Chapter 276: Tom Rothman

Samuel Goldwyn Films had developed quite well in recent years, similar to New Line Cinema, even though it did not produce a big hit like the live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series.

However, Samuel Goldwyn Films held a significant reputation in the independent film industry, and Tom Rothman, who helped manage the company, contributed significantly.

With many Hollywood stars joining Much Ado About Nothing, which had a $11 million investment, Arthur was well aware that Samuel Goldwyn Films' goal was aiming for the Oscars.

"Arthur, it seems that the big studios are beginning to value the arthouse film market. Procurement agents from the top six have started appearing at some independent film festivals," Tom Rothman remarked pointedly.

Arthur withdrew his gaze and smiled, "Disney acquired Miramax, and Sony formed Sony Pictures Classics; their goal is the arthouse film market. It seems The Crying Game's $62 million box office was quite a shock to many!"

Given the current situation, films produced by Galaxy no longer truly qualified as independent films in the strictest sense but were now mainstream commercial movies.

Previously, the box office record for independent films was $33 million, held by Miramax's Sex, Lies, and Videotape from a few years ago. Then last year, The Crying Game raised the bar to $62 million!

Tom Rothman sighed, "Not only was it highly acclaimed by critics, but it also achieved commercial success. A low-budget arthouse film becomes a hit, and the high returns are enough to make anyone green with envy. It's understandable for big distributors to get in on the action too."

Tom Rothman then turned his head to look at Arthur, "Galaxy's target market isn't the independent arthouse sector anymore, right? Along with the big six, now Galaxy and Carolco have made it the big eight in Hollywood!"

Arthur took a sip of his drink. He didn't care for the labels given by the media, though perhaps Galaxy's performance over the years had been too outstanding.

Low-cost, high-return arthouse films had drawn the attention of major distributors earlier, whether they were self-produced works like Scent of a Woman or acquired films like The Crying Game. These were all highly artistic, yet their results were highly satisfactory!

"I heard Miramax and Sony Classics sent people to Cannes early this year," Arthur said calmly. Knowing Samuel Goldwyn Films did the same did not require much guesswork.

Tom Rothman chuckled, "Galaxy's cooperation with the French isn't shallow either. The Cannes Film Festival should be exciting this year."

After all, Galaxy had invested in a French film. As for Arthur Smith and the French actress Sophie Marceau's relationship, someone like Tom Rothman wouldn't care.

However, since it's a non-English film, it doesn't attract too much attention. English films will always dominate the market.

The reason why Tom Rothman and others pay attention is that Galaxy is now exploring the French-language market, so will they explore the Spanish-language market next?

Arthur laughed and asked, "Mr. Rothman, will you also be going to Cannes then?"

Tom Rothman nodded. Who wouldn't want to discover the next success like The Crying Game?

After chatting with Tom Rothman, Arthur approached the beautiful woman who had caught his eye earlier. "Can I get to know you? I'm Arthur Smith."

Fair-skinned with delicate features, bright red lips, and white teeth, her black hair draped over her shoulders, she had an oriental charm.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Smith. I'm Kate Beckinsale," the 20-year-old Kate Beckinsale seemed slightly flattered.

Arthur smiled and extended his hand, "Just call me Arthur. Shall we dance?"

"Okay," Kate Beckinsale placed her hand on Arthur's.

At the party, there was never a shortage of handsome men and beautiful women.

"Oh, you are a student at Oxford University's New College. That's impressive," Arthur found out that Kate Beckinsale was a sophomore at Oxford's New College.

Kate Beckinsale nodded, "I'm majoring in French and Russian literature and have acted in a TV film before. This Much Ado About Nothing can be considered my film debut, and it was shot last summer!"

Kate Beckinsale had a considerable role in Much Ado About Nothing as a supporting actress, with a classical look that was very attractive.

"Balancing school and acting is not bad at all," Arthur praised.

Kate Beckinsale smiled and said softly, "Actually, I also auditioned for Galaxy's production of Emma, but unfortunately, I wasn't selected."

Arthur was surprised, "Really? That's too bad!"

"So, how long do you plan to stay in America this time?" Arthur inquired.

"Not long. I will soon be heading to Cannes with the crew to attend the film festival; it's my first time participating in such an event," Kate Beckinsale, still a newcomer in the entertainment industry, though an Oxford student, lacked other resources.

"The Cannes Film Festival," Arthur smiled, "It's good to broaden your horizons."

Kate Beckinsale nodded, "And not just for the festival. Since I'm studying French literature, I will transfer to Oxford's Paris campus for the next school year to systematically study French literature and history."

"I see," Arthur leaned closer to Kate Beckinsale's ear, "I'll also be going to Cannes in a few days. I'll find you there. After Much Ado About Nothing's events are over, don't leave Cannes immediately."

"Ah, I was planning to go to Paris to acclimate first," Kate Beckinsale explained.

Arthur shook his head, "Cannes has beautiful scenery - white sandy beaches, blue ocean, palm-lined streets under the sun. You can enjoy a few days first!"

Kate Beckinsale thought for a moment and then nodded, "Will you come to find me then?"

"Of course," Arthur wrapped his arm around Kate Beckinsale's waist and squeezed gently, "Swimming together by the sea will be fantastic!"

Arthur then kissed Kate Beckinsale on the lips and smiled, "See you in France!"

"Yes, see you in France," Kate Beckinsale responded, regardless of Arthur Smith's identity.

Arthur Smith's charm alone was enough to attract the young Kate Beckinsale.

Of course, given Arthur's status now, no young girl, especially those aiming to enter the entertainment industry, would reject him.

Soon after, Arthur left the Hilton Garden Inn with Catherine Zeta-Jones and headed back to his luxurious Beverly Hills hillside villa.

*****

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