Chapter 310: Brad Pitt

Soon, under the management of Jim Cort, Arthur sold his shares in the Koreatown project in Los Angeles. With $70 million in revenue, he made a substantial profit.

After repaying the $30 million loan from Sakura Bank of Japan, Arthur still had $40 million left.

"What's wrong, Arthur? Actually, $70 million isn't bad at all. At least it has removed the obstacles for you in building the downtown stadium," Jim Cort said, trying to comfort Arthur with a smile.

Arthur shook his head, "It's not that. I'm just very unhappy with the way those guys handled things. I didn't expect the Fairfax Jewish community's collective power to be so strong."

Jim Cort didn't say much, "Fairfax is the largest Jewish community in Los Angeles, unlike the small Jewish community in Pico-Robertson."

Fairfax is a large Jewish community in West Hollywood, gathering most of the Jewish population in Los Angeles.

"Forget it, I don't care about them anymore. As long as we can build the new stadium, it's fine," Arthur pressed his eyes. "However, the Buss family from the Los Angeles Lakers coming out is somewhat reckless. They dare to negotiate with me? And they still hope the Clippers stay in Anaheim?"

Jim Cort chuckled, patting Arthur on the shoulder, "Jerry Buss's net worth is far inferior to yours. What impact can he really have on you? Alright, I'm heading back to New York for now. I'll help find sponsors for your new stadium, maybe some corporations will want the naming rights."

Arthur also stood up, seeing Jim Cort off at the door. Indeed, when the new stadium construction started, the naming rights would be a significant revenue.

With the release of Se7en, the North American box office surpassed $85 million, and the overseas market had already broken the $100 million mark.

Brad Pitt, who shone brilliantly in the movie, had just finished filming Legends of the Fall and immediately received the script for Interview with the Vampire.

As for Se7en's female lead, Elizabeth Hurley, she was busy shooting The Mask.

At the Montrose Hotel in West Hollywood, a celebration party was being held. Se7en's director David Fincher, main actors Morgan Freeman, and Brad Pitt were present, although Elizabeth Hurley was absent due to her filming commitments.

Arthur, with a smiling face, holding Catherine Zeta-Jones, who had just finished shooting Legends of the Fall, looked at Brad Pitt not far away and couldn't help but compliment, "This guy is really good. Both A River Runs Through It and Se7en have greatly boosted his fame.

Next year Legends of the Fall will be released, and it surely won't perform badly. Now he's going to collaborate with Tom Cruise in Interview with the Vampire."

Catherine Zeta-Jones reminded, "Four Weddings and a Funeral is also good. The global box office reached nearly $300 million. Arthur, seems like these British romantic films have a big market now!"

Arthur nodded, "Of course. But such good scripts are rare. Even Richard Curtis has no new scripts."

Richard Curtis, the famous British writer of romantic comedies, wrote the script for Four Weddings and a Funeral. The leading actor, Hugh Grant, became a top British star, famous for his charming gentleman image, and received numerous romantic film offers.

Soon, Brad Pitt, accompanied by his girlfriend Juliette Lewis, came over and greeted Arthur, "The Interview with the Vampire project is quite challenging!"

Arthur raised an eyebrow, "Hasn't it started filming yet?"

Brad Pitt shook his head, "I attended the rehearsals and did some costume tests. Filming it is really exhausting. And Tom Cruise is very strict about all aspects of the production. Both of us play vampires, with that pale, bloodless look.

Because in Anne Rice's novel, vampires are described as having semi-translucent skin, especially before feeding. The director wants to show the vampire's veins through the skin. To achieve this effect, we have to hang upside down for 30 minutes before makeup, so the blood rushes to our faces, highlighting our veins."

Arthur laughed, "Looks like Tom Cruise really values this project."

"He does. The on-set security is very tight. From his makeup room to the filming location, everything is shielded to prevent his vampire look from being leaked," Brad Pitt said, recognizing that he couldn't yet compare to the superstar status of Tom Cruise.

"When David Geffen approached you, couldn't you refuse?" Arthur shrugged. "After all, you're a big star now!"

Brad Pitt smiled helplessly, "That's David Geffen, a big name just like you, producing a $60 million movie and personally meeting with me. How could I refuse? Maybe I could when I reach Tom Cruise's level! Plus, if I breach the contract, I'd have to pay $40 million in damages."

"Don't worry. Interview with the Vampire is a great project. With Tom Cruise's popularity, it won't lack attention," Arthur reassured Brad Pitt.

"I previously worked with Tom Cruise on A Few Good Men. He takes filmmaking very seriously."

Brad Pitt nodded, "I heard Galaxy seems interested in this script too. Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed so quickly. At that time, I was still filming Legends of the Fall."

Brad Pitt wasn't foolish. Arthur Smith's name was a golden ticket in Hollywood. Any film with Arthur Smith as the producer wouldn't be a flop.

Looking at director David Fincher not far away, Brad Pitt praised, "Director Fincher's skills are impeccable. The script for Se7en was beautifully written. Actually, I really like these deeply thoughtful projects."

Arthur glanced at Brad Pitt, "After a few years, you could establish an independent film studio under Galaxy."

"Would you support me in making films?" Brad Pitt asked with a smile.

"Only if they make money. If you want to make some artsy films, you'll need to find your own investors. Galaxy has many staff to support," Arthur said, recognizing Brad Pitt's acting talent. This guy rarely starred in bad movies, although his commercial films were limited.

Brad Pitt's fame was rising rapidly, and having a superstar aligned with Galaxy wouldn't be a bad thing.

*****

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