It's reasonable for me to be a three-time Golden Horse Award-winning director and an all-around

Chapter 63 New Project, Sino-Foreign Co-production?!
The last time Lu Rui went to Hollywood, she chose Burbank Airport.

This time, he specifically chose Los Angeles International Airport to see what the situation was like there.

At first glance, the exit area was quite clean, with no vendors selling "leek" or drug addicts puffing away.

However, there were quite a few homeless people in the corner, and there were also some street singers, beggars, and acrobats...

"Who says only Florida doesn't support idlers? I think Los Angeles is just as bad."

Lu Rui muttered to himself, turning his gaze away from the group of black people doing parkour.

Once outside, he quickly spotted Peter Griffin holding a sign that read "LvRui".

The portly man was dressed in a suit and tie, and was carrying a black briefcase.

If this were in New York, this would be the standard attire of a stockbroker, but this is Los Angeles, so his identity can only be that of an entertainment agent.

"Lv, long time no see!"

Upon seeing Lü Rui, Peter greeted him with great enthusiasm, as if he were seeing a long-lost relative.

During this period, he earned a lot of extra money by registering scripts and buying novel copyrights for Lü Rui. His salary even exceeded that of his main job!
Therefore, he had long regarded Lü Rui as his god of wealth.

“Peter, you seem to have gained weight again?” Lu Rui glanced at his big belly, the buttons on his shirt almost bursting out of his shirt.

Americans love sweets and have a very high sugar intake, which is why there are so many obese people here.

“There’s nothing I can do. I’ve been chubby since I was a child, and I can’t lose weight.” Peter shrugged and led Lü Rui into a Ford.

On the way to the hotel, he also gave a briefing on the work progress: "The script registration went relatively smoothly, but purchasing the novel copyrights was quite difficult. Some authors have requested that the films be made and released on the big screen as soon as possible, which we are unable to do at the moment..."

Lü Rui nodded in understanding.

Acquiring novel copyrights isn't so easy. Domestic authors are easier to deal with; they're willing to sell if the price is right.

However, Hollywood usually comes with various additional conditions that are difficult to meet.

"Has anyone inquired about the script?" Lu Rui asked, voicing another question he was concerned about.

“Yes!” Peter Griffin nodded quickly. “Your script is of very high quality, and there are quite a few people who have inquired about buying it. As you requested, I have left all their contact information.”

Lu Rui took the notebook he was handed over and carefully flipped through it.

20th Century Fox, Disney, Paramount, Universal Pictures, Sony, Lionsgate... these are all well-known film companies in Hollywood today, each with very strong financial resources.

However, their goal is to buy out all rights to the script in one go.

Lü Rui, of course, would not agree.

He has bigger ambitions! He's not just going to be a script seller.

Upon arrival at the hotel, Peter kindly helped carry the luggage to the room.

He knew that Lü Rui had come to attend the Oscars, and while he was amazed, it also strengthened his resolve to serve him well.

Working for a boss like that would be an honor for him!
Not only can they earn extra money, but their status and position are also subtly elevated.

The only headache is that the company keeps pressuring him to persuade Lü Rui to sign with WMA, which is really annoying...

There are quite a few Chinese directors who have developed their careers in the United States, such as Li An, Wu Yu, and Wu Jingxia, and they have all made considerable achievements.

Therefore, WMA is quite interested in Lü Rui.

"Lv, you get some rest. I have to go back to work now."

Peter put down his luggage and prepared to leave, but Lu Rui suddenly called out to him, "Peter, there's something else I need you to take care of."

"what?"

"Could you find out if there are any independent film production companies for sale with all the necessary permits and licenses?"

"Lv?! You want to develop your career in Hollywood?"

Peter looked somewhat surprised.

However, he quickly realized that since his client was hoarding copyrights and registering scripts, it was inevitable that he would develop his career in Hollywood.

Lu Rui didn't say it explicitly, but simply instructed, "Go and find out first."

In the short term, his work will definitely focus on China, but that doesn't stop him from paving the way for the future.

Holding the copyrights and the script, making US dollars is one thing... but he actually has a bigger plan, but it's too difficult to realize, so he needs to do some testing first...

Peter Griffin left with great interest.

Lü Rui began to adjust to the time difference.

When I opened my eyes again, it was already the 27th.

There are only two days left until the Oscars ceremony.

He didn't sit idle; he first went to the stock company to check on the asset appreciation, and then added some funds to his account.

He then went straight to Warner Bros. headquarters and met with Dennis Smith.

"Lv, your work is absolutely amazing!"

Upon meeting him in the office, Dennis gave him a warm bear hug.

Mystic River brought Warner Bros. tremendous profits!

Warner spent over $800 million to acquire the Chinese-language rights.

But after the remake, the film grossed over $6000 million at the North American box office and was nominated for an Oscar. This deal was definitely a huge success!
Dennis also received a substantial bonus.

"Congratulations."

Lu Rui offered his congratulations, exchanged a few pleasantries with him, and then got down to business.

"Dennis, is Warner Bros. considering selling the rights to that novel I mentioned to you on the phone before?"

Dennis paused, then asked, "Christopher Priest's 'The Prestige'?"

"Correct."

Lü Rui nodded emphatically.

This is precisely the film project he wants to adapt and translate into Chinese for the next time.

Using enigmatic magic as its commercial selling point, the film profoundly portrays the depravity, cruelty, ugliness, and alienation of humanity through its depiction of death and sacrifice, as well as the thought-provoking spirit of self-sacrifice behind it. In its earlier form, this film was considered one of Nolan's classic masterpieces.

While it sparked numerous controversies, it also garnered widespread praise and impressive box office results.

This film once ranked among the top 50 on Douban's TOP250 list, which shows its popularity!
At this moment, Dennis looked troubled: "Lv, I've already asked for you, but the company is unwilling to sell the adaptation rights to this novel as a package deal."

Lü Rui was somewhat surprised: "What do you mean?"

Dennis explained, "The senior leadership in charge of the project has expressed a desire to be involved in the production and distribution of the project. I wonder if you would be willing to accept that?"

"A Sino-foreign co-production?"

"That's roughly the idea..."

Lu Rui was somewhat confused by him.

What do you mean by "that's roughly the idea"?
"Could you help me arrange a meeting with that high-ranking official?" Lu Rui felt he needed to find out the specific details first.

Dennis nodded: "Okay, but we'll have to wait until after the Oscars. He's been busy working on Mystic River's award campaign lately."

"it is good."

The topic is temporarily closed.

Lu Rui did not rush to leave, but instead toured the Warner headquarters with Dennis Smith.

That evening, the two went out for dinner together again.

During the meal, he learned from Dennis that the executive had a very good impression of him...

The 76th Academy Awards officially kicked off on the 29th.

Holding the invitation letter issued by Warner, Lü Rui entered the venue with his team and met the executive that Dennis had mentioned.

Alan Horn!

President and Chief Content Officer of Warner Bros. Entertainment!

This is no ordinary person; he was the one who created the Harry Potter film series, which is currently showing worldwide.

After meeting this 61-year-old gentleman, Lü Rui finally understood why Dennis had said that the higher-ups had a very good impression of him.

Alan Horn previously assisted New Line Cinema in producing several classic films for Jackie Chan, including "Rush Hour," "Who Am I?" and "Rumble in the Bronx."

Meanwhile, the later film "Mulan," starring Liu Yifei, was also personally produced by him after he switched to Disney.

This shows that he still holds goodwill towards Chinese filmmakers.

“Lv, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

"Mr. Horn, I've long admired your name."

Inside the Kodak Theater, Lü Rui shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with this senior colleague.

However, in most cases, it was Alan Horn who asked the questions and Lü Rui who answered.

On stage, the awards ceremony was held simultaneously.

Charlize Theron won the Best Actress award.

Warner Bros. subsidiary New Line Cinema's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" swept the Best Director and Best Picture awards.

"Mystic River" earned Sean Penn and Tim Robbins the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor awards, respectively.

Warner Bros. won big at this year's Oscars!
Alan Horn was very excited.

Lü Rui also watched with great interest.

Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage, Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey, Scarlett Johansson, Tobey Maguire, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Steven Spielberg...

One familiar face after another appeared on stage, gradually overlapping with the images in his memory.

After the awards ceremony, at Alan Horn's invitation, he attended Warner's after-party.

Given his current status, he naturally has no need to worry about being looked down upon.

Hollywood's rule is that discrimination only exists among the weak and idiots!

The following morning, at Alan Horn's invitation, Lü Rui went to his office.

The two parties formally discussed the details of the copyright licensing cooperation for "The Prestige".

Alan Horn cut to the chase: "We can license the Chinese adaptation rights to you, but Warner Bros. will take a cut. We'll handle the distribution in Europe, America, and Australia, retaining the US rights, and the revenue will be split between the two regions..."

The terms proposed by the other party were very complicated, and Lü Rui could not understand most of them.

But he didn't panic: "I need to make a phone call first."

"Okay, go ahead."

Lu Rui turned and went out, found a secluded corner, and dialed Han Sanping's number directly.

Due to the time difference, it is midnight in China at this time.

The phone rang several times before Han Sanping finally answered, his voice heavy with sleepiness: "Hello? What's up in the middle of the night?"

"Chairman Han, there's something very important. I've discussed a Sino-foreign co-production project..." Lü Rui quickly revealed all the details of the collaboration.

Han Sanping was still dazed at first, but the more he listened, the clearer he became, until his breathing became rapid and heavy!
"You...you're not kidding me?"

Lu Rui said confidently, "How about I let Alan Horn answer the phone?"

After a brief silence, Han Sanping suddenly burst into hearty laughter: "Good! Good! You've really given me a big surprise! Wait! I'll have someone book the tickets right away, I'll go there myself..."

Hollywood has long coveted the huge Chinese market.

Alan Horn wanted to use Lü Rui as a breakthrough point to test the waters first.

China Film Group has always longed to learn from Hollywood's advanced experience, but has struggled to find a suitable opportunity.

it's good now!

An opportunity suddenly fell from the sky!

How could Han Sanping not be excited?
(End of this chapter)