Chapter 266: Legends of the Fall

Arthur let the distribution department contact the production company of Farewell My Concubine, Tomson Films. If it made a splash at the Cannes Film Festival, it would help with distribution.

With Galaxy's status in Hollywood, many foreign and independent films actively sought Galaxy for distribution, but Galaxy wasn't interested in just any film.

Even for partners like PolyGram and Gaumont, not all of their films qualified for North American distribution.

In New York, on the set of Se7en, Arthur chatted with Brad Pitt since the film was nearing completion.

The lead actress, Elizabeth Hurley, had finished her scenes and left the U.S.

"Arthur, my agent recently gave me a script adapted from a novel. Are you interested?"

Brad Pitt took a sip of his Starbucks and asked.

"Oh, what script?" Arthur had confidence in Brad Pitt's script selection.

"It's adapted from Jim Harrison's classic Legends of the Fall, a story about Western love, family, and friendship with Native Americans. 

Of course, the relationships and story in Legends of the Fall are more complex. The script only selects the final novella of the trilogy, which includes Revenge, The Man Who Gave Up His Name, and Legends of the Fall."

Brad Pitt smiled. "Apparently, director Edward Zwick spent a long time adapting this story. He had previously approached Tom Cruise and Sean Connery, but the budget was too high. Now the script has come to me, and Zwick is looking for a production company."

Arthur nodded. "I think I know this novel. Jim Harrison's work was adapted into Revenge, directed by Tony Scott and starring Kevin Costner. Legends of the Fall is good, with Western romance and family drama against the backdrop of Western scenery. It's worth developing!"

Arthur looked at Brad Pitt. "Did Zwick approach you because you're more affordable now?"

Brad Pitt shrugged. "Isn't that obvious? How much do I get paid compared to Tom Cruise? And Sean Connery's fee isn't low either. If you add it up, Legends of the Fall would need a budget of at least $60 million!

Now, Zwick hopes to get by with $30 million. The story is set in Montana, but he plans to shoot in Canada, which could save a couple of million dollars. With other savings, the film can start production."

Arthur stood up with a smile. "Don't worry, you have good taste. If you're willing to take a lower fee for this, the story must be worth it. I'll have Galaxy contact Edward Zwick to discuss the project.

Don't worry. When Se7en releases this year, you'll gain more fame. Last year's A River Runs Through It was also good," Arthur said, stretching. "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll leave now!"

"Thanks, Arthur," Brad Pitt waved.

Legends of the Fall was indeed a good Western film. As for why Tom Cruise turned it down? After his poor performance in last year's Far and Away, he wasn't keen on another Western.

At the end of the month, Arthur returned to Los Angeles before the Oscars. In New York, he mainly focused on the Galaxy Plaza Center project near Times Square.

Galaxy Group not only got approval from the New York Planning Commission but also financial support from Deutsche Bank.

Galaxy also hired the renowned British firm Foster and Partners to design the skyscraper!

Meanwhile, Arthur approved Edward Zwick's project Legends of the Fall with a $30 million budget, which wasn't too high.

Brad Pitt's salary had increased sevenfold from $200,000 for A River Runs Through It to $3.5 million for Se7en, and he loved the script for Legends of the Fall, agreeing to $3 million.

"Arthur, do you think a collaboration with Vanity Fair for an Oscars night celebration would be effective?" Tina Brown asked in Arthur's office.

"An Oscars night celebration?" Arthur's eyes lit up. While there were many parties after the Oscars, none had a significant scale.

"Sure, this year, Galaxy's films have many nominations. I was planning a big event," Arthur thought. This could be the future Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Tina Brown was previously the editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair.

"What gave you this idea?" Arthur asked.

Tina Brown shrugged. "The current Vanity Fair editor, Graydon Carter, attended such a celebration and thought of this. 

Everyone knows Galaxy's films have a high chance of winning this year. He approached me to co-host a grand Oscars night celebration with Premiere magazine, inviting hundreds of Oscar guests and Hollywood celebrities, which would greatly boost the magazine's publicity."

Arthur smiled. "Great idea. Let's make it grand. I'll give you a $2 million budget for this event. We can call it the Oscars Charity Gala. Make a name for it this year, and continue next year. Eventually, let it become a traditional event!"

Tina Brown nodded. "Time is tight, so we need to act fast. Inviting two or three hundred Hollywood celebrities isn't difficult for Galaxy. If we make a splash this year, we can prepare in advance next year!"

The Oscars Charity Gala, a good name.

Arthur wouldn't let Vanity Fair take the lead. In the past, Vanity Fair's Oscar Party became quite famous. 

Now, by calling it the Oscars Charity Gala and having Premiere magazine take the lead, it was a win-win!

*****

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