Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 361, page 359: Heirloom Property

On the last day of August, the sky over Beijing was a clear blue, cleansed by the breath of early autumn, with a few wisps of thin clouds like the casual strokes of a paintbrush.

Although the summer heat has not completely subsided, the air is less sticky and sultry, and more dry.

Huairou County, the northern part of the city.

The once somewhat barren land is now enclosed by huge construction fences, and inside is a scene of bustling construction.

Tower cranes stand tall, their long arms swinging slowly; concrete mixer trucks roar in and out; workers wearing safety helmets weave through the steel jungle, the clanging and banging of hammers and the roar of machinery weaving together into a powerful symphony.

Wang Sheng, Han Sanping, officials from the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and other relevant departments, the main leaders of Huairou County, and Jackie Chan, who had just returned from overseas after finishing the promotional tour for "Rush Hour 2", were standing on a temporary high platform, overlooking this land that held countless hopes.

"Jackie Chan, you've worked hard. Are you still jet-lagged?" Wang Sheng greeted Jackie Chan with a smile, looking at him beside him. Although he looked a little tired, he was still full of energy.

"It's not hard, it's not hard!"

Jackie Chan waved his hands repeatedly. Wearing a white helmet and sunglasses pushed up to the brim, with his signature bright smile on his face, he pointed to the nascent buildings below and said excitedly, "Seeing the changes here, I've forgotten all about the time difference! Wow, it's only been a little over two months, and the progress is so fast! It's even better than I expected!"

Han Sanping chimed in, his tone carrying his usual composure and authority: "The city and county have provided strong support, opened green channels, ensured that infrastructure such as water and electricity networks were in place ahead of schedule, and the construction teams are working in three shifts, day and night."

With the successful bid for the Olympics, everyone is highly motivated and eager to contribute to the development of Beijing as a "Cultural Capital" and a "China's Film Capital."

The county party secretary of Huairou immediately added with a smile, "Chairman Han is right. It is an honor for Huairou to undertake a project with such international influence as 'Jackie Chan Happy Garden,' and it is also a once-in-a-lifetime development opportunity."

Our entire county will go all out to do a good job in all aspects of service and support.

All eyes turned downwards.

Currently under construction is the first phase of the "Jackie Chan Happy Park" project, which has a planned total area of ​​1000 mu.

The initial funding of 2.16 million yuan was injected into this land like blood.

The core of the first phase of the project is, of course, the main building of the "Chinese Civilization Museum," which will serve as the main filming location for the movie "Night at the Museum."

A massive steel frame has risen from the ground, its imposing presence striking.

Its design draws inspiration from some traditional Chinese palace architecture, such as huge sloping roofs and deep eaves, but the lines are simpler and more modern to meet the needs of future special effects shooting and tourist visits.

Workers are carrying out the roof sealing work, and huge steel beams are being slowly lifted and positioned by cranes.

"The main structure of the museum is more than 85% complete and is expected to be fully capped by mid-September."

The project engineer explained, "After the roof is completed, the internal partitions, pipeline installation, and initial decoration will be carried out simultaneously."

As per Mr. Wang's requirements, we have reserved ample equipment interfaces and concealed camera positions to ensure unrestricted camera movement during filming.

Wang Sheng nodded slightly, then asked, "Were the 'Historical Dynasties Exhibition Hall,' 'National Treasure Area,' 'Paleogene Skeleton Hall,' and the atrium structure of the central hall all constructed strictly according to the design drawings of the film's art team?"

"Absolutely guaranteed!"

The engineer answered affirmatively, "All dimensions and spatial relationships have been repeatedly checked."

In particular, the central hall, with its height and span, perfectly meets your requirements for an 'epic' and 'spectacular' shooting experience.

In the future, those exhibits that "come alive," whether they are dinosaur skeletons or terracotta warriors, will have ample space to move around.

Jackie Chan couldn't help but interject, "Just thinking about it is so exciting! Filming here must feel amazing! It's so much more realistic than acting in front of a green screen in a Hollywood studio!"

Wang Sheng smiled and continued, "Besides the main museum, what other supporting facilities are included in the first phase?"

The project manager picked up the conversation, pointing to an area behind the museum where the foundation work had already been completed: "Mr. Wang, leaders, please look over there. That's where the first phase of the project is planned, a cluster of indoor photography studios."

We plan to build two large photography studios and one medium-sized one, all with high standards of soundproofing, constant temperature and humidity, and equipped with advanced lighting and power supply systems.

It is mainly used for shooting special effects shots in movies that require precise control, or for indoor scenes when the weather is bad.

Even after filming is completed, these sound stages can be rented to other film crews, becoming part of the park's continued profitability.

He then pointed further away to a relatively flat area near the planned second phase of the site: "Over there, we have reserved a temporary outdoor set construction area."

Temporary sets, such as ancient streets and courtyards from the Republican era, can be quickly constructed to meet the needs of different film crews and dismantled after filming, offering flexibility and efficiency.

Han Sanping added, "There is also a comprehensive service building, which includes functions such as crew offices, dressing rooms, equipment storage, and post-production editing studios, which is also under construction at the same time."

And supporting facilities such as energy centers and wastewater treatment plants.

Our goal is to build a relatively complete production base capable of supporting the efficient filming of a movie of the scale of "Night at the Museum."

An official from the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources nodded in approval: "The approach is very clear. The first phase focuses on the core needs of film production, prioritizing the 'production' function. This aligns with market principles and will yield results quickly."

As they walked and looked around, they descended from the platform and followed the temporary cement road into the construction site.

Although most of the area is still just a skeleton of loess and reinforced concrete, with the help of engineers' explanations and planning maps, the prototype of a modern film and television shooting base that integrates a large-scale special effects studio, professional supporting facilities and the foundation for future cultural tourism experiences has become clear in everyone's mind.

As the inspection drew to a close, everyone returned to the large planning map at the project command center.

Looking at the vast reserved land marked "Phase II" and "Phase III" on the map, the county head of Huairou County couldn't help but sigh: "The thought that a comprehensive amusement park integrating film, tourism and culture will rise here in the future is truly exciting."

Jackie Chan nodded vigorously. He looked at Wang Sheng and Han Sanping, his tone becoming exceptionally serious: "Director Wang, Chairman Han, and all the leaders."

Seeing how fast the project is progressing and how determined everyone is when I came back this time, I have even more confidence!

Rest assured, I, Jackie Chan, would like to make it clear that this project is not just an investment, but also one of the core focuses of my future career!

After Rush Hour 2, my fame in Hollywood and around the world has reached a new level. I will do my best to use all my resources and connections to bring the best technology and more international attention to this project, to ensure that Night at the Museum is a success, and to make Jackie Chan's Happy Park a world-class brand!
Regarding funding, we laid a solid foundation for cooperation in the first phase. Once the film is released, I will immediately initiate my overseas financing efforts to fully support the second phase of capital increase!

His words were powerful and resounding, full of the loyalty and sense of responsibility of those who live the life of a chivalrous person.

Wang Sheng met Jackie Chan's gaze, patted him on the shoulder, and then looked around at every decision-maker present who held power or resources. His voice was clear and firm:
"I have complete faith in Jackie Chan's promise. And please rest assured, leaders, funding has never been our biggest concern at Shengying Media."

He paused, his tone carrying an undeniable authority: "Night at the Museum is more than just a movie; it's the lever we use to drive the entire cultural tourism industry, and the soul of 'Jackie Chan's Happy Park.'"

My team and I will dedicate ourselves to ensuring this film is a huge success both artistically and commercially.

If the film is successful, market confidence and capital investment will naturally follow. At that point, the second phase of capital increase and share expansion will be a natural progression.

He pointed to the bustling construction site outside the window, his gaze seemingly transcending time and space, envisioning a prosperous future: "Phase one lays a solid foundation for us. In phase two, we will focus on building immersive themed amusement facilities, a large water stage, distinctive commercial streets, and themed hotels."

We want to allow tourists not only to 'see' the scenes in the movie, but also to 'step into' the movie and personally experience the fantastic charm of Chinese civilization.

We have the best ideas, the strongest partners, and the enormous market opportunities that this era has given us. This project is bound to succeed!

Wang Sheng's words were like a shot of adrenaline, injected into everyone's hearts.

It has both a clear understanding of reality and a strong confidence in the future.

After all, the cake has already been made; it's no longer just empty promises.

Han Sanping nodded slightly, his eyes revealing appreciation.

Officials in the capital exchanged glances, secretly rejoicing at the correctness of their decision to place the project in Huairou despite opposition.

The leaders of Huairou County were even more excited, as if they could already see a leap forward in tax revenue, employment, and the city's reputation.

Jackie Chan held Wang Sheng's hand tightly, everything was understood without words.

What he wanted was a property that could be passed down through generations.

This is human nature.

After achieving material abundance and reaching the pinnacle of fame, people inevitably begin to pursue higher levels of spiritual fulfillment and security—establishing a family business that can transcend their personal life cycle and benefit future generations.

A physical industry named after himself and rooted in his mother culture perfectly met this deep-seated need of his.

Jackie Chan has considered doing something similar in the United States or elsewhere.

With the success of "Rumble in the Bronx" and the "Rush Hour" series, he has become one of the top Asian stars in Hollywood, with top-tier pay and influence.

He has every right to invest overseas.

But the longer he stayed in the United States and the more he saw, the clearer that inner voice became.

He knew perfectly well that no matter how hard he tried or how successful he became, in the Hollywood system built by Wall Street and traditional white elites, he would always be a "dazzling outsider," an "Oriental symbol" to be consumed, and it would be almost impossible for him to truly infiltrate that closed, top-level circle that controlled core resources and discourse power.

His success is based on his unique action comedy and personal hard work, but this success has its limits. Lacking cultural roots and social depth, it is difficult to transform into a solid and inheritable foundation.

This feeling was particularly strong around 2001.

Despite his global promotion of "Chinese Kung Fu," he is still often stereotyped within Hollywood's narrative system.

He longed for a project that could fully embody his personal will and carry his cultural roots, rather than simply playing a predetermined role.

In early 2000 Hollywood, racial diversity was not as important as it would later become.

It is extremely difficult for Asian filmmakers to take the lead in large-scale production projects or to get involved in capital-intensive sectors such as theme parks.

Disney, Universal, and other giants have already divided up the market and will not easily allow a Chinese star to become a competitor on their turf.

At the same time, Jackie Chan keenly sensed the tremendous changes taking place in his motherland.

The country's vibrant and upward-looking spirit and enormous market potential are vastly different from what he remembered when he left Hong Kong decades ago to make his way in the world.

In China, he is not only a superstar, but also a cultural ambassador revered as a "national treasure," possessing unparalleled appeal and influence.

After Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, visionary Hong Kong artists like Jackie Chan began to shift their career focus to the mainland.

He saw a huge potential in combining with the vast resources of the mainland.

Therefore, when Wang Sheng proposed the idea of ​​"Jackie Chan's Happy Garden," it instantly struck a chord deep within Jackie Chan's heart.

This is not just a business partnership, but a historic opportunity.

By linking his personal brand with the grand theme of "Chinese civilization" and building a physical theme park, he greatly enhanced the cultural connotation and historical depth of his personal brand, enabling him to transcend the category of a mere movie star and move towards a higher level of "cultural landmark creator".

This is precisely the path to "passing down through generations".

In this project, he was a core partner representing international capital, state-owned capital, and private capital on an equal footing. He was one of the key figures in the project and wielded enormous influence.

This is very different from the feeling of being at the beck and call of a production company in Hollywood.

He is creating a kingdom with his own hands, rather than participating in a project.

He returned with a tremendous international reputation, perfectly complementing Wang Sheng's local business acumen, Han Sanping's institutional influence, and the strong support of the local government.

This is a powerful alliance, a superior condition that he cannot replicate overseas.

Therefore, Jackie Chan's excitement, promises, and clasped hands at this moment represent a strategic decision made by an accomplished international superstar after experiencing ups and downs overseas, a decision that will affect the family business and cultural heritage for decades to come.

He was betting not only his money, but also his reputation and career focus for the rest of his life. He firmly believed that only here, on this vibrant homeland, could he realize his ultimate dream of "establishing a family business to pass down to future generations".

The motivations behind Jackie Chan's future investments in projects such as the Jackie Chan International Cinema and the "Jackie Chan Legend" themed store are largely the same as his current investment in "Jackie Chan Happy Park".

But "Jackie Chan Happy Park" is much more awesome than those other projects.

Wang Sheng was able to offer him such a large real estate project in Beijing, with him at the core. Jackie Chan didn't know how to repay this kindness.

There are some things that Jackie Chan can't just invest in whenever he wants.

In Jackie Chan's vision, or rather, based on the information he possesses, the mainland is destined to rise in the future.

Last month, with Beijing's successful bid for the Olympics, the 1000-mu (approximately 67 hectares) land planned for "Jackie Chan's Happy Park" also appreciated in value, which strongly corroborates Jackie Chan's prediction.

Therefore, Wang Sheng's kindness in bringing him into the venue became even more profound.

(End of this chapter)