In a cafe on Greenwich Street in Lower Manhattan, New York, Tracy Jacobs brought Andrew to meet Nora Ephron.
"I didn't expect the person who wrote this script to be so young," Nora Ephron said in surprise when she saw Andrew for the first time. "The script is quite good. Go on!" she said.
Andrew thought for a moment and began, "After When Harry Met Sally... was released, I watched it. The way you express women in your scripts is lighthearted and humorous. You cleverly satirize the overly serious and contrived elements found in feminism, which is very smart. The storyline of Sleepless in Seattle also follows this lighthearted and humorous comedy style. I think you would definitely like it!"
Nora Ephron nodded, "When I saw this script, I felt that my first film must be this one. Before you arrived, I already discussed it with Castle Rock Entertainment. Columbia TriStar's producer Gary Foster also has an interest in this script, but he hopes the film will have more sweet and sentimental scenes."
Andrew frowned and asked, "Like what?"
"For example, adding an unpleasant romantic experience for the female lead, Annie," Nora Ephron said with a shrug and a smile.
Andrew tapped his fingers lightly on the table, "But there's already the tragic story of the male lead, Sam, losing his wife. Wouldn't adding more tragedy make it too heavy? The theme of Sleepless in Seattle is still a romantic comedy!"
The story mainly tells about a widowed architect, Sam, in Seattle, and a female journalist, Annie, in New York, who get to know, get familiar with, and fall in love with each other through radio shows and letters, despite being in different places.
Nora Ephron laughed, "You and I think alike. I also don't agree with adding more tragic scenes to the movie Castle Rock Entertainment is willing to invest, but it's also necessary to persuade Columbia TriStar, which would make the funding more sufficient."
Andrew nodded and took a plan from his backpack to give to Nora Ephron, "This is a plan I made myself. I hope it can help you!"
"A plan?" Nora Ephron had heard from Tracy Jacobs that Andrew Williams graduated from UCLA film school. It seemed he had some talent.
"For the male lead, I favor Tom Hanks from last year's Big, which grossed more than a hundred million in North America. He has a rich comedic talent and fine acting skills! As for the female lead," Andrew said, looking at Nora Ephron with a smile, "I believe no one is more suitable than Meg Ryan at the moment."
When Harry Met Sally...'s box office now exceeds $65 million in North America, with a production cost of only $15 million, and its screening scale has not reduced much either.
Everyone expected that When Harry Met Sally... would ultimately achieve over $100 million at the North American box office, and the rise to fame of Meg Ryan was an undeniable fact.
Nora Ephron browsed through the plan, internally praising it. Following this kid's plan could basically bring the movie to the public by next summer.
"Haha, originally Tracy was trying to get you the boyfriend role of the female lead, not a major part," Nora Ephron said with a laugh, "It seems your management and production courses haven't gone to waste. Where are you staying now?"
Andrew replied, "At a hotel!"
"Okay, wait for my message. Then accompany me to meet with Castle Rock Entertainment and Columbia TriStar's producers," Nora Ephron said.
Andrew nodded, "Sure!"
"Tracy, you'll need to discuss other matters with Castle Rock. Besides being a screenwriter and actor, Andrew will likely have another role. I need him to be one of my film producers," Nora Ephron, always decisive, was even more eager than Andrew Williams to get this film started.
Penny Marshall became the first female director to achieve over $100 million in North America. Nora Ephron hoped to be the first female director with a debut film to achieve over $100 million in North America!
Tracy Jacobs, who had been silent, saw the two talking so enthusiastically and had no objections.
Nodding with a smile, she said, "No problem, I'll handle the other matters for Andrew!"
After Nora Ephron left, Tracy Jacobs excitedly said, "Andrew, this script is not simple. An original screenplay looked at favorably will fetch a good price. Moreover, Nora Ephron genuinely likes this script and is eager to direct it!"
Andrew smiled, "Let's wait for the news. I hope that plan can help her. I also hope Sleepless in Seattle can start shooting soon. If the project is approved, everything will be well!"
Without fame, Andrew couldn't attract investments to support his film projects. Making a name for himself was the first step.
"Don't worry, when I return to Los Angeles, I'll help you promote other scripts. If Sleepless in Seattle is noticed, maybe American Pie and others might attract attention too," Tracy Jacobs said, no longer underestimating Andrew's scripts.
In the evening, Andrew went outside a cafe near the High Line park, waiting for Jennifer Aniston to finish her shift.
"Hey, Jennifer!" Andrew called out when he saw Jennifer Aniston after her shift.
Jennifer Aniston looked back and saw Andrew Williams, wearing a white shirt and jeans, happily waving.
Jennifer Aniston ran over and hugged Andrew, "Why didn't you call ahead?"
Andrew brushed Jennifer Aniston's hair with his hand, "I got a script noticed, and I had to come over for talks. This time, you didn't spill coffee on any customers, right?"
"Of course not," Jennifer Aniston said, playfully hitting Andrew a few times before hugging him and giving him a kiss.
"Alright, let's grab some food first," Andrew suggested after the kiss ended, holding Jennifer Aniston.
"Hmm, you're staying at a hotel?"
"Yes, over by Union Square. Didn't you say you're performing in a theater? When's your next show?"
"Not often, I just joined, so I won't be on stage so soon," Jennifer Aniston explained, holding Andrew's arm as they walked...
In the evening, Andrew went with Jennifer Aniston to a blue jazz bar near Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to relax.
Jennifer Aniston asked, "When is the movie Edward Scissorhands that you worked on releasing?"
"Next year, I guess. But, I'm not sure about the exact time yet. Since it's just a $20 million romance movie, the distribution company probably won't start promoting it early," Andrew replied with a smile.
In the dimly lit bar, Andrew lounged in a chair with mild interest, watching the jazz dance performance on stage.
Jennifer Aniston pecked Andrew on the cheek, "I thought American Pie would be the first script of yours to be made into a movie. I'm amazed that you've prepared two more scripts in such a short time."
Andrew sighed, "It's tough to make it in this industry. ITA is too small; the whole company has just a dozen agents. Even though I have confidence in my scripts, if I can't get them in front of directors or producers, it's useless!"
"Enough about me. How about you?" Andrew asked.
"Me? Well," Jennifer Aniston shook her head, a bit disheartened, "My dad introduced me to a TV series audition recently, but I blew it."
"Godfather Telly Savalas said he would keep an eye out for some small roles for me. Currently, I'm performing Off-Broadway, but I still need a part-time job to get by."
Andrew cupped Jennifer Aniston's face and looked at her, smiling, "There's no way you won't make it. You're not only beautiful but also lively. You'll definitely become a big star!"
"Oh, Andrew," Jennifer Aniston nudged his shoulder, "But I still haven't gotten into any film or television projects yet."
"Don't worry. You're perfect for romantic comedies. When the time comes, I'll definitely craft a script tailored for you," Andrew comforted her.
Smiling, Jennifer Aniston kissed Andrew's cheek, "Andrew, how long will you be staying in New York?"
Andrew shook his head, "Not sure. It depends on when Castle Rock Entertainment wants to meet me. I'm waiting for Nora Ephron's call."
Andrew felt helpless. Life was hard. Thinking back to when he boasted to Simon about making a hundred million dollars, only to be considered crazy by the chubby guy, made sense now.
Holding Andrew's hand, Jennifer Aniston whispered in his ear, "Let's head back. It's getting late."
Jennifer Aniston, dressed in a denim shirt and short skirt, turned her head and kissed Andrew. Andrew reached out and caressed her thigh.
"Let's go to my hotel. I'm staying there for the next few days anyway."
"Mmm..."
Afterward, Andrew hugged Jennifer Aniston and returned to the hotel at Union Square.
***
After speaking with Andrew Williams, Nora Ephron immediately contacted Castle Rock Entertainment's president, Alan Horn, who was in New York.
Castle Rock Entertainment was founded two years ago by Alan Horn, Martin Shafer, Andy Scheinman, and Rob Reiner.
The company's first movie, When Harry Met Sally..., directed by Rob Reiner, was co-invested by Castle Rock Entertainment and Nelson Entertainment and distributed by Columbia TriStar.
In his New York office, Alan Horn smiled as he looked at the proposal in his hands, "Is this really prepared by a twenty-year-old who just dropped out of school?"
Nodding, Nora Ephron said, "Yes, he gave this to me. During our chat, his ideas aligned with mine. The script doesn't need major changes, just some minor details. With Andrew Williams and me perfecting it together, it will be quick."
"Although a $20 million investment isn't much for us, it's still not a small amount," Alan Horn looked at Nora Ephron. This year she had completed the script for another comedy, My Blue Heaven.
"On Monday, I'll bring the producers from Columbia TriStar and Castle Rock Entertainment. Bring Andrew along so we can discuss it together. Nora, we completely trust your capabilities. However, we need to convince the distributors and other investors as well."
Nora Ephron nodded, "Of course, I understand. I want Andrew Williams to be my assistant. He's from the Film School, so he's a good fit."
Alan Horn nodded, "Okay, hiring him as one of the producers is no big deal. Do you have confidence in this script?"
"Absolutely. This Sleepless in Seattle script is as good as my previous work, When Harry Met Sally. I'm very confident!"
After leaving Alan Horn's office, Nora Ephron called actress Meg Ryan in Los Angeles.
"Is this Meg? It's Nora Ephron!"
"Oh, Ms. Ephron, good afternoon. I read the script for Sleepless in Seattle, and it's great. Is this project going into production?"
Nora Ephron smiled, "It should be developed soon. What's your schedule like?"
From Alan Horn's perspective, Nora Ephron knew that Sleepless in Seattle would definitely get funded for production. Columbia TriStar wouldn't reject a comedy similar to When Harry Met Sally....
As for Meg Ryan, due to the success of When Harry Met Sally..., she had received numerous offers.
"I do have some availability. There are a few scripts I'm discussing. I turned down one where I would play a prostitute falling in love with a wealthy man. Another one is a drama, but after seeing Sleepless in Seattle, I prefer this script you sent me."
Having just collaborated with Nora Ephron on When Harry Met Sally..., which was still in theaters, Meg Ryan didn't need to think twice about another similar project.
"That's good. The Sleepless in Seattle plan is complete and will develop quickly. It'll probably be finished within this year," Nora Ephron reminded Meg Ryan to keep her schedule open for this year.
"Got it. I understand!"
After chatting a bit more, Nora Ephron hung up, feeling that Meg Ryan was the perfect choice for the role, just like Andrew Williams had thought.
In terms of image and popularity, Meg Ryan was the best choice. Nora Ephron believed that once Sleepless in Seattle came out, Meg Ryan would become the new America's sweetheart.