Chapter 64: Opportunities

"Arthur, thank you for the recommendation. I got the role." In the evening, Arthur received a thank you call from Brad Pitt after returning to Northridge.

"No need to thank me; the role suited you." Arthur didn't actually want the role. One reason was the low pay offered by the production team, only $6,000.

Arthur's pay for his role in Sleepless in Seattle was $100,000!

"But still, thank you. As you said, they did ask me to take off my shirt during the audition, so your thoughts were spot on."

Arthur laughed, "Alright, just do your best in this role. We'll have more opportunities to work together."

The next day, Jennifer Aniston arrived at the Los Angeles set of Sleeping with the Enemy. With only two simple scenes, it wasn't too difficult for the inexperienced Jennifer Aniston.

It took four days to finish the two scenes involving her.

In North Hollywood, Jennifer Aniston arrived at Galaxy Productions on Burbank Avenue, which had completed renovations.

"Is Sleeping with the Enemy the first production by Galaxy Productions?" Jennifer Aniston asked as she sat on the sofa, putting down her bag.

Arthur shook his head and handed Jennifer Aniston a cup of coffee. "Not really. The Silence of the Lambs is the first major production. Orion and Columbia TriStar are responsible for North American and international distribution, respectively.

We'll start shooting at the end of the month. In a few days, I'll head to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The crew will primarily film around that area," Arthur said as he leaned back in his chair, massaging his temples. "The director, actors, and crew are almost fully recruited. We'll start shooting directly then."

Jennifer Aniston walked over and began massaging Arthur's head. "You've had a lot on your plate recently. Must be exhausting?"

Arthur smiled, resting his head in Jennifer Aniston's lap. "It's just been busy lately, with a lot on my mind!"

"Dear, is there anything I can do to help?" Jennifer Aniston kissed Arthur's forehead.

"Don't worry, it's just a bit busy," Arthur said as he pulled Jennifer Aniston into his lap.

"Aren't you going to shoot for a TV show? How did the audition go?"

"I got the role," Jennifer Aniston smiled reluctantly. "Although it's still a supporting role, there was a lot of competition. My dad had a word with the show's producer. There's tough competition in this industry.

I remember the girl who advanced to the final round with me looked so crestfallen when she found out the result. Her expression stuck in my mind. Maybe she wouldn't know that the role was pre-decided."

Arthur stroked Jennifer Aniston's face. "Don't forget, when you went for auditions before, many roles were already taken. You were just there to go through the motions. That's how this industry works!"

"I know, it's just..." Jennifer Aniston hugged Arthur. "It doesn't feel right."

Arthur laughed. "Hollywood isn't a place for kind hearts. Your mindset won't work here."

Jennifer Aniston shook her head. "That's not what I mean. I just don't want my roles to rely on family connections. If I can't even secure a small part by myself, I'll feel like a failure!"

Arthur kissed Jennifer Aniston, "This industry lacks opportunities. Every day, countless young people come here. Whoever lands a role can stand out. Is Meg Ryan really that talented? Do you think you're any worse than her?"

Jennifer Aniston looked at Arthur and shook her head. "I don't know."

"This kind of film doesn't require outstanding acting skills," Arthur laughed. "Does Hollywood lack blonde, blue-eyed, sweet, and cute beauties? No, Meg Ryan was unnoticed in Hollywood for years. She only got her break with When Harry Met Sally... at 28. That's what an opportunity is.

If I had cast another actress in Sleepless in Seattle, it would have been successful too. Maybe the box office would be slightly lower, but it wouldn't have been worse than When Harry Met Sally...."

Arthur stood up and said, "Next month, Paramount Pictures will release a romantic film called Ghost. The lead is Demi Moore. She's not famous now, but she'll become an A-list actress after Ghost. Newcomers are just one good script away from stardom!"

"So," Arthur placed his hands on Jennifer Aniston's shoulders, "in Hollywood, it's all about seizing opportunities. To stand out, newcomers will do whatever it takes. I get calls and advances from young women at the Sleeping with the Enemy set every day. They all just want to use me to get a chance!"

"Arthur," Jennifer Aniston hugged Arthur's waist, "I understand. Do you want me to be like them too?"

Arthur shook his head and smiled. "Most girls end up losing themselves for nothing, maybe landing a minor role. But, Hollywood produces so many movies every year. Only a few make money. Roles for newcomers only go to a lucky few. Dear, with me around, your future is destined to be bright. Now you need to build a solid foundation; an actor must have certain qualities."

Jennifer Aniston smiled, "In just a year, you've already arranged roles for me. If I don't work hard, I'll be left behind by you!"

Arthur checked his watch, "Let's go out and eat. At least I'm a millionaire now, so let's have something nice."

Arthur then drove Jennifer Aniston to the rooftop Perch restaurant near Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles.

Located on the 15th floor, Perch is a French restaurant offering a view of the Los Angeles skyline while dining.

"Sit," Arthur pulled out a chair for Jennifer Aniston. "This place is great: good view, excellent food."

"Mm," Jennifer Aniston noticed the live band playing nearby and thought Arthur's taste in life had really changed.

Arthur nodded and returned to his seat, but he made eye contact with Hugh Grant across the room.

"Arthur, what a coincidence," Hugh Grant walked over with a smile.

"Yeah, it is," Arthur glanced at Hugh Grant's date, who wasn't Elizabeth Hurley.

Hugh Grant also noticed Arthur's companion wasn't Winona Ryder.

"Isn't Hurley still in the States?" Arthur inquired with a laugh.

"She's shooting an ad. Who's that?" Hugh Grant pointed to Jennifer Aniston.

"That's my friend. She has a cameo in Sleeping with the Enemy. Finished shooting today," Arthur smiled. "Alright, enjoy your date!"

"You too. Have a great evening..."

*****

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