Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 364 I’m not that kind of person
Cao Yang's so-called "gathering of fellow townsmen" actually only included a few people present: Cheng Long, Zhang Jingchu, and Sun Mingming, another mainland actor from "Rush Hour 3".

While he's called actor Sun Mingming, he's more accurately described as basketball player Sun Mingming. At 2.36 meters tall, he's practically a giant.

Cheng Long and Zhang Jingchu walking next to him looked like they only reached his waist, which was quite comical.

It is said that he just signed with the Monterey Reggia team in the Mexican league from the American IBL league last month.

It sounds like the development situation isn't very good.

So, are you going to switch careers and become an actor?

With that height, it's very difficult for him to be an actor; he can forget about leading roles and can only be a character actor.

When Zhang Jingchu arrived, she had changed her clothes again.

The silver-white low-cut mini dress, with its low-cut design revealing her collarbone hollows that could hold goldfish, combined with her two shallow dimples when she smiles, is just... awkward.

With your naturally artistic looks, you should go for a simple and innocent style. Why do you insist on leaning towards sexiness?

Is it the director Zhang Jiarui, who made you famous with "The Flower Girl", who likes it, or the Hong Kong film circle that you deliberately tried to get into?

No wonder they had such great resources and momentum at the beginning, but in the end they almost disappeared. They simply didn't understand their own position.

Don't say that he only faded into obscurity after being completely blacklisted by the wives of directors.

The wives of directors don't have that much power yet, and they also have many conflicts among themselves. For example, Jiang Wenli and Xu Fan don't get along. It's not so easy for these wives to completely blacklist someone.

The fact that she transformed from "Little Zhang Ziyi" and "Artistic Goddess" into who she is today is inseparable from her self-positioning and emotional intelligence.

The reception after the premiere is usually not very full.

Cao Yang originally intended to treat the three of them to dinner, but since it was a restaurant recommended by Cheng Long, and he was clearly very familiar with the owner, he ended up putting the bill on Cheng Long's tab.

It turned out that Jackie Chan hired him.

After dinner, the group went to Jackie Chan's villa in Los Angeles, but ultimately did not go to Cao Yang's place for the screening.

Actually, Cao Yang was just being polite. If the film were actually shown at his place and leaked online, it would be difficult to explain.

What if the film company wants to create hype and make a big deal out of this?
Some things cannot be ignored.

Don't assume that there's no piracy in the US. Movie piracy is rampant there too, and there are plenty of pirated resources online.

Cheng Long is very sensible. As a seasoned veteran, although he may sometimes seem like a big mouth, you'll lose if you actually believe him. People with low emotional intelligence could never have reached his level.

He must have considered this matter as well, and of course he didn't want to cause Cao Yang unnecessary trouble, which would be a huge offense. So he chose to go to his home in Los Angeles.

This is a luxury mansion located in Beverly Hills, complete with a swimming pool, gym, home theater, and more, making it quite valuable.

"Brother, I've always heard that you have a villa in Beverly Hills, but I didn't expect it to be so big and luxurious."

Since entering, Zhang Jingchu has been looking around with a sense of envy, her eyes darting everywhere.

Cao Yang looked at Zhang Jingchu with some curiosity. Wasn't it rumored that any female star who slept with the big brother had to sleep with him?

Didn't he bring you here to have some fun?
Or perhaps, Hollywood film mogul Cheng didn't yet have the power to designate actresses, and it was only after returning to China to make films that he gained full control of the production team, hence the rumor?

Cheng Long laughed and shook his head, saying, "How big is my house? It's only a little over 7000 square feet... Oh, in mainland China, people usually use square meters, so it's barely 700 square meters."

You have no idea how big Director Cao's house is in Arcadia Mountain Resort. I heard it's 1800 square meters...

"Alright, this house is just a place to stay, for the convenience of working here. Once the focus of work shifts back to China, there will be no need to keep this house."

Cao Yang interrupted Cheng Long, saying with a smile.

Cheng Long was only stunned for a few seconds before laughing and saying, "Director Cao is right. This house is just a temporary residence. It doesn't matter how big or luxurious it is. It's just a temporary place to stay."

"Let's go. Director Cao is very busy with work here. We've already taken up so much of his time today. Let's let him watch a movie quickly."

Sun Mingming wasn't familiar with Cao Yang, and he wasn't familiar with Cheng Long and Zhang Jingchu either. He only came along today because of his Chinese identity, so he rarely said anything, just smiled and echoed the others.

His agent had reminded him beforehand that he must maintain good relationships with Cao Yang and Cheng Long, as this would be beneficial for his future development in the film and television industry.

Unfortunately, he wasn't a good talker and didn't know what to say.

During the movie, whether intentionally or unintentionally, Jackie Chan smiled and asked Zhang Jingchu and Cao Yang to sit together, while he sat with Sun Mingming.

This arrangement surprised Cao Yang for a moment.

I couldn't help but start to wonder, has my reputation really gotten this bad? Even my supposedly womanizing older brother is trying to "pull" women for me?
Cao Yang quickly recalled everything from beginning to end, then breathed a sigh of relief.

In the domestic entertainment industry, I consider myself a very upright director with excellent character.

It takes immense willpower to reject so many actresses who offer themselves to you without any promises or support.

Besides, apart from his few regular girlfriends, he rarely does anything reckless in China.

Yes, I'm sure of it. This is Cheng Long trying to influence me with his own thoughts and filthy ideas. Do you think I'm such a shallow and lustful person?

Sigh, all these people have misunderstood me.

I am the pure lotus that emerges from the mud at Beijing Film Academy, untainted by its surroundings.

To be honest, apart from the Eiffel Tower jump scene, there weren't many thrilling parts in Rush Hour 3.

But Zhang Jingchu, who was standing next to him, seemed completely unaware of the plot. At a fight scene that Cao Yang thought was unremarkable, she actually screamed in fright and took the opportunity to grab Cao Yang's arm...

Cao Yang originally wanted to say a few bad things about Zhang Jingchu in his heart, but after thinking about it, it seemed that every actress felt the same way about him. At least Zhang Jingchu had a reason, while many actresses didn't even bother to come up with one.

Okay, the first element for an actor to succeed is to put aside pride... Once you become famous, whether you can maintain that fame and make it last depends on your emotional intelligence.

As for capital, once you become popular, there will naturally be plenty of capital willing to cooperate with you.

How to describe the movie "Rush Hour 3"? The plot is nothing new, it's the same old story - Jackie Chan's signature action scenes, the black guy's witty banter, comfortable jazz music, and eye-catching beauties.

The key is that if you're going to stick to the old storyline, you need to get Jackie Chan, the biggest selling point, into action. Unfortunately, Jackie Chan is getting old, and the action scenes are clearly being weakened.

But instead, he appears in the movie with an air of righteous indignation, yet also incredibly saintly, making it lack any sense of catharsis...

Hey Zhang Jingchu, don't go too far. It's just a jump off a building. I don't believe you don't know about this kind of plot. Why are you making such a fuss and trying to forgive my arm with your not-so-broad mind?

After the movie ended, before the lights came on, Zhang Jingchu deliberately hugged Cao Yang's arm tightly again and whispered, "I'm sorry, Director Cao, the scene just now was too thrilling. Thank you."

Then, he released Cao Yang's arm, acting as if nothing had happened.

After the lights were turned on, Zhang Jingchu and Sun Mingming made an excuse to go out. They knew, of course, Cheng Long's purpose in looking for Cao Yang, so they left the two of them some space to talk.

"Director Cao..." Cheng Long called out.

Cao Yang understood what he wanted to ask, but he didn't rush to answer. Instead, he joked, "Why do you seem more eager than New Line Cinema to release this film in mainland China?"

Cheng Long hesitated for a moment, then spread his hands and explained with a wry smile:
“I got 15 million and 1500% of the profits from this movie, while Chris got 20 million and 2000% of the box office revenue. It seems like his is higher, but I also got the distribution rights for the film in China, so…”

Once he said that, Cao Yang understood.

No wonder Jackie Chan is so keen on the film's release in mainland China; it turns out he holds the distribution rights from China Film Group.

Given his fame and influence, this movie will likely gross over 100 million yuan at the box office if it's released in mainland China, and he'll get a substantial share of the profits.

Who can have trouble with money?

That's why he's even more anxious than the production company, New Line Cinema.

Cao Yang thought about the movie's content for a moment. The plot was so simple that there was nothing to think about, and the situation was obvious.

"The biggest problem with your movie is that it deliberately emphasizes that the Triad that the protagonist is fighting against is the world's largest and oldest criminal organization!"

"They also emphasized that it is from China."

Cao Yang deliberately emphasized the phrase "the world's largest and oldest criminal gang" in order to make Cheng Long realize the root of the problem.

Cheng Long was certainly aware of these things. He consulted many people, and they all said in unison that it involved "insulting China," but they did not explain how it "insulted China."

Of course, the official explanation is that there are already enough blockbusters this summer, such as Spider-Man 3 and Transformers, so Rush Hour 3 is not competitive enough and there are no more slots available.

"Can't I change it? I'll cut out those lines... Director Cao, as long as you can help me get it approved, I'll give you..."

Cao Yang shook his head and gestured to stop Cheng Long from saying anything more, which made Cheng Long's heart sink.

A very authoritative person in mainland China told him that it would be difficult for "Rush Hour 3" to be released in mainland China, and that he should make other plans.

It means don't have any hope.

However, after Cheng Long's repeated requests, the other party sighed and told him that at present, the only person in China who might be able to release this film was Cao Yang.

Cheng Long hasn't integrated into the mainland yet, and he doesn't quite understand why Cao Yang was able to accomplish all this. In his opinion, it's probably because of Cao Yang's world-class influence.

Whatever the reason, seeking help from Cao Yang is the right thing to do.

Cao Yang glanced at Cheng Long. Hong Kong people are shrewd in other aspects, but their sensitivity to politics... well, very low.

Do you think this movie is simply banned from release in mainland China?

It was just a small warning.

Sigh, looking at his blank expression, he definitely still can't figure out the crux of the problem.

"I'm asking you, what year is next year?"

"next year?"

Cheng Long was somewhat confused. What year is next year?

This year, 07, seems to be the Year of the Pig, so next year will be the Year of the Rat? Yes, that's right, next year is the Year of the Rat.

Next year is the Year of the Rat.

Jackie Chan answered with certainty.

Depend on!
Forget it, there's no point in playing mind games with him. He probably doesn't understand these things before he integrates into the mainland. I'll just be direct.

"Next year is the Beijing Olympics, a crucial moment for the country to showcase itself to the world."

You, a superstar with immense international influence, made a movie claiming that the Triads are the world's largest and oldest criminal organization, and that they are Chinese.

Even though this is just a movie, a fictional story, do you think anyone would believe it?

Cao Yang glanced at Cheng Long, who was deep in thought. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't matter, but the key is that you are too good at choosing the right time.

The country is trying its best to show its good side, but you are secretly slapping it in the face behind the scenes?

Don't think that nobody believes this kind of thing. There are still a lot of people in this world who are easily fooled. With just a little guidance, they will believe it without a doubt and it will become deeply ingrained in their minds.

Therefore, Hollywood has always acted as the vanguard of American cultural invasion, subtly influencing people in this way, which is all too easy.

In other words, you have no prior criminal record and are considered someone who actively seeks to get closer to us. We know you might not have thought that much about it. If it were someone else, doing this on the eve of the Olympics would not be a simple matter of a warning.

Cheng Long is just not sensitive to this matter right now; he's not stupid, and he immediately understood.

He stood up and solemnly said to Cao Yang:
"Director Cao, thank you for reminding me. I made a mistake, but please believe me, it was absolutely unintentional. I didn't think it through at the time. I know what to do now."

Then, he spoke as if to himself, or perhaps to Cao Yang.

"Aside from the promotions stipulated in the North American contract, I will not promote the film anywhere else. The North American copies have already been sent out, and there's no way to change that."

However, for the copies that haven't been sent out to other parts of the world yet, I will ask the new line to cut out those key sections.

Cao Yang didn't say anything. Although Cheng Long wasn't very politically astute yet, he was smart enough and had a long-term vision. His success was no accident.

Well, at least he's much better than that other kung fu superstar, who actually accepted a movie that insulted Zu Long.

Jackie Chan stopped talking about the movie and said, "Director Cao, thank you so much for your guidance today. Why don't you stay here? My place isn't as big as your villa, but I still have quite a few empty rooms."

Then, he whispered, "Ms. Zhang Jingchu is a good actress. I enjoyed working with her. Although we had many scenes together, it was just filming."

Cao Yang looked at Cheng Long with some confusion. "Damn it, why are you telling me all this?"
How did you get the idea that I don't like sharing with others... No, you almost misled me. I'm not the kind of person you imagine!

Don't think of me like you; you're really wronging me.

So angry.

Look at that half-smile on your face, are you... well, you definitely look down on my "The Fault in Our Stars" and think that my art film is not worthy of competing with your "Rush Hour 3"?

That's right, that's it.

Just wait and see when it's released. The series of wish-making activities for "The Fault in Our Stars" isn't just aimed at the Oscars.

Believe it or not, "The Fault in Our Stars," with its $1000 million investment, can go toe-to-toe with "Rush Hour 3," with your $1.4 million investment.
Laugh, still laughing.

I'm not a lecherous man.

(End of this chapter)