Chapter 30: Winona's Audition

Throughout October, Arthur spent most of his time in Seattle, in the northwest corner of the United States, setting up the scenes needed by director Nora Ephron. 

During this period, Arthur also made a trip to New York and returned to Los Angeles a few times to report progress to the director and executive producer.

By the end of the first week of November, all the preparations were finally complete, and Sleepless in Seattle officially began shooting.

In Los Angeles, Hollywood, Winona Ryder rushed back from the set of Mermaids in San Francisco to audition for The Godfather Part III.

Arthur made a point to accompany her to the Paramount lot.

"A while ago, I came here to audition for Tom Cruise's Days of Thunder," Arthur said, feeling somewhat nostalgic as they arrived at Paramount again.

Winona Ryder smiled, "Too bad the Days of Thunder crew didn't want you, but now you have your own movie to work on, don't you?"

Arthur followed Winona Ryder and her agent into the office. "Alright, get ready for your audition!"

Winona Ryder's agent, Jessica James, looked around 35, always dressed sharply in women's suits, exuding a professional air. Initially, she had been somewhat opposed to Winona Ryder and Arthur's relationship, but after Arthur sold two scripts consecutively, her attitude towards him had clearly changed.

She couldn't help it. The price of one of Arthur's scripts was equivalent to Winona Ryder's fee for a single movie. Winona Ryder's pay for Edward Scissorhands was $500,000. Previously, she had earned only $350,000 for Heathers and the same for Mermaids.

"Arthur, are you really going to be a producer for Sleepless in Seattle?" Jessica James asked with a smile.

"Yeah," Arthur nodded, "On Monday, I'll be heading to the Seattle set. Mainly as an assistant producer to the director, no real authority. I can't arrange anyone if that's what you're asking."

Jessica James shook her head and waved her hand dismissively. "CAA already packed American Pie with plenty of newcomers, thanks to you."

"No, you guys also got Universal to buy my script. It's a win-win," Arthur replied, noting Jessica James's approving smile.

"But American Pie will definitely make money. You at CAA sold it as a package; you'll surely get your share of the profits," Arthur continued, looking at Jessica James, "But it seems like you haven't benefited much from this, have you?"

Jessica James raised an eyebrow. "I got some face time with the senior partners at the company. Does that count as a benefit?"

"Ah, that's short-sighted!" Arthur shook his head.

Jessica James no longer dared to underestimate Arthur Smith. In half a year, he had made over a million dollars. This college dropout had become a producer on a $20 million budget movie in less than six months. Who was she to look down on him?

"Oh, Arthur, do you have any thoughts?" Jessica James asked sincerely.

"You've got a good card in your hand," Arthur said, nodding towards Winona Ryder. "My Winona is beautiful, has a great figure, and her acting is brilliant. I have high hopes for her. Edward Scissorhands is looking very good. Depp's performance is transformative; he'll benefit the most. But Winona is also the leading lady. When the movie comes out, her fame will rise significantly."

Jessica James's mouth twitched, sighing inwardly. Isn't this just a dream?

"Winona is my most important client now, of course I have confidence," Jessica James pointed to the door. "The producers of The Godfather Part III are also quite hopeful for Winona's performance."

Arthur smiled, "I hope so too, but be prepared. Francis Ford Coppola is a very unique director. Just keep the right mindset, Winona's future in acting will definitely be bright and smooth."

Jessica James laughed, "Arthur, do you mean to say you have a script prepared for Winona?"

Arthur shrugged, "Let's wait for Sleepless in Seattle and American Pie to come out and see how they do. Otherwise, you'll say I'm too arrogant."

"Alright, Arthur, who says you're arrogant?" Winona Ryder laughed as she walked over and patted Arthur.

Soon, Winona Ryder was called in for her audition.

At this point, Arthur turned to Jessica and said, "Winona's look and aura have a classic European charm. You might want to consider more European stories for her. Movies like Homefront and Mermaids don't really suit her."

Jessica James sighed, "Most scripts we get now are low-budget indie productions. Not much choice. We can't pick those B-grade horror flicks, can we?"

"True," Arthur nodded. "Once Edward Scissorhands is out, it'll be better. But you should also consider commercial films to boost her profile."

Jessica James leaned in closer, "Winona is your girlfriend. I've heard the script for Sleepless in Seattle has received a lot of praise. Don't you have a story that's right for Winona?"

Arthur thought for a moment, "I will. I'm thinking of developing my own film, just need the money."

"Developing your own film?" Jessica James was even more surprised than Winona had been. "That's a great idea."

"Oh, by the way, does CAA help independent filmmakers with financing?" Arthur asked suddenly.

"Financing?" Jessica James shook her head. "No, our agency mainly provides scripts, actors, directors, and other industry professionals for films and TV."

"Is that so?" Arthur scratched his head. It seemed Hollywood agencies hadn't yet started helping independent filmmakers with financing.

"But we can help directors or producers negotiate with film companies and convince them to support our clients' projects," Jessica James added. "Arthur, do you really want to develop your own film?"

Arthur looked at Jessica James, "I studied film production and am now fully involved in the production of Sleepless in Seattle. Can't I develop a film with a budget of a couple of million dollars?"

"You can, but think it through," Jessica James said, unsure of what to say. Young people these days really had a lot of drive.

"Don't worry, you're Winona's agent. She likes you, so you're like family. When there's a good opportunity, you'll be the first to know," Arthur said, patting Jessica James on the shoulder.

"By the way, I heard that CAA's chairman, Michael Ovitz, once danced on a dining table to sign Sean Connery. Is that true?"

"It's true. He did more than dance. For a certain level of star, anything goes!"

"If I become a big star in the future, can I see someone smash a stone on their chest?"

"A stone on the chest? Arthur, if you become a big star, sign with me, and you want to see aliens, I can arrange for E.T. to visit you…"

*****

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