerness to develop the project Scream, was aware that The Silence of the Lambs was currently in production, and Sleeping with the Enemy was in the editing phase. Arthur did not want to put pressure on Orion.

The preparation for Scream would surely wait until the completion of The Silence of the Lambs.

Back in Los Angeles, Arthur also had to keep an eye on the editing outcomes of Sleeping with the Enemy.

"Columbia wants us to promote at the Venice International Film Festival," Arthur discussed the promotional plans with Joseph Ruben, the director of Sleeping with the Enemy, at Orion's editing room. "I've already talked to Mr. Michael Medavoy on the phone. You need to be prepared as well."

Joseph Ruben nodded. "There's no problem at all. We can finish by August."

"We can have the world premiere at the Venice Film Festival!"

"Okay, you guys continue," Arthur said after watching some editing clips and then left the room.

Hugh Grant and Brad Pitt could always be ready to attend the festival, but plans for Meg Ryan needed to be arranged in advance.

Back at Galaxy Pictures, Arthur had several scripts on hand. Scent of a Woman and The Bodyguard both required the backing of major stars, and their budgets weren't something that could be managed with just a few million dollars.

Low-budget B movies, especially those in the horror, gore, or drama genres, had lower budgets and didn't need big stars yet could still achieve high box office returns!

Arthur glanced at the newspaper in his hand. MGM's Thelma & Louise had started filming. However, in a small section, George Clooney and his wife Talia Balsam's agent, Sam Haskell from WMA, was quoted in an interview saying, "Clooney lost this role perhaps because Director Scott listened to some bad advice!"

Arthur was unhappy about this. George Clooney was still a nobody in Hollywood. His wife, Talia Balsam, at least had a father, Martin Balsam, who won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

"Am I that low-profile now? Even nobodies can offend me?" Arthur muttered, "This bad person they mentioned sounds like me. Damn, even small things become headlines."

Luckily, he browsed the tabloid and now knew that George Clooney probably held a grudge against him.

Well, George Clooney's future achievements wouldn't be minor; it would be best to nip the threat in the bud. Better make a note of this in the little black book!

In the afternoon, Nicole Kidman unexpectedly visited Arthur's office at Galaxy Pictures.

"Aren't you filming right now?" Arthur asked, watching Nicole Kidman scrutinize his office.

"Finished for the day. Heading to film on location in Bakersfield, California, tomorrow," she said as she sat on Arthur's lap. "Thought I'd drop by since I had some free time. Or, am I not welcome?"

Arthur shook his head. "You're always welcome," and then he kissed Nicole Kidman passionately.

Arthur now had a strong suspicion that this was how Tom Cruise got charmed!

After the kiss, Arthur's hands moved inside Nicole's blouse, savoring the softness. "Okay, tell me, what's really on your mind?"

Nicole Kidman's breathing grew heavier. "I contacted some filmmakers I worked with in Australia and told them about your story To Die For. It's a low-budget drama. We can secure funding from Europe and Australia. The amount you need isn't much, and fundraising shouldn't be difficult," she whispered in Arthur's ear. "With your experience from two successful films, coming with me to Australia will surely attract investment from Village Roadshow. Village Roadshow is a major Australian film company and collaborates with European companies. They have no trouble with directors or actors," Nicole assured.

Arthur sighed. "Nicole, why are you in such a hurry? You've got Days of Thunder releasing this month and Malice still shooting, right?"

Nicole kissed Arthur on the cheek. "Malice wraps next month. You know I'm just an eye-candy in Days of Thunder. As for the promotion, it's just about the rumors with Tom Cruise. You'll have plenty of time later this year, and I know you're capable of producing such a low-budget film."

"Village Roadshow!" Arthur rubbed his forehead. "They're the largest distributor in Australia, right?"

"Yes, and they've made many Australian films. They're expanding into the international market now, and you'll definitely work with them in the future," Nicole was eager for Arthur to develop To Die For, believing the script was excellent.

"Okay, first, let's perfect the script and have Village Roadshow evaluate it," Arthur thought it over.

"We're all busy. I plan to develop another horror film for Galaxy Pictures after The Silence of the Lambs wraps up."

Nicole Kidman frowned. "Another horror movie? How about a romance like Sleepless in Seattle?"

Arthur caressed her thigh. "Horror films are cheaper to produce. I plan to make some money first."

"How much?"

"Several million?"

"Dollars?"

"Of course dollars, what else, yen?"

Nicole seemed startled by Arthur's answer. "Arthur, are you serious?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Days of Thunder is a $60 million project starring superstar Tom Cruise; Sleeping with the Enemy is a $15 million film starring Meg Ryan, with other actors not being as significant. Which one do you think will have a higher box office?"

"You don't really think you can beat Tom Cruise, do you?" Nicole was hesitant to underestimate him.

"Sleeping with the Enemy is set to release in November. I'll be promoting at the Venice Film Festival in September. If you're still interested in starring in To Die For by then, we can seriously consider it."

By then, with Tom Cruise's immense influence, Arthur doubted Nicole would prioritize this script over her relationship.

Arthur said, lifting Nicole onto the desk and pressing on top of her.

"Of course I'm interested. I just hope you can secure the investment. Without it, who would cast me?" Nicole kissed Arthur's face.

"Do you think Sleeping with the Enemy could rival Sleepless in Seattle at the box office?"

"You talk too much," Arthur said, pressing his lips to Nicole's.

"Mm," Nicole responded, working to remove Arthur's clothes...

*****

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