Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 282 I miss you, I'm numb

Universal Pictures' buildings are nestled among the Hollywood hills.

Inside the hall, sunlight streamed through the huge glass canopy, casting a soft sheen on the marble floor, while movie posters lined the screen wall in an orderly fashion.

In the top-floor conference room, a number of Universal Pictures executives sat around a solid wood conference table, including CEO Ron Meyer, head of international distribution David Lyndon, and key figures from the marketing, legal, and finance departments.

The solemn and serious atmosphere had completely eased after the meeting ended.

"We hope that all parties can expedite the project initiation and share negotiations. The issue of scientific advisors for NASA and JPL will be resolved by Universal Pictures!"

Universal Pictures CEO Ron Meyer and Wu Chen shook hands and spoke.

“Of course!” Wu Chen nodded. Now that Global has confirmed its participation, the rest is simple.

Domestically, all that's needed is to follow the procedures; both China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group are eagerly awaiting their support.

Afterwards, Wu Chen shook hands with the executives of Universal Pictures one by one to say goodbye, and left Universal with Jason Blum.

As the latter walked along, he sighed, "Wu, I've realized that my earning speed can't keep up with your development speed!"

Wu Chen couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this.

As a long-time collaborator with Blumhouse Pictures, Wu Chen has no intention of abandoning the company behind The Martian.

On the one hand, he needs partners and friends in the United States to help him manage various relationships with the Hollywood producers' union, directors' union, etc., to build connections and reduce obstacles. Moreover, Brenwood is more flexible than Universal alone in some ways, which also prevents him from being cheated by big studios like Universal in certain matters.

On the other hand, the two have been working together for several years, and Jason Blum is closer to him. In situations where collaboration with external parties is necessary, it's natural to prioritize someone you're familiar with.

However, Jason Blum clearly does not have the financial strength of Universal, and the company itself is also investing in some low-budget films. One or two medium-to-large-scale productions would drain its liquidity.

For projects like "The Martian" that cost nearly 100 million, Brenwood Films aims to provide a sense of participation.

"It's alright, money can be earned slowly, little by little," Wu Chen patted Jason Blum on the shoulder and comforted him with a smile.

“Then I might never catch up with Universal in my entire life.” Jason Blum shrugged, then suddenly noticed a movie poster in the distance—Li An’s *Lust, Caution*—and pointed at it, saying:

"Ang Lee's film was rated NC-17, meaning it's an adult film."

"Oh?"

Wu Chen glanced at Tony Leung and Tang Wei on the poster, not surprised.

There are definitely plenty of exciting scenes inside.

"Actually, I heard that when 'Brokeback Mountain' was nominated for the Oscars, some Oscar voters expressed their disgust at the homosexual scenes in the film. Although it eventually won the Best Director Oscar, many voters strongly opposed it when it came to Best Picture."

As Wu Chen walked, he listened to Jason Blum recount some Oscar gossip.

Of course, when it comes to this topic, I don't know if all men like to talk about it;
Jason Blum then went on to talk about Bernardo Bertolucci's 1972 film "Last Tango in Paris" and Universal Pictures' 1990 film "Henry & June".

Both films were rated X before the NC-17 was introduced.

"A classic, an absolute classic, Wu, have you seen it? I've studied it several times."

"without!"

"Then you should go see it; it's art."

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen couldn't help but laugh and mock, "I've never seen you like art so much before!" The list of nominees for the main competition at Venice was finally announced, and Jiang Wen's "The Sun Also Rises" and Li An's "Lust, Caution," which had been the subject of much speculation in China, lived up to expectations and were both nominated.

Taiwanese director Lee Kang-sheng's film "Help Me, Cupid" was also nominated.

The news was exciting, and Jiang Wen was overjoyed.

After all, he encountered a rare "tailwind"—his friend Zhang Yimou served as the president of the jury at the Venice Film Festival.

Therefore, he and Yu Dong, the CEO of Bona Film Group, one of the film's distributors, accepted a media interview together.

The reporter was quite unhelpful, directly throwing the question at Jiang Wen: "Director Jiang, what do you think of the impact of Zhang Yimou being a judge on your film?"

Jiang Wen didn't mince words and blurted out, "Planning is up to me, and success depends on planning."

"Twenty years ago at this time, we were filming 'Red Sorghum,' and ten years ago I starred in his 'Keep Cool.' I remember when we wrapped up filming, my congratulatory message was: 'I accompanied you to the countryside and to the city, and now...' Today, that ellipsis finally has meaning; he will be waiting for me in Venice."

I don't need to put pressure on him. From what I understand, he'll like this movie. I made the movie he wanted to make but didn't have time for; we shared a dream.”

Facing the reporter's interview, Jiang Wen acted as if he already had everything under control, which even made Yu Dong, who was being interviewed with him, feel smug: "Director Jiang's trip to Venice is like a reunion of old friends."

"Has Jiang Wen gone mad? Even if his friend is the chairman of the judging panel, he can't say these things so openly. Isn't this putting pressure on Director Zhang?"

The next morning, Ning Hao saw Jiang Wen's interview from the previous day and couldn't help but call Wu Chen to complain.

It's obvious to everyone that Jiang Wen is very frank and open about wanting to enjoy Zhang Yi's care. But with his words out in the open, how is Zhang Yi supposed to choose?

Wu Chen was both amused and exasperated. Most people would be extremely cautious if they had the opportunity to receive preferential treatment, fearing that they might reveal the secret.

However, Jiang Wen was no ordinary person; at this moment, he seemed to want the whole world to know.
"Senior brother, it's almost time, I'll hang up now," Wu Chen glanced at the time and then said to Ning Hao.

"What time is it? Wait, we haven't finished discussing yet. What's wrong? It's already late, are you going to a bar to have some fun?" Ning Hao joked, puzzled.

Xing Aina, who had been listening nearby, couldn't help but speak up: "It's Yifei calling. Don't disturb their romance."

"Oh, damn it, you have a girlfriend." Ning Hao hadn't finished complaining when he heard the "beep beep beep" sound from the phone.

A moment later, Wu Chen was on the phone with Liu Yifei.

When are you coming back?

"It will probably take a while longer, mainly because of the 'Black Swan' project, which requires review and signing," Wu Chen said softly, listening to Liu Yifei's slightly languid voice as she woke up.

"Okay, I miss you."

"Me too!"

"Really? Hehe, I believe you. Remember to go to bed early later." Liu Yifei said with a sweet smile.

While the two were on the phone, Zhang Yi, who had just finished dealing with some simple matters at the temporary office building of the Olympic Organizing Committee on the west side of the "Bird's Nest" that morning, took a rare look at the news. When she saw this report, she was instantly stunned and couldn't help but hold her forehead.

"Can't you just say less? How is Director Zhang supposed to get his work done?" Zhou Yun couldn't help but say to Jiang Wen. She hadn't expected Jiang Wen to be so loud.

Jiang Wen stretched out his legs and leaned against the table, looking as if he had the Venice Grand Prize in his grasp, and said casually:
"The trust between Lao Zhang and me is based on the tacit understanding we've built through years of collaboration and my deep knowledge of him; it's a revolutionary friendship."

(End of this chapter)