Arthur Smith's Hollywood Odyssey

At Castle Rock Entertainment, Arthur and the Sleepless in Seattle crew signed a deal, selling the script for $500,000 to Castle Rock. 

At the same time, Arthur joined the crew as a producer and cameo actor, with a salary of $250,000.

Tracy Jacobs noticed Arthur signed without hesitation, but she felt a bit worried. 

This was because the $500,000 script price required the film to gross over $50 million at the box office; otherwise, the price would drop to $1. However, Arthur also had a bonus arrangement, which would earn him between $50,000 and $100,000 based on the box office performance.

"Don't worry, a global box office of $50 million isn't that hard. The production cost of Sleepless in Seattle is $20 million, unlike those poorly made B-movies," Arthur reassured Tracy Jacobs.

Tracy Jacobs smiled, "Your ability is unquestionable. Since you are confident, that's the best."

"If you have a new script, ITA will definitely do its best to promote it for you!"

"Let's wait a bit. None of my scripts have been released yet. Let's talk next year," Arthur knew Tracy Jacobs was referring to the story of Scream.

"Miramax seems interested in Scream," Tracy Jacobs said, shrugging. "They were interested in American Pie before, but their offer was too low for us to consider."

Arthur laughed, "I know. It's Miramax, the company that recently made some money with Sex, Lies, and Videotape. I did consider them before. Unfortunately, we don't need them now."

Tracy Jacobs nodded, "It's an independent film company founded by two brothers, focusing on erotic films in recent years."

"The film Sex, Lies, and Videotape' which they found at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, cost only $1.2 million to make. Now the film has grossed $17 million, and it's expected to reach $20 million. Miramax has made a name for itself!"

Arthur walked out the door and turned back, "Let's talk after the movies are released next year. Since it's a small company specializing in erotic films, there's no need to worry about it!"

At this time, Harvey Weinstein and his brother weren't the renowned Oscar operators they would become. Miramax's golden age would come only after discovering Quentin Tarantino and being acquired by Disney.

Arthur sat in his car and realized he was moving too slowly. Independent film companies were popping up like mushrooms after rain.

Various foreign films were being brought in by these independent distributors. The market for laser discs and VHS tapes was growing.

The big six studios hadn't paid much attention to independent films yet. Now was a great time for independent film companies to develop!

When Arthur returned to Winona Ryder's house in West Hollywood, he was greeted with a big hug as soon as he entered the door.

"How did it go? Did you sign the contract?"

Arthur nodded and kissed Winona Ryder on the lips, "It's done. I'll go to Seattle with the crew in a few days to scout locations!"

"When will the film start shooting?"

"According to Ms. Nora Ephron, it should start in November," Arthur said, hugging Winona Ryder on the couch.

Winona Ryder laughed, "It's almost October, so it's pretty soon!"

"Yes, it's soon," Arthur said as he leaned back on the couch. However, he felt uneasy about Pretty Woman, which was also set to release next year.

Arthur was aware that Pretty Woman would be a massive hit, making Sleepless in Seattle the second-best romantic comedy.

Additionally, the upcoming Ghost, a pinnacle of romantic drama, was almost finished filming.

"How could Sleepless in Seattle compete with these two movies?" he thought.

"What's wrong?" Winona Ryder leaned on Arthur's shoulder, "Shouldn't you be feeling triumphant right now?"

"Oh, nothing. I went to Disney's studio the other day to deliver the script to the Pretty Woman crew," Arthur said, pursing his lips. 

"I feel like Pretty Woman, which is about to start shooting, is going to be more commercially successful than Sleepless in Seattle."

Winona Ryder's face showed confusion for a moment, then she blinked her bright eyes.

"Neither of the movies has been made yet, and you're already thinking about their future box office?"

Arthur realized she was right, slapped his own forehead, and said self-deprecatingly, "I guess I'm overthinking!"

"By the way, we should go out and celebrate tonight. Do you have any suggestions?"

Winona Ryder smiled and whispered in his ear seductively, "I've already booked a couple's suite at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, with a sumptuous dinner and a big bathtub."

The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, a top-notch five-star hotel, was located on Wilshire Boulevard, facing Rodeo Drive.

Arthur turned over and pinned Winona Ryder to the couch, reaching into her loungewear to feel the softness of her chest, "Sweetheart, what else do you have planned?"

"Hmm, just for us to enjoy our time together," Winona Ryder hugged him tightly. "Do you like it?"

"Of course I do," Arthur said, kissing her lips.

"Arthur, not so fast," Winona Ryder said after the kiss, her eyes full of allure, "We'll head straight to the hotel later. We'll have two days and two nights to do whatever we want. Now, let's change and go!"

"Anything we want?" Arthur smiled.

"Yes, anything," Winona Ryder whispered in his ear again, "Remember when I hurt you the other night while helping you?"

"I've practiced with a banana these past two days. Let's try again tonight, okay?"

Arthur felt a surge of excitement. His experience with Jennifer Aniston in New York had left a lasting impression.

Back in Los Angeles, it was easy to persuade Winona Ryder to try it, though the first attempt was less than ideal.

Arthur looked at Winona Ryder with encouraging eyes, "Let's have a rehearsal now..."

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.