Chapter 84: Chapter 84: Naomi Watts
Arthur hadn't paid much attention to the plot or other details of the teen romance movie Flirting that Nicole Kidman was currently filming. However, seeing Nicole in a school uniform was quite amusing!
What he didn't expect was that another supporting actress in Flirting was Naomi Watts, only 22 years old, with her blonde hair and blue eyes being truly a sight to behold.
Moreover, Naomi Watts had attended the same drama school as Nicole Kidman. They had known each other for a long time, having appeared in commercials and worked as models together.
"Naomi Watts, right?" Arthur approached her while she was waiting.
Naomi Watts nodded. "Yes, is there something you need, Mr. Smith?"
"Just call me Arthur, we're about the same age," Arthur said, sizing her up.
"Yeah, I know you. You played the fiancé in Sleepless in Seattle!" Naomi Watts was just a small supporting actress, spending most of her time waiting on set or being a background character.
Arthur's eyes lit up. Was there a more suitable actress for the lead in Scream than Naomi Watts?
"That's not the main point. My primary role is as a screenwriter and producer," Arthur said, looking into Naomi's eyes. "Your eyes are very special. Although you don't have many scenes, it's clear you take acting seriously and have a solid foundation. Have you had much experience with filming?"
"Experience? Well, I've been in one movie, but mostly TV roles. This is my second movie role," Naomi said, somewhat embarrassed.
"I see," Arthur nodded. "Have you thought about going to Hollywood?"
"Hollywood?" Naomi looked up at Arthur, then glanced surreptitiously at Nicole Kidman filming nearby.
"Can I go now?" Naomi, though friends with Nicole, came from a much different background. Nicole could afford to move to Hollywood because of financial support. Naomi had only been able to model and do commercials in Japan before returning to Australia when work dried up.
"I have a small film production company in Hollywood called Galaxy Pictures. We're currently developing a horror comedy and need a lead actress. I think you'd be perfect for the role."
"What?" Naomi was stunned. "A lead role in a Hollywood movie?"
"You have a chance to audition. I'll get you the script in the next couple of days. By next month, when your filming here is done, come to Los Angeles and visit Galaxy Pictures," Arthur said, handing her a business card.
Arthur hadn't expected this trip to Australia to yield such a find. With Naomi Watts in Scream, the movie was set!
After leaving the set and returning to the hotel, Arthur felt he didn't need to wait for a response from Village Roadshow. He doubted Naomi Watts could resist the allure of Hollywood.
After Arthur left, Naomi Watts stared at Arthur Smith's business card, lost in thought.
"Hey, what's up?" Nicole Kidman came up from behind, startling Naomi, who dropped the card.
Picking it up quickly, Nicole took a curious look and was surprised. "How do you have Arthur Smith's business card? How do you know him?"
Naomi was excited. "I just met him here. He said he could give me a chance to audition in Hollywood!"
"A chance to audition in Hollywood?" Nicole thought it over. Could it be for To Die For or Scream?
"Then you should seize this opportunity. Galaxy Pictures is developing its own projects," Nicole nodded.
"Did he say which project?" Nicole asked.
Naomi shook her head. "He only mentioned a teen horror comedy and invited me to audition for the lead."
"Oh, it must be Scream," Nicole said, surprised that Arthur would invite Naomi to audition for the lead. She had thought he would choose Winona Ryder.
Three days later, Arthur received news that Village Roadshow would invest $12 million in To Die For.
"Arthur, we'll head to Los Angeles around October. By then, director Peter Weir will be available to start filming," Graham Burke said, shaking Arthur's hand with a smile. "Galaxy Pictures will handle the production, with 15% of the movie's profits. We look forward to a successful collaboration!"
"Rest assured, it will be very successful," Arthur had finalized the terms and would sign the official contract in Los Angeles.
That night, at the InterContinental Hotel in Sydney, Nicole Kidman lay breathless on Arthur's shoulder after their intimate moment. "Do you think Naomi Watts will get the role? I saw her with the script constantly these past two days. I didn't expect her to be the lead. Are you really going to give her the chance?"
Arthur lightly patted his head. "Scream is being developed with my own loan. Do you think I'd be careless? Hollywood doesn't lack women like Naomi Watts. Even if I wanted to have fun, I wouldn't spend that much," Arthur chuckled.
Nicole laughed. "So you really believe in her?"
Knowing Arthur, Nicole realized he wouldn't joke about something involving his own money.
"Of course," Arthur rolled his eyes. "And you should also study the To Die For script. Understand the character better. The story has a black comedy essence, and the lead role requires a nuanced performance."
Nicole nodded, kissing Arthur's chest. Suddenly, her cell phone rang.
Arthur reached for it but stopped. "It's your phone, Nicole."
"Oh," Nicole answered. It was her agent. "Nicole, Tom Cruise just told reporters that you're just colleagues, not in a relationship. Photos of you and Arthur Smith talking intimately on set in Australia have been published and exaggerated. Tom's agent thinks this is a promotional stunt for To Die For produced by Galaxy Pictures. Also, Columbia TriStar and Orion Pictures are promoting Arthur Smith as the screenwriter and producer of Sleepless in Seattle and Sleeping with the Enemy."
Sleeping with the Enemy was about to participate in the Venice Film Festival and was scheduled for release this year, making this a clear publicity stunt.
"I'm coming to the US right away," Nicole hurriedly got out of bed and started dressing.
Arthur was puzzled. "What's going on?"
Nicole was anxious. "Arthur, you need to pay more attention to Hollywood news!"
*****
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