Entertainment 2000: Supporting female stars will bring you a hundredfold return

Chapter 335 Stephen Chow's casting choices are shocking: There are even more experts?!

Kick out Sony Columbia?

This Tang Wen, isn't he being a bit too arrogant?

Stephen Chow's team exchanged glances, their thoughts diverging: "Kung Fu Hustle" is no ordinary movie.

It's a blockbuster that's going to be released globally!
We partnered with Sony Columbia because they have global distribution capabilities.

Moreover, the investment in this film is not as large as that of Infernal Affairs, which cost tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars.

Kung Fu Hustle required extensive special effects, and according to Sony Columbia's assessment, the investment budget was $2000 million.

Sony Columbia brings not only investment, but also resources.

Stephen Chow said in a deep voice, "We need Columbia's global distribution capabilities."

Tang Wen didn't hesitate: "That's not a problem. You can handle the overseas distribution in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, and I can handle the distribution in mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and North America. As for Europe, I can contact the French company. If you're really worried, I can contact Disney."

With just a few simple words, the situation became clear.

The Kung Fu team was all taken aback.

Yes.

Not long ago, news reports were everywhere about the box office performance of "Hero" in North America and Japan.

It seems that Tang Wen was behind it all.

Stephen Chow has been running his own company for a long time and has been popular for even longer. If he can't even handle things in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, he should just quit.

He remained silent, deep in thought.

Tang Wen lowered his head and drank his tea.

After a long pause, Stephen Chow spoke up: "A large portion of my director, actor, and screenwriter fees will be converted into profit sharing..."

This is a cash plus profit-sharing model, which is very common in Hollywood.

"Name a number."

"My company and I together account for more than 35%."

Tang Wen smiled and exchanged a glance with Yu Feihong: "No problem, 36% is fine."

"Thank you for your support, Mr. Tang!" Stephen Chow raised his teacup, offered a sip of tea, and then asked, "I wonder if there will be any other objections?"

Other entities include China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group.

Seeing that he was still worried, Tang Wen didn't explain much, but asked him instead how many days he could stay in the capital.

I learned that he would be leaving in a week.

Tang Wen immediately asked him to meet again in two days: "You can go back and think about it. I'll call China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group in two days and we'll talk again."

Stephen Chow smiled, sensing Tang Wen's sincerity.

Now, he has no choice but to express his opinion.

Before leaving, he took out a script outline and handed it to Tang Wen.

Seeing his seriousness, Tang Wen promised, "Don't worry, it will never be leaked. I will personally persuade China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group not to use the script."

Stephen Chow was secretly alarmed.

"He's really different from what I imagined." Yu Feihong remarked as she watched Stephen Chow and his entourage get into their car and leave.

"What's the difference?"

“I thought I would look even more dashing.” Yu Feihong recalled those classic movies.

Stephen Chow in the movie was so amazing.

Tang Wen turned around to face him and said with displeasure, "Look closely, the most heroic and dashing person in the world is me!"

Yu Feihong said helplessly, "Yes, yes, I didn't say no."

"Ha! That's just a perfunctory response! I think it's necessary to make you realize this point again, deeply!"

Sister Yu hasn't eaten in a long time.

Having been deprived of sex for so long, she didn't hold back. She raised her eyebrows slightly and gave him a provocative look.

This infuriated Tang Wen.

He picked the person up with one arm, carried them straight to the car, and drove away.

"Huh? Where is this? We've passed the neighborhood." After driving for a while, Yu Feihong pointed in the direction of the Beidian neighborhood they had just missed: "Have you been away for too long and forgotten your way? Are you having too much fun out here?"

"Hehe, I plan to go to Beijing Film Academy."

Yu Feihong's pretty face changed slightly: "What are you doing at school so late at night? Don't get any funny ideas, I'm telling you!"

"What wicked scheme could I possibly have? It's just that I love you so deeply."

"Love you my foot! Turn around right now." Yu Feihong knew exactly what he was up to.

It's exciting, but it's also too dangerous.

Tang Wen ignored it.

We were getting closer and closer to the school.

Yu Feihong became increasingly nervous. Tang Wen was driving, and she dared not move. She was so angry that her clothes bulged out in anger!
"You little pervert! You really can't go to our school. Beijing Film Academy is too small, and you're a big celebrity, it's too dangerous! Go to the one next door, the campus next door is much bigger..."

Tang Wen was genuinely surprised by this, and asked in a tone full of astonishment, "Is your aunt so worldly-wise?"

"Shut up!" Yu Feihong wished she could reach out and cover his mouth.

"Hmm, there are quite a few schools near Beijing Film Academy. Which school has a suitable environment?"

"How should I know?" Yu Feihong's eyebrows shot up.

"Hehe, then forget it. I'm more familiar with our school."

Yu Feihong wanted nothing more than to pounce on him and bite him, but seeing his shamelessness, she knew he definitely wouldn't let her off the hook. Besides, she was really mad at him, so she could only blush and say, "Normal University, go somewhere far away, go to Normal University! If you get caught, you can expect to be on the news tomorrow!"

Tang Wen shrugged and followed her directions, heading straight for the Normal University.

Perhaps it was because Tang Wen had limited knowledge of the school environment.

Upon arrival at our destination, we discovered that the grove of trees at the Normal University was indeed denser than that at other schools.

Now that spring is past its peak, the weather in Beijing is slightly warm.

It's the season when cats, dogs, and college students on campus can't stand the loneliness.

Earlier, the weather was quite cold.

Girls might not want to come out; it's inconvenient to wear thick clothes.

Later in the evening, when it gets hot, the mosquitoes will start to appear, which will be a bit of a hassle.

He took off his suit jacket in the car and half-dragged, half-brooked Sister Yu into the grove.

Given Tang Wen's age and appearance, it didn't seem out of place at all.

But Yu Feihong almost died of embarrassment.

Wearing a mask and sunglasses, she followed Tang Wen into the woods, stumbling along without daring to lift her head, for fear of being recognized.

In the grove, the boys who were busy at work inadvertently caught a glimpse of her mature figure and curvaceous body.

Looking ahead, Tang Wen, who appeared significantly younger, filled me with envy and admiration.

Good guy!
Which senior brought such a stunning young woman?
Could it be a teacher from the school?
To be honest, looking at that suit, pencil skirt, and black stockings, it really does look like...

Fortunately, there were no single people watching the spectacle in the woods; everyone was busy with their own things.

Otherwise, there would definitely be a lot of people who would follow and watch.

"bang bang bang"

Along the way, she caught glimpses of different figures, each embracing another. Sister Yu's heart pounded wildly, like a heavy hammer pounding a drum.

Arriving at a secluded, auspicious spot, Tang Wen lifted her chin and said, "Speaking of which, I've never taken a girl into the woods before."

"Who do you think is a little girl? I used to be a teacher at the Beijing Film Academy."

"Hehe, I didn't bring a teacher either, we went into the woods too."

Yu Feihong didn't bother arguing with him; she kept looking him up and down.

Her face was flushed, and she looked even more nervous than a young girl who had never experienced anything.

This tension permeated my entire body...

Well, thankfully Sister Yu wore a dress today...

Tang Wen was working hard.

Stephen Chow's team also held a small meeting.

They discussed whether it was feasible to kick out "Sony Columbia" and bring in Tang Wen.

"I think it's a good idea. Mr. Tang has an excellent reputation and is very generous. According to my sources, there haven't been any delays in either funding or profit sharing for 'Infernal Affairs'."

"We should play it safe. Although we have some connections in the Southeast Asian film industry, it's still uncertain whether they can successfully distribute their films locally. Taking the plunge could be dangerous!"

"Partnering with Tang Wen will help us access the vast market in mainland China, and also extend our reach to North America, Japan, and South Korea..."

"Sony Columbia can cover the whole world"

"What does that have to do with us? Can we gain even a fraction of the experience? We can't even keep the copyright. If we want to make a sequel to 'Kung Fu Hustle,' we'll have to be at the mercy of the foreigners!"

The two sides argued more and more heatedly.

The conservative side consists mostly of veterans in the team who are unwilling to cause unnecessary trouble.

They believe that Tang Wen did not say he would definitely not cooperate with Sony Columbia, and there is still room for negotiation.

This choice carries the least risk for Starshine.

The returns are also guaranteed.

The younger members of Stephen Chow's team, still energetic and eager to win more prize money, preferred to collaborate with Tang Wen. Amidst the uproar...

Stephen Chow asked his assistant to bring him the photo that Tang Wen had given him after dinner.

Then, he gestured to quiet the arguing parties, saying, "The female lead hasn't been decided yet. Let's take a look at the photos Mr. Tang sent. If he also wants to use his people for the female lead, then we'll have no choice but to cooperate with him."

The assistant handed over the first headshot and, looking at the beautiful woman in the photo, introduced her: "Zhang Jingchu, graduated from the Directing Department of the Central Academy of Drama. She has no film experience."

Send out the photos.

Zhang Jingchu, captured by a professional photographer, wore only natural makeup, looking pure and innocent, with a vibrant energy in her eyes.

It seems that no one expected the first person to be of such high quality.

The team members clicked their tongues in surprise and looked at Stephen Chow.

The casting team for "Kung Fu Hustle" seemed to have quite a few people, and everyone could offer their opinions and say a few words.

In reality, it was Stephen Chow's one-man show.

What roles has she played?

Just as the assistant was about to flip through the documents, Stephen Chow waved his hand and said, "Contact her agent and arrange an audition."

The assistant quickly marked Zhang Jingchu's resume.

Next set of photos.

"Hu Jing, an outstanding graduate of the 96 class of the Central Academy of Drama's Acting Department, and one of the famous 'Eight Golden Flowers'."

In the photo, Hu Jing has dimples, her pretty face radiating happiness, and her eyes are big and bright.

Some staff members were surprised, while others were amazed.

"The capital city is truly a place of outstanding people and abundant resources!"

Stephen Chow stared at the photo, lost in thought, and remained silent for a long while.

No one understands the female lead's character better than him.

He picked up Zhang Jingchu's photo and placed it next to Hu Jing's, comparing their eyes.

Eyes!

This is the most important aspect of this casting process.

"Send audition invitations."

"it is good."

The third set of photos features Little Yellow in his yellow robes.

Looking into her misty eyes, it seemed as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Stephen Chow asked, "Did you graduate from a performing arts academy?"

"A current student at Beijing Film Academy, a sophomore, not yet graduated."

"Send audition invitations."

At this moment, everyone in the room couldn't help but look up at him.

I looked at three photos in half an hour.

Are all three of them being sent out for auditions?

When did it become so easy to get a role in Stephen Chow's movies?

But after the photo was circulated once, no one said anything.

These individuals are indeed all outstanding.

It seems like it suits everyone.

Next group – Huo Siyan.

Stephen Chow glanced at it for a few seconds, then tossed it aside and gave up.

The assistant breathed a sigh of relief. That's more like it!

However, this woman is also very beautiful; she might make a name for herself in the future.

Next up is Zeng Li.

In the photo, Zeng Li has her hair tied in a ponytail and is wearing a baseball cap.

His eyes were as pure as water.

Assistant: "...She was in the same class as Hu Jing, a traditional Peking Opera actress specializing in the role of a Qingyi (female lead), and is 27 years old."

"I'm getting a bit old," Stephen Chow said, shaking his head slightly.

The quick elimination of two contestants seems to have returned to Stephen Chow's usual selection rhythm.

Unexpectedly, when the next photo appeared in front of Stephen Chow, the usually silent star exclaimed in surprise, "Is this Fan Bingbing?"

"It's her, the famous singer and actress. Her unreleased film, 'Peacock,' has been confirmed for selection at this year's Cannes Film Festival."

Stephen Chow picked up the photo, making no attempt to hide his surprise.

Fan Bingbing's stunning beauty was featured in press releases across the internet this year, and even Hong Kong media reported on her complicated relationship with the two princesses.

Most of you here have seen her news and photos to some extent.

"Fan Bingbing's image doesn't seem appropriate, does it?"

She has a naturally alluring, foxy face; she is beautiful, no doubt.

It has little to do with being clear and pure.

"Look, this is a photo of her without makeup."

"A photo without makeup?!"

The first reaction of several female staff members was disbelief.

What kind of bare-faced photo?

What a fool!

Hong Kong has so many female models, singers, and actresses, all famous for their beauty, with all sorts of exaggerated claims, but I've never seen any of them dare to actually face the camera without makeup.

Stephen Chow didn't explain; he simply sent the photos over for everyone to see.

In the photo, Fan Bingbing is wearing white polka-dot pajamas and slippers.

Holding a small dog in her arms, she stood in front of the RV, her whole body glowing white.

No one spoke for several minutes.

Several women studied it carefully for a long time and had to admit that it was highly likely that the woman was not wearing makeup.

"Being nominated for Cannes proves she has acting skills. She's so beautiful and young, she might actually be able to appear on screen without makeup."

If Fan Bingbing can portray a sense of brokenness, the female lead's innocent character setting can be changed.

After Stephen Chow finished speaking, his assistant, without him having to tell him, proactively reminded him, "I will invite Ms. Fan to participate in the audition, but her schedule is very tight and her salary is not low."

Stephen Chow nodded, indicating that there was no problem.

The next photo is of Alyssa Chia.

"They're all so beautiful!"

The assistant hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke up: "It seems that all of these female celebrities have had rumors with Director Tang."

Stephen Chow looked up abruptly, his eyes filled with astonishment: "Didn't you say that Director Tang and Joey Wong had a very good relationship?"

The assistant didn't know how to explain this gossip.

Fortunately, Stephen Chow didn't press the matter.

Alyssa Chia has beautiful eyes like autumn water, and she is beautiful enough. She just played the female lead in "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre".

Stephen Chow felt it wouldn't be right not to invite him to audition.

I watched for a while longer.

Stephen Chow rubbed his temples and asked, "Director Tang has such a sharp eye; he's probably recommended all the good talents from the mainland. How many more are left?"

"Only two groups left."

"Take a look," he said, then leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest.

The assistant distributed the photos.

The team carefully circulated the photos, and no one spoke up; they simply sent the photos back to their assistant in silence.

"How's it going? If there's nothing else, let's arrange the audition as soon as possible tomorrow. Make sure to avoid their arrival times."

Regardless of their relationship with Tang Wen, or whether the rumors are true or false, Tang Wen has given them plenty of face today.

Stephen Chow doesn't want his rumored girlfriends to "collide" with him.

As soon as he finished speaking, an assistant director in the team said with a wry smile, "Director, you should take a look for yourself."

"Ok?"

Stephen Chow opened his eyes, a line he had recently written coming to mind—"There are still masters?"

On the table, four photos were placed in pairs in front of him.

The person above has innocent eyes, like a lost fawn in the mountains and forests.

Her eyes made you want to protect her at first glance.

With his mind filled with the plot, Stephen Chow subconsciously used her as a template, sketching in his mind a scene where she was dressed in white, her eyes brimming with tears, looking at him.

"hiss--"

He took a deep breath, held the photo in his hand, and examined it carefully…

(End of this chapter)