Chapter 61: It Doesn't Seem Fair

Early in the morning, Arthur woke up to find that Jennifer Connelly was not beside him. He got up, walked out of the bedroom, and heard noises coming from the kitchen.

At the kitchen door, Jennifer Connelly was wearing Arthur's shirt, preparing breakfast. Her black hair draped over her shoulders, revealing her long legs!

"You're up so early?" Arthur walked over and hugged Jennifer Connelly from behind, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"You're awake? What do you want to eat?" Jennifer Connelly turned her head and kissed Arthur.

"Anything's fine," Arthur rested his chin on Jennifer Connelly's shoulder, "You look so sexy!"

Arthur's dress shirt looked amazing on Jennifer Connelly, showcasing her figure, especially her 32D physique.

Jennifer Connelly turned around, wrapping her arms around Arthur's neck, "Okay, go take a shower first. Breakfast will be ready soon."

Arthur nodded, gave her another kiss, and left the kitchen to take a shower...

After breakfast, Arthur prepared to go to his agency, ITA, and reminded her, "You really don't need to take that movie Career Opportunities. That film has no highlights. You should join The Rocketeer. Trust me, you won't regret it."

Jennifer Connelly frowned, "But I've already signed the contract. I'm starting to shoot Career Opportunities soon, wrapping up in July, then in September, I'll start shooting The Rocketeer."

Arthur rubbed his forehead reluctantly, "Already signed, huh? Just be careful with Career Opportunities. I hope it's not as risqué as The Hot Spot."

Jennifer Connelly hugged Arthur, "It's better than that one. I know you didn't like my nude scenes in The Hot Spot. Career Opportunities has no nudity scenes."

Arthur nodded, "Actually, if you're interested, I did mention before, I have a horror-comedy script that could be developed. The investment is small, but I guess you wouldn't be interested."

Galaxy Pictures currently had a Scream script. He mentioned it to Jennifer Connelly before. Arthur planned to use new talents to develop it into a low-budget horror series.

"Is it sometime this year?" Jennifer Connelly asked.

"Yes, I want to start after The Silence of the Lambs begins," Arthur said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "I'll invest personally, making it the first self-funded project for Galaxy Pictures."

"But do you have the money?"

Arthur thought for a moment, "Well, I have around $700,000 right now. With the success of Sleepless in Seattle, Castle Rock still owes me a bonus. I'm heading to the agency today to collect that bonus. They promised to give it to me soon."

Jennifer Connelly blinked, "Is that enough?"

"Galaxy Pictures also has The Silence of the Lambs distribution contract, suitable for a loan, plus my other script American Pie is commercially successful. We should easily get a distribution deal for Scream, which could also secure a loan!"

Arthur had it all planned out. By saving some costs, the current $17.5 million budget was enough to film The Silence of the Lambs. After all, the $20 million production budget included all costs including the script, which Arthur exchanged for the script and producer fee of Sleeping with the Enemy.

Arthur had not collected the producer fee for Sleeping with the Enemy, but after the film's release, Orion would pay him a bonus based on its performance!

"Overall, I plan to use new talents for the film. The female lead has more scenes, so we could look for actresses from Europe or Australia. They are generally cheaper than American actors."

Jennifer Connelly leaned into Arthur's arms and advised, "I filmed in Italy before, and the expenses there are lower compared to the U.S. If you want to save money, filming in Europe is indeed an option."

Arthur smiled, "But I don't have many contacts. The few film professionals I know are in the U.S. Filming in Europe would be cost-effective if we use local talent, but without experience and if most crew members are American, we might not save much."

"Take it slow," Jennifer Connelly kissed Arthur. "If there's a chance, I can speak Italian and French, so I can be your personal translator!"

Arthur chuckled, "That's great. I'll figure it out slowly, after all, there's still time," then he whispered softly in Jennifer Connelly's ear, "But when that time comes, you'll be prepared to be the translator by day and... something else at night..."

"You..." Jennifer Connelly gently smacked Arthur, "You were like a little tiger last night, tireless, isn't that enough?"

"Alright, I'm off to see my agent. I'll meet you tonight!" Arthur grinned.

"Okay, come over tonight. I have to leave tomorrow afternoon," Jennifer Connelly said, adjusting Arthur's shirt.

At ITA, in the afternoon, Tracy Jacobs had already received Arthur's bonus check of $1 million from Castle Rock for Sleepless in Seattle. Of course, ITA took a 10% cut, leaving Arthur with $900,000, though he still needed to pay over $200,000 in taxes on that income!

But that's a concern for next year. For now, Arthur was thrilled yet slightly disappointed as he held the $900,000 check.

"Alright, this is your first combined income from writing and producing, totaling $1.75 million. That's not bad for a newcomer," Tracy Jacobs reassured him, noticing Arthur's expression.

"Oh, I know, a newbie and all," Arthur pocketed the check, "But Sleepless in Seattle is starting to release overseas, it should make around $70-80 million box office globally. As for the U.S. market, it should make around $100 million. The movie had a $20 million production budget, with around $10 million marketing spend including overseas costs, a $200 million project globally, and this is all I get. Isn't Castle Rock a bit stingy?"

Tracy Jacobs smiled, "You're working with Orion now, aren't you? Castle Rock is a new production company, they can't be compared to an established distributor like Orion. Moreover, that was the contract you agreed to quickly for the opportunity to participate in production!"

Arthur sighed, "Alright, once The Silence of the Lambs is released next year, they'll know the potential of Galaxy Pictures."

Indeed, the potential of Galaxy Pictures was, in fact, his own potential!

*****

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