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

Chapter 409 A massive fan meeting!

Hi, Jacken!

"I'm so glad to see you!"

Inside the Evanson restaurant near Hollywood Boulevard, Bale saw Cheng Long next to Chen Jin and couldn't help but get up and run towards him, opening his arms wide.

Old Dragon's influence is indeed world-class.

"Hey, Bell!"

Bang!
The two hugged each other tightly, like old friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time.

"It's unbelievable! When Chan told me that you were one of the lead actors, I felt like the world had gone mad!"

After Bale and Jackie Chan sat down, they burst into laughter.

Cheng Long, who was standing nearby, quickly added, "It was quite sudden. Chen Jin was also wondering about it when she found me!"

"I originally thought it was just an ordinary movie, but I didn't expect it to be so ambitious. However, I like the drive of young people!"

In fact, Cheng Long's participation was due to Han Sanpin's phone call.

But after reading the script and the cast, he really felt he had a good feeling about acting well; because if he acted well, it wouldn't just be a matter of personal favors, it was a movie that could be shown to the world.

No one would complain that their work isn't sensational enough, and Bale and Jackie Chan are no exception.

Previously, Bear Grylls was a single insurance policy, but now with Jackie Chan's addition, it's a double insurance policy.

The domestic box office is dominated by Chen Jin and Jackie Chan, while the international box office with Jackie Chan and Bale will also generate a very good effect.

"This is truly a wise move. I've read the script, and the role of the scavenger is perfect for you. You could portray him as a down-on-his-luck boxer, and you—"

Bell smiled at Chen Jin and said, "You can be the fighter you were originally set up to be!"

"Ha ha!"

Everyone laughed, knowing full well that it was Bell joking.

However, Chen Jin did tell Bale that he didn't like the character Shang Hua's boxer setting, and not only the profession, but also the name. He suggested that the plot should be based on "Train to Busan".

What he wants to film is a completely new version of "Hong Kong Trip", just like "Killer: Dragon".

The brand-new version features revisions to two of Chen Jin's representative works.

A remake that builds upon the work of predecessors and strives for excellence.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm late!"

Cen Yongkang awkwardly led Wu Tianmin into the restaurant. In fact, he was not late at all and even checked his watch to see the agreed time.

It's just that Chen Jin and the others arrived early.

Today is a dinner gathering for the main members of the "Hong Kong Trip" crew, which can be considered as getting to know each other in advance.

"It's nothing, we just arrived early!"

"Harry, Constance, sit down!"

Chen Jin pointed to a corner of the restaurant, but Cen Yongkang saw Bell and Cheng Long sitting in front of him and his eyes widened immediately.

He wondered if he was seeing things.

"Jacken!"

Wu Tianmin, who was standing to the side, was the first to scream.

Two more have arrived.

Chen Jin sighed, realizing that Lao Long's reputation was truly remarkable, especially among the Chinese community, where he was practically an idol among idols.

"I...I didn't see wrong, did I?"

"jacken...Jacken chan?"

Cen Yongkang was also speaking in disbelief when Bell, who was standing next to him, turned around and laughed, saying to the two of them, "Yes, you didn't see wrong, it's Jacken Chan! I only found out about his role in our movie 10 minutes ago!"

"Oh my god!"

"Can...can I sign my name?"

Wu Tianmin excitedly pulled out her notebook from her handbag, and Cheng Long waved his hand with a smile: "It's okay, of course you can!"

“I said, we’re going to make a movie together soon, we have plenty of time!”

"You two, don't treat yourselves like strangers. You'll have plenty of opportunities in the future!"

As Chen Jin was talking, one of them asked for an autograph and the other for a photo, but they both looked apologetic: "I'm sorry, Chan, I...we were just too excited!"

"I understand, let them get excited for a while!"

David Leitch shrugged in empathy, while everyone else burst into laughter.

What I'm seeing is practically a massive fan meeting.

After a while, everyone returned to their respective positions. As the boss, Chen Jin naturally spoke up: "Okay, apart from the female lead Wan Qian and the male lead's daughter, the original cast of 'Hong Kong Trip' is now all here!"

Let's start by introducing ourselves!

Chen Jin was the first to start, and they got to know each other, from the director to the cinematographer, and then to the lead actors.

Sun Nuo, Jonathan, and a few others were obviously there as well.

"First of all, we welcome Chris, Jacken, Harry, and Constance to our Hong Kong Trip team! Welcome!"

clap clap clap!
Everyone started clapping, and the atmosphere was really good.

Because Chen Jin and David were both in the same production team as "Killer: Dragon", they were quite familiar with each other.

For other newcomers, there should be a welcoming ceremony.

"David, it's your turn next. Talk about the filming dates for this movie, and so on!"

Chen Jin then turned the conversation to David Leitch, who was already eager to begin recounting the start and filming of the movie "Hong Kong Trip," showing that he had been preparing for a long time.

Everyone listened attentively. Chen Jin actually really enjoyed the atmosphere of the entire crew having dinner together, as it fostered a strong sense of teamwork.

Wan Qian, who is missing, and Zhao Jinmai, who played Belle's daughter, are both currently in China.

They are actually quite familiar with each other, so they can meet other people on set when they come.

Chen Jin generally collaborates with acquaintances, especially Wan Qian and Mai Mai, who are perfectly capable of handling these two roles.

The roles of the elderly woman, government officials, and other main characters could easily be filled by domestic actors.

We'll see if Wu Yanshu, Wang Jingchun, and the others are available then; casting these roles shouldn't be too difficult. The main thing is to secure the roles from the North American teams.

The crew's dinner lasted until after 10 p.m. before everyone chose their own mode of transportation to go home.

Of course, everyone hugged and said goodbye to Cheng Long as usual, and Chen Jin, the boss, hardly made an impression.

It's clear that everyone respects him very much.

"Choosing my eldest brother to be the lead actor was definitely a wise choice!"

On the way back, Chen Jin drove Cheng Long back to his hotel, as he still needed to revise the script later.

"Just giving me face!" "However..."

Cheng Long sat down next to Chen Jin and said with a smile, "If your movie were set in Hong Kong, I would be a perfect fit. I also feel that the actors you've chosen are all very good. If this movie is made well, it should have a good chance of success!"

"Yes, the Relativity team will handle the distribution. This is our second collaboration. If you're interested, you can invest a little!"

Chen Jin didn't make this film, "Hong Kong Trip," for the sake of making money.

"Killer Dragon" was his breakthrough film in Hollywood, while "Hong Kong Trip" was the film that cemented his fame.

He made a name for himself in his first fight, and with the help of Bear Grylls and Jackie Chan in his second fight, he made his mark in North America, becoming the third person after Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

The first film, "Killer Dragon," alone is not enough.

If these two films perform well at the box office as Chen Jin predicted, then "Hitman 2" will be the time to truly reap global rewards. Only then will he have the confidence to become an international superstar like Jackie Chan.

Right now, he's just a nobody with the title of Venice Film Festival Best Actor.

"I'll pass!"

"I'm completely satisfied with just playing a role..."

Jackie Chan's money didn't come from thin air; he has always valued money highly. Although this movie seems like it could be a huge hit, there are too many illusions in the film industry.

If making money were just about star power, many film companies would have been raking in profits long ago.

In fact, many of the films starring Jackie Chan have lost money.

Before a film is released, it's hard to say what the profits will be. No one can be sure that a film will be a huge hit, not even Stephen Chow. For Jackie Chan, who is naturally cautious, his principle in making movies is to not invest in any films except those he produces himself.

"Alright, let's do it the way we agreed before, pay the actor's fee directly!"

"I'll have someone come and sign the contract with you then!"

Chen Jin escorted Cheng Long to his hotel room before turning around and going downstairs.

Next, he had to get back into the busy filming schedule.

……

Meanwhile, screenings of "Killer Dragon" are being arranged in full swing.

Kavanaugh hasn't been in a good mood these past few days. It's not that Chen Jin is putting pressure on him, but rather that Universal Music Group has informed him that they don't have any extra slots available during the summer vacation, leaving them for him.

The significance is obvious: Killer Dragon couldn't have secured a summer release slot.

However, you can take it freely in September!
Just kidding. Everyone in the North American film industry knows that September is Oscar season, it's incredibly quiet, it's a day for niche film enthusiasts and arthouse movie lovers, and many viewers voluntarily choose not to go to the cinema.

It's as if a natural understanding has been formed.

Unless the movie becomes a hit, or a blockbuster.

All of North America knows that a blockbuster movie has recently been released.

Audiences will definitely be interested in going to the cinema to try it out.

However, "Killer Dragon" is not a film produced by any of the six major studios, so it has no chance of becoming a hit. No matter how outstanding the film is, it will be useless.

It couldn't get a premiere in all North American theaters, even in September; because the lead actress of "Killer: Dragon" is Chen Jin, an unfamiliar actress, and theaters are unlikely to give it screenings.

The difference between August and September might be that only a few hundred cinemas released the film in August, while more than 1000 cinemas were able to release it in September. That's all.

Therefore, if Chen Jin releases the film during the summer season, she can still make a comeback, relying on the quality of the film and the large audience. However, in September, there are no moviegoers at all, so there is no chance of a comeback.

"Boss, we've sent out all the invitations, but only a few companies are interested!"

His subordinates reluctantly approached Kavanaugh and reported the invitation to the screening to him.

"okay, I get it!"

Kavanaugh stood in front of the company window, gazing out over the entire Hollywood skyline.

Although he is among the top elite billionaires in Hollywood and even global media reports, no one knows that Kavanaugh actually has to be mindful of the Big Six's wishes when making movies.

Even if he is very rich, with lots and lots of money.

Wall Street hot money kept pouring into Kavanaugh's company, and the Big Six were also short of funds, but when it came to issuing shares, those bastards would just block you.

This completely shattered Kavanaugh's original intention to release "Hitman" in September, October, or even Christmas!
These bastards, they have no slots available during the summer holidays, but I'm going to release it during this period anyway!
"What did AMC say?"

Kavanaugh suddenly turned around and looked at his men.

"We haven't received a reply yet, but... they probably won't send anyone important!"

AMC is the largest cinema chain in North America, holding a 30% market share. It owns 347 cinemas with a total of 5048 screens and is also the world's largest operator of IMAX and 3D screens.

Moreover, his family's cinemas are concentrated in the heart of major North American cities, owning 23 of the top 50 highest-grossing cinemas in North America.

In the future, Wanda will also acquire this cinema chain.

AMC's current operations are far from ideal, and it urgently needs investment to revitalize many cinemas.

"Get me in touch with AMC's president, Pearson. I'll call him myself!"

You're short of money, aren't you? Okay, I'll give you a glimpse. First, let's send some theater managers to the screening.

Kavanaugh believed that once those bastards watched Chen Jin's "The Killer," they would definitely have some ideas.

These people should be able to see that this is a film that can make money.

His plan was actually quite simple: to use his own funds to lure theater managers who originally didn't want to come to the screening.

When that time comes, he will go and talk to each family one by one.

Universal's refusal to release the rights doesn't mean they really won't; they just don't want to. Wouldn't it be better to use that time slot for their own projects or some projects they're optimistic about?
Why give them something they don't even know?

However, if the market feedback indicates that this movie will be profitable, then they will definitely want a piece of the pie.

This is the reality of the North American capital market.

Rejecting you is just a sign of disrespect; they haven't even done any research, they just don't want to schedule screenings for you.

But if it were a golden egg, a golden egg that hatches money, then everything would be negotiable.

If you can make money, who would complain about having too much?
Kavanaugh has now placed all his bets on the idea that "The Killer" is a good movie, so he has to give it a try.

Ultimately, he also wanted to make money and become famous.

In particular, he has an opponent he has to surpass—Legendary Pictures.

They all come from Wall Street, and only this competitor is truly vying for hot money with him; the other six are, frankly speaking, just partners.

Now, discerning people around the world can see that Legendary's film management skills are superior. Wall Street has questioned him multiple times about whether he is unfamiliar with film projects... This clearly indicates that they have doubts about him.

At this point, Kavanaugh needs to make some changes and prove his ability.

Ideally... we should create a blockbuster.

Let's shut these people up first before discussing the next project.

"Chan, you can't let me down!"

Kavanaugh pictured the confident Chinese man in his mind, and for the first time felt that his success depended on this guy's help.

The movie "The Killer" really gave him a glimmer of hope!
(End of this chapter)