Chapter 19: Romantic Comedy

Nora Ephron, 48 years old, adapted works such as Silkwood, Heartburn, and When Harry Met Sally..., and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

She had a deep understanding and study of romantic comedies from a female perspective!

In a cafe on Greenwich Street in Lower Manhattan, New York, Tracy Jacobs brought Arthur to meet Nora Ephron.

"I didn't expect the person who wrote this script to be so young," Nora Ephron said in surprise when she saw Arthur for the first time. "The script is quite good. Go on!" she said.

Arthur thought for a moment and began, "After When Harry Met Sally... was released, I watched it. The way you express women in your scripts is lighthearted and humorous. You cleverly satirize the overly serious and contrived elements found in feminism, which is very smart. The storyline of Sleepless in Seattle also follows this lighthearted and humorous comedy style. I think you would definitely like it!"

Nora Ephron nodded, "When I saw this script, I felt that my first film must be this one. Before you arrived, I already discussed it with Castle Rock Entertainment. Columbia TriStar's producer Gary Foster also has an interest in this script, but he hopes the film will have more sweet and sentimental scenes."

Arthur frowned and asked, "Like what?"

"For example, adding an unpleasant romantic experience for the female lead, Annie," Nora Ephron said with a shrug and a smile.

Arthur tapped his fingers lightly on the table, "But there's already the tragic story of the male lead, Sam, losing his wife. Wouldn't adding more tragedy make it too heavy? The theme of Sleepless in Seattle is still a romantic comedy!"

The story mainly tells about a widowed architect, Sam, in Seattle, and a female journalist, Annie, in New York, who get to know, get familiar with, and fall in love with each other through radio shows and letters, despite being in different places.

Nora Ephron laughed, "You and I think alike. I also don't agree with adding more tragic scenes to the movie Castle Rock Entertainment is willing to invest, but it's also necessary to persuade Columbia TriStar, which would make the funding more sufficient."

Arthur Smith nodded and took a plan from his backpack to give to Nora Ephron, "This is a plan I made myself. I hope it can help you!"

"A plan?" Nora Ephron had heard from Tracy Jacobs that Arthur Smith was a student at CSU Northridge's film school. It seemed he had some talent.

"For the male lead, I favor Tom Hanks from last year's Big, which grossed more than hundred million in North America. He has a rich comedic talent and fine acting skills! As for the female lead," Arthur said, looking at Nora Ephron with a smile, "I believe no one is more suitable than Meg Ryan at the moment."

When Harry Met Sally...'s box office now exceeds $65 million in North America, with a production cost of only $15 million, and its screening scale has not reduced much either.

Everyone expected that When Harry Met Sally... would ultimately achieve over $100 million at the North American box office, and the rise to fame of Meg Ryan was an undeniable fact.

Nora Ephron browsed through the plan, internally praising it. Following this kid's plan could basically bring the movie to the public by next summer.

"Haha, originally Tracy was trying to get you the boyfriend role of the female lead, not a major part," Nora Ephron said with a laugh, "It seems your scriptwriting and production courses haven't gone to waste. Where are you staying now?"

Arthur replied, "At a hotel!"

"Okay, wait for my message. Then accompany me to meet with Castle Rock Entertainment and Columbia TriStar's producers," Nora Ephron said.

Arthur nodded, "Sure!"

"Tracy, you'll need to discuss other matters with Castle Rock. Besides being a screenwriter and actor, Arthur will likely have another role. I need him to be one of my film producers," Nora Ephron, always decisive, was even more eager than Arthur Smith to get this film started.

Penny Marshall became the first female director to achieve over $100 million in North America. Nora Ephron hoped to be the first female director with a debut film to achieve over $100 million in North America!

Tracy Jacobs, who had been silent, saw the two talking so enthusiastically and had no objections.

Nodding with a smile, she said, "No problem, I'll handle the other matters for Arthur!"

After Nora Ephron left, Tracy Jacobs excitedly said, "Arthur, this script is not simple. An original screenplay looked at favorably will fetch a good price. Moreover, Nora Ephron genuinely likes this script and is eager to direct it!"

Arthur smiled, "Let's wait for the news. I hope that plan can help her. I also hope Sleepless in Seattle can start shooting soon. If the project is approved, everything will be well!"

Without fame, Arthur couldn't attract investments to support his film projects. Making a name for himself was the first step.

"Don't worry, when I return to Los Angeles, I'll help you promote other scripts. If Sleepless in Seattle is noticed, maybe American Pie and others might attract attention too," Tracy Jacobs said, no longer underestimating Arthur's scripts.

In the evening, Arthur went outside a cafe near the High Line park, waiting for Jennifer Aniston to finish her shift.

"Hey, Jennifer!" Arthur called out when he saw Jennifer Aniston after her shift.

Jennifer Aniston looked back and saw Arthur Smith, wearing a white shirt and jeans, happily waving.

Jennifer Aniston ran over and hugged Arthur, "Why didn't you call ahead?"

Arthur brushed Jennifer Aniston's hair with his hand, "I got a script noticed, and I had to come over for talks. This time, you didn't spill coffee on any customers, right?"

"Of course not," Jennifer Aniston said, playfully hitting Arthur a few times before hugging him and giving him a kiss.

"Alright, let's grab some food first," Arthur suggested after the kiss ended, holding Jennifer Aniston.

"Hmm, you're staying at a hotel?"

"Yes, over by Union Square. Didn't you say you're performing in a theater? When's your next show?"

"Not often, I just joined, so I won't be on stage so soon," Jennifer Aniston explained, holding Arthur's arm as they walked...

*****

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