Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 429 Shootings Every Day
On the Boulevard de la Corniche in Marseille, Aaron and Wang Zhuxian drove a convertible sports car, enjoying the scenery along the coast!

After arriving in Saint-Tropez, Aaron called Wang Zhuxian and asked her to come to France so they could visit the winery in Bordeaux.

"Aaron, I've heard that ancient castles in Europe are carefully maintained, is that right?"

"Yes, those historical castles need maintenance. The castle I bought for you isn't really a historical site; it's basically all modern facilities!"

Wang Zhuxian nodded. "I heard there was an explosion at the Atlanta Olympics. Was it serious?"

Aaron chuckled casually, "It's alright. Only two dead, two seriously injured, and 110 wounded. No major problem."

"In America, shootings happen every day anyway, so this is nothing!"

Moreover, one of the two dead was a Turkish journalist.

“The United States is really not very safe,” Wang Zhuxian shook her head.

"By the way, how's the VCD market in China right now?"

"Things are getting better and better; in just two quarters, VCD player shipments have exceeded 280 million units."

"We expect total shipments this year to definitely exceed 600 million units!"

Following Aaron's advice, Wang Zhuxian invested heavily in Shinco VCD and spent a lot of money on advertising. She is now the spokesperson for Shinco VCD.
With financial backing, Shinco VCD's brand awareness spread rapidly, and the factory continued to expand!
"China has a large population and cheap labor, so you can invest more in labor-intensive enterprises; at least the government will support you."

"Manufacturing is definitely a priority. Hollywood is now collaborating with some international electronics manufacturers to accelerate the development of DVDs, which will be a devastating blow to China's VCD industry."

Because the patent barriers of DVDs will stifle the profits of Chinese manufacturers!
"Yes, I know. DVD is an upgraded version of VCD. If things don't go well, I'll sell my shares in Shinco VCD."

"In fact, China's economy is still relatively backward, and people's demand for goods is mainly limited by price."

Aaron nodded. "Promoting DVDs also takes time to bring down prices. At least until the new millennium, VCDs will definitely be the mainstream in the Chinese market!"

Earlier this year, the World Trade Organization (WTO) officially replaced the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The WTO now has 115 member countries. China is currently undergoing WTO accession negotiations, and once successful, its economy will undoubtedly experience rapid growth…

Nighttime at a resort hotel in Saint-Tropez.

Wang Zhuxian nestled in Aaron's arms, "Over in Hong Kong, Media Asia Investment's Stephen Chow film 'The God of Cookery' is preparing to participate in this year's Venice Film Festival;"

"I think I'll also go to Italy then."

Wang Zhuxian is very busy this year. Not only does she have her own projects to shoot, but Media Asia Films has also invested in and released three "Young and Dangerous" films, in addition to Stephen Chow's "The God of Cookery"!
Aaron smiled and said, "People should pay attention to balancing work and rest."

Wang Zhuxian kissed the man, "This year, several Dawn Films productions were imported to mainland China, including 'Waterworld' for 3400 million RMB and 'Broken Arrow' for 5000 million RMB."

"Currently, 'Twister' and 'The Rock' are also waiting to be released!"

Aaron smiled. "It seems that the import department in China is quite optimistic about Universal's works."

However, of this box office revenue, Dawn Global International only receives 13%, and even with the revenue from videotapes and VCDs, it's not much.

This year, both Dawning Global and Sony Columbia have set up offices in Beijing, China.
Last year, Warner Bros. and Paramount set up an office in Shanghai, China.

Given the current state of the Chinese market and the amount of 10 imported revenue-sharing films, a 13% revenue share is simply not enough to attract Hollywood's attention.
However, Hollywood cannot afford to ignore China's massive population; their entry is entirely aimed at cultivating the market for future development. Currently, the decision-making power regarding the 10 imported revenue-sharing blockbusters in China rests entirely with the China Film Import and Export Corporation.
Most other foreign films entered China through import buyouts, appearing in the form of VCDs and videotapes.

Wang Zhuxian sighed, "The current Chinese film market is basically dominated by imported films. You can't see any domestic films on the box office charts at all; they're all Hollywood and Hong Kong films!"

Aaron kissed the girl on the cheek. "We have to take it slow. Right now, film production in China isn't open to private companies."

"Not to mention the release, that takes time."

After all, currently, film production companies and cinemas in China can only be state-owned enterprises. Without the participation of private capital, where would their vitality come from?
Because Wang Zhuxian was very busy, she flew back to Hong Kong after staying in Saint-Tropez for three days!
Just as Aaron was preparing to return home, he received a phone call from Cate Blanchett in London.

Aaron then went to London and brought Cate Blanchett to his holiday villa in Ibiza, Spain!

Cate Blanchett has been invited by Australian director Bruce Belsford to join his new film about prisoners of war, "The Road to Paradise".
She was cast to play an Australian nurse who was captured by the Japanese army during World War II.

"What, is the movie being filmed in the UK?"

On the villa's balcony, Aaron embraced Cate Blanchett as they admired the beautiful Mediterranean view!
With her blonde hair flowing freely and wearing only a bathrobe, Cate Blanchett leaned against Aaron, letting his hands roam freely across her chest.

"I came to the UK for an audition, and I'm going to Penang, Malaysia for filming next!"

Aaron nodded, then lowered his head and kissed the woman in his arms for a while. "From what you're saying, she's just a supporting actress, right?"

"That's enough. I'm satisfied to have worked with veteran actors like Glenn Close and Frances McDormand."

"Looking back, 'The Road to Heaven' was also the first Hollywood co-production I participated in!"

Cate Blanchett thought it was alright; at least the script was meaningful.

"The Road to Paradise" is invested by Village Roadshow and co-produced with British and American film companies.

"Okay, I'll arrange for you to appear in some Hollywood movies."

As he spoke, Aaron leaned close to the woman's ear and asked, "How are you? Have you rested well?"

Cate Blanchett chuckled. "Wasn't that in the bathroom enough?"

Aaron shook his head and scraped his hand on the woman's chest.

Cate Blanchett turned around, wrapped her arms around the man's neck, and kissed him. "Let's eat something first!"

Aaron nodded and then made a phone call to have food prepared.

At night, Aaron lay in bed, his hand reaching out to stroke Cate Blanchett's blond hair, his breathing rapid!

“Honey, after you finish filming ‘Road to Heaven,’ come to America to see me.”

"Mmm, mmm," was all the busy Cate Blanchett could say to the man...

(End of this chapter)