At the Long Beach Pier in Los Angeles, on the set of The Bodyguard, Arthur was in a discussion with director Mick Jackson and producer and lead actor Kevin Costner.
Mick Jackson held the schedule, "In two weeks, we will go to South Lake Tahoe for filming, then we'll head to Miami. The shooting is expected to last until late October or early November!"
Arthur nodded, "How is Whitney Houston performing?"
Kevin Costner shrugged, "It's her first time acting, she seems quite inexperienced. However, she has been very cooperative with us, so it's not a big issue."
"That's good," Arthur smiled, "From here on, it's mostly up to you. Galaxy has a lot of projects underway right now."
"Don't worry, Arthur," Kevin Costner patted Arthur on the shoulder, "The Bodyguard will definitely be completed on time!"
Kevin Costner's Dances with Wolves had gained fame at the Oscars, grossing over $400 million worldwide and making a huge splash. This summer's release of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves continued the trend, becoming a box office hit with over $100 million domestically and also surpassing $100 million overseas, quickly approaching the $200 million mark.
Kevin Costner's popularity was currently unmatched.
After leaving the set of The Bodyguard, Arthur drove his Acura NSX, taking Sophie Marceau to her residence in Culver City.
"Sophie, I've got a house arranged for you, near Kenneth Hahn Park. It's in a quiet location, not far from the Columbia TriStar production lot, a standalone two-story apartment." Arthur explained while driving.
"I'm only staying for a short while, just set it up as you see fit," Sophie Marceau smiled, "You should know by now that I am quite easygoing when it comes to living arrangements. If it weren't for work, I wouldn't bother wearing gowns or wasting time on makeup!"
"Being beautiful does come with its privileges," Arthur replied helplessly.
As the car passed through Compton, Sophie Marceau pointed to the neighboring street where a large crowd had gathered. "That big group of people, what are they doing?"
Arthur glanced over and could hear the music coming from that direction. "Well, Compton is the hub of Los Angeles' African American gangs. It's not surprising to see so many people gathered here."
"They might be making demands, venting frustrations, causing violence, who knows."
Arthur had previously paid attention to a West Coast rap group that had disbanded after releasing their second studio album this year. The members fell apart due to unequal distribution of profits, attacking each other until they split.
"They seem to be protesting, right?" Sophie Marceau observed and then spoke.
"Protesting?" Arthur stopped the car at the intersection, slightly interested, "It looks like it, yeah!"
As he spoke, Arthur began to caress Sophie Marceau's thigh. "Such things are common in France too, right?"
"Not as serious as in America. I've heard and seen quite a bit about racial discrimination and excessive force here," Sophie Marceau said as she cupped Arthur's face.
"Recently, wasn't there a video broadcast showing an African American being beaten by four white police officers, causing a huge uproar?"
In March this year, a young African American named Rodney King was pulled over for drunk driving. He resisted and provoked the police, and was subsequently beaten by four white officers until he begged for mercy. The beating was filmed and given to a TV station, which broadcasted it, sparking outrage among the African American community. As a result, the four officers were arrested.
"The matter isn't over yet. That footage was edited intentionally," Arthur explained with a smile.
"The four officers are being prosecuted, and the court's verdict will be crucial!"
Only Arthur knew that next year, the four officers would be acquitted, leading to a large-scale riot spearheaded by Compton's gang members.
"Alright, let's leave. I've always hated places filled with violence, drugs, and sex," Arthur kissed Sophie Marceau on the lips before starting the car and driving away.
It didn't matter to Arthur how many people would die next year, be they African American, white, or of any other race.
After arriving at the residence in Culver City prepared for Sophie Marceau, Arthur arranged for her luggage to be delivered.
"How is it, do you like this place?" Arthur asked, holding Sophie Marceau.
"It's very nice," Sophie Marceau kissed Arthur proactively, "Thank you. But I've already received a notice to shoot a few ads and magazine covers!"
"It's alright, work comes first. After all, you'll be staying in Los Angeles for several months," Arthur said as he unbuttoned Sophie Marceau's shirt, kissing her soft skin.
Arthur then sat on the sofa with Sophie Marceau in his arms.
"Although UTA isn't that famous yet, it's doing alright. Big agencies like CAA and ICM have too many people; newcomers like you won't get good opportunities."
"Joining a mid-sized agency isn't necessarily a bad thing!"
Leaning in Arthur's arms and feeling his touch on her chest, Sophie Marceau smiled, "Do you really want me to develop my career in Hollywood?"
"Of course. Hollywood caters to the global entertainment market, unlike Europe," Arthur whispered into Sophie Marceau's ear, "Don't worry, with me here, you'll definitely establish yourself in Hollywood!"
Feeling passionate, Sophie Marceau unbuckled Arthur's belt and said, "Next time you come to Paris, I'll treat you well."
"Is that so?" Arthur smiled, "The enthusiasm of French girls will make me lose myself!"
Saying this, Arthur removed Sophie Marceau's clothes, "Darling, you have such a great figure!"
"What are you waiting for? I'm waiting for your excessive force," Sophie Marceau turned around and kissed Arthur.
"Don't regret it," Arthur embraced her tightly and responded, as the two quickly entered a state of heated engagement on the sofa...
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
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MENGERTI
Bab 136: 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!
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.