Chapter 81: Sandra Bullock

At the end of August, the The Silence of the Lambs crew finished filming, and Jonathan Demme dove into the editing room as soon as he returned to Los Angeles.

"He really is a workaholic," Arthur at Galaxy Films was very pleased with Jonathan Demme's work ethic.

After putting down the phone, Arthur met with Scream's director, Sam Raimi. "Sam, I've chosen North Ridge High School as the filming location. You can check it out, and if it doesn't work, you can also look at California State University, Northridge."

"This is my alma mater. They will definitely support me. Of course, if you prefer other schools, I will have someone contact them."

Sam Raimi, who was only 32 years old and a relatively new director, thought for a moment. "I have some crew members I've worked with before. I want to assemble the team first and start casting as soon as possible."

Arthur nodded. "There will be a casting director to assist you. Did you find any suitable actors from the list sent by ITA?"

Sam Raimi smiled awkwardly. "There are quite a few suitable ones, but Arthur, can we afford their fees?"

Arthur rubbed his forehead. "We can't afford high fees, not over $200,000. The movie's budget is tight and needs to be spent wisely."

"Arthur, we should try to find experienced actors for the lead roles. It will speed up the filming process and save on film costs," Sam Raimi and Arthur both wanted to make a quality film, not a shoddy production.

"Don't worry, I understand," Arthur said, looking at Sam Raimi. "What about Jennifer Aniston, whom you met last time? Tell me the truth."

"She has a great sense of humor and is very pretty, but her acting is too inexperienced. Arthur, do you really want her to play the female lead?" Sam Raimi knew that Arthur Smith and Jennifer Aniston were friends, but it seemed a bit forced.

Arthur shook his head. "She can play the humorous classmate, which has a good amount of screen time. As for the female lead, let me think about it. We have an actress coming to audition for the role of the reporter this afternoon. It's another important supporting role, so let's finalize that first."

After Sam Raimi left the office, Jennifer Aniston sneaked into the adjoining lounge at some point.

"Why the secrecy? The director knows we're friends. Why bother?" Arthur pulled Jennifer Aniston into his arms.

"Play a supporting role this time, just to gain some experience."

Jennifer Aniston nodded. "Was my audition performance not good?"

"It was quite good. The director and I both think you have a sense of humor, but you just lack experience," Arthur said, kissing Jennifer Aniston on the cheek.

"I know. I can't carry a lead role yet. A supporting role is fine, and it has more screen time than my part in Sleeping with the Enemy," Jennifer Aniston snuggled into Arthur's arms.

"Did you decide on me early on?"

Arthur nodded. "If you're suitable, you'll be the lead. If not, you'll be a supporting role. The girls coming to audition are just there for the sake of it."

"What about the actress auditioning for the reporter role this afternoon?"

Arthur pulled out a resume. "I decided on her a while ago."

Jennifer Aniston picked it up and read, "Sandra Bullock, 26 years old. Debuted in the movie Hangmen three years ago. This year, starred in the TV series Working Girl and became somewhat known. Arthur, then why hold auditions these past few days? Isn't it a waste of time?"

Arthur smiled. "Even though I had her in mind, these people were recommended by agents, and it wouldn't be right to refuse. A newly established company can't even give audition opportunities? Auditions are necessary. Even Sandra Bullock has to audition. Unless something unexpected happens, she'll get the part. We can't just announce Sandra Bullock right away. Tracy handles most of my work now, and we need to show some courtesy."

The relationship between film companies and agencies is mutually beneficial. Agents need to give their artists hope.

Auditions are a form of hope!

"You people have too many twists and turns," Jennifer Aniston said, shaking her head. "During filming, don't give me special treatment. The director needs to hold me to high standards to improve my acting. And I don't want people to misunderstand our relationship."

Arthur laughed. "You're just starting out and not very famous yet. When you become well-known, it will be normal for me to arrange roles for you."

"Don't overthink it. I believe Scream will do well commercially, and it will definitely raise your profile."

"I know," Jennifer Aniston kissed Arthur on the cheek. "I'll wait for you at home tonight."

In the afternoon, Arthur met with ITA actress Sandra Bullock at Galaxy Films. She was still relatively unknown, but the airing of Working Girl this year had made some people familiar with her.

"Sandra, given your current fame, you could easily be the lead in a low-budget film like mine. Why audition for a supporting role?" Arthur asked.

Sandra Bullock smiled. "In Working Girl, I felt typecast. The reporter in Scream seems a bit villainous, which might be an interesting experience. Besides, it's hard for young actresses like us to turn down an Arthur Smith role!"

Sandra Bullock, being with ITA, had heard from her agent that Arthur Smith was no ordinary person. Moreover, the roles offered to her as a lead were either in poorly made projects or required nudity.

Arthur stroked his face. "Am I that popular now?"

"Mr. Smith, do you think I'm suitable for this role?" Sandra Bullock asked nervously.

Arthur nodded. "Both the director and I are very satisfied with you. We'll discuss the contract and salary with your agent next."

*****

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