Chapter 273: Just a Sidekick

In April, as a prelude to the summer movie season, many films were released, and various film companies were doing their utmost to gain exposure for their blockbusters.

Not to mention the action film Speed advertised during the Super Bowl, which had a hefty marketing budget of $20 million.

Of course, the action movie market in May also featured the action blockbuster Cliffhanger produced by Sony's TriStar Pictures.

Cliffhanger was a major investment from TriStar Pictures, with a budget of $70 million, and starred Sylvester Stallone in this thrilling action flick.

At the Galaxy office of Amy Pascal.

Jodie Foster specially prepared a story to collaborate with Galaxy. "Nell is a rural drama about love and suspense. As Egg Pictures' debut production, is Galaxy interested?"

Amy Pascal smiled, putting down the proposal in her hand. "The story is good, and with you starring in it, of course, Galaxy will support it!"

After all, Jodie Foster was a two-time Oscar Best Actress winner. Now producing a low-budget art film herself, how could Galaxy not support it?

Moreover, Jodie Foster wasn't particularly short on funds now; Galaxy would handle the North American distribution of Nell, needing only to invest part of the production budget.

In this case, Galaxy was primarily a distributor for the movie, not an investor or producer.

Jodie Foster nodded. "Next, I'm going to film a Warner Bros. action comedy, Maverick. Nell will likely start shooting by the end of the year."

Maverick was another collaboration between director Richard Donner and Mel Gibson after the Lethal Weapon series.

Last year, the high box office of Lethal Weapon 3 further expanded Mel Gibson's influence, solidifying his superstar status, and his action movie salary reached $15 million.

Maverick also roped in two-time Oscar-winning Jodie Foster, indicating the remake's ambitions were not small.

Amy Pascal was indifferent. Jodie Foster had always been deep-rooted in drama films, so her joining a commercial film to act in a comedy was a new attempt.

Although it wasn't a major role for her, with Mel Gibson and her fame, Maverick wouldn't do poorly.

Jodie Foster wasn't considered a top beauty in Hollywood and didn't have the look of the sweetheart or girl-next-door needed for romantic films. Her strengths mainly lay in dramas rather than romantic comedies.

In the afternoon, Arthur visited the BET television studio in Inglewood, Los Angeles, and met with the person in charge, Robert Johnson.

Currently, BET was the number one propaganda TV station for Black hip-hop music, and with the rise of West Coast gangsta rap, Los Angeles' importance was growing.

"Bloods & Crips? They released a joint album this year?" After leaving the studio, Arthur recalled Robert Johnson mentioning this matter.

Last year's riots were initiated by the Bloods & Crips, who reconciled their enmity.

In a bar near Culver City, Arthur lounged on a sofa, enjoying the rap performance on stage.

The atmosphere in the bar was electrifying, with everyone seemingly pumped up, and former member Dr. Dre performing on stage.

"Hey, can you buy me a drink?" Although Arthur was watching Dr. Dre, his attention was on a skinny Black man beside him.

It couldn't be helped; the guy was too recognizable - it was the future Snoop Dogg.

Turning his head, a young and sexy yet voluptuous beauty approached him. "Sit down."

He immediately ordered a drink.

"I'm Liv Tyler. Tonight is hip-hop night here; before, it was all rock style. Isn't it great?" Liv Tyler started chatting with Arthur while sipping her drink.

Arthur recognized her at first glance, looking at her, "Are you even of age? How did you get in here?"

Liv Tyler stuck out her tongue. "My dad knows the owner. I have a VIP card, and I'm already 16, so it's no big deal."

Arthur chuckled, "Looks like your dad's also part of the rock scene?"

"Lead singer of a rock band," Liv Tyler said, taking another sip. Despite being only 16, her sexy figure was enough to attract men, and her beautiful face added bonus points.

"Yeah, just call me Arthur," Arthur said, familiar with her. She was the daughter of Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith.

Moreover, her mother, Bebe Buell, was also famous in the rock scene, being a Playboy model in the 70s!

Bebe Buell was also known as the "rock groupie," having affairs with almost every rock star.

When Liv Tyler was born, over a dozen rock singers went to the hospital for paternity tests, although it was confirmed that her biological father was the distinctively unique Steven Tyler.

But at that time, Bebe Buell's boyfriend was Todd Rundgren, and Liv Tyler only learned her biological father was Steven Tyler when she was 12 and they acknowledged each other.

"You look like a model too, right?" Arthur asked.

Liv Tyler nodded. "Yeah, I've even starred in music videos for my dad's songs."

"So, do you prefer rock or hip-hop?"

Arthur shook his head. "Neither. I like whoever can make me money."

To Arthur, both the rock and hip-hop scenes were filled with violence, drugs, and sex. Arthur considered himself the epitome of righteousness, virtue, and beauty.

"Pfft," Liv Tyler laughed. "Then why did you look so appreciative before?"

Arthur pointed to the stage, pouring himself a whiskey. "Because these guys are gaining more and more fans now!"

Especially Snoop Dogg, who, although currently just a sidekick, a small fry following Dr. Dre, would later become a leading figure in West Coast gangsta rap. He was destined to be someone who would make money for Arthur.

"Arthur, shall we dance?" Liv Tyler, ignoring everything else, held Arthur's arm and suggested.

Arthur smiled, stood up, and followed Liv Tyler into the dance floor, releasing the youthful energy with the dispersal of alcohol and hormones!

*****

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