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

Chapter 442 Sino-US Cooperation and "Sino-US Cooperation"!
Hi, Chan, long time no see!

Downstairs at the CAA elite talent agency headquarters, Chen Jin met Vin Diesel, the star of the Fast & Furious series, who also serves as a producer.

He has a certain degree of copyright and influence over the Fast & Furious series.

Otherwise, the internal conflict among the main cast wouldn't have occurred, ultimately leading to a spin-off series.

The reason was that Vin Diesel refused to compromise, so Universal ultimately cast Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham in a spin-off film, which grossed $17 billion worldwide.

This clearly shows that the film's appeal lies not in its lead actors, but in the intellectual property it represents!

Even without Vin Diesel, other actors could carry a film simply by using this IP.

In this way, Universal Pictures managed to get Vin Diesel under its control.

Otherwise, this guy would really think that he owes everything in Fast & Furious to himself.

"A few more actors will be coming; we'll go through the procedures together this time!"

Vin Diesel was talking to Chen Jin.

He had been to this place before for the audition of "Hong Kong Trip". It was not far from the Actors Guild. However, last time Chen Jin was the person in charge of the audition. This time, the situation was reversed, and he was the one who participated in the audition.

It just goes to show how unpredictable life can be.

Chen Jin and Diesel chatted all the way to the audition office, where several executives from Universal were already there, along with the Screen Actors Guild supervisor.

"Chan, this is Ravenson, the head of the Fast & Furious project at Universal!"

Vin Diesel introduced himself to Chen Jin, and Chen Jin hugged him.

"I watched The Killer, it was a really great movie!"

Ravenson must have a high status at Universal, as even Vincent Diesel treats him with great respect.

"Thank you!"

Chen Jin smiled, but Ravenson pointed to a meeting room on the side, and the two went inside.

"The opening weekend box office of 'Hitman' really exceeded my expectations!"

"So I went to the cinema to see it myself, and I have to say, you have a great grasp of the preferences of North American audiences. To be honest, I've seen a lot of Chinese action movies, including Jackie and Jet!"

"Especially Jackie's films, like Rush Hour!"

"Aside from this movie, North American audiences actually find it difficult to connect with Jackie's other films!"

Do you understand what substitution means?

Ravenson smiled, and Chen Jin nodded: "It's all about meeting the aesthetic standards of North American audiences!"

Snapped!
Ravenson snapped his fingers: "Talking to you has really saved me a lot of explanations. It seems the success of 'Hitman' wasn't without reason. You really understand what North American audiences like!"

"Yes, because of cultural differences!"

"Many Chinese films are written from the perspective of Chinese protagonists, except for Rush Hour, which was written by an American screenwriter. Therefore, the protagonist's behavior, logic, and so on are reactions that are familiar to North American audiences!"

"This is where Chinese films are a bit different!"

Chen Jin was explaining his understanding, but he only learned about it after filming "John Wick".

They prefer things to be more direct.

This is also why many domestic directors will be unable to make Hollywood movies in the future. Even Zhang Yimou could not possibly understand a particular American preference.

Chen Jin did it because the system contained "John Wick," which is an American movie with an American screenwriter and director; she just needed to edit it according to the details.

But some directors from Taiwan and South Korea can go to Hollywood to make a living.

Although there were failures, they understood Americans because they would try to study the preferences of white people.

Including Lee An and Bong Joon-ho!

Ultimately, it comes down to lowering one's stance, something that directors in mainland China certainly can't do.

The ideas of colonialism and non-colonialism are really very different.

"So, you understand North American audiences!"

Ravenson sat up straight and glanced at the time: "There's still a while before the audition, we can talk about something else!"

"A collaboration with Hitman 2?"

Chen Jin smiled.

Ravenson revealed a knowing look: "I knew you were a smart man. Only a smart director could make such a brilliant film at such a young age!"

"Haha, I accept your compliment, but in fact I'm not as smart as you think!"

Chen Jin had actually seen through the other party's purpose long ago.

"You should know that Global Times has always wanted to find partners in China!"

"As far as I know, the best-performing film and television company in China this year is your Film Science, a really cool name!"

"The relativity team has also contacted me, and to be honest, I don't understand why you don't come to talk to Global in person?"

Ravenson shrugged: "A two-way partnership is definitely better than a three-way one!"

"Actually, I have thought about it!"

Chen Jin also raised her head and said, "Two ways to cooperate!"

"One option is to talk to the six major parties in a private discussion about Relativity, and we can develop it together as a three-way collaboration. Apart from Universal Pictures handling the distribution, we can handle the publicity and production!"

"What about another way of cooperating?"

Ravenson was clearly not interested in the first option, otherwise he wouldn't have sought out Chen Jin separately to discuss this matter.

"China-US cooperation!"

Chen Jin only said four words.

"..."

Ravenson's expression instantly turned somewhat strange.

China-US cooperation.

It's only four words, but it carries a lot of weight.

"I had China Film Group handle it, which is an official collaboration, but neither Universal nor I will earn more than through private cooperation!"

Once China Film Group gets involved, Universal Pictures will no longer be able to influence the situation.

"Isn't there a third option?"

Ravenson smiled.

Chen Jin shook her head: "No!"

"For example, Global Times' cooperation with CETC?"

"Of course I would like that, but I'm a naturally cautious person. I'd rather take only one-third of the share than half!"

We need to be able to take this half as well.

In North America, if an outsider directly approaches Universal for a collaboration, even if Universal is very sincere now, what happens when "Hitman 2" is released?
Sincerity stems from the value of the "Hitman" IP.

That doesn't mean they don't covet it!

It's different when you bring in relativity. Kavanaugh also has Wall Street capital, and he desperately needs works to compete with the legend.

Even if Global Times wanted to manipulate things, it wouldn't be able to bribe the theory of relativity.

Because Relativity Media is small, and it also has business in mainland China, even if it eventually goes to court, CETC can hold it off.

A behemoth like Global Electronics is no match for China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC).

This was a compromise that Chen Jin made after careful consideration.

"Okay, I understand what you mean!"

"I hope we will have the opportunity to cooperate. Relativity has always been a partner of our Universal Pictures, and we also co-developed the Fast & Furious series!"

Ravenson clearly understood Chen Jin's thoughts.

The young man in front of him was much calmer than he had imagined. If it were anyone else, they would probably have rushed over as soon as they heard about global cooperation.

But this guy didn't.

The two companies actually had a rather unpleasant falling out over the revenue sharing from "Fast & Furious".

Although they are still cooperating, bribing Kavanaugh is indeed unrealistic.

This guy is ambitious too.

Instead, he wanted to prove himself, so he became very close to Chen Jin.

This is actually quite understandable. He still can't control the global situation, but he can predict Chen Jin's future.

This can be seen as befriending Chen Jin and buying into a potential stock. Therefore, Kavanaugh is definitely on Chen Jin's side and is essentially acting as his spokesperson.

After chatting with Ravenson for a while, the two of them left the meeting room.

The area outside was previously empty, but now several people are sitting there, including auditioning actors and their agents.

They were clearly very curious about the presence of Chen Jin, a person of Asian descent, here.

Based on Chen Jin's understanding of the script for "Fast & Furious 6," he did not see any competitors for the role of "Xiao." Instead, these actors were probably auditioning for other roles.

Several of them look quite similar, clearly auditioning for the same role. It all comes down to their performance during the audition and the exchange of benefits behind the scenes.

"Chan, you can go in now!"

A CAA staff member said to Chen Jin that the two knew each other and had met during the last audition.

"Thank you!"

Chen Jin straightened her clothes and then pushed open the door to the audition room.

The actors auditioning for other roles all turned to look at him, some even chatting amongst themselves.

"Does this Chinese actor look familiar?"

Which role did he audition for?

"Han?"

"impossible!"

"How could the main cast be changed?"

There are Asian actors in "Fast & Furious", so they weren't too surprised. They just felt that Chen Jin was the first to audition, and they weren't very familiar with the role.

These people had all read the script and would never have imagined that the role of "Shaw" could be played by an Asian actor.

Meanwhile, in the audition room, Ravenson, who had just been chatting with Chen Jin, and a few others, including Diesel, were all sitting inside.

Unlike previous auditions, the two of them greeted Chen Jin.

Clearly, the atmosphere at this audition was quite relaxed, unlike the tense atmosphere of other auditions.

Chen Jin also appeared very relaxed.

Because this role isn't a must-have, it would be great to be able to play it, but even if Chen Jin doesn't get the role, she won't lack other roles. It's just a matter of whether she becomes famous in North America sooner or later. Right now, with the first "Killer" movie, it's only a matter of time before Chen Jin becomes famous.

Fast & Furious 6 can shorten this time span.

So this is Chen Jin's mindset when auditioning.

"Jin Chan, hello, let's begin the audition for the role of Shaw in 'Fast & Furious 6'!"

The actors' union staff were talking over there.

"it is good!"

Chen Jin nodded and sat down.

"Have you learned anything about this character yet?"

The Screen Actors Guild routinely asked, "These are all procedures, and you don't have to follow them, but it seems like Diesel and the others want to be hands-off, so they've handed everything over to the Screen Actors Guild to follow the template."

"I understand. He's a mercenary. In one of my previous films, I played an assassin, and he's very similar to this character!"

"..."

Chen Jin spoke fluently, naturally in English.

"So, do you think you're capable of handling this role?"

The union staff looked up at Chen Jin with interest; she had done her research on the actress before coming.

A Venice Film Festival Best Actor winner, plus an action actor—it's a very special combination, and a rare "acting powerhouse" in the market!
"Of course!"

"I don't think this role is difficult for me at all!"

"My performance has been recognized by the Venice Film Festival, and as for action films, the currently showing 'The Killer' is a film that I directed and starred in!"

"..."

The process proceeded in this manner, essentially consisting of a question and answer session.

"last question!"

"These are skills that the character 'Xiao' must master. How are your driving skills?"

"Answer honestly, and if things don't turn out as you've described after filming begins, you will be permanently expelled from the Screen Actors Guild!"

This is the right of the Screen Actors Guild of North America.

Actors who are kicked out are basically saying goodbye to Hollywood and can forget about ever working in North America again, so the process is extremely strict.

What do you mean by "qualified"?

"Speeding, drifting, or skilled driving?"

Chen Jin countered with a question.

That's certainly possible. If the actor is confident, the entire audition process can actually be quite easy.

"It's driving skill that's better than the average person's!"

The union staff were recording and documenting the conversation, which was to be kept on file so they could gather evidence in case of any unexpected situations during filming.

"Then I'm definitely much better than the average person, except for ordinary people like Schumacher who impersonated someone not long ago!"

Chen Jin made a timely joke.

Everyone present laughed.

"Ok!"

"I've finished asking my questions. Van, Orr... do you have any other questions?"

The union members looked at the producers of Fast & Furious 6 standing next to them.

"no!"

"I would really like to welcome Chan into our Fast & Furious family!"

This was, of course, said by Vin Diesel.

Ravenson laughed and said, "I can see Chan's confidence. This role seems tailor-made for him. Let's leave it at that for now!"

"Chan, thank you for the audition!"

Ravenson spoke very politely.

"Thank you!"

Chen Jin stood up, greeted the others, and then left.

No one spoke in the audition room. The union staff quickly took notes and then pressed the notification bell on the table.

It means we can call the next person in now.

Everything seemed very formulaic; this is the audition process in North America.

It looks very professional, but it's all just a superficial effort.

"Ryan, I've got this sorted out on my end. What's your story?"

After Chen Jin left, she immediately sent Kavanaugh a message: "You guessed right, they contacted me separately, wanting me to bypass you and cooperate with Universal!"

"Heh, these guys are always so arrogant!"

"Chan, thank you for trusting me so much. I apologize for my rudeness at the beginning!"

Kavanaugh was unaware that Chen Jin was actually quite wary of cooperating with him, but Chen Jin never showed it. It was this kind of "sincerity" that made Kavanaugh feel that Chen Jin was indeed a potential partner.

At least, it's much more reliable than the top six.

In fact, Chinese people, even those with Chinese companies operating overseas, are just as cautious as Chen Jin.

I'm really scared of being scammed by these people.

Fortunately, Chen Jin was profitable for Kavanaugh.

So we're still in the honeymoon period.

"You're being too polite by saying all this!"

"I need to finalize the collaboration for 'Hitman 2' as soon as possible. I have to go back to Hong Kong in the next few days. The mainland is waiting for me to come back and celebrate!"

"Okay, I'll try my best. It should be close to certain by now!"

Ravenson's probing precisely illustrates Universal's urgency, so Kavanaugh can still negotiate with Chen Jin for more.

(End of this chapter)