Reborn Capital Madman

The popularity of "Tangshan Brother" has caused subtle changes in the structure of the Hong Kong film industry. Generally speaking, it is good for small companies that are shrouded in the shadow of the giant Shaw Brothers film company.

However, a problem then became realistic and acute, and that was the fight for Li Xiaolong.

The actual operating model of "Tangshan Brother" is that the interests of Shanghua Culture and Jiahe are equally shared, and Li Xiaolong is just a star actor who enjoys special treatment.

During this process, Shanghua Culture provided the main financial support, and Jiahe, which relieved the financial burden, was responsible for the specific work, and Li Xiaolong used his own abilities.

From an outside perspective, during this operation, Golden Harvest was the protagonist; Bruce Lee, who was not signed by Shaw Brothers, signed with Golden Harvest.

Ever since, based on this understanding, poaching operations in all aspects have actually begun.

You know, don't watch it before. The old TV series "The Green Hornet" in which Li Xiaolong participated was introduced and broadcast in Hong Kong, which caused a wave of pursuit of Li Xiaolong.

And up.

Now, Li Xiaolong's value has been clearly demonstrated, and the pursuit of capital has naturally turned from virtual to real.

According to the experience of the Hong Kong film circle, or furthermore, the Chinese film circle, over the years, as long as you are willing to pay a big price, there is no corner that cannot be dug.

After all, what kind of art is real when you have money to do it?

Therefore, news about wooing Li Xiaolong comes and goes, and it is so bizarre that it is difficult to tell who is the real mastermind behind the poacher, but it is obvious how generous the conditions offered by the poacher are.

For example, there was a Baodao film producer who announced that as long as Li Xiaolong tore up the contract with Jiahe and started filming for them, he would be willing to offer at least three times more favorable terms than Jiahe, and would be fully responsible for the lawsuit after breaking the contract.

question,

Faced with the overwhelming offer of olive branches, Li Xiaolong's reaction left some people scratching their heads.

When answering reporters' questions in this regard, Li Xiaolong did not directly express whether he was considering changing jobs. He only repeatedly emphasized arrogantly that he was free and would not sell himself to Jiahe or anyone else.

There is no doubt that in this wave of pursuit of Bruce Lee, Jiahe almost bore all the pressure.

Zou Wenhuai, who was suffering beyond words, finally couldn't bear it anymore and made a special appointment to visit Gao Xian at home. He even asked an intriguing question straight to the point, "Mr. Gao, do you intend to invest in Jiahe?"

Gao Xian, who was slightly surprised, asked: "How many shares of Jiahe does Boss Zou intend to sell to me?"

Although Zou Wenhuai was well prepared, he was still stunned by the question and hesitated to answer immediately.

To be honest, Zou Wenhuai was quite afraid of Gao Xian.

No matter how you think about it, it is incredible that a young man who is only twenty-five or six years old can make a name for himself in Xiangjiang, a city where dragons and crouching tigers are hidden.

Looking at Gao Xian's reaction, if he is willing to invest in Jiahe, how many shares should be given to him? If too much, he will overwhelm the guest. If he is less, the effect of bundling interests will be lost.

Seeing that Zou Wenhuai, who should have taken the initiative on the topic, suddenly fell into a dilemma, Gao Xian smoothed things over and laughed, "Well, Boss Zou, I will expand your proposal."

"Golden Harvest has taken a stake in Shanghua Culture. As a result, Li Xiaolong has signed a contract with Shanghua Culture for the remaining film. Naturally, it will continue to be operated by Golden Harvest."

"At the same time, Shanghua Culture has invested in Golden Harvest, and will receive treatment equivalent to Golden Harvest itself when it needs to mobilize film production and distribution resources."

"As for the shareholding ratio, I suggest 10% is the best. Both parties only share the operating results and do not seek to control the specific operations of the other party."

While Zou Wenhuai agreed, he couldn't help but blush. Gao Xian calmly dismissed his worries at once, which was really amazing.

Now that Gao Xian had seen through it, Zou Wenhuai simply continued to be shameless and asked the question that he was still worried about, "Mr. Gao, Li Xiaolong's star value has been revealed, and it must be more than the two currently contracted movies."

"Obviously, other competitors have also seen this, which has led to the recent overt or covert poaching actions that have emerged one after another, which is very disturbing. Li Xiaolong's attitude towards this is also unclear."

"In this case, what should we do to preserve this luminous pearl that we worked so hard to discover?"

Gao Xian smiled disdainfully, "These clowns who are making noise everywhere are just adding to the laughing stock. I really think that the one with the highest price will get it! I don't think about it, Li Xiaolong has been in Hollywood for many years, how could he have never seen the world."

"What's more important is that these vulgar people have no idea what Li Xiaolong is really thinking, which makes them even more annoying when they get together."

Zou Wenhuai's lips moved and he said to himself, "It seems that I am also a vulgar person, because I can't guess what Li Xiaolong really thinks in his heart."

Gao Xian glanced at Zou Wenhuai and continued slowly: "Li Xiaolong, who has a wife and children, of course also has his own financial interests, but he is very ambitious, and on top of that, he also pursues his ideals."

"So, those guys' pursuit of fame and fortune is just nonsense. At least, that's the case outside of Hollywood and in Asia."

"Of course, we must further win over Li Xiaolong."

"I have already said that Li Xiaolong has been in Hollywood for many years. It is not that he has never seen young boys in the market. Some things are simply unavoidable. It is better to be generous and prepare for him in advance."

Zou Wenhuai, who nodded repeatedly, subconsciously asked: "What are you preparing for?"

"For example, help Li Xiaolong set up his own film company." Gao Xian said leisurely: "After the second contracted film is completed, the three companies will produce the film together."

Zou Wenhuai suddenly realized, "That's right. This step will inevitably be taken sooner or later. It's better to just be happy and give it a favor."

"But..." Zou Wenhuai said this, hesitating a little, "Can you firmly win over Li Xiaolong just by helping him set up his own film company?"

"Li Xiaolong is very ambitious and naturally attaches great importance to credit. As long as he signs the contract, he will not regret it." Gao Xian said with confidence: "The big deal is, we will give Li Xiaolong's film company a label that belongs to us. For example, the name will be called Xie

"He" means "assist Jiahe", and one can tell at a glance that he belongs to the Jiahe family, and idlers retreat."

Zou Wenhuai couldn't help but smile after hearing this, "Mr. Gao's thoughtfulness made me feel relieved immediately."

""Brother Tangshan" became an instant hit. It's time to strike while the iron is hot. The second movie signed with Li Xiaolong should also be put on the agenda. I don't know what Mr. Gao has planned this time."

Gao Xian reached back and picked up a stack of tidied newspapers and handed them to Zou Wenhuai, "Boss Zou, what do you think of this current situation?"

Zou Wenhuai flipped through the pages in confusion and saw that they were arranged in chronological order. The local newspapers in Xiangjiang reported on the Diaoyutai incident. The most recent issue was about students in Xiangjiang demonstrating and submitting a protest against the encroachment of Diaoyutai.

"As long as you are Chinese, you will feel indignant about this." Zou Wenhuai said thoughtfully: "I'm afraid this storm will continue until next year."

"Then we will have the creative space to follow the trend." Gao Xian said almost word for word: "We will use the era of the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, when the Chinese nation was reduced to the sick man of East Asia, as the background to let Li Xiaolong give full play to his expertise.

, interpreting a story about the martial spirit.”

Zou Wenhuai patted his thigh with gleaming eyes, "Mr. Gao has great insights. I will arrange the script writing right away, and then I will ask Mr. Gao to review it."

Gao Xian stood up and said goodbye: "Then I wish our cooperation will be successful again and win everything."

"With Mr. Gao strategizing, it is natural that all my wishes will come true." Zou Wenhuai complimented him sincerely, and before getting in the car, he reminded him naggingly: "Li Xiaolong has returned to the United States. Mr. Gao, please pay more attention to avoid another incident in Hollywood."

Something unexpected happened."

Gao Xian did not take it seriously this time, but said solemnly: "Boss Zou is right to remind us that Hollywood has to be on guard. What Li Xiaolong never forgets is to cooperate with Hollywood to make kung fu movies, but in this operation, we cannot be kicked away."

.”

Hearing the sonorous meaning in Gao Xian's tone, Zou Wenhuai was completely relieved. This Mr. Gao was far more ambitious than him, so he was a little short-changed. He might not be able to bear what he could bear.

…

After "Tangshan Brother" became a hit, Li Xiaolong, who had initially completed his promotional tasks, personally sent his wife and children who had come to Hong Kong for reunion during the Spring Festival back to the United States.

Needless to say, Li Xiaolong returned to the United States specifically this time, and he inevitably planned to see Hollywood's reaction.

"Tangshan Brother" became an instant hit in Hong Kong, and it is impossible for Hollywood to not receive some news.

You know, in the past 1960s, Hollywood was almost driven to death by the emerging television industry.

In order to survive, Hollywood had to lower its proud head and changed its attitude from refusing to send movies to TV stations to filming TV series for TV stations.

Under such difficult circumstances, Hollywood is naturally very concerned about major changes in the film market in other regions.

This is also true. As soon as Li Xiaolong returned to Los Angeles, he was noticed by Paramount and Warner, whom he had had contact with before, and took the initiative to contact him.

In short, Paramount, which once invited Li Xiaolong to participate in one episode of "Blind Dog Detective", hopes that Li Xiaolong will appear in three more episodes of "Blind Dog Detective"; it previously used a TV series called "Kung Fu" to shoot the network

Li Xiaolong's Warner Bros. is preparing to take action this time and actually promote the filming of "Kung Fu".

Li Xiaolong was quite happy at first, but soon fell into trouble, because the scripts for the three episodes of "Blind Dog Detective" were supposed to be temporary changes to add scenes, and the content arrangement was too rigid and did not meet his wishes; more importantly,

What's interesting is that neither Paramount nor Warner has mentioned letting him star in a movie.

Of course, this round of contact with Hollywood is indeed a little different.

At the very least, compared to the previous wooing that was only at the ambiguous stage, both Paramount and Warner have taken concrete actions.

But that's all. Li Xiaolong's ideal is still far from being realized.

As a result, Li Xiaolong returned to Xiangjiang at a speed that was beyond expectations in Xiangjiang.

Gao Xian, who was holding the telegram sent by Zhou Wenyao from the United States and thinking about it carefully, was surprised when he heard the staff report that Li Xiaolong came to see him.

"Bruce, why aren't you in Los Angeles? Stay with Linda and the kids and have a good rest." Gao Xian said hello while paying attention to Li Xiaolong's expression.

Li Xiaolong came to Gao Xian this time to express his worries, so he immediately told him about his recent contacts with Hollywood.

Gao Xian spoke slowly and calmly with the unique calmness of a master of philosophy: "Bruce, this shows that Hollywood recognizes your value compared to before; but you still need to create a greater momentum here in Xiangjiang.

Let them fully understand your value.”

Li Xiaolong nodded sincerely and said: "David, let's hurry up and promote the production of the second movie."

"As you wish." Gao Xian changed the topic: "But I haven't finished speaking yet."

"Bruce, have you ever thought that even if you become recognized as the number one Chinese star, Hollywood will 100% ask you to be the leading actor in a movie?"

Li Xiaolong's lips moved but he did not answer.

Gao Xian said leisurely: "Bruce, I think you should have some understanding. "Brother Tangshan" is tailor-made for you, and the next movies will also adhere to this principle."

"But Hollywood won't give you such special treatment. That's why you will feel that the scripts of those three episodes of "Blind Dog Detective" are tasteless and it is a pity to abandon them."

"In the final analysis, the right to speak in Hollywood is in the hands of capital. If capital can speak for itself, make movies, be the protagonist, etc., then it is foolproof."

Li Xiaolong raised his hand and rubbed his nose, "Kung Fu is my strength, capital is your strength."

"I'm working hard." Gao Xian laughed, "Bruce, I suggest that after filming the second movie, you should also set up a company of your own. In this way, you can take care of the filming, advertising and other business,

It’s also more convenient and can further protect your own interests.”

"However, it is not that easy to get the company up and running. It is better to make some preparations now."

Li Xiaolong said with some embarrassment: "To tell you the truth, I do have the idea of ​​setting up a film company, but for the moment, I haven't decided on a name yet."

Gao Xian smiled slightly and said: "What a coincidence, I have already thought of a company name for you."

Li Xiaolong eagerly urged: "Come and tell me."

Gao Xian pretended to be mysterious and asked a question first, "Bruce, do you know what the fastest civil aviation aircraft in the world is called?"

Li Xiaolong shook his head in confusion.

Gao Xian gave the answer slowly: "Its name is Concorde. It was jointly developed by Britain and France. It had a successful test flight the year before last. It can cruise at twice the speed of sound at an altitude of 15,000 meters and fly from Paris to

It only takes three hours and twenty minutes to fly to New York, which saves more than half the time compared to ordinary civil aviation."

Li Xiaolong's eyes widened in surprise at first, and then he suddenly realized that Gao Xian was using the Concorde, which was twice the speed of sound, to metaphorize his own kung fu moves at a fast speed, which was exactly the name of his company.

"Okay, the company's name will be Xiehe." Li Xiaolong happily decided.

Gao Xian added smoothly, "Of course, Xiehe also has Xiehe, which means assisting Jiahe in getting lucky."

"It doesn't matter." Li Xiaolong waved his hand and said, "I like this name so much."

Gao Xian nodded slightly, "When the time comes, I will inject a sum of funds into Xiehe, and Zou Wenhuai will do the same thing."

…

Li Xiaolong returned to Hong Kong at an unexpected speed, which inevitably added countless daydreams to the poaching battle, which in turn prompted reporters to ask Li Xiaolong questions about this aspect whenever they had the opportunity.

Li Xiaolong was overwhelmed and finally replied impatiently: "I won't go to any company. After I finish making another movie, I will set up my own film company. I have already thought of a name, and it will be called Xiehe."

This was the latest development. The reporters started to spread the news as if they had found a treasure, which immediately caused many people to sigh unwillingly.

For example, Fang Yihua from Shaw Brothers Film Company hurriedly reported the result to Shao Yifu.

"There is no agent who can impress Li Xiaolong?" Shao Yifu was greatly disappointed and quickly said: "You should recruit Li Hanxiang back to the company as soon as possible. You can't leave him alone anymore. Now is not the time to beat him."

"It's probably impossible to recruit him back." Fang Yihua replied with a bleak look on his face: "I personally approached Li Hanxiang, and he was very polite. He just kept saying that this year and next year are full of contracted movies.

, and Guolian Pictures is also preparing to resume operations in Xiangjiang, and there is really no time to return to Shaw Brothers."

Shao Yifu said in astonishment: "Are you sure that Li Hanxiang is not taking this opportunity to raise his own worth?"

"I don't think so." Fang Yihua shook her head, "When I went to find Li Hanxiang, I found that he was indeed very busy. He even had the Guolian Pictures brand ready."

Shao Yifu, who was quite embarrassed, continued to ask: "How was the box office performance of the movie "Boxing" directed by Chang Cheh in Thailand?"

Fang Yihua carefully replied: "Preliminary statistics show that the local box office of "Boxing" should exceed 1.5 million. It is the best-performing movie of our Shaw Brothers in recent years."

"Not even half of the box office of "Tangshan Brother"?" Shao Yifu said in a rare rage: "How could this be? The company is about to go public, but it's all bad news!"

Fang Yihua lowered her head and suggested in a low voice: "How about we have a meeting to study it and see if we can come up with a good script."

Shao Yifu, who had regained his composure, snorted with a stern look, "Even if there is a good script, where can you find a star who can be equal to Li Xiaolong?"