Chapter 20: The New America's Sweetheart

In the evening, Arthur went with Jennifer Aniston to a blue jazz bar near Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to relax.

Jennifer Aniston asked, "When is the movie Edward Scissorhands that you worked on releasing?"

"Next year, I guess. But, I'm not sure about the exact time yet. Since it's just a $20 million romance movie, the distribution company probably won't start promoting it early," Arthur replied with a smile.

In the dimly lit bar, Arthur lounged in a chair with mild interest, watching the jazz dance performance on stage.

Jennifer Aniston pecked Arthur on the cheek, "I thought American Pie would be the first script of yours to be made into a movie. I'm amazed that you've prepared two more scripts in such a short time."

Arthur sighed, "It's tough to make it in this industry. ITA is too small; the whole company has just a dozen agents. Even though I have confidence in my scripts, if I can't get them in front of directors or producers, it's useless!"

"Enough about me. How about you?" Arthur asked.

"Me? Well," Jennifer Aniston shook her head, a bit disheartened, "My dad introduced me to a TV series audition recently, but I blew it."

"Godfather Telly Savalas said he would keep an eye out for some small roles for me. Currently, I'm performing Off-Broadway, but I still need a part-time job to get by."

Arthur cupped Jennifer Aniston's face and looked at her, smiling, "There's no way you won't make it. You're not only beautiful but also lively. You'll definitely become a big star!"

"Oh, Arthur," Jennifer Aniston nudged his shoulder, "But I still haven't gotten into any film or television projects yet."

"Don't worry. You're perfect for romantic comedies. When the time comes, I'll definitely craft a script tailored for you," Arthur comforted her.

Smiling, Jennifer Aniston kissed Arthur's cheek, "Arthur, how long will you be staying in New York?"

Arthur shook his head, "Not sure. It depends on when Castle Rock Entertainment wants to meet me. I'm waiting for Nora Ephron's call."

Arthur felt helpless. Life was hard. Thinking back to when he boasted to Simon about making a hundred million dollars, only to be considered crazy by the chubby guy, made sense now.

Holding Arthur's hand, Jennifer Aniston whispered in his ear, "Let's head back. It's getting late."

Jennifer Aniston, dressed in a denim shirt and short skirt, turned her head and kissed Arthur. Arthur reached out and caressed her thigh.

"Let's go to my hotel. I'm staying there for the next few days anyway."

"Mmm..."

Afterward, Arthur hugged Jennifer Aniston and returned to the hotel at Union Square.

***

After speaking with Arthur Smith, Nora Ephron immediately contacted Castle Rock Entertainment's president, Alan Horn, who was in New York.

Castle Rock Entertainment was founded two years ago by Alan Horn, Martin Shafer, Andy Scheinman, and Rob Reiner.

The company's first movie, When Harry Met Sally..., directed by Rob Reiner, was co-invested by Castle Rock Entertainment and Nelson Entertainment and distributed by Columbia TriStar.

In his New York office, Alan Horn smiled as he looked at the proposal in his hands, "Is this really prepared by a twenty-year-old who just dropped out of school?"

Nodding, Nora Ephron said, "Yes, he gave this to me. During our chat, his ideas aligned with mine. The script doesn't need major changes, just some minor details. With Arthur Smith and me perfecting it together, it will be quick."

"Although a $20 million investment isn't much for us, it's still not a small amount," Alan Horn looked at Nora Ephron. This year she had completed the script for another comedy, My Blue Heaven.

"On Monday, I'll bring the producers from Columbia TriStar and Nelson Entertainment. Bring Arthur Smith along so we can discuss it together. Nora, we completely trust your capabilities. However, we need to convince the distributors and other investors as well."

Nora Ephron nodded, "Of course, I understand. I want Arthur Smith to be my assistant. He's from the Film School, so he's a good fit."

Alan Horn nodded, "Okay, hiring him as one of the producers is no big deal. Do you have confidence in this script?"

"Absolutely. This Sleepless in Seattle script is as good as my previous work, When Harry Met Sally.... I'm very confident!"

After leaving Alan Horn's office, Nora Ephron called actress Meg Ryan in Los Angeles.

"Is this Meg? It's Nora Ephron!"

"Oh, Ms. Ephron, good afternoon. I read the script for Sleepless in Seattle, and it's great. Is this project going into production?"

Nora Ephron smiled, "It should be developed soon. What's your schedule like?"

From Alan Horn's perspective, Nora Ephron knew that Sleepless in Seattle would definitely get funded for production. Columbia TriStar wouldn't reject a comedy similar to When Harry Met Sally....

As for Meg Ryan, due to the success of When Harry Met Sally..., she had received numerous offers.

"I do have some availability. There are a few scripts I'm discussing. I turned down one where I would play a prostitute falling in love with a wealthy man. Another one is a drama, but after seeing Sleepless in Seattle, I prefer this script you sent me."

Having just collaborated with Nora Ephron on When Harry Met Sally..., which was still in theaters, Meg Ryan didn't need to think twice about another similar project.

"That's good. The Sleepless in Seattle plan is complete and will develop quickly. It'll probably be finished within this year," Nora Ephron reminded Meg Ryan to keep her schedule open for this year.

"Got it. I understand!"

After chatting a bit more, Nora Ephron hung up, feeling that Meg Ryan was the perfect choice for the role, just like Arthur Smith had thought.

In terms of image and popularity, Meg Ryan was the best choice. Nora Ephron believed that once Sleepless in Seattle came out, Meg Ryan would become the new America's sweetheart.

Nora Ephron considered that even without the $20 million budget, Sleepless in Seattle could be adjusted by reducing some scenes.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.