Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 464 North America
The story of Pacific Rim takes place near the Dome Base in Hong Kong, so there are more Chinese actors.

But this is a $100 million production aimed at the global market, so it can only be made into an English film.

It is essential that the actors auditioning must pass the spoken English test, which screens out most of the people.

Prince Long had no problem with English and was selected.

Zhang Mo almost refused, but Zhang Guoli promised to hire an English teacher immediately to ensure that she could speak fluent English before filming began, so Zhang Chen agreed.

The base commander, Zhang Chen, was replaced by a Chinese.

How could the supreme commander of the Hong Kong Dome Base be a foreigner, and a gangster at that? It doesn't sound credible.

The commander is played by Hu Jun, a man who can only act in literary dramas but looks mighty and domineering.

Hu Jun’s foreign language skills are also not up to standard, but it doesn’t matter, he can receive one-on-one training. Zhang Chen believes in the professionalism of the actors of the People’s Art Theatre.

Da Tiantian bought the role of the commander's assistant for 10 million yuan. It is considered a major supporting role. She often follows the commander around, has many shots, and has lines.

Da Tiantian is not bad. After "Crocodile Storm", she has gained a certain popularity. Even in foreign countries, she is a familiar face.

There are only so many Chinese actors confirmed, and Zhang Chen hasn't given any definite answer on more, so we can only wait and see.

Then he flew to Hollywood with a new version of the script.

So far, the script has been revised seven times. Of course, they are all minor adjustments, but the general framework remains unchanged.

The purpose of going to Hollywood this time was mainly for the foreign actors in the drama.

As a sci-fi blockbuster aimed at the whole world, Pacific Rim must have several famous foreign actors playing supporting roles, and it cannot be all Karami.

Jason Statham can be counted as one.

In Zhang Chen's latest version of the script, several characters were fine-tuned, including his.

First up are Prince Long and Zhang Mo.

In the original work, the three brothers of the Liu family were the ones driving the Storm Red. Here Zhang Chen made some changes and turned it into the three siblings of the Liu family.

Fan Binbin is the eldest sister, and her two younger brothers are Prince Long and Zhang Mo.

The two brothers are responsible for Baofeng Chihong's walking and two arms, while Fan Binbin is responsible for the combat system and the other mechanical arm dedicated to combat.

In the movie's plot, in the early stage, Storm Red was ambushed, the cockpit was destroyed by a monster, Prince Long and Zhang Mo were sacrificed, and Fan Binbin chose to retire.

Another big change is Jason Statham.

In the previous script, Jason was the one who sacrificed, and the male lead Zhang Chen was originally scheduled to be played by Huang Xiaoming.

But considering that this film is to be released worldwide, it would be better to have a Western actor as the lead in the film, so that they can accept it more emotionally.

So Zhang Chen changed the script and made Jason the male lead.

Later, the dome base encountered a crisis, and Hu Jun asked Fan Binbin to return to the team. Jason became her new partner, which continued their usual screen couple model.

Script changes are not a big deal in the country, as the controlling party has the final say on everything.

But it's a big deal in Hollywood.

According to Hollywood rules, once a script is finalized, it cannot be changed. If you want to make changes, all investors must agree.

So this time, Zhang Chen must convince Warner.

Walking into Warner headquarters with the script, David Heyman met Zhang Chen in the reception room.

"Dear Zhang~"

"Mr. Heyman, I have made some optimizations to the script and changed the weights of some characters. This will be more beneficial for global distribution..."

David Heyman took the script and read it. Zhang Chen made special marks for the changes, so it was quick to read and not much time was wasted.

"No problem, Zhang, you are a mature director, your revisions are very reasonable and will be beneficial to global promotion..."

This time, David Heyman's attitude was surprisingly good.

"Also, I'm planning to start casting for Pacific Rim in the next two days, so I might need your company's help in coordinating..."

"These are all trivial matters, Zhang~"

After a pause, David Heyman continued, "Zhang, first of all, please allow me to express my sincere apology to you on behalf of Warner. We admit that we underestimated you before."

"In our previous evaluation, we thought you were an excellent horror film director with a strong ability to handle small and medium-budget horror films, but we didn't think you could handle a project as large as a $100 million science fiction film...

But obviously, we were wrong.

Your "Moon" showed us your potential. You are a genius, so you know..."

Zhang Chen was stunned for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, then Mr. Heyman, I accept your apology."

"Call me David. We are already friends, aren't we?"

"Well, David, yes, we are friends."

"Hahaha, come, let's go to my office and talk. I have some good whiskey, and we can drink while we talk..."

David Heyman was all smiles and was unexpectedly enthusiastic towards Zhang Chen.

The two came to his office and the secretary opened the door for them.

"Helen, this afternoon belongs to me and this gentleman. Please help me refuse any meeting..."

Before entering the door, David Heyman smiled and instructed his secretary.

"Yes, Mr. Hyman."

The two entered Hyman's office, and he actually dug out a bottle of whiskey and two glasses, added ice, and poured a shallow layer of wine.

"Try it, Zhang, this is the best wine I have~"

Zhang Chen didn't dare to drink, but looked at the other party with vigilance: "Mr. Heyman, I must first declare that I have no interest in homosexual love~"

Hearing Zhang Chen's words, Heyman was stunned at first, and then burst into laughter.

"Zhang, who do you think I am? I am just like you, I only love beautiful women. Did you misunderstand what I said just now? Oh, damn cultural differences..."

Seeing Heyman's expression, Zhang Chen knew that he might have made a mistake and smiled awkwardly.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Heyman simply said, "Actually, I called you here today because I want to discuss something with you."

"what?"

"About "Moon"~"

Heyman rubbed his hands and put the wine glass on the table: "Warner has made a comprehensive assessment of "Moon" and believes that it is very suitable for videotape distribution, so we hope that you can sell it to Warner..."

Zhang Chen finally figured out why the old guy was so overly enthusiastic towards him today. This was the root of his emotion.

But he was still a little confused: "Just a video tape?"

Heyman nodded: “Yeah, just the videotape.

I admit that "Moon" is a good story, but it is a little too thin. We have internally evaluated that it would be risky to release it as a movie. On the contrary, if it is a video tape, the sales may be better..."

Zhang Chen did not refute because Diane had said the same thing before.

A good story does not necessarily make a good movie, and a good movie does not necessarily have good box office.

The story of "The Man from Earth" is also amazing, but it was also not released in theaters, but directly on video tapes.

The situation is similar with Moon.

"But you know, I have my own film company~"

"I know that you are the boss behind the Cube, right?
But I must remind you that big companies have natural advantages in videotape distribution, and your cube cannot compare in this regard.

Instead of wasting so much time and effort, and waiting for such a long period of time to get the payment, why not sell it to us and get the money right away~"

When David Heyman said this, he kept staring into Zhang Chen's eyes, as if he wanted to know his inner thoughts.

Zhang Chen did want to sell it. Just as he said, if he did it himself, the profit might be higher than selling it to Warner, but the time and energy consumed in the process would not be easy.

"Then name your price~"

"How about $300 million? For a low-budget movie, that's pretty good."

"Impossible. You have to know that if Moon is released in theaters, it will definitely make more than 300 million US dollars~"

"I just said that according to our assessment, this kind of movie will most likely lose money if it is released in theaters~"

"It's possible to lose, but it's also possible to make money, isn't it?"

Zhang Chen was stubborn and the two of them were in a stalemate for a long time. Heyman finally gave in: "So how much do you want?"

"Ten million dollars." Zhang Chen opened his mouth loudly.

"Impossible." Heyman refused.

"Let's be more practical and stop testing each other. How about 800 million US dollars? This is already a lot, and at this price, everyone can make money~"

"Deal~"

800 million US dollars is Zhang Chen’s psychological price. The two old foxes shook hands, picked up the whiskey and drank it all.

Zhang Chen also reminded: "You'd better hurry up and release it. If Jason becomes popular, it will also be good for Pacific Rim~"

“We thought so too~”

Heyman agreed immediately.

The next day, Zhang Chen started auditioning with the help of Warner.

This is Hollywood, where countless actors with dreams are waiting here at all times, but Zhang Chen doesn't need an unknown person.

He needs familiar faces, that is, second- or third-tier male actors, and the pay cannot be too high.

Warner contacted a lot of people, and all those near Los Angeles came for interviews.

Adrien Brody, an actor whose name you may not remember but whose face you will definitely recognize.

The most famous work he has participated in is "King Kong". Later, he also participated in Xiao Gangpao's "1942" and Cheng Long's "Lion Falls from the Sky".

He has a very recognisable face and his acting is pretty good.

He won the Best Actor Oscar in 02.

But the asking price is also the highest, 500 million US dollars.

Zhang Chen had learned that its market price was between 500 and 800 million US dollars, so the offer given to Zhang Chen was already very generous.

But he was still too tall and a little thin, and Zhang Chen was afraid that his body wouldn't be able to handle the filming.

There’s also Charlie Hunnam, the male lead in the original Pacific Rim.

However, he is not very famous now and has only acted in a few dramas, and is at best a third-tier actor.

Shia LaBeouf, this guy also looks familiar. It is said that he just starred in "Constantine" last year, starring Keanu Reeves. Shia LaBeouf played a small supporting role in the movie.

This year he participated in the filming of "Transformers", which was just completed in September.

Zhang Chen liked him quite a lot. He had a tough guy image and looked like a mecha pilot.

The last one is a familiar face, Jake Gyllenhaal.

He has appeared in a series of classic films, including Brokeback Mountain, Source Code, The Day After Tomorrow, and End of Watch.

He has always been following a semi-commercial and semi-literary path, and his acting skills are impeccable. He and Heath Ledger gave superb acting performances in last year's "Brokeback Mountain".

Gyllenhaal was the last to audition:

"Mr. Gyllenhaal, I have a scene here. You are a mecha pilot, and you are positioning your mecha to fight a monster. I need you..."

Zhang Chen made the request and Gyllenhaal performed according to the request.

This is not difficult, and any actor with some fame can basically accomplish it.

"I have another question. I want to know, how is your health?" "My... body?" Gyllenhaal repeated the question puzzledly.

"Yes, for the role of a mecha pilot, almost all scenes are completed while wearing an exoskeleton armor, which requires great physical strength..."

"Oh, that's no problem, I'm very strong and I take time out every week to exercise..."

"And what about your salary?"

"Four million dollars."

Zhang Chen was about to say something when the phone in his pocket suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Diane.

"Sorry, I need to take a call first~"

After Gyllenhaal made a gesture to invite him to go ahead, Zhang Chen took two steps away and answered the phone.

Diane's signature voice came from the other end of the phone, with quiet music playing in the background, as if someone was in a cafe or something.

"Zhang, I heard you were auditioning for Pacific Rim today?"

"Yes, they are all supporting roles. You know, the movie needs some foreign faces. Why do you suddenly ask this..."

"It seems my information is correct. I actually wanted to ask you if the actor has been decided. If not, I have a candidate to recommend..."

"Do you have a candidate to recommend? Who is it? Tell me and I'll consider it, but I can't guarantee that I'll use it..."

"Of course, everything is based on the movie. I am just helping to get an audition opportunity."

"Okay, tell me your name and see if I know it."

"Robert Downey Jr."

When he heard the name, all that flashed through Zhang Chen’s mind was the red steel armor.

Seeing the silence, the other side thought that Zhang Chen didn't know him, so he introduced: "Downey is from an acting family. He started acting at a very young age. In 92, he was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar..."

Dai An was about to continue talking, but Zhang Chen interrupted her and asked, "Are you familiar with him?"

Dai An paused: "Not familiar, I just know him, but he and his wife are good friends, this call is for his wife..."

Zhang Chen shrugged: "It's good that we're not familiar with each other, because I'm afraid I have to apologize. I know some things about him..."

Diane took over the conversation before Zhang Chen finished speaking: "I know you must have heard something, but, Zhang, I can assure you that Donny has reformed. He hasn't touched that thing for a long time..."

Unexpectedly, Zhang Chen still refused: "Sorry, Diane, my country is special. In my country, there is zero tolerance for that kind of thing."

"Even if he has changed his ways?"

"Yes, even if I change my ways, it won't work. Once I've done that, it won't work. So, for the sake of the movie being released normally, I can't take this risk..."

"Okay, I understand."

In a cafe, Diane hung up the phone in front of Susan and gave a helpless bitter smile.

"Susan, you heard it too. Zhang's country has a different attitude towards that thing than ours. He himself hates it, so..."

Susan nodded: "It doesn't matter. Thank you very much, Diane, for everything you have done for me. It's okay, I will find other opportunities for Donny..."

In the audition room, Zhang Chen also hung up the phone.

No matter how much Robert Downey Jr. is praised in the future, he has fallen.

The character of a prodigal son who returns home is worth more than gold. It doesn't work in China.

If you are involved in those things, you will be banned indefinitely.

There was no way Zhang Chen would take such a big risk just to do a favor.

At this time, a weak voice came from the side: "Director, I never touch that thing, I swear to God~
Also, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop~”

It's Gyllenhaal.

Looking at the other party swearing and swearing, Zhang Chen couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay, Mr. Gyllenhaal, no need to swear. I am very satisfied with you. Someone will contact you later. As long as the pay is okay, you will be a member of Pacific Rim."

"Thank you~"

After asking the staff to send Gyllenhaal away, Zhang Chen said to the casting director who came with Warner: "I am very satisfied with both Gyllenhaal and LaBeouf. Go and negotiate their pay~"

"How much can we get?"

“How much is LaBeouf paid?”

“The market value is about $200 million.”

"How much did he get paid for his role in Transformers?"

"I asked around, it's $50."

"Then you negotiate for $50. If he agrees, sign the contract immediately."

The casting director gave a sly smile: "What about Gyllenhaal?"

After all, Gyllenhaal has participated in successful projects such as "The Day After Tomorrow" and "Brokeback Mountain". Among the many auditioners, he is second only to Adrien Brody.

"What's his market value?"

"Between $200 and $400 million."

"Try to negotiate for $100 million. This is a Class A production, and it's just a supporting role that only appears for a dozen minutes. I think $100 million is already good..."

Soon, word came from the casting director that both LaBeouf and Gyllenhaal agreed.

Zhang Chen was also surprised that the casting went so smoothly.

He thought that was it, but David Heyman reminded him that there was still a lack of a black character.

How could I forget this?

There is an unwritten rule in Hollywood movies that there must be black people involved in every movie, which is considered an extension of the racial equality system.

Zhang Chen had heard of this statement in his previous life, but in this life he thought that "Pacific Rim" was a project led by China, so there was no need to abide by it so strictly.

"If you still want your film to be released in Hollywood, then you'd better follow this rule. It may not necessarily make you successful, but it will definitely make you fail~"

"Ok."

Zhang Chen had no choice but to abide by this strange rule.

A black actor, there seems to be a scientist role in the movie that has not been decided yet, so why not choose this one.

Zhang Chen originally wanted to cast Morgan Freeman, but after checking, he was shocked by his salary.

It costs 800 million US dollars.

An insignificant supporting role has the highest pay in the entire film?
Zhang Chen gave up decisively and finally chose Don Cheadle, also known as War Machine in Marvel.

Prior to this, Don Cheadle won the 12th Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in "Crash", and was nominated for the Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama at the 62nd Golden Globe Awards and the Best Actor at the 77th Academy Awards for his role in "Hotel Rwanda".

Despite winning many awards, the salary was not high. It was finally negotiated to be $80.

The audition and other preparations took a total of three days.

Fortunately, the main actors are all there.

As for the other extras, it’s easy. There’s no need to look for them in Hollywood. We can just find international students in China.

After getting the role, Zhang Chen set off to return to China. This time, it was Chen Xiaowei who was responsible for picking him up at the airport.

"During the time I was away from home, has anything happened here?"

"You guessed it right, there really is~"

Chen Xiaowei started talking a lot. In the past, this was Dong Jianqiang's job, but now it has been successfully handed over to Chen Xiaowei, his deputy.

But the latter never tires of it.

"The first is Huayi. After seeing the huge buzz surrounding our Pacific Rim casting, they immediately announced the news for The Forbidden Kingdom.

"The Forbidden Kingdom" is also known as "Double J Project".

Previously, everyone only knew that one of the Js in “Double J Project” was Jet Li, but there was no conclusion as to who the other J was.

Today, the correct answer was finally given. The other J is Jackie Chan, Cheng Long. "

It is indeed a big news. Everyone had previously speculated that it would be a Hollywood star, but unexpectedly it turned out to be Jackie Chan in the end.

Then people realized that Jackie Chan was going to work with Jet Li?

The two most famous kung fu stars in Chinese films are actually going to collaborate on a movie. How dare this?

Everyone is full of expectations.

When Chen Xiaowei talked about this, her tone was unconsciously filled with excitement, and she was obviously looking forward to the collaboration between the two kung fu superstars.

But she suddenly found that Zhang Chen's expression was very calm.

"Aren't you looking forward to it?"

"Ok?"

"Aren't you looking forward to the new movie that Jackie Chan and Jet Li are working on together?"

Zhang Chen shook his head. Seeing Chen Xiaowei's puzzled expression, he finally decided to make it clear: "I can guarantee that the movie "The Forbidden Kingdom" they are working on will not be good~"

"why?"

Chen Xiaowei looked so incredulous that she almost came up to touch Zhang Chen's forehead.

"Just think about it, two Kung Fu superstars, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, are working together on a movie. Given their status, their salaries alone are bound to be huge, and the production cost is expected to be around 60 to 70 million US dollars.

With such a high cost, the only way to recover the cost is to make it into a blockbuster and release it worldwide.

If a kung fu film wants to be released globally, it must consider the acceptance of foreign audiences.

You have to make it understandable to foreign audiences and also make it conform to their aesthetic standards.

Do you think this film could be good? "

After Zhang Chen finished speaking, Chen Xiaowei still looked confused, as if she didn't understand.

Zhang Chen sighed and prompted again: "What was the last Kung Fu movie made for foreigners to watch?"

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?"

"So does it look good?"

This time Chen Xiaowei understood immediately and finally got what Zhang Chen meant, but her eyes were still wide open with a look of disbelief.

"No... No way? That's Jackie Chan and Jet Li~"

In Chen Xiaowei's mind, she brought Cheng Long and Jet Li into the two protagonists of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", and she immediately felt nauseous...

No...I can't do that~
Zhang Chen further explained: "We Chinese have been immersed in martial arts culture since childhood, and our threshold for judging whether a kung fu movie is good or not is actually very high.

But foreigners are different.

They have only started to get involved in Kung Fu movies in recent years.

Some people still don't understand why Chinese people in Kung Fu movies fly around~
They can't understand what Qinggong is.
It is impossible to expect such audiences to understand a good Kung Fu movie in our sense, but they are a multi-party market, so the producers will definitely be biased towards them when filming, so I say, "The Forbidden Kingdom" must not be good~
Because if we think it’s good, the movie will probably lose money~”

This time Zhang Chen explained everything at once, and Chen Xiaowei suddenly understood everything as if she had been enlightened.

But she immediately became conflicted again:

On the one hand, she knew that Zhang Chen was right and that "The Forbidden Kingdom" would most likely turn out to be a bad movie;

On the other hand, she hoped that what Zhang Chen said was wrong, so that she would have no regrets.

(End of this chapter)