Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 498 Get Everything Done

After dealing with China Film, Zhang Chen still needs to deal with Cheng Long.

Cheng Long said that he wanted to collaborate with him on a movie, but he didn't say that he would collaborate on whatever Zhang Chen prepared.

Good actors all have tempers and their own vision.

What’s more, Cheng Long has a whole team behind him, and many people depend on him for their livelihood.

However, Zhang Chen is confident that he can convince the other party.

Compared to the 2012 movie itself, the acting skills required of the actors are actually not very high. Jackie Chan can handle it completely. The only thing that needs to be changed is the style.

This is a very un-Jungle-style movie.

Cheng Long could no longer perform playful martial arts performances as he did in the past, and even Zhang Chen was not going to let him do any thrilling moves.

Perhaps, there will still be some dangerous scenes, but they are all shot with green screen, so it is impossible to put yourself in danger.

Hollywood's insurance companies will not agree, and Zhang Chen will not agree either.

All of these need to be discussed with Cheng Long in advance.

My eldest brother was filming "The Forbidden Kingdom" in Huailai at that time. After communicating with him on the phone, Zhang Chen flew over directly to find him.

The crew of "The Forbidden Kingdom" filmed in three places in total: Hengdian, Zhejiang, Huailai, Hebei, and Jingxing, Hebei.

Most of the scenes involving the desert and Gobi were shot at the Tianmo Film and Television Base in Huailai, Hebei.

This is where Zhang Chen came from.

He came here under the pretext of visiting the set and brought a lot of fruit.

It really alarmed some people.

Director Rob Minkoff, a group of male and female leading actors, and Huayi.

"The Forbidden Kingdom" is not only a project of Huayi, but also a project of Warner. One of the producers, Silver Films, is actually a younger brother of Warner Bros. Its relationship with Warner is similar to that of Fox Searchlight to Fox.

Cheng Long met Zhang Chen at the gate of the base and introduced him to everyone.

Mainly the director Rob Minkoff, an animation director.

Jet Li's attitude towards him was rather cold, probably because Zhang Chen publicly stated two days ago that Jet Li should not take on the role of Dragon Emperor.

Liu Tianxian was fine and greeted warmly.

As the villain, Zhou Zhaolong did not speak to Zhang Chen. Although Zhang Chen and Hong Jinbao had reconciled after Cheng Long's mediation, Zhou Zhaolong still couldn't get over it.

At that time, Zhang Chen asked Lu Yian to beat him up. This matter spread all over the Hong Kong circle, making him very embarrassed.

Zhang Chen didn't care about the other party's indifference.

He came here today just to find Cheng Long, as for other people, it doesn’t matter.

The person in charge of Huayi here is a vice president, and when he saw Zhang Chen, he was full of vigilance.

In his opinion, Zhang Chen was probably here to gather information.

Zhang Chen was too lazy to pay attention to him.

A master never cares about his opponent's attitude, because he can't beat him anyway.

After a few casual greetings, Cheng Long chatted for a while.

"The new film project has been confirmed. I came here specifically for this."

Hearing Zhang Chen's words, Cheng Long's eyes lit up.

"Are you sure? What type?"

“Disaster movie!”

"Disaster movie?"

Cheng Long was suspicious. He thought that the new project he was working on might be an action movie, a suspense movie, or even a science fiction movie...

After all, Zhang Chen has shot so many types of movies.

But I never thought of it as a disaster movie.

There is no such thing as a disaster film in China, or even in the whole of Southeast Asia.

"Yes, a disaster movie!"

Seeing his elder brother's face full of doubt, as if he suspected he had heard it wrong, Zhang Chen confirmed again.

"Can……"

Cheng Long wanted to ask something, but the staff announced that the filming would begin immediately.

"Let's talk about it later. I'll host a banquet for you tonight..."

Someone came to visit the set, and the director left half an hour for Jackie Chan, but it was impossible for him to take a break because of this.

Cheng Long is indeed a very dedicated person and work is more important than anything else to him.

After saying something to Zhang Chen, he continued with the filming.

……

In the evening, the welcoming banquet was not held.

The main reason is that Zhang Chen doesn’t want to, he is too lazy to socialize with those people.

He came here to discuss business, how could he do that in such a noisy situation?

What's more, it would make others feel uncomfortable. Jet Li and Zhou Zhaolong would definitely not want to come, but if Jackie Chan was in charge, it would be inappropriate not to come. At least they should show up.

Zhang Chen was too lazy to be polite with them.

So no one else was found, just Zhang Chen and Cheng Long.

"Achen, when you said on the phone that you were coming over, I knew that things were probably going to work out..."

The eldest brother personally filled Zhang Chen's glass with wine.

The two men clinked their glasses and each pointed a finger.

A three-liang cup.

We didn’t choose a high-end hotel, we just found a more distinctive hotel near the film and television city.

This was also Zhang Chen’s request.

The restaurant owner personally arranged a private room for us.

Whether it is Zhang Chen or Cheng Long, they are both famous celebrities.

It's such an honor to dine in his restaurant.

He was already prepared to waive the meal fee and continued to serve his signature dishes.

Apart from anything else, the two of them took a photo with the boss when they left and hung it in the lobby, which was more effective than advertising.

"Here's the script. Take a look first. We'll talk after you finish reading it..."

Zhang Chen didn't waste any time and directly took out the script from his bag.

Cheng Long is also a practical man. Upon hearing this, he put down his wine glass, picked up the script and read it carefully.

2012?

Another name that has absolutely no idea what it means.

However, when he saw that the name in the screenwriter column was Zhang Chen, Cheng Long regained his confidence.

The room fell silent, with only the rustling sound of papers being turned.

Zhang Chen started showing off with chopsticks...

Well, this duck head is well made...

Snow mulberry pork belly stewed with tofu is also OK, it is said to be the specialty here...

After showing off for a few seconds, Cheng Long had already finished watching it.

“My role is the driver?”

"Correct."

The male protagonist of the original novel is John Cusack, who is considered a second-rate actor in Hollywood.

In comparison, Jackie Chan is more well-known.

Jackie Chan's position in Hollywood is actually very special. He did not make his fortune by making orthodox Hollywood films.

Other foreign actors, such as those from Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

No matter how powerful or high your status is in your own country.

When you get to Hollywood, you have to start all over again.

It’s just that at that time these people’s acting skills were generally very good, and as long as the opportunity was good, it would be easy for them to stand out.

Cheng Long entered the American market by making foreign films.

At first, the Hollywood movies that Golden Harvest arranged for him to participate in did not cause any waves at all.

Later, a movie called "Rumble in the Bronx" came out.

That stunning jump immediately conquered the American audience.

Damn, it turns out that movies can be shot like this.

"Rumble in the Bronx" was a big hit in North America, and New Line seized the opportunity to represent Jackie Chan's previous films.

Jackie Chan's previous film works were able to enter the American market, although most of them were videotapes, but Jackie Chan became famous.

Then he really entered the mainstream Hollywood market with "Rush Hour".

The combination of Kung Fu and talk show made the movie a box office success.

It also found a way for Asian actors to enter the Hollywood film market.

"Disaster movie..."

Cheng Long seemed a little hesitant, obviously not sure about the subject matter.

Zhang Chen put down his chopsticks: "Brother Long, do you know how people in the mainland call me?"

"Movie genius!"

"Yes, before Taken, I was a horror film director. Before Pacific Rim, who would have thought that I would also make science fiction films? The same goes for 2012. Everyone thinks that no one in China can make disaster films, but that doesn't mean I can't make one either..."

Zhang Chen said this with full confidence.

Cheng Long touched his big nose: "That's not what I meant..."

Zhang Chen raised his glass and clinked it with his again: "I've been thinking about our agreement. When I was working in Hollywood on post-production, I suddenly thought of this story. The first person I thought of when I thought of the image of the male lead was you..."

"I?"

"Yes, I think you are not only suitable to be a cook, but also a driver..."

"Hey, kid, you're teasing me..."

Cheng Long was also amused by Zhang Chen's joke.

Zhang Chen just didn't want to make the atmosphere too formal: "Do you feel that this is very different from your previous roles?"

Big Nose nodded.

"Big is right. Brother, let me say something disrespectful, but do you know why your movies have not performed well at the box office in recent years?"

"Because the audience is tired of my stuff." The eldest brother is very single.

Although Furniture City War God is a classic, viewers will get tired of it after watching it too much.

"Yes, it seems that you have also realized this, so you have been thinking about breakthroughs, which is why you have "Myth" and "Baby Project". Am I right?"

Cheng Long nodded again.

This is no secret and many people have guessed it.

Zhang Chen continued: "But haven't you noticed that no matter how it changes, it can't escape the shackles of action movies. Do you know what this is called?

I can’t get out of my comfort zone.”

It was the first time that Cheng Long came across such high-sounding words and he was a little confused.

"Action movies, or dangerous actions, are your comfort zone. You feel you are invincible in this field, so no matter what type of movie you make, you can't help but want to lean in this direction. You may not even be aware of this."

Cheng Long was surprised. He did have this habit.

And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.

Isn't this what a Jackie Chan movie should be like?
It sounds like it's wrong.

“There’s nothing wrong with that, but the problem is that audiences are tired of it now.

So I think you should step out of your comfort zone and try something else.

Perhaps making Jackie Chan’s movies less Jackie Chan is a path to success.”

Seeing that Cheng Long was still a little hesitant, Zhang Chen simply said: "I'm not sure if you can find the right path for yourself after filming 2012, but I am sure that 2012 will be a successful movie."

After that, he told Cheng Long about the "2012 Doomsday Hypothesis" again, and Cheng Long finally understood why the script was called this name. He had been hanging out in Europe and the United States for a long time, and he had heard of the "2012 Doomsday Hypothesis", which was indeed widely circulated.

Zhang Chen's disaster film is riding on this popularity, and as long as the special effects are good, it might really be successful.

"Okay, I agree, let's shoot this '2012'."

My eldest brother is not a pretentious person and made the decision on the spot.

"Well, there are some things I need you to keep in sync with me..."

Zhang Chen told Cheng Long all his plans.

"Only if we two are consistent with China Film Group can we have enough say..."

"No problem at all."

……

A few days later, the media were discussing Zhang Chen's visit to the set of "The Forbidden Kingdom", and many speculated that Zhang Chen's move had other meanings.

Even a fool knows that Zhang Chen and Huayi don’t get along.

Zhang Chen went to visit Huayi’s film project and contribute to their popularity. Is he crazy?

Then someone connected it to the news that went viral a while ago that Zhang Chen would collaborate with Jackie Chan on a new film.

Everyone discussed it, and the more they thought about it, the more they realized that this was the case.

The media wanted to find Zhang Chen to confirm, but found that he was no longer in the country.

At this time, Zhang Chen was already sitting in David Heyman's office.

"Dear Zhang, I heard from Edlan that you came to Hollywood a while ago. I was just thinking of having a drink with you, but then I heard that you went back..."

“So here I am again~”

"Haha, stop joking. I know you must have something else to do here today..."

"Have you seen the finished footage of Pacific Rim?"

"of course."

David Heyman nodded. He was the producer of Pacific Rim on the Warner side and was certainly well aware of the film's production progress.

"What is Warner's attitude towards the film?"

Asking this question, David smiled and said, "Zhang, this is exactly why I wanted to find you a few days ago. After evaluation, the company believes that Pacific Rim is a rare masterpiece. I want to express their sincerest apologies to you. Before, they underestimated your potential..."

Foreigners are very practical. If you demonstrate your strength, it will be no problem for them to call you daddy.

Showing goodwill to Zhang Chen was simply for the purpose of continuing cooperation in the future.

Now Zhang Chen had a clear idea in mind and took out the script of "2012" directly from his bag.

To be precise, it should be a planning document.

"what is this?"

David took it, and after seeing the name "2012", he realized something and began to flip through it quietly.

After a while, he raised his head again.

"Did you write the script?"

"Yes, I've registered with the Writers Guild."

David knew why he said that, it was just to guard against them.

There is nothing wrong with doing this, first treat people as villains, then treat people as gentlemen.

After hesitating for a while, David said, "Will you sell the script?"

Zhang Chen smiled and shook his head: "No, I want to shoot this script myself, and recently..."

David frowned when he heard this: "If I remember correctly, you have never directed a disaster film before..."

Zhang Chen did not try to evade the question and simply admitted, "Yes, but before Pacific Rim, I had never directed a science fiction film."

Now it was David's turn to be at a loss for words. After a while, he asked, "So what do you think?"

"I think this is a good story and I want to film it and release it worldwide. I had a good cooperation with Warner before and I hope to continue this cooperation."

David remained noncommittal, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the table, obviously thinking.

Zhang Chen did not interrupt him and waited quietly.

Looking at the Chinese director in front of him, David weighed the pros and cons.

He obviously recognized Zhang Chen's talent.

The first time he shot an action movie, he was able to create a hit like "Taken".

It was his first time directing a science fiction film, and his "Pacific Rim" was recognized as a masterpiece by the company.

Zhang Chen is undoubtedly a talent.

From a personal perspective, he thinks "2012" won't have too many problems.

But the company does not consider issues from a personal perspective.

David felt that Zhang Chen was still a little bit arrogant and decided to give him a blow.

"You may not know this yet, but David Emmerich is also preparing a similar project. As far as I know, it's also about the end of the world in 2012. By the way, you should know who David Emmerich is..."

He wanted to see the young director's panicked expression, but was doomed to be disappointed.

Zhang Chen seemed to have known the news for a long time. Not only was he not panicked, he smiled and said, "I know. I also know that he is working with Columbia and Fox..."

This is a bit embarrassing.

In fact, Warner also has some complaints about this.

Emmerich's initial "Independence Day" and "Godzilla" were both projects in collaboration with Warner Bros., and achieved good results.

But for some reason, a few years ago, "The Day After Tomorrow" suddenly left Warner behind and the distribution was switched to Fox.

For the recently negotiated "2012", Columbia was chosen, and the distribution was also handed over to Fox, and Warner was not considered at all.

David didn't expect that Zhang Chen knew all this in detail.

Zhang Chen felt that the time had come: "Since you know that Emmerich is also preparing a similar project, you should have done research on the project's prospects and know the project's profit margins.

In addition, let me state my demands.

In this film, China invested more than 50% and has absolute control.

Of course, I will also guarantee Warner's interests. The global distribution work will be handed over to you, and the remaining share will be enough for you to make a lot of money.

The male lead is Cheng Long. You can recommend actors for the remaining roles, but I have the final say on whether to hire them.

Furthermore, the final cut is mine.”

Zhang Chen spoke out his demands in one breath. David looked helpless: "Zhang, you have given me such a big problem..."

Zhang Chen shook his head: "You are wrong, David. I am giving you a chance. In view of our good cooperation in the Pacific Rim project, I am willing to continue this approach. But if you don't accept it, I can only look for a few other companies. I think I can always find partners..."

David smiled bitterly again: "Okay, I will convey your request to the company, and I hope we can continue to cooperate."

"Yes, I hope we can continue to cooperate. Then, how about three days? I don't have much time..."

After Zhang Chen left, David looked at the thick plan in his hand and once again marveled at Zhang Chen's talent.

Zhang Chen provided storyboards for those special effects shots.

With David's many years of experience, it is almost certain that if those shots were produced, they would definitely become classics in film history.

But he wasn't sure what the company was thinking.

I shook my head and decided not to think about it anymore.

He stood up and went to the president's office with the plan.

Half an hour later, Warner executives and evaluation department gathered in the conference room.

David conveyed Zhang Chen's request and circulated the plan.

"Columbia is also preparing a similar project directed by David Emmerich..." said an executive.

"I think the subject matter overlaps, which just shows that there is no problem with the subject matter of '2012'. Emmerich's vision for disaster films is proven..." said another executive.

"What does the evaluation department say?" asked the president.

"According to our estimates, the production cost of the project is between 1.2 million and 1.5 million US dollars. Apart from the special effects, the biggest uncertainty is the salary of the director and the leading actors..."

"How much is Cheng Long's salary?"

“It’s not written in the proposal, but his latest work, Rush Hour 3, has a fixed salary of $1500 million plus a 15% share of the gross profit.”

"So what about Zhang Chen?"

"For Pacific Rim, his director's salary is $500 million + 8% of the gross profit."

“Why is there a gross profit share?”

"It was his own request. He was willing to reduce the fixed salary and change it to a fixed salary + gross profit sharing model.

We agreed because we thought this would reduce financial pressure.

And at first we wanted to change it to a net profit split, but he obviously understood the situation and insisted that it had to be gross profit, that's it."

David Heyman spread his hands.

In Hollywood, the so-called box office share is generally the gross profit share, that is, the box office share between the distributor and the theater minus the production costs.

The net profit share is calculated based on this amount minus a series of other expenses such as issuance costs and taxes.

Therefore, the net profit sharing can easily become unprofitable or even loss-making by increasing the issuance costs.

"Harry Potter" used this trick to trick the young actors.

The Lord of the Rings also used this trick to trick director Peter Jackson.

But obviously, after these two cases, everyone understands the trick, and it will not be so easy to use this method to cheat people again.

The most obvious manifestation is that no one is willing to sign a net profit sharing agreement anymore.

When filming Pacific Rim, Zhang Chen was in a weak position because he had no successful cases.

According to common sense, it is impossible to get a share.

However, Warner's investment in this film was not much, less than 30%, and Zhang Chen was willing to reduce his salary, so Warner agreed.

Now that I've watched the finished film, I feel a little regretful.

But there's no use regretting.

"Okay, let's focus more on the current project. Who can tell me whether "2012" can be done?"

The president spoke, and several executives and evaluators were thinking.

After waiting for a minute without anyone speaking, the president looked around and finally landed on David Heyman: "David, you're an excellent producer, what do you think?"

David knew he couldn't avoid it, so he simply said, "I think we should seize this opportunity..."

"Do you think this is an opportunity?"

"Yes."

David also thought carefully.

“Our relationship with Roland Emmerich has changed, and he is now unwilling to cooperate with us on projects, so we need to open up a new disaster film market.

Zhang Chen is a good choice.

Not to mention "Pacific Rim", I believe everyone has a positive attitude towards his talent.

Take 2012 for example. I can't find any fault with the planning. From the background of the project, the profit prospects, to the details of the production, it can be seen that he was very well prepared and it was exciting enough. Have you seen the storyboards? They are full of wonderful ideas. Even if Emmerich himself came, he would not be able to do better than this."

“Is it possible to buy the script and do it ourselves, or take the script and work with Emmerich?”

At this time, an executive suddenly said.

David shook his head: "I asked him, and he was very determined to take the photo. There's no way he could sell it."

"Then is it possible for us to do it ourselves and find an experienced director..." Someone came up with a bad idea.

David continued to shake his head: "That would only completely offend him. If he really grows up, we will have missed another Emmerich, or even Cameron..."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

In Hollywood, the Big Six are awesome, but if there are no big directors to work with you, you will still decline.

Otherwise, how did the current Big Six come about?

You know, Hollywood was originally the Big Eight.

"Go on~" the president said again.

“My advice is to cooperate as much as possible and maintain a good relationship with Zhang Chen and even the Chinese officials.

We can agree to his other requests, but not the final editing rights. But we can let him edit a version first. If it is qualified, we will use his version, or the Asian version will be based on his..."

"OK, I'll do as you say."

(End of this chapter)