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

Chapter 448 Team Assembled! Hollywood Makes its Official Debut!

September 20, 2012, Sina headquarters.

As reporter Zhao Ling walked out of the editor-in-chief's office, his partner, photographer Li Defeng, immediately approached him: "Old Zhao, what does the boss want with you?"

"I'm going on a business trip to North America to attend a press conference for Universal!"

Zhao Ling glanced at his partner, Li Defeng, who was taken aback: "Global? When?"

"We're leaving tomorrow. There are five of us going this time. It's just been decided: you, me, and Xiao Li and the others!"

Five people?!

Li Defeng was somewhat surprised: "Why?"

"How strange, why did Global Times invite domestic journalists to their press conference this time?"

"Is it a collaboration with China Film Group?"

We've had experience sourcing from North America before, but this time we sent five people, so it's quite a large-scale operation.

It's important to know that for a typical press conference, even for major domestic news releases, a maximum of three people are sufficient. Only a five-person team is dispatched for truly large-scale reporting.

For example, two print reporters are responsible for proofreading and asking questions, two photojournalists record video at the same time, and one is responsible for taking photos.

There was also a video journalist who participated in and filmed the entire process.

This five-person operation represents the highest level of media coverage, and it's something that happens only once a year.

At the press conference for the start of filming of "Transformers 4", Sina only sent three people to Paramount. Among the main cast of this movie is a Chinese actor, namely Li Bingbing from Huayi Brothers.

Li Bingbing is doing fairly well internationally, but she's a fringe figure in Hollywood. I heard she got an important role this time, but her screen time isn't much.

These rumors all came from private sources. Although Li Bingbing attended the press conference for "Transformers 4," it can be said that he gave the Chinese media a lot of face.

But Zhao Ling and the other reporters knew very well that they weren't giving Li Bingbing face, but rather the Chinese market.

Aside from North America, China has consistently been the second largest market for the Transformers series globally, and it is incredibly popular.

Paramount's ambitions are even greater for Transformers 4.

The $20 billion gross of "John Wick" has drawn the attention of film companies worldwide to this still largely untapped "wildly growing market." According to many Hollywood market analysts, China's annual box office revenue is very likely to surpass that of North America in the future.

Although this result is disheartening, it is indeed the truth.

Because of the high level of education in China, the barrier to entry for people to watch movies is very low.

There are approximately 1 million viewers in North America, while there are at least 5 million+ viewers in China!

Even India, whose population is about to surpass that of China, cannot compare in this respect. India has a large population, but its level of education is very low. 80% of the population cannot attend school, unlike China, where the enrollment rate has reached 99%!

Given time, once the illiterate generation grows old, China will undoubtedly be one of the countries with the highest level of cultural development in the world.

This is very beneficial to all parties involved.

Therefore, not only Hollywood, but all industries in North America have turned their attention to an ancient and distant Eastern country.

To this end, they have collaborated on various projects, of which film is just one.

"They didn't reveal it!"

"It should be China Film Group. Paramount took the lead, and I guess Universal wants a piece of the pie too!"

The press conference for "Transformers 4" has just ended, and China Film Group, as one of the investors, has secured several Chinese actors, including Li Bingbing.

"But isn't sending five of us overkill?"

Li Defeng asked, somewhat puzzled.

Zhao Ling shook his head: "Who knows? It was decided by the editor-in-chief, probably Paramount... oh, no, Universal requested it?"

"Maybe Americans like to compete too. Paramount recently invited a lot of Chinese reporters, and they certainly can't let themselves be outdone!"

"Haha, that's possible. It should be the Fast & Furious 6 project, right?"

"I wonder who will get a role in a minor part?"

As a journalist, Li Defeng knew some inside information. Although Universal didn't reveal anything at the press conference, many people privately knew that it was about several new projects, the most important of which was the casting of the lead actor for the sixth installment of "Fast & Furious".

The film just started shooting last month, so it's normal to hold a press conference now.

"I've heard from many people that it seems to be Chen Jin!"

Zhao Ling clearly had connections as well. Li Defeng narrowed his eyes: "Chen Jin? The one from 'John Wick'?"

"Yes!"

"John Wick has already become a minor hit in North America, and it's only a matter of time before Chen Jin becomes a star in Hollywood. It's just the right time for Universal to extend an olive branch to him!"

Zhao Ling and Li Defeng returned to their workstations and huddled together, saying, "Look, Transformers is a hugely popular IP in China. If Universal wants Fast & Furious to be a big hit, they definitely need to find someone with box office appeal. Chen Jin is absolutely perfect!"

"Moreover, everyone knows about Chen Jin's relationship with China Film Group, and Lao Han's daughter works at China Electronics Technology Group Corporation!"

This is a well-known "secret" within the industry.

"It's true!"

"If it really is Chen Jin, we definitely need to find a few more people!"

"Shouldn't this be considered China's new generation joining the ranks of Hollywood?"

"He's absolutely number one in mainland China. Jackie Chan and Jet Li don't really count!"

The fact that someone from Hong Kong and someone with a different nationality has moved out is something that media people are very sensitive about.

"That definitely deserves a proper report!"

"I'm guessing that Chen Jin won't get a good role in her first Hollywood blockbuster?"

"The role of Han will definitely not be changed!"

"What are you thinking? Han is the main character!"

Zhao Ling didn't even dare to think about such a thing, but as a Chinese media professional, she certainly hoped that the first "college student" to go out into the world could get a good role.

"Alright, tell your sister-in-law when you get home tonight!"

"It'll probably take three days!"

"Ugh, the miserable life of business trips has begun again!"

"Hmm, I can enjoy some foreign girls again!"

"Hahaha!"

The two men laughed in a cacophony of malice.

Meanwhile, several domestic portal websites received invitations from Global Times to send their reporters to the press conference.

For a time, news that Chen Jin was going to star in a Universal blockbuster spread like wildfire, but no one could confirm the authenticity of the news.

So everyone is making guesses, and many people are sending private messages to Chen Jin and the official account of Film Science on Weibo.

This is actually a kind of warm-up.

The Hollywood Big Six are masters of creating hype around their movies. From the start of filming to the release of a film, there are countless steps to get information about the movie into the sight of any audience who wants to see it.

This is the new generation of publicity and distribution tactics, which makes you aware of relevant content through pervasive information.

Until... the moment the movie is actually released!
Currently, the platform with the greatest influence on movie box office in China has shifted from portal websites to Weibo.

The greater the discussion on Weibo, the better the movie's box office performance is likely to be.

Unless it falls apart like "Painted Skin 2".

As long as you have a good reputation, you can go viral. In the past few years, it mostly relied on reports from a few major portal websites.

The methods and buzz surrounding film promotion are constantly evolving, so film companies have to keep up with these changes.

……

On the other side, Chen Jin had just received a call from Huanqiu.

Actually, a few days ago, Universal had already notified him to attend the press conference for the start of filming of "Fast & Furious 6" on the 22nd. This time, the main purpose was to reconfirm and also to explain the process of the press conference to him.

"Chan, this time we have invited journalists from eight Chinese media outlets to attend!"

"Besides confirming the characters for Fast & Furious 6, there's also a collaboration between our two parties!"

This includes the mutual import of films between CETC and Universal, as well as the start of filming for "Hitman 2".

This press conference was actually quite significant, while the selection of characters for Fast & Furious 6 was just a seemingly insignificant part of it.

"Okay, my flight is this afternoon, we'll talk when I get there!"

Chen Jin has been working overtime filming action scenes these past few days, and she is still injured. However, as Kavanaugh said, this press conference is a turning point in his life, so it is necessary for him to attend and let the world witness his true entry into Hollywood.

Since Kavanaugh gave him some advice a few days ago, he seems to have completely disappeared.

I had just hung up the phone with the Global team when, as if on cue, they arrived.

Kavanaugh's call appeared on Chen Jin's phone.

"Chan, I think you should start a talent agency team!"

Kavanaugh wasn't embarrassed at all and went straight to the point.

"Hmm, that's a good idea!"

"However, wouldn't it be better to sign with a big company? I'm willing to pay the commission!"

Many Hollywood stars now have their own management teams, including drivers, managers, makeup artists, promoters, etc., with the entire team consisting of 5 to 10 people.

However, they are all affiliated with several large brokerage firms.

For example, CAA, the world's largest brokerage firm, or William Morris, the firm that Zhang Ziyi and Liu Yifei signed with.

There are definitely advantages to being affiliated with these big-name brokerage firms.

First, they want to make money off you.

The more famous they are, the better, even if they only charge 5%-10% commission. But if they secure a 1000 million yuan endorsement deal, that's 50 to 100 million yuan in commission.

If celebrities don't have time to negotiate themselves, they can act as intermediaries for these collaborations.

This is more cost-effective than finding someone to negotiate with yourself.

First, their resources are far superior to those of the team members; second, they have been operating for so many years and have their own set of familiar processes and packaging routines.

So brokerage teams can be created, but they are actually connected with CAA.

"Then I'll talk to Richard and ask him to lower your commission rate!"

Richard is currently the head of CAA, and Kavanaugh certainly knows him.

"can!"

"Is this all you called about?"

Now that Chen Jin has gotten to know Kavanaugh better, he can occasionally joke around with the guy.

"Haha, of course not!"

"Here's the thing, I've already contacted some public media outlets in China and overseas for you. When it comes to 'Fast & Furious 6,' we'll not only announce it on websites and social media platforms, but also on various vertical media outlets!"

"This won't cost much!"

"But it will still be very helpful in promoting your reputation!"

"Especially for celebrity magazines and luxury brand endorsements, once our news becomes a global sensation, they'll be eager to work with you, so you need to have your own team to handle this!"

Kavanaugh was talking about the path to fame in Hollywood.

Previously, Chen Jin wasn't very famous in North America, and he was used to working alone with just an assistant; but now it's different. He's starting to gain popularity in North America, so he needs a professional team to work with him.

Kavanaugh's claims are all standard tactic, but his promotional philosophy is clearly correct.

First, build up your popularity and traffic, secure numerous magazine advertisements and luxury brand endorsements, and promote yourself in various parts of the world. Then, use your work to give back and gradually build your international reputation.

These are all clearly complementary.

"Ryan, I feel like you're my agent now!"

"Haha, I feel like you don't care about anything. In North America, you still need a team to operate. No matter how outstanding your individual abilities are, that can only be reflected in your work. We still need to pay attention to more things!"

In Kavanaugh's view, Chen Jin is actually a very pure person.

Purely dedicated to the career they love, purely directing and making films, all for the sake of making their works better.

The main reason why the two can still get along is that Chen Jin is a smart person.

Many North American artists are too aloof and difficult to approach; Chen Jin is a rather different case. He is dedicated to his work, but his emotional intelligence and social skills are decent, so he is not the kind of person who is difficult to approach.

This is what Kavanaugh valued in Chen Jin.

Therefore, I am also willing to offer him advice and cooperate with him.

"I'll have someone organize this right away. You know, I just want to be a hands-off manager!"

Chen Jin's energy is actually all focused on filming.

He has a very suitable candidate for the team.

"Yuanyuan!"

After ending her call with Kavanaugh, Chen Jin went to find her assistant.

A trusted confidant who had been with him for several years!
"I?"

"Help you build a brokerage team?"

"Brother Jin, I...I can't do it~~"

Wang Yuanyuan pointed to herself and shook her head vigorously, feeling that she simply couldn't do such a thing.

"It's not like I'm asking you to build the team. I'm hiring people, and you'll be part of this team, acting as my eyes and ears. Report to me immediately if anything happens, understand?"

Chen Jin knew what the young girl was worried about.

"This is why I've been making you learn English well these past few years. Sister Pu Lun only knows the Chinese version. You've been with me for several years, so you should have heard about Hollywood!"

"Mainly, I don't trust anyone else!"

"..."

Chen Jin spoke earnestly, and Wang Yuanyuan finally nodded helplessly: "Okay, but if I don't do well, can I come back to be your assistant?"

"Isn't that obvious?"

Believe in yourself, you can do it!

Chen Jin was using intense manipulation tactics, and the young girl, who obviously wanted to prove herself, didn't refuse.

"If you agree, I'll start looking for people to help me with this trip to America!"

(End of this chapter)