Chapter 136: Emma

When Arthur returned to Los Angeles, it was already August. As the summer blockbuster season ended, the fall release season was about to begin.

With the start of the fall season, various film festival activities were also set to commence!

Arthur brought Sophie Marceau to the newly purchased Bel Air villa, located on Lindamoor Road near the Stone Canyon Reservoir. The villa boasted luxurious decorations and an excellent location.

"This is so extravagant," Sophie Marceau remarked after touring the mansion, "Don't you feel lonely living here alone?"

With an almost square footage floor area and an equally large outdoor garden, it had everything one could need!

"Do you want to live here?" Arthur hugged Sophie Marceau from behind. "I also have houses in Beverly Hills and Malibu, which are just as good as this one."

Sophie Marceau shook her head. "I still need to work according to the company's schedule, so I won't be in Los Angeles all the time."

"Aren't you in Los Angeles now? It's definitely better than staying in a hotel, right?" Arthur said as he kissed Sophie Marceau on the neck.

"Stay with me for a few days. There are plenty of rooms here anyway!"

"This place is too high-profile," Sophie Marceau held Arthur's hand. "The filming location for A Few Good Men is mainly at Columbia Studios. I want to rent a place nearby. When the movie starts shooting, you can come and see me anytime, how about that?"

"Okay, I'll help you arrange a place to stay in Culver City. Columbia TriStar is right there, close to the set."

"Alright, I'll do as you say..."

In August, Galaxy Orion's horror film Scream was also set to be released. This film, featuring starlets Naomi Watts, Jennifer Aniston, and Sandra Bullock, was also highly anticipated by Arthur!

Winona Ryder, who gained significant fame with Edward Scissorhands, made a cameo and participated in the promotional activities for Scream. After all, the other actresses were still relatively unknown.

In East Hollywood, at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Western Avenue, the Galaxy had purchased two floors of the Macy's building, planning to renovate it into a super-multiplex cinema.

"I always wondered what kind of cinema would cost $10 million. After looking at the conceptual drawings, it's truly eye-opening. Once completed, this Galaxy Cinema will undoubtedly become the most luxurious in the country," Amy Pascal commented while accompanying Arthur to inspect the cinema.

Arthur smiled, "It certainly will be. Galaxy Cinema is bound to be America's number one cinema, without a doubt."

Amy Pascal also smiled, "With $10 million, you could almost buy the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard!"

"The Egyptian Theatre?" Arthur shook his head. "If Mann Theatres is willing to sell the Chinese Theatre a few blocks away, then I'd be interested."

The Egyptian Theatre and the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard are both historic landmarks in Los Angeles. Constructed in the 1920s, the Egyptian Theatre is relatively small with just over 600 seats, making it tough to host major events. However, the Chinese Theatre is different, with 2200 seats and having hosted several Oscar ceremonies!

Currently, there is no Highland Theatre at the Hollywood Highland Center near the Chinese Theatre, which would become the designated venue for the Oscars ten years later (the theatre which would be sponsored by Kodak and Dolby). Presently, the Oscars are held at various theatres around Los Angeles!

"The Chinese Theatre?" Amy Pascal shook her head. "That's Hollywood's Mecca of movies, hosting countless blockbuster premieres. And the handprints and footprints in front of it are commercial acts.

Every year, it attracts numerous tourists. The Walk of Fame handprints are a kind of official recognition, but only about 200 people have qualified over the years to leave their handprints and footprints in front of the Chinese Theatre!"

"Yes, even though it has aged and requires maintenance, the appeal of the Chinese Theatre has not diminished in the slightest," Arthur's interest in the Chinese Theatre stemmed mainly from its strong commercial appeal.

Over the years, the Chinese Theatre has been the first choice for numerous Hollywood blockbuster premieres and theatrical performances, keeping it busy all year round.

Moreover, the handprints and footprints events at the Chinese Theatre are very selective. Not just anyone can leave prints there.

This year, Tom Cruise was invited to leave his handprints and footprints, which stirred a lot of opposition. Even if approved, he wouldn't be able to do it until next year at the earliest.

However, the future TCL-sponsored Chinese Theatre would lose that exclusivity. For commercial purposes, it could hold dozens of such events a year, allowing almost anyone to leave their prints there!

"By the way, I discussed the Emma project with the director team, and we plan to invest more in costumes and props," Amy Pascal started the conversation. "I think the budget for Emma is running short!"

Arthur glanced at Amy Pascal, "You're suggesting a larger investment in costumes and props? Make the classical costumes more luxurious and the settings more opulent, right?"

Amy Pascal nodded, "Winona took some promotional photos, and she looks stunning. She really suits the classical court style!"

Arthur smiled, "How much do you need?"

"$2 million should be enough!"

"Make it $3 million. The budget for Emma was initially set at $5 million, which is quite low," Arthur was not one to dismiss opinions. "An additional $3 million should ensure the lavish classical attire and the beautiful British countryside in Emma will be rewarding!"

Arthur's women, Winona Ryder and Jennifer Aniston, had joined the cast, and Elizabeth Hurley had a relationship with him. Arthur wouldn't want the movie to suffer due to a budget of $2-3 million.

Amy Pascal smiled, "This is a women's film. Aren't you worried about wasting the $8 million?"

"Don't worry, the script I approve won't be too bad," Arthur was confident. "If it tanks, we'll make up the loss on other movies!"

"Only you would say that."

"Amy, don't forget, I've prepared the script for Speed. It's a proper action-packed film with a definite market!"

In Hollywood, action films were currently the most commercially valuable. Arthur could star in Speed himself. He had played secondary roles in several highly-grossing films and was already known to audiences. Plus, Arthur had confidence in his skills, definitely making it easier than casting a newcomer!

*****

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