Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 241 The Awkward Huayi, Inner Charm
In mid-March, the long-dormant co-production "The Forbidden Kingdom" finally stirred up new waves.

Lionsgate has officially announced that American actor Michael Angarano will play the 17-year-old American kung fu kid in the film. With this, the three male leads for the film have finally been confirmed.

Filming will begin in Beijing next month.

However, the casting for the two female leads, "Golden Swallow" and "The White-Haired Witch," has yet to be announced.

There are quite a few people known in the industry who are vying for it, including Zhang Ziyi, Bai Ling, Fan Wenfang, Li Binbin, and others.

After all, being able to play a central role in an international blockbuster controlled by Hollywood and featuring a host of Chinese superstars is undoubtedly a "helicopter route" for actresses to enter the international arena.

Meanwhile, inside Huayi.

Li Binbin walked into Li Xue's office with a delighted expression. Upon seeing this, Li Xue couldn't help but ask, "Sister, did President Wang agree?"

"Mm." Li Binbin nodded, a smile playing on his lips.

Landing the role of one of the female leads in "The Forbidden Kingdom" is an important step for her to enter the international arena.

"That's good. If this movie becomes a hit, we can finally step onto the international stage. But Hollywood is really tough." Li Xue breathed a sigh of relief, but then scoffed, "I used to think Zhang Ziyi was such a big star, but it turns out she's just like that."

Zhang Ziyi has been embroiled in a series of scandals these past few days.

Originally, the industry thought Zhang Ziyi was quite successful internationally, but it was revealed that "she is not popular at all abroad and has to pay to appear in magazines."

However, after returning to China a few days ago, Zhang Ziyi displayed the airs of a superstar. Not only did all media outlets have to sign contracts with the manufacturers, but questions were also only allowed to involve the endorsed products, and press releases had to be made after the endorsement event ended at 10 PM.

That would make people laugh.

"By the way, has her topless advertisement spread yet?" Li Binbin asked with a smile.

"It's already spread. It's typical of someone who has no brains, shooting a magazine ad like this and even putting it in a downtown area of ​​Tokyo."

Li Xue scoffed, saying that only a fool would do something like this. She didn't know what the other party's agent was thinking, and anyone with a brain wouldn't make such a choice.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhonglei and Wang Zhongjun were talking in another office.

"Brother, Michael Burns from Lionsgate and director Rob Minkoff will arrive in Beijing this afternoon. What should we do?"

“They should meet with Wu Chen first; there’s no need to rush,” Wang Zhongjun said calmly.

"Huh?" Wang Zhonglei was stunned.

The very act of saying these words was already a subtle gesture.

For no reason, Lionsgate and Huayi Brothers were collaborating on "The Forbidden Kingdom," and they should have met first. But instead, Lionsgate went to see Wu Chen first, making them look like they were just casually notified.

Wang Zhonglei remained silent for a few seconds and then said nothing more.

State Guesthouse, 8 PM.

The atmosphere in the suite was relaxed. Michael Burns, with a smile, introduced the smiling middle-aged director next to him to Wu Chen: "Wu, this is Rob Minkoff, the director of 'The Forbidden Kingdom'."

Wu Chen politely extended his hand and shook it with a smile: "Hello, I've heard so much about you!"

Although I don't know what Lionsgate was thinking by hiring an animation director to direct "The Forbidden Kingdom," it's none of their business, so we'll just exchange pleasantries as usual.

Rob Minkoff seemed to be having a great time. Wu Chen was far more famous in the industry than him, and he also seemed interested in Chinese culture, asking questions non-stop.

Fortunately, Michael Burns' meeting with him wasn't for small talk. After a brief chat, they finally got down to business: "Wu, I heard that you and Wan are developing a horror film called 'Insidious'."

Burns' smile deepened. "You know, Lionsgate has a natural advantage in this genre. We're professionals in distribution, and we can provide the perfect North American distribution path for Insidious."

Wu Chen smiled upon hearing this: "Wan and I have indeed considered Lionsgate, but regarding the distribution costs..." "Lionsgate's distribution costs are not high in the industry, and the cost-effectiveness is extremely high. We also have exclusive channels for promoting horror films," Burns further offered.

"Shall we check the quality of the film after it's finished?"

"also."

"To the future!"

The two clinked glasses lightly, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

The next morning, news circulated in the industry that Wu Chen had dined at the State Guest House with Lionsgate executive Michael Burns and Rob Minkoff, director of "The Forbidden Kingdom," seemingly to discuss a collaboration.

Although the report was neutral in its wording, the underlying message led many to mistakenly believe that Wu Chen was the key figure behind this co-production.

After all, the first person Lionsgate met when they came to China was not Huayi Brothers, but Wu Chen.

Huayi's situation suddenly became awkward.

"Tsk tsk." Yu Dong couldn't help but laugh out loud when he saw the news.

Many production company executives laughed when they saw the report.

After all, since the launch of "The Forbidden Kingdom", Huayi Brothers has acted like an "international upstart", putting on an attitude of being detached from "domestic films" in various occasions, which has caused some displeasure.

However, the mainland is helpless, because apart from Wu Chen and China Film Group, only Huayi Brothers has taken this step.

Lu Zheng then called, saying that Jing Tian had passed the Beijing Film Academy's re-examination and would be a freshman in the fall.
On the other hand, I wanted to find out if there had been any changes to the Jing Tian situation. Mainly, since filming hadn't started for a day, I was still worried.
Wu Chen smiled and said, "There shouldn't be any major problems. Director Rob Minkoff didn't say anything, so I don't think there will be any changes. Mr. Lu, please don't worry."

March was a month in which many directors made their voices heard.

Wu Yusen's "Red Cliff" and Chen Kaige's "Mei Lanfang" have both announced that they will start filming in April or May.

Ning Hao's "Crazy Racer" followed closely behind, announcing that it would also begin filming in May while preparing for auditions.

There has been no news regarding audition invitations for roles in "Painted Skin," which has garnered significant attention within the industry; only applications for roles have been opened.
At this moment, inside Xingchen Pictures, Lu Yang and several producers were gathered around looking at the actors' resumes, having a heated discussion.

"Fan Binbin is good; he'd be quite suitable to play a fox."

"No, she's alluring on the outside. The Nine-Tailed Fox needs a pure, inner allure. She's not suitable."

"So who should we choose? We've talked to more than a dozen people, but none of them seem suitable."

"."

"What's wrong?" Wu Chen walked in and asked with a smile when he saw everyone's furrowed brows.

"I always feel like we can't find a really suitable candidate for the Nine-Tailed Fox," Xiang Zhuo replied with a wry smile.

Pang Honglu and the others leaned back in their chairs, rubbed their temples, and shook their heads as they looked at the various resumes they had selected on the table.

Wu Chen sat down, looked at the various actor resumes on the table, and chuckled, "That's normal. They need to be both innocent and seductive, and also have the feel of a big-budget movie. There aren't many actors like that in mainland China."

"Let me recommend one to you, see if it suits your taste."

Pang Hong and Lu Yang and the others immediately looked over.

"Weekly News."

(End of this chapter)