I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 337 Chen Jin's Kung Fu!
"Filming in a place like Wall Street will always present very complex logical situations!"

“Especially since there are so many of us performing together in such a setting…”

Even someone as accomplished as Nolan seemed somewhat inadequate when discussing filming.

Chen Jin and Guo Fan sat with him in the crew's rest area. Nolan poured out his troubles to the two of them. Guo Fan even laughed a little. He didn't expect that when he came to "learn from the masters," he would hear such heartfelt words from the great director.

Chen Jin, however, could understand: "Managing personnel is indeed a test for a director!"

Just like fighting a war, managing a few dozen soldiers is easy, but managing a force of several thousand, tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of soldiers is a true test of a general's strength.

A general who can command hundreds of thousands of soldiers to fight wherever he is directed is undoubtedly a renowned general.

Compared to making a movie, that's a director's ability to direct.

Zhang Yimou can get thousands of people working together to complete a scene; his coordination is something even Nolan can't match. In terms of such a scale, Zhang Yimou's ability is probably among the world's best.

Of course, the obedience of extras in China is also one of the main reasons.

Therefore, filming domestically has significant advantages.

If you're famous and a big director, the crew's management will be flawless; unlike now, Nolan is already a big director, but many extras don't listen to him at all. The producer-centric system makes these guys obey the producer's every command.

It will probably take a few more years for Nolan to gain more fame before he can get the crew to listen to him.

"Fortunately, we received a lot of assistance from the New York City government, so everything went relatively smoothly!"

Nolan took a sip of coffee, showing no sign of disrespect towards Chen Jin and Guo Fan.

The two of them came to the film crew; not only Bale, but also Warner executives had told him.

Nolan himself attaches great importance to the Chinese market, and the fact that it has grossed nearly 2 million US dollars in China is a remarkable and outstanding box office achievement, even in North America.

After all, Nolan's first Batman film grossed $2 million in North America, which is the first Batman film being made now, Batman Begins.

North America barely broke 2 million.

What truly made Nolan a household name worldwide was, of course, the second Batman film – The Dark Knight.

5.3 million in North America, and over 10 million globally.

This propelled him into the ranks of the world's highest-grossing directors. Although last year's "Inception" was also a masterpiece, its box office performance was slightly worse than "The Dark Knight," but its critical acclaim was unmatched.

"Chan, I actually knew about you last year!"

Nolan suddenly smiled at Chen Jin, who was somewhat surprised: "Oh? Last year?"

Last year, Chen Jin had just debuted, and not many people knew him, let alone abroad. It's understandable that Nolan would know him after he won the Venice Film Festival this year, but last year... Guo Fan, who was standing next to him, was also a little curious.

"Inception!"

Nolan said an English word, which is the foreign title of "Inception"!

"This is the first film of mine to be released in China, which is the world's second largest box office market!"

"Five million dollars!"

"I took a look at it at the time..."

Nolan raised an eyebrow, and Chen Jin suddenly remembered: "Haha, sorry, I remember now!"

Last year, Chen Jin's debut film, "Under the Hawthorn Tree," was released in the same domestic market as "Inception."

The two films battled it out for more than half a month, and in the end, "Under the Hawthorn Tree" won by a narrow margin, earning several million more at the box office than "Inception".

"When I learned that 'Inception' was being released at the same time as Zhang Yimou's movie, I became quite interested!"

"Although I haven't seen the movie yet, I've watched the trailers and posters, and your character's smile is unforgettable!"

Nolan gestured with his hand to indicate his teeth, and Guo Fan, who was next to him, realized what he meant and chuckled to himself.

Chen Jin's third brother's white teeth are indeed the most eye-catching scene in "Under the Hawthorn Tree".

If it could move Zhang Yimou, other directors would obviously understand it too.

For many actors, a single action might be seen by a director as one of the highlights of the film.

"Hi, Chan!"

At this moment, after taking a photo with Trump, Bale came to Chen Jin.

Chen Jin quickly got up and gave him a big hug.

"Congratulations! My agent told me about your movie; it's a truly outstanding achievement!"

"You must be the most popular male star in China right now!"

Bell joked, and Nolan, standing next to him, laughed and said, "I've already spoken to Chan, and I hope we can collaborate someday!"

"That's not actually the case!"

Chen Jin wasn't being modest: "Although the box office numbers for the lead actor are very good, Jacken Chan and some directors still have more box office appeal. I need to make a few more films to maintain my presence!"

That last sentence was clearly a humorous remark, which both Bell and Nolan could understand.

"Where is your film crew located? Is it far from here?"

Bell accepted the coffee offered to him by a staff member.

Hollywood has a clear hierarchy in filming, and the treatment of big stars is even more extravagant than in China; there are also rumors that foreign stars are down-to-earth, taking care of their own children and shopping, etc.

Or perhaps it's because the reporters, passersby, and others filming them were all in wealthy neighborhoods.

Of course, the elites are very polite to each other.

However, on set, extras have no interaction with celebrities other than taking photos with them.

The staff were also very friendly to them.

Although Bale is not arrogant in private, he still receives the treatment due to a big star on set.

"It's not far. Wall Street is also one of our filming locations. We can switch over after you're done filming!"

Chen Jin's half-joking, half-serious words made Bell somewhat doubtful: "Really?"

"Yes, the call sheet is dated January next year. 'The Dark Knight Rises' should wrap up filming early next month, right?"

Chen Jin really wasn't lying.

In "John Wick," Chen Jin had Lao Gong and Sun Nuo find the locations based on the filming locations in the movie.

Wall Street, the Continental Hotel, the streets of Manhattan... all the main locations in the movie were recreated 1:1.

Since it was Chen Jin's first time directing, she naturally focused on copying the original, striving to make it exactly the same as the original "John Wick". She even had Sun Nuo find the original crew for the cinematographer.

Moreover, Sun Nuo knew the director of "John Wick" before, as they had worked together on "The Expendables" and Marvel.

In fact, according to the original timeline, the two directors of "John Wick," Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, hired Sun Nuo as the action director because the three of them had worked together before and trusted each other.

Also, the male lead is Keanu Reeves, whose stunt double Starsky did in The Matrix.

These four people have a very close relationship.

This time, "John Wick" started filming ahead of schedule, and Chen Jin asked Sun Nuo to bring in the original two directors to be the first and second directors, that is, assistant directors.

Currently, both Starski and Leitch hold the position of assistant director in Hollywood.

Stahelski was previously an action actor, and this year he served as an assistant director for the first time, directing "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," for a low salary; while David Leitch has a longer career as an assistant director, nearly 10 years.

However, this guy is very obsessed with Chinese kung fu. He used to be an actor, and his first film was with Hung Ching-po. His idol is Ng Yuk-sen. Last year, he also served as the assistant director for Gordon Chan's "The King of Fighters".

Therefore, the current crew is very similar to the original "John Wick" cast.

Moreover, there's Chen Jin, the Huaxia team, and ample funding that doesn't require any worries.

With the original director, cinematographer, action choreographer, and others, plus the original film as a reference, Chen Jin is confident that she can make an even better film than the original "John Wick".

Because he has a significant advantage over Keanu Reeves—he's younger.

And then there's skill.

Chen Jin could perform the moves that Levi couldn't, even better than him; as for the guns and such, Chen Jin didn't actually need any training, because... he had already experienced them.

Although he told Sun Nuo that they would train while filming, he still needed to put on a show.

……

After chatting with Nolan and Bell for a while, Chen Jin handed Guo Fan over to them.

He returned to the hotel and sent messages to Gong Ge'er and Sun Nuo, arranging to meet the next morning.

The filming time has not yet been set. It will have to wait until the personnel, filming arrangements, etc. are confirmed before it can be carried out according to the schedule.

Silent all night.

The next day, Chen Jin met Sun Nuo, whom she had been talking to on the phone for a long time, in front of a Chinese martial arts school.

Gong Ge'er was clearly already quite familiar with him.

"I finally met her in person!"

"He's even younger and more handsome than I imagined!"

Chen Jin and Sun Nuo hugged each other tightly. They had exchanged many messages and phone calls recently, and even video chatted, but this was the first time they had met in person.

"Me too!"

"However, I feel it should be even stronger than yours, after all, you're an actor, and I've seen many of your works!"

Sun Nuo pointed to the martial arts school behind him: "It's run by my friend, a temporary base. Lao Gong and I always talk business here!"

"do not talk……"

Gong Ge'er said with a bitter expression, "Do you think I wanted to come here?"

Isn't a coffee shop better?

Sun Nuo is a martial arts fanatic. He spends all his time practicing martial arts outside of filming, and he has no free time at all. So whenever Gong Ge'er wants to discuss something with him, he has to come to the martial arts gym.

Listening to Gong Ge'er's complaints, Chen Jin couldn't help but laugh; the imagery was incredibly vivid.

"Arno, we can train together from now on!"

Ignoring Gong Ge's speechless expression, Sun Nuo finally came to her senses: "I was just about to ask you, did you practice this too?"

Sun Nuo had no doubts because he had never seen Chen Jin star in any action movies.

Although Chen Jin said there was no problem in both the phone call and the text message.

However, the difference between action movies made with and without a foundation is enormous.

"almost!"

"I practice Monkey Fist!"

Chen Jin didn't mention his sect or the techniques he practiced, because to a skilled practitioner, these were all flaws.

"Monkey Fist? Which style?"

Sure enough, Sun Nuo asked the question almost subconsciously.

"It cannot be spoken of; my master forbids me from revealing it..."

Chen Jin made up an excuse, which Sun Nuo could understand. Suddenly, he clenched his fist and said with some eagerness, "How about we go in and have a go?"

"Isn't it?"

Gong Ge'er said, somewhat exasperated, "We're talking business, you two!"

"It's nothing, I'll lend a hand!"

Chen Jin understood Sun Nuo's meaning, even though the two had contacted each other months ago and confirmed many details of the filming.

But since this was their first meeting, Sun Nuo wasn't trying to intimidate Chen Jin, but rather wanted to test Chen Jin's skills.

As the action director, he definitely needs to assess the actors' abilities.

This can actually be seen as a test. If Chen Jin is truly skilled, then the subsequent cooperation will be a natural progression; if Chen Jin is not so adept, then Sun Nuo might have to find a substitute for Chen Jin.

His expectations for this work will also be lowered.

This is the most normal reaction from an action director. After all, this is the first time they've worked together, and although they've been in frequent contact, it's all pre-shoot preparation.

Chen Jin hadn't really had a proper discussion with Sun Nuo about anything truly related to the film.

This can be considered a mutual probing before cooperation.

"I'm impressed!"

Gong Ge shook his head and followed Chen Jin and Sun Nuo to the martial arts school's training ground, where foreign students were practicing routines and there were several Chinese instructors.

When they saw Sun Nuo, they all reached out to greet him.

Whenever Sun Nuo comes to New York to film, she will usually come here to practice her skills.

"You guys go about your business!"

Sun Nuo spoke to the others, then found an open space and looked at Chen Jin, who hadn't changed his clothes, saying, "Brother Jin, do you want to change into some training clothes?"

"Never mind, we still have business to discuss later, let's get started!"

Chen Jin suddenly assumed the starting stance of the White Ape Tongbei Fist, and Sun Nuo's originally nonchalant expression instantly froze.

Experts will know if there is one as soon as they take action.

Chen Jin's opening stance of the White Ape Tongbei is clearly of the most authentic origin.

"White Ape with a Long Back?"

Sun Nuo narrowed his eyes and chuckled, "That's not monkey fist either!"

"It's a type of monkey fist, they're all the same!"

Chen Jin gestured a couple of times and walked to the center of the field, where Sun Nuo was warming up by swinging his arms: "The difference is huge!"

Snapped!
The two quickly put their hands together.

Gong Ge'er thought the two were going to fight, but to her surprise, they went back and forth, moving very slowly.

Before long, only Chen Jin and Sun Nuo were left, practicing their boxing.

Slap, smash, chop, hack!
"???"

Gong Ge'er looked on in bewilderment: "What's going on?"

"The White Ape Tongbei Eight-Hand Continuous Fist is famous for its unique arm extension and striking movements. The arm extension movement requires the power to originate from the back, with both backs being flexible and agile, and the power of the upper body to be channeled into the arm strength. The striking movement emphasizes extending the reach and striking far, swinging the arm in a circle, high stance and fast descent, dodging and weaving!"

"am I right?"

Sun Nuo's eyes lit up, but Chen Jin suddenly swung his arm up like a whip. His arm seemed weak and powerless, but the next second, with a snap, Sun Nuo grinned and laughed.

Chen Jin slapped his hand as he was feeding his fist.

Just like the boneless whip, his arm had already turned red.

If you weren't a trained fighter, this area would be a bruise.

"That's right, this is the White Ape Tongbei, its power is released crisply!"

Chen Jin swung his arms like a big ape, but said, "It's about training the bones, not the flesh!"

"Brilliant!"

"Brother Jin, that's real skill!"

There was no trace of contempt in Sun Nuo's eyes. Even he, who had practiced martial arts since childhood, felt pain from that swing of his hand.

And this is indeed the basic posture of the White Ape Backbend.

It is said that the White Ape Tongbei Fist places great emphasis on basic skills training. Every move starts with striking a stake and a bag, first seeking hardness and then mastery of the art. Sun Nuo knew from Chen Jin's move just now that this kind of effect could not be achieved without several years of long-term hard training.

Thinking about this, Sun Nuo felt inexplicably confident about the movie he was going to make next.

(End of this chapter)