Chapter 153: North American Distribution deal with PolyGram

Night, Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel.

In the bathroom, Elizabeth Hurley leaned against the glass door, with Arthur behind her. "When are you joining the crew?"

"In a couple of days," Elizabeth Hurley turned her head to kiss Arthur, her voice trembling. She knew he was referring to Passenger 57.

Soon after, they moved from the bathroom to the bed in the bedroom.

"Hurley, you have an amazing figure!" Arthur lay on his side, caressing Elizabeth Hurley's 36C bust, similar to Mädchen Amick's size.

Elizabeth Hurley smiled, pulled Arthur over her, and said, "If you like it, you can find me more often."

"This... doesn't seem right?" Arthur said as he lowered his head to kiss her chest.

"Really? Don't you want to experience the charm of an English rose?" Elizabeth Hurley felt the muscles on Arthur's body, speaking seductively.

"English charm," Arthur looked up at Elizabeth Hurley's flushed face. The phrase amused him, and he thought it was a good idea. Right now, the only European woman he had was Sophie Marceau, so he had to work harder!

Arthur then thought about Halle Berry at the 42 Club that night, who was hit by Wesley Snipes, the lead in Passenger 57.

He asked, "Did Wesley Snipes, the lead in Passenger 57, ever make any unwanted advances toward you?"

"Wesley Snipes?" Elizabeth Hurley shook her head. "He's not really an A-list star yet. I was arranged by the agency. Besides, I'm not the lead, just an important supporting role with more screen time. Not many people notice me!"

"Not many people notice?" Arthur laughed. "In the movie, you'll surely be responsible for the beauty, so be careful. Tonight at the club, I saw Wesley Snipes hit a newbie actress, who was a supporting role in his last movie."

"But don't worry, after all, Wesley Snipes is just a black man with a bit of fame. He can toy with those new black actresses, but that's it!"

Elizabeth Hurley then rolled over and lay on top of Arthur, whispering in his ear, "So, nothing to worry about. Even if something bad happens, I know you. If it's someone like you, Arthur, I'm sure there will be many young, pretty girls willing to kneel before you and unzip your pants!"

Arthur closed his eyes and said, "I'm not that kind of person."

Elizabeth Hurley nodded, "Alright, Arthur, just enjoy yourself now!"

With that, Elizabeth Hurley started kissing Arthur's neck and moved down to his chest.

Eventually, Elizabeth went under the blanket, and Arthur couldn't help but reach under it to stroke her head.

Elizabeth Hurley came to America mainly to shoot Passenger 57 in Florida. She stayed in Los Angeles for two or three days before heading to the set.

In Los Angeles, Culver City, on the set of A Few Good Men at Columbia Pictures, Arthur visited director Rob Reiner's set.

Seeing Sophie Marceau in a military uniform made Arthur feel a rush of heat.

He turned to Amy Pascal, who had come along, and asked, "By the way, how is Frank Darabont's preparation for The Shawshank Redemption going?"

Amy Pascal sighed, "Frank is still adapting the script, and it's tough to find actors, both leads and supporting roles!"

Arthur smiled, "It seems Frank Darabont is really passionate about this project. I'm planning to release it the year after next. I wonder if he can finish it on time?"

Frank Darabont was a dreamer and determined to pursue his dreams.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have turned down Rob Reiner's $3 million offer for the script by saying, "If I take this money, I'll keep trading my dreams for money and end up dying with nothing accomplished."

"Let's wait for him to perfect the script first," Amy Pascal wasn't too worried. After all, many projects the studio prepared got canceled for various reasons.

"We're signing the North American distribution deal with PolyGram soon. Are you not attending?" Amy Pascal asked.

Arthur shook his head, "I just got back from New York and spent some time in the Bay Area. I want to stay in Los Angeles for now."

PolyGram had set up an American film division this year to invest in and develop Hollywood movies. Galaxy was its distribution partner in the US.

Arthur didn't think PolyGram would develop many projects since its main business was still records.

"Alright then, I'm heading to the airport. I'm flying to New York tonight," Amy Pascal didn't mind, knowing Arthur was the boss.

Arthur nodded, "Scent of a Woman starts shooting next month. You can visit the set. I've also agreed to give Spielberg a 10% budget increase for Schindler's List. Since they've set up the filming location, Steven Spielberg should head to Poland soon!"

"No problem, but," Amy Pascal looked at Arthur, "Are you confident about Schindler's List?"

Although the budget increase was only $2 million, budget overruns were generally not good.

First, Emma had a $3 million increase, and now Schindler's List had a $2 million increase.

Amy Pascal worried Arthur was being too casual. What if the next increase was $20 or $30 million?

Arthur smiled, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. This only happens with low-budget films. Emma didn't need many sets, just extravagant costumes. Schindler's List is in Spielberg's hands, and it's trustworthy. This project means a lot to him. For other commercial films, I wouldn't give him an extra penny!"

Soon after, Amy Pascal left for the airport.

Arthur waited until the afternoon when Sophie Marceau finished shooting, then took the French Kiss and left Columbia Pictures.

They headed straight to Sophie Marceau's current apartment in Culver City.

*****

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