Chapter 139: Scream Released

In the evening, Arthur directly returned from Universal City to Pacific Palisades. Due to Steven Spielberg's special relationship with Universal, there was a luxurious office exclusively set up for Spielberg inside Universal Studios.

The location for the filming of Schindler's List had already been selected, and Steven Spielberg was preparing to personally go to Krakow, Poland, to oversee the set construction.

At the same time, he had chosen Liam Neeson to play the lead role of Oskar Schindler and Ralph Fiennes to play the German officer!

Because of Steven Spielberg's meticulous control over Schindler's List, Arthur didn't interfere with the production much, leaving most of the decisions up to the director.

"These are the costume photos for Emma. They are truly beautiful," said Arthur, half-lying on the bed, flipping through the photos Winona Ryder had taken for the role.

Winona Ryder's British classic look appeared noble and elegant. Her every move exuded a unique Victorian charm. Her fair face, combined with her features and makeup, complemented each other perfectly.

"If you like it, that's good," Winona Ryder leaned against Arthur, "It's my first time trying this look. You always said I'd suit this style, and everyone thought I looked good after the makeover. Dear, you have such a keen eye!"

"I've always told you, you have the grace of a classic beauty," Arthur smiled. "Frankly, if you had taken on Francis Ford Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula, you'd probably be praised for your stunning look in the classic style as well."

Arthur had always kept an eye on Coppola's vampire-themed project, but apart from the actor playing Dracula, the other roles were still being cast.

Coppola was also still looking for someone to adapt the script. It would be good if they could start filming by the end of this year!

"I don't really like Coppola. Bram Stoker's Dracula is just compensation for not being in The Godfather Part III," Winona Ryder said, shaking her head. "And it was Edward Scissorhands that boosted my fame. Otherwise, Coppola wouldn't have even noticed me, a small-time actress!"

"Alright, don't overthink it. Your Father of the Bride will be out at the end of the year, which is commercially solid. Next year, when Emma is released, I will help you campaign for some performance awards," Arthur said, helping Winona sit on his lap.

"By then, you'll have increased your commercial value and artistic credibility. What's not to like?"

"Hmm," Winona Ryder didn't really listen to what Arthur was saying, as she simply let her silken nightgown slip off.

As Scream premiered, it achieved an opening weekend box office of $6.2 million.

It was a success, considering that the production budget for Scream was only $4.5 million, and Orion Pictures spent less than $2 million on marketing.

At the same time, the movie received a lot of praise, with critics from The Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle giving it high marks.

In its second week, Scream expanded, seeing a 40% increase with a weekend box office of $9 million. In just ten days, it had accumulated $20 million.

North Hollywood, Galaxy office.

Sitting on the sofa, Arthur was very pleased with Scream's performance. "The Weinstein brothers sure have a keen eye. No wonder they both wanted this script so badly back then!"

"Arthur, are you planning to check out this year's Venice Film Festival?" At this moment, Amy Pascal walked over and handed Arthur a list of films participating in the Venice Film Festival.

The annual Venice International Film Festival was about to kick off in late August.

Arthur looked over the list, "I've actually been following the Venice Film Festival, but there's nothing worth pursuing."

"The New Line production My Own Private Idaho is quite good, very artistic," Arthur said while flipping through the film data, noting it was a drama starring River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves.

"Forget it," Arthur shook his head. "How's your discussion with Sam Raimi going? I want Scream 2 to be released by next Halloween."

"Sam Raimi is fine with it. Now we need someone to adapt the sequel's script," Amy Pascal helplessly looked at Arthur, who obviously wasn't going to write the sequel script himself.

Arthur smiled, "Sequels are always simpler to write. Just have the writers build off the first one! Look, Naomi Watts' performance is getting a lot of praise. The papers are even calling her the Scream Queen now. Just toss in a few new characters to keep it fresh!"

With the first Scream costing $4.5 million, the budget for the sequel Scream 2 was set at $12 million.

"Naomi Watts, she's quite the find. You snagged a good one from Australia," Amy Pascal admitted, impressed by Naomi Watts who was both affordable and cooperative. More importantly, she had actual talent.

"But if we release the sequel too soon, won't the audience get tired of it? Maybe we should wait a year?"

"Wait a year?" Arthur thought it over and shook his head. "No need. Strike while the iron is hot. These new kinds of horror films get copied quickly. If Scream 2 comes out next year, there will still be a buzz. Then depending on the situation, we'll see when to develop Scream 3!"

"Well, okay," Amy Pascal agreed without much resistance. Actually, a sequel had been planned early on. Since Scream was doing so well at the box office and with critics, not having a sequel would be almost criminal!

That evening in East Hollywood, Drew Barrymore returned to her apartment after a busy day, holding information about Galactic Orion's new film, Scream.

For over a year, Drew Barrymore had been working odd jobs, studying, and losing weight, hoping to make her comeback in Hollywood.

"Arthur Smith, I wonder if you still remember me?" Drew Barrymore had been closely following news about Galaxy and Arthur Smith.

She still remembered what Arthur had said to her in a restaurant last year, "Keep an eye on Scream. When the sequel is being made, you can go to Galaxy. There will be a role for you!"

Now that Scream had critical and commercial success, and Galaxy was already prepping Scream 2, Drew Barrymore decided to give it a shot at Galaxy.

The only other script she had was a highly controversial one from New Line, Poison Ivy, which at age 16 could create quite a stir if she took it on!

*****

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