Chapter 83: The Future Aussie Gang

At Sydney International Airport, Arthur walked out, wrapping his coat around him.

"Arthur, over here," Nicole Kidman called out quickly from the exit. "Get in the car!"

Seeing Nicole Kidman's large sunglasses, Arthur said, "You must be a big star in Australia now."

"Not really. I'll take you to the hotel first so you can rest. Tomorrow we'll visit Village Roadshow. I'm currently filming a teen romance movie, and I probably won't be back in the US until before Halloween," Nicole explained as she drove.

"A teen romance? In a school setting?" Arthur found it hard to believe.

Nicole felt a bit embarrassed. "I didn't think it would be made, but now it is. I signed the contract last year, originally for a supporting role, but now my part has grown significantly."

Even though Nicole was 24, her mature and glamorous look didn't quite fit the role of a student.

"By the way, Nicole, I've been curious about something," Arthur said, resting his chin on his hand.

"Ask away."

"I heard the Kidman family is a major landowner in Australia. Are you part of the Kidman family? If I marry you, would I become a landowner heir?"

Nicole facepalmed. "Land in Australia isn't worth much, and there are many Kidman family members. My father owns three farms. If you marry me, you might get one of them."

"Not interested," Arthur leaned back in his seat. "What's Village Roadshow's stance on To Die For?"

"They're supportive. You should discuss it with them in person. Film investment here can't compare to Hollywood; labor and other costs are much cheaper," Nicole thought for a moment before continuing. "Plus, the Australian government is preparing some film tax rebate laws, which could save you money if you shoot here."

Arthur rubbed his temples. "We'll see. A producer from Columbia TriStar is interested in To Die For. We could discuss distribution with Village Roadshow and Columbia."

Soon, Arthur checked into the InterContinental Hotel at Sydney Harbor, which offered a view of the entire Sydney Bay, next to Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Garden, with the Sydney Opera House not far away.

"Nice view, isn't it?" Nicole asked, seeing Arthur admire the bay from the window. "Want to see a show at the Opera House?"

"There are all kinds of programs: music, theater, plays, and operas. Sydney has the New South Wales School of Art, the National Institute of Dramatic Art, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and many other places that cultivate talent each year."

The leading figure in Australian film talent at the time was Mel Gibson, who, though American, grew up in Australia and was considered part of the Aussie scene.

"The golden age of Hollywood is coming. Besides American forces, the next two major forces will be the British and the Aussies," Arthur said calmly with his hands in his pockets. "Language is a big advantage. Want to be the leader of the Aussie gang?"

Nicole Kidman laughed. "You mean me?"

Arthur nodded. "Who else? Crocodile Dundee, Paul Hogan? Or Mel Gibson, who's an American?"

A few years ago, Crocodile Dundee, an Australian comedy adventure film based on true events, grossed hundreds of millions worldwide — a rare success.

"Once you break into Hollywood, you'll set a great example," Arthur said, shaking his head. "Never mind, we'll discuss it later. It's still too early."

A few years ago, Australia's News Corporation also acquired 20th Century Fox and was forming the Fox Broadcasting Company, giving the Aussie gang a powerful backer.

The next day, after spending the night at the hotel with Nicole Kidman, Arthur went to Village Roadshow's studio in Sydney. Village Roadshow executives Greg Coote and Graham Burke discussed the To Die For project with Arthur.

"Arthur, we support Nicole Kidman as the female lead, but can the budget be reduced further?" Greg Coote found the requested $12 million a bit high.

Arthur smiled. "It's not too much. We'll shoot in Los Angeles. Actor fees aren't excessive, but both in front and behind the camera, costs add up."

"This year's Oscars saw Peter Weir nominated for Best Director for Dead Poets Society. He's the biggest Australian director at the moment. Since To Die For is planned for him, we need to meet some of his conditions. Village Roadshow could also attract other investors to bring in additional funding."

Greg Coote and Graham Burke exchanged a glance. Graham Burke asked, "Arthur, how long will you be staying in Australia?"

"A week. I'd like to meet some young Australian actors," Arthur explained.

Graham Burke nodded. "That's enough time. We'll find investors within a week. We've already contacted Peter Weir, and he's willing to direct. Recently, Peter scouted locations in Australia for Green Card."

"Really? That's great news," Arthur was pleased, saving him the effort of approaching Peter Weir himself.

Greg Coote suggested, "Arthur, we have two films currently shooting at our studio. Let me show you around. You might find some talented young actors. Nicole Kidman is filming a British-Australian co-production, Flirting, a teen comedy. That's right up your alley!"

"That sounds good. Some of Australia's locations are quite impressive," Arthur said enthusiastically, following Greg Coote to the set.

Greg Coote agreed wholeheartedly. "Australia's landscape is diverse. There are oceans, beaches, natural wonders in national parks, vast pastures, deserts, forests, and rock formations."

Upon arriving at one set, Greg Coote continued to introduce it. "This is a drama written and directed by newcomer Jocelyn Moorhouse."

However, Arthur's attention was captured by the two male actors in Proof. He recognized them instantly: Hugo Weaving and Russell Crowe, future pillars of the Aussie gang. Especially Russell Crowe, a future Oscar winner.

*****

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