Chapter 77: Bob Weinstein

After staying in New York for a while, Arthur took the time to meet with Alan Sorkin, the playwright of A Few Good Men. Alan suggested he transition to the film industry and make A Few Good Men his first screenplay.

Arthur's Galaxy Pictures then spent $150,000 to purchase Alan Sorkin's adapted screenplay of A Few Good Men!

Jennifer Connelly had to leave New York in mid-July to shoot Disney's The Rocketeer in California.

Arthur returned to the set of The Silence of the Lambs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for a while before heading back to Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, on Santa Monica Beach, Winona Ryder, who had just returned from San Francisco, was sunbathing with Arthur.

"The next scenes of Father of the Bride will mostly be shot in the studio, so I can stay in Los Angeles and spend some time with you," Winona Ryder said as she applied sunscreen to Arthur.

Arthur nodded, "Last night, you watched the edited version of Sleeping with the Enemy. What did you think of the movie?"

Winona Ryder smiled, "It was really good, and you have a knack for picking actors. The three men associated with the female lead are all very handsome," she said, kissing Arthur. "Of course, you're the most handsome!"

Arthur lay back on the beach chair. "After The Silence of the Lambs wraps up, I have to go to Italy with the Sleeping with the Enemy crew. The distributor wants to promote the film at the Venice Film Festival..."

Before Arthur could finish, his nearby phone rang. "This is Arthur, what's up?"

It was a clerk from Galaxy Pictures. "Mr. Bob Weinstein from Miramax is at the office and wants to talk to you. He wants to meet for dinner at 7 PM at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in West Hollywood."

Arthur thought for a few seconds, "Sure, I'll be there on time."

"First it was his brother, now it's the younger one," Arthur said, putting down the phone. "These brothers are persistent."

There was no need to guess; Miramax was definitely interested in his Scream script. Last year had been a successful one for Miramax, boosting their confidence.

"What's the matter?" Winona Ryder asked, noticing Arthur frowning.

Arthur shook his head, "It's nothing, Bob Weinstein from Miramax wants to talk to me."

"Miramax? They distributed My Left Foot, which was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars this year, and Daniel Day-Lewis won Best Actor," Winona Ryder knew about the independent film company.

Arthur put his arm around Winona Ryder. "I met Miramax's head, Harvey Weinstein, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel during the Golden Globe Awards earlier this year."

"At that time, he wanted to buy the Scream script, but I refused. This guy is not simple; you'd better not work with him in the future!"

"Is he a bad person?"

"Terrible. He would devour you completely..."

In the evening, Arthur arrived at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in West Hollywood as agreed and met Bob Weinstein in a café booth.

"Good evening, Arthur. I'm Bob Weinstein from Miramax."

"Good evening," Arthur shook his hand and sat down. "What do you want to talk about?"

Bob Weinstein, a bit chubby but not as much as his brother Harvey, smiled warmly, wearing glasses. "I plan to create a new label within Miramax called Dimension Films, focusing on teen and horror movies."

"Your script for American Pie has already proven to be very successful, with a North American box office of $55 million, which is incredible!"

Arthur looked at Bob Weinstein. "Let's get to the point, Mr. Weinstein."

"I'd like to invite you to join Miramax. We can progress together!" Bob Weinstein extended an invitation.

"We'll provide the funding, so you can develop projects as you wish."

Arthur sighed. Who gave you the courage to make such an offer, to develop projects as I wish?

With his hand on his forehead, "Mr. Weinstein, stop joking. Does Miramax have any projects with a budget reaching tens of millions of dollars? No. Besides, I'm not very interested in projects centered on sex."

Even Orion, with its financial crisis, was better than Miramax. Companies like New Line, New World, and Trimark Pictures, which started with horror films, were all stronger than Miramax now!

"Alright," Bob Weinstein was just testing the waters anyway. "Dimension Films is very interested in your Scream script. If you're willing, we can offer $750,000 to buy it."

"Of course, your Galaxy Pictures can co-produce, and you can be the producer and the male lead!"

Arthur laughed. Didn't do any homework before coming, did you?

Seeing Arthur's smile, Bob Weinstein added, "As a producer and the male lead, your combined fee would also be $750,000, and you'd get your producer's bonus after the movie is released."

"Mr. Weinstein, I heard the coffee here is good. Have some while it's hot," Arthur said, sipping his coffee.

Bob Weinstein leaned back. "Why don't you tell me your conditions, Arthur? If Miramax can meet them, we will."

Arthur smiled. "Does Miramax want to distribute Scream?"

Bob Weinstein nodded.

Arthur pointed to himself. "Galaxy Pictures can finance this horror film, and Miramax will handle the distribution. How about that?"

Bob Weinstein made a gesture to continue.

"Galaxy Pictures estimates the budget for Scream to be $5 million. After completion, Miramax will arrange the release."

"First, Miramax must release the film within six months of completion, and it must open in no fewer than 600 theaters."

"Second, upon release, Miramax must advance no less than $1.5 million for marketing, which can be recouped immediately from the earnings."

"Third, Miramax can only take 15% of the box office as the distribution fee!"

Arthur laid out the terms clearly, ensuring Miramax couldn't delay or shelve the film.

"Arthur, even if you're using your own money to invest in this film, a $5 million budget is not difficult for us," Bob Weinstein looked into Arthur's eyes. "You're not being sincere at all!"

Releasing within six months was doable, but opening in 600 theaters? Who knows what the quality of Scream will be? And that 15% distribution fee was too low!

"Arthur, newcomers in Hollywood need to learn to be humble and not focus too much on profits."

"Bob, do you think Miramax can compete with Orion?" Orion only charged 17% for distributing The Silence of the Lambs. What level is Miramax?

Orion's distribution capabilities weren't as good as the big six studios, but they had released several major films and had strong ties with theater chains, charging less than the big six but still better than Miramax.

"Arthur, you're rejecting Miramax's goodwill!" Bob Weinstein was clearly unhappy.

Arthur chuckled, "Next time you invite me, make sure it's to a four or five-star hotel. This shabby Chateau Marmont needs renovation."

"Got to go, I have soup cooking at home!"

*****

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