Chapter 47: Investment Troubles

In Los Angeles, Culver City, Arthur attended Columbia's promotional seminar for Sleepless in Seattle.

After the meeting ended, Arthur invited Ms. Nora Ephron to a nearby cafe for advice.

After reading Arthur's proposal for The Silence of the Lambs, Nora Ephron asked, "Are you really going to develop this movie on your own?"

Arthur nodded. "The director and the leading actors are already confirmed. Orion is the distributor and agreed to provide $5 million for filming."

"And what's the budget for your movie?"

"Around $20 million."

Nora Ephron frowned. "A $20 million budget and Orion is only providing $5 million?"

"By the rules, it should be at least $15 million to get the North American distribution rights, right?"

Arthur smiled and explained, "It's a pre-sale revenue split model. Orion is not an investor."

"I see," Nora Ephron reflected. "You are quite brave. This makes financing difficult; the most valuable North American distribution rights only brought in a quarter of the investment. Orion got the North American distribution rights for just $5 million, and the distribution commission is definitely not low. Are you troubled about the remaining funds now?"

Arthur nodded. "It's quite troubling. Now, I can only think of international distribution and the sales rights for videotapes."

Nora Ephron sighed. "I started as a screenwriter, then became a producer, and now a director. Independent films are really challenging. Your project's director isn't well-known, and the script isn't a high-commercial story, but the fact that Jodie Foster is the lead actress could be something to work with. Do you want me to introduce you to Columbia Tristar's international distribution head?"

Arthur shook his head. "Orion has already inquired with several major companies on my behalf. They didn't offer high prices for international rights either. It's still not enough. Besides, I don't want to sell off completely. Mainly, I want to know if Castle Rock might be interested in investing some funds. I have absolute confidence in my work."

"That's easy. I can recommend this project to Alan Horn and Rob Reiner. Whether they decide to invest is out of my control."

This was a small favor for Nora Ephron to offer.

"Arthur, you should look for distributors in Europe; there's a chance someone there will be interested. Jodie Foster was last year's Oscar-winning actress; her reputation is quite significant. Moreover, some European and Australian film investment companies are willing to invest in Hollywood productions."

"Thank you, I also have this in mind," Arthur responded. Of course, he had to actively search for European distributors, but now wasn't the right time. He couldn't entirely rely on Jodie Foster's reputation.

"I will wait until April. When Sleepless in Seattle and American Pie are released, Arthur Smith's name will at least be known within the industry. It'll help in negotiations."

Nora Ephron agreed. "Next month, Sleepless in Seattle will be released. If it does well, Castle Rock should consider The Silence of the Lambs more seriously."

Even if outsiders don't know, Castle Rock internally is well aware of Arthur Smith's involvement in Sleepless in Seattle.

He participated in the script, scenes, actor selection, and filming process, taking on many responsibilities.

"You have always been confident about Sleepless in Seattle. Even if Castle Rock isn't interested in your work, Columbia might be. Now, Sony recently acquired Columbia, and they are not short of money."

Arthur took a sip of coffee. "Warner Bros. just merged with Time Inc., and they are suing Sony, right? Batman producers Peter Guber and Jon Peters violated employment agreements by joining Sony as co-CEOs?"

Nora Ephron laughed. "It's just about getting some compensation. Sony's aggressive entry into Hollywood and the acquisition of the major film company Columbia Pictures is significant. They have to pay some tuition fees, and Peter Guber and Jon Peters' salaries aren't ordinary. Who knows if these two can properly develop Columbia Pictures?"

"Properly develop?" Arthur laughed. "In a few years, Sony will realize what a huge surprise Columbia Pictures will bring them!"

"A huge surprise?" Nora Ephron sighed. "I've also heard that these two are causing some chaos."

After chatting with Nora Ephron, Arthur left Culver City. The Silence of the Lambs director Jonathan Demme had already met with British actor Anthony Hopkins.

Anthony Hopkins playing Hannibal the Cannibal was very fitting. Lead actress Jodie Foster had also done a scene with him, and their performances were excellent.

Now, Arthur's main issue was funding. The script for The Silence of the Lambs wasn't particularly appealing.

Many companies believed that investing $20 million in a horror film was difficult to profit from.

In the evening, Arthur asked Jodie Foster about the movie's progress.

Jodie Foster was only concerned about the filming funds, "The crew is set; now it's just about you getting the investment. Even the $5 million from Orion hasn't arrived yet."

"Sleeping with the Enemy starts filming next month. Orion will provide the funds for The Silence of the Lambs at that time. I've also approached Castle Rock to see if they are interested in investing. Later, I'll visit Europe to bring back some funds. The Silence of the Lambs is a best-selling novel; European filmmakers aren't as commercialized, so raising some funds should be possible!"

Arthur reassured Jodie Foster, who is the biggest star on the crew and key for The Silence of the Lambs.

Jodie Foster nodded. "Orion letting you develop Sleeping with the Enemy shows they have some confidence in you. Moreover, Mr. Mike Medavoy has always been optimistic about our The Silence of the Lambs. With his support, we might secure more funds from Orion!"

Arthur pursed his lips, "Didn't you hear Jonathan mention earlier that Mike Medavoy's reason was that the funds were allocated to Sleeping with the Enemy, leaving no extra for The Silence of the Lambs. I'm not sure about Orion's finances, but next month they will provide the remaining $4 million, the rest I'll manage."

"At least Orion still has RoboCop 2, Dances with Wolves releasing this year, plus my Sleeping with the Enemy. They might regain some profits," Arthur said, looking at Jodie Foster.

"Anyway, there's still time. Jonathan mentioned that the script can still be revised. Let him work with screenwriter Ted Tally on it!"

Jodie Foster nodded. "I'll also ask around for investors interested in this project."

"Thanks..."

*****

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