Chapter 145: Launch Press Conference

At the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the Galaxy production A Few Good Men held its launch press conference. The film's director, Rob Reiner, along with the lead actors Tom Cruise, Anthony Hopkins, and Sophie Marceau, accepted interviews from the media.

Anywhere Tom Cruise was present, he was naturally the focus. Arthur quietly asked Anthony Hopkins beside him, "How's the preparation for Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula going?"

"Still casting, but Columbia TriStar has decided to start filming in December," Anthony Hopkins explained, as he was invited to play the vampire hunter Van Helsing.

"Arthur, Director Coppola actually really hopes you and Winona would join the cast!"

Arthur smiled, "I heard from Columbia TriStar that they plan to cast Julia Roberts for the lead role. She's pretty popular right now. I'm the boss of Galaxy Films, so going to shoot for Sony would be a step down!"

Anthony Hopkins couldn't help but laugh at Arthur's words, agreeing with the logic.

"Arthur, I'm a reporter for The Hollywood Reporter. May I ask, why did you decide to develop a legal and military court drama?"

"Uh, well," Arthur cleared his throat and began to explain, "mainly because, after watching the stage play, I found the story very challenging, so I sought out screenwriter Aaron Sorkin to adapt the screenplay. After the adaptation was complete, not only I, but also director Rob Reiner and lead actor Tom Cruise were drawn to the challenging script. Aaron Sorkin is an absolute genius!"

"Arthur, how did you decide to invite our French actress, Sophie Marceau, to join the cast?" asked a French media reporter.

Arthur looked at Sophie Marceau, "I've been a fan of hers for a long time. She can not only star in romance and drama films but can also handle serious subjects like this!"

"Arthur, we previously spotted you attending an event with Nicole Kidman. Are you two dating? Or are you now with Sophie Marceau?"

"Ahem," Arthur raised his hand, "today is the launch press conference for A Few Good Men, so let's focus on questions about the film."

"Check it out, isn't Tom Cruise's military poster dashing, and isn't Sophie Marceau's military look sexy..."

Journalists had a knack for stirring things up - bringing up Nicole Kidman again even after quite some time had passed.

At the banquet after the press conference, Arthur specifically sought out Tom Cruise, "Tom, let's talk!"

"Alright," Tom Cruise, with his signature sunny smile, accompanied Arthur to the hotel banquet hall's balcony.

Arthur Smith's reputation was still quite significant among producers, and the commercial success of Galaxy's films was the cornerstone of Arthur's rise!

"What's up, Arthur?"

Arthur didn't beat around the bush, "It's about the last thing I mentioned to Paula Wagner - your own independent production company. Galaxy can sign an exclusive multi-film financing and distribution deal with your production company for three years. This way, you could have more creative freedom in the films you act in, as well as opportunities to produce and even direct movies. What do you think? And don't worry about Galaxy running short of funding!"

Paula Wagner had indeed mentioned this to Tom Cruise, but currently, Tom Cruise didn't have the ambition to produce films himself.

"Exclusive financing and distribution?" Tom Cruise's fame was considerable at this point, and he didn't lack financial support. Galaxy was just an independent distributor and shouldn't have caught Tom Cruise's eye.

However, Arthur Smith's filmmaking skills did pique Tom Cruise's interest!

"How about a first-look deal? Perhaps if Galaxy can't handle a project, we could collaborate with other studios," Arthur now aimed to intercept Tom Cruise's collaboration with Paramount since Tom Cruise currently had tremendous box office appeal.

Tom Cruise thought it over and responded politely, "Arthur, I'm at the peak of my career, and I haven't thought about becoming a producer or director yet. Moreover, most of my work is currently managed by Paula Wagner's team."

Arthur smiled, "I understand. I believe after this collaboration, we'll have other opportunities to continue."

Given Galaxy's scale, it was indeed challenging to sign exclusive deals with stars of Tom Cruise's immense box office appeal.

After all, the resources Galaxy could offer were certainly not as extensive as those of major studios unless Arthur was willing to offer more benefits!

After chatting with Tom Cruise, Arthur felt that Tom Cruise definitely had the idea of starting his own production company.

Only, Galaxy didn't have enough elements to attract him at that time!

"What's wrong, Arthur? Realize your charm doesn't quite match up to Tom Cruise's?" Sophie Marceau appeared beside Arthur, unnoticed.

Arthur chuckled, wrapping his arm around Sophie Marceau, and teased, "I have the height advantage!"

That evening, after the banquet ended, Arthur followed Sophie Marceau back to her apartment in Culver City.

"Arthur," as soon as they entered, Sophie Marceau eagerly hugged Arthur and started kissing him.

"Hey, Sophie, you're addicted," Arthur hugged Sophie Marceau from behind, unbuttoning her top and caressing her softness.

"Don't you miss me?" Sophie Marceau held Arthur's hands on her chest and turned to kiss him. "The film is finally about to shoot, and I'll be staying in the U.S. for quite a while!"

"I do miss you. You've been away from L.A. for a while shooting commercials," Arthur said, turning Sophie Marceau around and pressing her against the wall for a kiss.

Sophie Marceau responded passionately, holding Arthur's neck while removing his clothing.

*****

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