Chapter 177: Catherine Zeta-Jones

"How is the filming of Schindler's List going?" Arthur chatted with Steven Spielberg's assistant, Kathleen Kennedy.

As a producer who had been with Spielberg for a long time and co-founded Amblin Entertainment, Kathleen Kennedy was involved in all of Spielberg's projects.

Kathleen Kennedy explained, "At the beginning, Spielberg wasn't in great shape. Filming this movie made him confront his personal life, growth experiences, and Jewish identity. Also, he often recalled stories his grandparents told him about the Holocaust, causing him emotional pain and continuous nausea and anxiety on location in Krakow, Poland.

Fortunately, Spielberg's wife Kate and their five children accompanied him to Poland, and his parents frequently visited the set. His friend Robin Williams also often called to share funny stories from comics to cheer him up.

With so much support from family and friends, Spielberg felt that persevering and completing this meaningful film was the best way to repay them!"

Arthur was just concerned about the progress of the movie. Why did Kathleen Kennedy say so much?

Arthur nodded helplessly, "Spielberg is doing a great thing!"

"Is Universal's Jurassic Park almost ready?" Arthur suddenly asked.

Kathleen Kennedy smiled, "Indeed, once Schindler's List is finished, it won't be long before it officially starts filming. The main location will be on the Hawaiian Islands, where there are suitable forests."

Jurassic Park, due to the popularity of the novel, had garnered extraordinary attention, and almost everyone was optimistic about this project.

Kathleen Kennedy, of course, knew that Arthur was interested in this project, but Jurassic Park was Universal's property, and Amblin could only get the second slice of the pie.

"Arthur, Spielberg is very grateful for your support of Schindler's List. There might be more opportunities for collaboration in the future," Kathleen Kennedy said, knowing Arthur Smith was a businessman. Supporting a black-and-white film about the Holocaust wasn't just for verbal thanks.

Arthur thought to himself, in two years, when Jurassic Park is released, Spielberg would establish DreamWorks with others. By then, with no new projects for years, what collaboration could there be?

"Yes, looking forward to the next collaboration," Arthur didn't mind. He aimed to gain both fame and profit from Schindler's List. He had already earned goodwill from the media and independent filmmakers who supported independent films.

However, at the moment, Arthur hadn't received much tangible benefit, mainly gaining reputation!

Soon, Arthur met Michael Barker from Sony Pictures Classics, an independent label under Sony Pictures Entertainment. Sony Pictures Classics, founded by producers Tom Bernard and Michael Barker, specialized in producing and distributing art films and independent films, as well as handling foreign films not produced in Hollywood.

"Good evening, Arthur," Michael Barker shook hands with Arthur.

"Good evening," Arthur focused on Sony Pictures Classics, as it signified that major studios were beginning to notice independent films.

Actually, Orion Pictures also had an Orion Classics label focusing on art films, but after Galaxy acquired Orion, this label was shut down.

Currently, Arthur mainly used two labels: Galaxy and Orion.

"Next year, will Sony Pictures Classics start releasing films?" Arthur asked.

Michael Barker nodded, "I'm looking forward to our first release with Sony Classics!"

"We're competitors in independent and foreign films," Arthur smiled. Sony Classics had high autonomy but had budget limits. Exceeding the limits required reporting to Sony Pictures Entertainment.

"Being your competitor?" Michael Barker quickly shook his head and smiled, "I wouldn't dare. Galaxy's projects don't quite fit the independent film category. I think our competition won't be too intense."

In the current situation, a blockbuster or an Oscar-winning film could significantly boost a company's reputation. However, finding such a project was challenging!

After talking with Michael Barker, Arthur encountered Jon Peters, another co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, who was walking over with a young, beautiful woman.

"Arthur," Jon Peters smiled and shook hands with Arthur.

"Good evening, Mr. Peters," Arthur maintained the necessary respect, although he considered the guy useless.

"Let me introduce you," Jon Peters pulled the young woman beside him. "British actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. She starred in the British TV series The Darling Buds of May this year, which had high ratings in the UK!"

He then introduced Arthur to Catherine Zeta-Jones, "Catherine, this is the famous Arthur Smith of Hollywood, about your age but managing the powerful Galaxy Entertainment!"

Catherine Zeta-Jones immediately stepped forward, "Mr. Smith, nice to meet you. I really like the movies you develop."

"Oh, hello, Catherine," Arthur was a bit surprised to see Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Beauty was Hollywood's calling card, and the 22-year-old Catherine Zeta-Jones, with her long, flowing black hair and amber eyes, naturally exuded a unique romantic aura. Unlike Hollywood's blonde beauties, her black hair and brown eyes made her particularly eye-catching, like a refreshing exotic breeze.

Jon Peters introduced her in hopes that Arthur would consider her for a role. It seemed Peters had introduced her to many people to please her.

"Have you had any film acting experience?" Arthur asked.

Seeing Jon Peters walk away, Catherine Zeta-Jones felt even more thrilled, especially since she was now facing Arthur Smith.

"Last year, I starred in a French film, Les 1001 Nuits, as my debut. This year, I filmed an adventure movie, Christopher Columbus: The Discovery, and participated in ABC's fantasy series The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles."

Hearing Catherine Zeta-Jones, Arthur understood that these were roles Jon Peters had introduced to her...

*****

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