Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 467, Section 465: My 2002
Winter in Los Angeles slips away quietly amidst hustle and bustle and anticipation.

Sitting in his temporary office in Burbank, Wang Sheng acted like a commander-in-chief, efficiently coordinating resources on both sides of the Pacific through transoceanic phone calls and intensive meetings.

Shengying Media's team worked closely with representatives from Disney and Shanghai Film Group to overcome obstacles in the preparation process.

The casting of the lead actor is undoubtedly a crucial step.

After receiving Wang Sheng's approval, Jamie Foxx's management team made smooth progress in contract negotiations with Disney's legal department.

Based on Jamie's current market positioning and the film's budget, a $400 million lead role contract was finalized within days.

The signing ceremony was held at Disney Studios headquarters. Jamie Foxx was dressed formally and could not hide his excitement.

In a limited number of invited media interviews, he said, "Chris Gardner's story deeply moved me; it's a universal spiritual force. Working with director Wang Sheng on such a project is a significant moment in my career. I will give my all to bring this character to life on screen."

Meanwhile, the search for Christopher, the "son," is also in full swing.

Disney's casting department screened hundreds of eligible child stars and provided a large number of audition videos.

Wang Sheng and Sarah Miller spent two whole days reviewing each item one by one.

Ultimately, it was the performance of a young black boy named Tyler James Williams that caught Wang Sheng's attention.

Ten-year-old William played Ray Romano's school friend in the hit sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." Although his role was small, his eyes were full of intelligence and trust, which perfectly matched the script's description of young Christopher.

“He’s the one.” Wang Sheng pointed to the clip of William’s audition on the screen. The little boy performed the scene that required him to express fear, dependence and unconditional trust so perfectly that it was deeply moving.

Sarah Miller completely agreed: "Taylor has a very strong sense of perception. He can catch Jamie's acting and create a wonderful chemistry."

Taylor James Williams' involvement was quickly confirmed, with his guardian and agent expressing great excitement about being part of this Disney project, directed by up-and-coming international director Wang Sheng.

Other supporting actors also arrived one after another:
The female lead, Linda, Chris Gardner's estranged wife, was chosen to be played by the talented actress Thandie Newton.

Her complex temperament, a mixture of weariness, disappointment, and lingering warmth, perfectly matched the character.

Toster, the shrewd and pragmatic manager at Witter Securities who is ultimately won over by Chris, is played by veteran actor Brian Howe.

Even the crucial character who only appears at the end, the "man driving a sports car" (a tangible symbol of Chris's dream), was brought in for a cameo by veteran actor Kurt Russell, adding a touch of legend.

At Wang Sheng's insistence, the main filming location was set in San Francisco.

This city, with its steep slopes, Victorian architecture, and unique urban atmosphere, serves as an important backdrop for Chris Gardner's true story. Its distinctive geography and multiculturalism add an irreplaceable sense of authenticity to the film.

The production team arrived in San Francisco in advance to scout locations, rent venues, and coordinate municipal permits. The art director, along with his team, began meticulously recreating the streetscapes of San Francisco (though not all of them needed to be recreated) based on Wang Sheng's requirements and the historical context (the story is set in 1981), searching for vintage cars, clothing, and props.

Meanwhile, Wang Sheng remotely directed domestic affairs.

"Night at the Museum" continues to maintain an amazing long-tail effect at the domestic box office, steadily moving towards the unprecedented height of 400 million RMB.

Despite its box office success of 200 million yuan, "Brotherhood of Blades" continues to generate buzz in some theaters.

Under the guidance of Han Sanping and the leadership of Chen Yu, the pre-IPO guidance and auditing work for Shengying Media proceeded smoothly and in an orderly manner.

The script for "MR. & MRS. SPY" has been finalized, and New Line Cinema has officially begun salary negotiations with Matt Damon and Kate Beckinsale, with optimistic progress.

Everything was under Wang Sheng's control, operating efficiently along the established path.

The time finally came to January 30, 2003, Los Angeles time.

On the land of China, it is already the last day of the Renwu year in the lunar calendar—New Year's Eve (January 31).

In a slightly run-down but vibrant neighborhood in San Francisco, a makeshift base for the film crew of "The Pursuit of Happyness" is ready.

At dawn, sunlight pierced through San Francisco's iconic mist, illuminating the streets that would soon become one of the main filming locations. The crew was conducting final checks, cameras covered with red cloths, awaiting the start of filming.

Wang Sheng, dressed in a simple black director's jacket, appeared on set. He looked focused as he finalized the composition and lighting for the first shot with the cinematographer.

Jamie Foxx and Tyler James Williams also arrived early, and the two were whispering to each other, cultivating a rapport as "father and son." Jamie looked a bit thinner than before, clearly preparing his appearance for the role.

Despite being far from home, the Chinese staff of the film crew did their best to create a New Year's Eve atmosphere. The production assistant somehow managed to get a few couplets and pasted them on the door of the temporary rest area; the red paper was particularly eye-catching in the California sunshine.

At 9:00 AM sharp, the simple opening ceremony officially began.

There were no incense tables or offerings as commonly seen in China, but all the core members of the crew—the director, lead actors, producer, director of photography, etc.—gathered together, and Wang Sheng personally unveiled the red cloth covering the main camera.

"《The Pursuit of Happyness》", Wang Sheng's gaze swept over every expectant face present, his voice clear and powerful, "Start filming!"

The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. Robert Geller, Zhu Yongde (who offered his congratulations by phone), and representatives from Disney, Shanghai Film Group, and Shengyi Film Group all stepped forward to shake hands with Wang Sheng.

"Wang, I wish you a successful filming!" Geller said with a smile. "I hope this movie, like its name, will bring good luck and success to all of us."

"Definitely," Wang Sheng replied confidently.

After the opening ceremony, the crew immediately threw themselves into their work.

The first shot shows Chris Gardner, with his son and all their belongings, walking wearily through the streets of San Francisco, searching for a cheap hotel.

"Action!" Wang Sheng commanded in a deep voice from behind the monitor.

Jamie Foxx instantly got into character, dragging the iconic, bulky medical device (bone density scanner) with one hand and tightly holding Tyler James Williams' hand with the other. His back was hunched, his steps heavy, and his eyes were filled with confusion about the future and the predicament of the present.

Tyler James Williams looked up, following closely in his "father's" footsteps, his face showing the unease and dependence on his surroundings that is unique to children.

The sunlight cast long shadows of them on the slightly worn streets of San Francisco, creating a scene full of stories.

"Cut!" Wang Sheng looked at the playback on the monitor, carefully examining every detail. "Very good, this take is good. Prepare for the next shot."

The filming proceeded smoothly.

Wang Sheng has extremely high standards for performances, especially for Jamie Foxx.

He needed the other person to not only "act" out the predicament, but also to present the struggle of the soul and the inextinguishable flame in the face of adversity.

“Jamie, the emotions here aren’t restrained enough,” Wang Shenghui walked directly up to him and explained in fluent English, “Chris is someone who’s used to swallowing his pain. His breakdown is silent. You need to express it with your eyes and the subtle trembling of your muscles, not with lines and exaggerated expressions.”

Jamie Foxx humbly accepted the criticism and found that the young Eastern director had an extremely profound understanding of acting and could always pinpoint the problems.

He gave it his all, constantly adjusting and striving to fully immerse himself in Chris Gardner's soul.

During a break from his busy schedule, Wang Sheng received a New Year's greeting call from China.

Han Sanping, Gao Yuanyuan, Li Xiaoran, Fan Xiaopang, Chen Yu, Li Tingting... Familiar voices came from thousands of miles away, carrying holiday greetings and concern.

Wang Sheng responded briefly to each of them, telling them to have a peaceful New Year and take care of their health.

After hanging up the phone, he gazed at the foreign sky outside the film set, a faint, almost imperceptible feeling passing through his mind.

His 2002 ended amidst the global brilliance and clamor of "Night at the Museum".

That year, he reached the pinnacle of domestic film history, planted the flag of Shengying Media at the industry's highest point, and successfully extended his reach to the heart of Hollywood.

At this moment, while families across China are enjoying the Lunar New Year's Eve celebrations, he is embarking on a new journey of "happiness" on the streets of San Francisco.

This is both an end and a new beginning.

(End of this chapter)