Chapter 134: Frank Darabont

Under Jim Court's operation, Arthur quickly acquired the Puck Building in Manhattan for $19 million.

As for the Kushner family, who were still raising funds and optimistic about the Puck Building, Arthur naturally did not take them seriously!

By the Hudson River, in the High Line Park apartments.

"I will have the top floor of the Puck Building renovated as my residence in Manhattan, and the company will move into the Puck Building as soon as possible," Arthur said as he sat on the sofa, flipping through the script of The Shawshank Redemption while chatting with Jennifer Aniston.

The script was given to Arthur by Rob Reiner, and Frank Darabont, still in Los Angeles, was also planning to come to New York to lobby Arthur.

"You're really wealthy now," Jennifer Aniston said, sitting next to Arthur. "Aren't you worried about the company's debts anymore?"

Arthur put down the script and smiled, "What's there to worry about? Galaxy's productions are popular, and its valuation is skyrocketing. This debt is nothing. Look at the current box office rankings.

Which independent film besides Galaxy Orions' The Silence of the Lambs is near the top? New Line's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II barely makes it into the top ten with a box office under $80 million, and The Silence of the Lambs is currently third, just behind Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Continue looking down, and the top thirty in the box office are all from the Big Six studios. You have to go to the top fifty to see the names of independent distributors like Samuel Goldwyn Films and New Line Cinema!"

Samuel Goldwyn Films, an independent film company founded by Samuel Goldwyn Jr., merged with a traditional film company this year and also owns a chain of art-house theaters - Landmark Theatres (which would later be acquired by Mark Cuban's 2929 Entertainment).

The famed Samuel Goldwyn was one of the three founders of MGM, which was formed by the merger of three film companies, one of which was Goldwyn Pictures; the other two were Metro Pictures and Louis B. Mayer Pictures Co.!

Samuel Goldwyn Jr. founded Samuel Goldwyn Independent Film Company in the late seventies, focusing on distributing and acquiring art films from around the world for American audiences.

Later, Samuel Goldwyn Independent Film Company gradually began making original films, with its first original work being The Golden Seal in 1983.

So, today's independent film companies don't have the qualifications to compare with the Big Six. Carolco might stand a chance if it did its own distribution.

After Galaxy took over Orion, its first released work The Silence of the Lambs continued the success of Sleeping with the Enemy and Dances with Wolves.

New Line, relying on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, can show some presence, but the only independent distributor that can truly face off against the Big Six is Arthur's Galaxy Orion!

Imagine The Silence of the Lambs sweeping the Oscars next year, just like Dances with Wolves.

The year after next, Schindler's List will surely sweep the Oscars, marking three consecutive years of winning top awards.

Arthur Smith's name and the reputation of Galaxy Film Company would reach their peak!

"Yes, but we still have Scream and The Addams Family to be released!" Jennifer Aniston thought for a moment. "You sold several Orion projects earlier; now the number of films is less."

"But the box office has gone up," Arthur leaned back on the sofa. "Instead of distributing those flops, it's better to focus resources on targeted projects."

"Galaxy's expansion is very fast!"

As long as they produce a few more hits in succession, Galaxy will quickly make a name for itself. Whether domestically or internationally, having a reputation accelerates business development naturally.

"What about this script? I've read it; it's based on a Stephen King novel, but it seems a bit dull!"

Jennifer Aniston said, picking up the script Arthur had placed on the coffee table and shaking it.

Arthur smiled and pulled the woman into his arms. "This script is quite interesting too. The philosophies about hope, redemption, and freedom require calm contemplation. If the film is made, it will definitely leave a significant mark for the director!"

Rob Reiner does have a good eye. His strong endorsement of this script isn't without reason.

After all, as a loyal fan of Stephen King, Rob Reiner gained fame for directing Stand by Me, adapted from King's novella The Body.

Last year's Misery was also a Rob Reiner film based on King's thriller novel of the same name, which earned Kathy Bates numerous acting awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama and the Academy Award for Best Actress!

Two days later, Arthur met the 32-year-old Frank Darabont at Orion's office.

Frank Darabont, already balding at 32, looked quite mature!

"I've read the script for The Shawshank Redemption. I am interested," Arthur said, sitting on the sofa and getting straight to the point.

Frank Darabont, having heard from Rob Reiner beforehand, was mentally prepared, but hearing it firsthand still excited him. "I want to direct this movie myself. Other conditions can be agreed upon!"

Arthur nodded, "I know. You've been preparing this project for several years and have a complete plan. Castle Rock needs to persuade Columbia to invest in your project, which takes time. Here at Galaxy, I can decide directly!"

Frank Darabont felt elated inside, "So, will Galaxy support my filming?"

"Yes," Arthur agreed readily. "You can now focus on preparations. I understand you are still revising the script and have no cast in mind yet. Sometimes, preparing a movie is quite complex, especially since you're a newcomer in the directing world without notable works!"

Frank Darabont smiled awkwardly and helplessly, "That's true. Some people think the script is good but lose interest the moment they hear I'm directing."

"Take it slow. Galaxy will first provide you with some funds for initial preparations. I also invited Rob Reiner to be the producer," Arthur said, smiling.

"But he's too busy and recommended Castle Rock's Liz Glotzer to be the producer - the woman who discovered your script!"

"Thank you," Frank Darabont, with a thousand words in his heart, could only express his gratitude...

*****

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