Arthur Smith's Hollywood Odyssey

In the evening, back in Lutz, Arthur and Winona Ryder returned in their car.

Inside the car, Arthur was kissing Winona Ryder, his hand slipping under her shirt unconsciously.

"Arthur," Winona Ryder raised her hand to stop Arthur's hand from moving further up. "We should go rest now."

Worried that Arthur might get the wrong idea, Winona Ryder whispered in his ear, "I've never been in a relationship before. You're my first man."

"Huh?" Arthur was taken aback. Winona Ryder, who had already been in two movies, hadn't dated anyone? "So you're still…" 

Winona Ryder nodded, "I didn't have many friends before. Many people insulted me for my looks, calling me a lesbian. Arthur, can we save my first time for a special moment?" 

Arthur smiled, rubbing Winona Ryder's stomach. "Of course, that's fine."

"You're so kind," Winona Ryder kissed Arthur again, this time moving his hand to her chest. Feeling the softness in his hand, Arthur responded to the kiss with more passion.

"By the way, when you get new scripts, if you have any doubts, ask me. I'll give you the right advice," Arthur reminded Winona Ryder as they got out of the car.

"Okay," Winona Ryder nodded and then suggested, "How about we go for a picnic tomorrow?"

"No problem. See you tomorrow."

Back in his room, Arthur couldn't believe that Winona Ryder had never had a boyfriend. It was rare for someone to reach eighteen without having had any sexual experience, let alone in the entertainment industry.

With the new week starting, director Tim Burton and lead actor Johnny Depp returned to the set to resume filming. 

Arthur's script for American Pie was printed and bound, and he quickly called Tracy Jacobs.

In late July, Tracy Jacobs came to the set and carefully read Arthur's American Pie script.

The story was about four high school boys who, frustrated at being teased for still being virgins, made a pact to lose their virginity by prom night. They tried various methods but found it wasn't as easy as they thought, leading to a series of comedic and interesting events before finally succeeding.

"Arthur, your story feels like it's opening the door to sex comedies. The teenage sexual tension is so palpable," Tracy Jacobs laughed.

"The subject isn't serious, and it's not difficult to produce," Arthur nodded. "It's just a low-budget teen sex comedy, but it will have a market."

In his past life, American Pie was released ten years later and grossed nearly a hundred million dollars worldwide. Now, developing it early, a global gross of a hundred million dollars shouldn't be too hard.

"If the big studios aren't interested, try approaching indie studios like New Line, Carolco, Orion, and Miramax," Arthur suggested.

Tracy Jacobs nodded, putting the script away. "Don't worry, ITA will help you market it. You're wrapping up next week, right?"

"Yeah, six weeks of shooting. My scenes will wrap next week. Do you have any new projects?" Arthur asked.

"Not immediately, but I've arranged an audition for you. Once Edward Scissorhands is released next year, you'll have some experience in films," Tracy said, looking at Arthur.

"But I hope you take this script seriously," Arthur pointed out. "It could attract producers and easily become a series."

"Okay," Tracy Jacobs thought for a moment and asked, "Are you with Winona Ryder now?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I'm not prying into your personal life, just reminding you that Winona Ryder has some fame. Do you know how much Batman has grossed now?" Tracy Jacobs held up two fingers. "Over 200 million dollars in North America. Tim Burton's new project Edward Scissorhands is getting a lot of attention. As the lead actress, Winona Ryder's fame will only grow!"

Arthur's mouth twitched. "Tracy, you're not suggesting I create a publicity stunt, are you? There's no need for that. The American Pie script is just a start. I'm already planning a second script. Focus on marketing this one," Arthur said, referring to the script. "This script should catch the eye of producers and easily develop into a series."

"Okay," Tracy Jacobs shrugged. "I'm just making a suggestion. You're new, and exposure is crucial now."

Arthur decided to motivate Tracy Jacobs to push the script harder. "The American Pie script needs four male and four female leads. ITA could package it as a project and sell it to major studios."

Tracy Jacobs glanced at Arthur. "We need to analyze the script first."

Arthur saw Tracy's skeptical look. "Don't even think about it. I won't play any of the roles. I'm not comfortable with that."

"Not comfortable? You're an actor! What's there to be uncomfortable about?"

Arthur shook his head. "I don't want to appear in this kind of movie. Let other young dreamers have the chance. You know I majored in film production and screenwriting. I'm okay with being an assistant producer."

"Alright, I'll take the script back for analysis," Tracy Jacobs didn't expect Arthur not to be solely focused on acting. Hollywood never lacked actors. However, Tracy couldn't have high expectations for a newcomer's script.

Arthur saw Tracy Jacobs off the set. "If you have any questions about the script, call me anytime."

"Got it. See you in Los Angeles," Tracy Jacobs said as she left.

Watching her leave, Arthur sighed. His role in Edward Scissorhands wasn't significant. Even if it succeeded, it would only add to his resume without greatly boosting his fame. 

Now, Tracy Jacobs' main focus would be on Johnny Depp.

"Hopefully, they'll give the script some attention…"

*****

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