I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

During the meal, Scarlett suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, are you planning to fully fund this movie yourself, or are you going to collaborate with a Hollywood film company?"

Cheng Sheng raised an eyebrow slightly: "What's the difference between the two?"

“Personal investment is too uneconomical, with too many trivial matters and concentrated risks.” Scarlett patiently explained, “The best options are only two: either register a local company in Hollywood, or cooperate directly with an established film and television company. Relying on a professional team can save you a series of complicated matters such as legal, financial, auditing, publicity and distribution, which is worry-free and safe.”

Cheng Sheng sighed inwardly upon hearing this, not expecting the pre-production process for Hollywood films to be so complicated.

He had already founded Victory Films in the country and simply didn't have the extra energy to manage an overseas company.

“Then I’ll choose the cooperation model.” Cheng Sheng quickly finalized the direction. “Based on your understanding, which company is the most suitable?”

Scarlett thought for a moment and analyzed clearly: "The top eight film companies can be ruled out directly. They have too much power. Once we cooperate, the project's control will likely be undermined, and you won't have the final say on the film. Small companies can also be ignored. Their qualifications vary, and they don't have stable and formal distribution channels. If the film is completed but cannot be released, all the investment will be wasted."

"So it seems that a mid-sized film and television company is the best solution." Cheng Sheng nodded in agreement. "Do you have any suitable recommendations?"

"I'll have my agent help you with the selection."

Scarlett immediately took out her phone and contacted her longtime agent, Lucy.

Lucy was overjoyed to learn that Cheng Sheng had personally come to Hollywood and had even tailored an award-winning script specifically for Scarlett.

Having worked in Hollywood for over a decade, she has extensive connections both within and outside the industry, making it easy for her to connect with partner companies.

Soon, Lucy compiled a list of five high-quality mid-sized film and television companies, each with its own advantages and a high degree of compatibility.

Lionsgate is ranked number one.

This Canadian-based company was founded in 1997 and has long supported struggling up-and-coming directors in Hollywood. It has a deep understanding of genre films and has created phenomenal classic IPs such as "Saw". It has extremely strong market operation capabilities.

The second company is Legendary Pictures, which focuses on big-budget fantasy and science fiction films. It owns top-tier blockbuster IPs such as "Godzilla," "Dunkirk," and "Dune," and boasts top-notch production standards.

In addition, there are three other options: A24, MGM, and Blumhouse Productions.

A24 focuses on auteur films and highly acclaimed independent productions. Although they are not large in scale, they have a strong appeal for awards and industry influence. They are good at creating medium-budget masterpieces that combine artistic and commercial value, and their ability to win awards is among the best in the industry.

MGM was once one of the eight major Hollywood studios. Although it has declined and produced fewer films each year, it still retains its heritage and its resources and distribution channels remain mature and stable.

Cheng Sheng had never heard of Blumhouse Productions before.

It was only through Lucy's introduction that he learned that the company focuses on low-cost, high-return thriller and horror films, and owns blockbuster universe IPs such as "Insidious," "The Conjuring," and "Get Out." It is a benchmark for the profit model of mid-sized Hollywood films, and in recent years it has also been actively expanding into TV series and diverse genres.

Cheng Sheng did not rush to finalize a partner, but planned to contact and negotiate with them one by one, taking into account the cooperation conditions, project authority, and profit sharing model, and then select the best one to sign.

Scarlett quickly finished her breakfast, and the two did not set off immediately. After a short rest and some tender time, they drove to the copyright agency and successfully completed the script registration for "Juno," thus securing the copyright.

After finishing their business, Scarlett took Cheng Sheng on a tour of Hollywood.

The two first went to Universal Studios, a core landmark in Hollywood, and stepped into a real film set to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Hollywood movie shooting.

Afterwards, she visited the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where over two thousand celebrity plaques bear witness to the glittering past of the film industry. However, the street was lined with shops, bustling with people, and tourists were constantly coming and going. Fortunately, Scarlett Johansson had disguised herself before going out, wearing sunglasses and a wig to completely conceal her appearance. Unless someone knew her closely, no one would recognize this top star, perfectly avoiding paparazzi and scandals.

The two had lunch and rested at a specialty restaurant, then checked in at the celebrity handprint and footprint wall at the Chinese Theatre, and finally strolled through Beverly Hills, browsing through top-tier mansions and luxury shopping districts, immersing themselves in the style and atmosphere of Hollywood's wealthy neighborhood.

After our tour, it was already getting dark.

The two did not go back to the villa to cook, but brought back dinner on the way.

Scarlett rarely cooks, and the ingredients in the villa are limited, consisting mainly of simple noodles and mashed potatoes. Ordering takeout is much more convenient.

After dinner, the two sat on the spacious sofa, chatting and relaxing in a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

Cheng Sheng took some time to send a message to Zeng Li in China, informing her of his recent situation and schedule in Hollywood.

Zeng Li and Scarlett were close friends in private and knew about each other's relationship with Cheng Sheng.

Despite the differences in Eastern and Western perspectives, Scarlett Johansson has a very clear and open-minded view of this, and she is already used to the diverse ways of getting along in the Hollywood entertainment industry.

Although Zeng Li was far away in China, she was very perceptive. She simply told Cheng Sheng to be cautious and prudent while abroad, and to be careful not to get pregnant.

To this, Cheng Sheng could only say he would try his best.

As night deepened, the two chatted idly, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility.

The next morning, a cool Hollywood breeze blew into the villa through the window cracks, waking the two sleeping people.

Cheng Sheng slowly opened his eyes and saw that most of the blankets had slipped down. He gently pulled the blankets up and covered Scarlett's bare shoulders.

After a quick wash, he went out alone to a nearby supermarket to buy a large amount of fresh meat, vegetables, and breakfast.

He will be staying in Hollywood for the foreseeable future, temporarily residing in Scarlett's villa. Eating takeout for days on end is not a good idea, so he might as well cook home-style dishes himself, which are cleaner and more to his liking.

When Cheng Sheng returned to the villa carrying a full load of ingredients, Scarlett had already gotten up.

Upon seeing him return, she immediately rushed forward, hugged him tightly, and said with a hint of dependence in her voice, "I thought you had left quietly, and I was just about to call you."

"I'm just going to buy some ingredients nearby," Cheng Sheng said with a smile, picking up the bag in his hand. "I'll cook you authentic Chinese home-style dishes tonight."

Scarlett looked at her with curiosity and a hint of doubt: "You really know how to cook Chinese food?"

"Don't worry, the taste will definitely not disappoint you." Cheng Sheng smiled gently.

He didn't understand the so-called authentic style; he simply replicated his mother's home-cooked meals, which he found more palatable than monotonous Western food.

"That's wonderful!" Scarlett exclaimed with delight, leaning down to give him a light kiss on the corner of his lips.

After a few playful moments of joking and teasing, Cheng Sheng carefully arranged the fresh meat and vegetables into the refrigerator, and then set the breakfast he had bought onto the table. (End of Chapter)