Chapter 107: Oscar nomination

"Welcome aboard, Amy!" In the Orion office, Arthur enthusiastically shook hands with Amy Pascal. They had a powerful new ally.

"Joining Orion is definitely the right and promising decision!"

After two weeks, Amy Pascal left Columbia and joined Orion as Arthur's deputy.

"I hope so," Amy Pascal nodded with a smile. "I heard that Orion is selling the rights to a few films. Is that true?"

Well, it seemed Amy Pascal had been keeping an eye on Orion.

"Yes, it's true. In my opinion, these four films in Off and Running, F/X2, Mystery Date, Little Man Tate have no distribution value. Selling them now can prevent further losses!" Since Amy Pascal had already joined Orion, there was no need to hide these things.

Amy Pascal thought for a moment and then asked seriously, "Arthur, are you focusing on mainstream commercial films and giving up on the independent art film market?"

"Of course not," Arthur shook his head. "We can't give up on independent films. With our current size, we can only develop a limited number of commercial blockbusters each year.

The independent film market is a gold mine, and we also need to nurture our own directors. The Sundance Film Festival, Cannes, and the Venice European film festivals are our hunting grounds.

At least for now, independent films are more in line with Galaxy's current business model."

Amy Pascal was puzzled, "Then why are you selling those films?"

"They're poorly made and overly artistic!" Arthur laughed.

"Oh, I see," Amy Pascal understood from Arthur's explanation that these films had no commercial potential.

"Right now, among the projects Orion is working on, I've only kept The Addams Family. You might want to keep an eye on it.

Also, Galaxy is negotiating a project with Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard, and I've just agreed to support a project by Steven Spielberg.

Plus, there are the scripts I purchased last year, Scent of a Woman and A Few Good Men. These are all waiting to be developed!"

A distribution company couldn't survive without a sufficient number of films. 

The competition among Hollywood theaters was fierce. To stand out among major studios, a distributor had to ensure both the quantity and quality of their films. 

Otherwise, they wouldn't even have the right to get their films into theaters during the prime summer season!

Amy Pascal frowned, "Relying solely on our own development won't work. We need to buy films as well."

"Absolutely. I plan to purchase some foreign films for release," Arthur said with a smile. "Trust my judgment; there are many good films abroad, and they come at lower prices!"

"Well, that does require a good eye," Amy Pascal, being familiar with the industry, understood this well.

In the afternoon, Arthur's agent, Tracy Jacobs, drove him to Pacific Palisades in Santa Monica to look at houses.

Since Arthur became the owner of Orion, his house in Northridge had become inconvenient, constantly attracting reporters.

Now that Arthur had more than $2.5 million, it was time to upgrade to a luxurious mansion!

"Did Malibu get city status through the council earlier this year?" Arthur asked while visiting a property near Roger Will State Beach in Pacific Palisades with the real estate agent.

"Yes, do you want to buy there? The price difference isn't much," Tracy Jacobs replied with a smile.

"Maybe someday," Arthur said nonchalantly, preferring the current location for its proximity to his company.

"Mr. Smith, this house was built just three years ago in a modern European style, mainly using steel, glass, and marble. It has two floors, four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and three parking spaces, along with an outdoor pool and garden. From the balcony, you can enjoy the endless Pacific Ocean view. The property covers one acre with a building area of 4,350 square feet…"

After viewing several houses in the afternoon, Arthur, who favored modern architecture, found this one to be the best fit.

"This one's good. I'll take it," Arthur said, looking at Tracy Jacobs. "As soon as possible, I've been staying in hotels lately, and it's uncomfortable!"

Tracy Jacobs nodded, "Leave it to me. You'll be able to move in soon."

This beachfront villa was finally purchased for $1.75 million, including an '89 Toyota Supra in the garage.

Arthur had recently bought a new Mercedes S-Class luxury sedan, which was more comfortable for everyday use compared to a sports car.

At the end of February, the Oscar nominations were announced. Dances with Wolves received twelve nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Arthur also received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay for Sleepless in Seattle!

In Los Angeles, Long Beach, Arthur was driving Nicole Kidman back from the Columbia Tristar headquarters.

"Arthur, it seems you don't care about To Die For at all?" Nicole Kidman, sitting in the passenger seat, looked aggrieved.

Arthur chuckled, "What are you talking about? Didn't I attend the internal screening today? Your performance in the film is outstanding, beautiful, sexy, and ruthless!"

As he spoke, Arthur placed his hand on Nicole Kidman's thigh, "Who wouldn't be moved?"

Nicole Kidman's eyes brightened, "Do you really think it's that good?"

Arthur nodded, "Of course. To Die For was made to win awards. After the editing is done, it will participate in various film festivals. And there will be special screenings for the media and critics. It will definitely receive a wave of praise!"

Nicole Kidman smiled, "By the way, Winona went to London with the crew to attend the British Academy Film Awards. Sleepless in Seattle also got a nomination for Best Screenplay. Why didn't you go?"

"It's a waste of time. I'm also nominated for Best Original Screenplay at next month's Oscars," Arthur shook his head. "Besides, I don't need the Oscars' validation!"

With the high praise and honors for Dances with Wolves, and now that Orion was his asset, what more did he need?

Nicole Kidman sighed, "I wonder when I'll get invited to the Oscars."

"Don't worry, next year for sure. You could go this year, too. I can arrange it," Arthur said. With his nomination and as the boss of Galaxy Orion, getting invitations was a breeze!

Nicole Kidman shook her head, "Unless you take me as your date or I have a film of my own, I don't want to go. Jessica said she could get invitations for Winona and me. But Winona is in Europe promoting Edward Scissorhands, and I don't want to go without a film, or the tabloids will have a field day!"

After all, the recent rumors about her and Tom Cruise had been rampant...

*****

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