Traveling Through the Tokyo Bubble Era

Chapter 1011 Don't worry, I've got it covered.
"cooperate?"

Now it was Jackie Chan's turn to be completely dumbfounded.

He had known Hideki Hanyu for many years, and although he was aware of Hanyu's abilities, he also knew that Hanyu never participated in Hong Kong film production.

Therefore, it's hard to imagine how Hideki Hanyu would collaborate with Cheng's team.

Not to mention Jackie Chan, even Leslie Cheung looked on with curiosity.

Meanwhile, Zhou Wenqiong and the other two women beside her were eating their meals in small bites while eagerly "eavesdropping," wanting to witness how Hideki Yuzuru would collaborate with Jackie Chan.

Hideki Hanyu asked, "Have you heard of Ah Long, the Hong Kong Film Technology Center?"

Cheng Long recalled briefly, then said somewhat uncertainly, "If it's the one in Kwun Tong, I have indeed heard others mention it before."

I heard they can provide a lot of services for filming, including computer-generated special effects and car stunt services. It seems that Xiao Hei (Ko Shou-liang) also works for them.

I heard they also provide stunt performers, but they're called action stunt actors, and their skills seem lacking; basically no film crews hire them for that kind of work.

"It seems you know quite a lot, Ah Long."

Hideki Hanyu first smiled and affirmed, then continued.

"However, what you said is not comprehensive. Computer special effects, car stunts, and stunt performers are only a small part of the services provided by the technology center."

In addition to these, the technical center also provides other technical services such as special effects filming, set design, special effects makeup, and pyrotechnics.

But you're right about one thing: the stunt performers at the technical center really don't have many gigs due to training limitations.

Cheng Long looked at Hideki Yuzuru with suspicion, "Yuzuru, you know so much about this, could it be that this special center is yours?"

"That's right, it was my investment, but you have to keep it a secret."

Hideki Hanyu admitted it.

In the years since the establishment of the Hong Kong Film Technology Center, Hideki Hanyu has never deliberately promoted the center or his relationship with Cloud Entertainment.

Even if some people find out, he will, as he always does, keep the relationships behind them a secret from outsiders.

The reason for doing this is that Hideki Hanyu wanted the technical center to grow on its own and then earn business through its own strength, rather than relying on connections to exchange for business.

Having received the answer, Cheng Long understood what Hideki Hanyu meant by the collaboration and immediately asked, "So you mean that I'm collaborating with the Hong Kong Film Technology Centre to rebuild the Cheng family stunt team?"

"Yes and no."

Hideki Hanyu made a vague statement.

Seeing the puzzled look on Cheng Long's face, he continued to explain.

"I want to work with you to rebuild the Cheng Family Stunt Team, but not in the traditional martial arts model."

Ah Long, you've been to Hollywood, so you should be able to see that the development of the film industry behind the scenes is destined to be systematic, standardized, scientific, sustainable, and replicable.

Today, Hong Kong films are indeed unique in the world in terms of both martial arts and action design. However, this model, which does not emphasize scientific learning, training, and development, is destined to fall behind the development of the film industry in the future.

Perhaps a few exceptional behind-the-scenes workers will be able to continue in their roles based on their talent, but they cannot reverse the decline of the entire industry.

Hideki Hanyu's words are by no means alarmist.

Hong Kong action films from the golden age are indeed a model for the global film industry to emulate.

Those renowned action directors have also left unforgettable action scenes in many Hong Kong films, scenes that are worthy of being recorded in film history.

For example, the bamboo ladder battle in "Once Upon a Time in China" or the Dugu Nine Swords in "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer".

However, with the development of the film industry, film industries in other regions have learned from the experience of Hong Kong action films and cultivated their own action stunt talents.

For a long time, when certain types of action films were being shot in China, the Chinese had to invite South Korean action directors instead.

In this day and age, South Korean action movies are a joke and are not taken seriously by Hong Kong filmmakers.

In contrast, with the decline of Hong Kong cinema, many production teams have fallen apart. Although many individuals can still shine with their individual talents, they are no longer as glorious as they once were.

This outcome is less a loss of tradition and more a failure to keep up with the times.

This situation persisted until the domestic film and television industry matured and some professional action design teams and personnel emerged, which provided some solutions.

Thinking of this, Hideki Yuzuru said to Jackie Chan, "So in my opinion, what I want to cooperate with you on is not a traditional stunt team, but a modern action stunt service and training organization."

I have money, you have opportunities and abilities, why don't we each do our best to preserve and develop the most precious aspects of Hong Kong cinema?

Upon hearing Hideki Hanyu's words, Jackie Chan thought for a moment and said, "Hanyu, I understand what you're saying, but in my opinion, this model may have a future, but it's not suitable for Hong Kong films right now, and it will probably lose money for a long time."

Hideki Yuzuru laughed nonchalantly, “Hehe, Ryu, you’ve got one thing wrong. When I do things, I never just focus on one thing.”

Does this mean that action movies aren't made anywhere else in the world besides Hong Kong?

Leaving aside distant examples, just looking at the domestic market, which Hong Kong business owner doesn't see the potential of the domestic market?

As long as we can set up the platform and provide the most professional services for action films, we can seize the initiative in advance.

Besides, don't forget what my company does. My production company is all over the world, so why would I be afraid of not having business?
Even if there's no business, I can just pay for it myself. I've been supporting the Hong Kong Film Technology Center all these years, so I don't mind supporting a few more people.

Before Jackie Chan could even speak after Hideki Hanyu finished speaking, Leslie Cheung chimed in, "Jackie, I think Mr. Hanyu makes a lot of sense."

Cheng Long scratched his head. "Actually, I think he makes sense. Besides, I'm definitely not as good at business as Yuzuru. Since he said it's worthwhile, of course I believe him."

"Hehe, don't worry. If we do business together, I'll cover the losses, and everyone will benefit from the profits."

Hideki Hanyu expressed his opinion in a very generous manner.

The stunt performers and martial arts choreography business at the Hong Kong Film Technology Center has been developing at a lukewarm pace in recent years.

Despite his previous collaborations with many people, the results were generally mediocre.

Now that he has the opportunity to bring Cheng Long in, he naturally won't let it pass.

And as he said, what he wants is not just the Hong Kong market.

He has always preferred to plan ahead, develop rapidly, and seize market opportunities. He has his sights set on the entire behind-the-scenes action stunt field.

And it's not just motion design, but also other businesses within the technology center.

Especially given the current state of the domestic film industry, with its scientifically sound operating model and ample capital support, it is not impossible for them to monopolize the market.

It is now called the Hong Kong Film Technology Center.

Once the incubation process is completed with the help of Hong Kong films, then we can quickly expand outwards.

Even if market expectations cannot be met, it doesn't matter. Making money has always been secondary for Hideki Hanyu. As long as he can gain some say in the industry, that's enough.

Moreover, overseas markets are actually easier to operate in than the domestic market.

For example, in a market like South Korea, with his strength, he could completely prevent the local industry from developing by using technology, capital, and collusion with higher-ups, through suppression and mergers. "Hearing Mr. Yuzuru say that, I'm even tempted to cooperate."

Leslie Cheung just said it casually, but before he could finish, Hideki Hanyu spoke up.

"Sure, we can cooperate."

Leslie Cheung quickly explained, "I was just saying it casually. I have a severe fear of heights and I don't know kung fu. How could I possibly run an action stunt company?"

Hideki Hanyu said, "Who said we were going to collaborate at the technology center? I have an appointment with the bosses of major film companies in Hong Kong for tea and business discussions tomorrow. If you have time, you are welcome to come and visit."

For Asia Cinemas to list in Hong Kong, there are several prerequisites, one of which is the requirement for the number of shareholders.

Since we're going to divide the cake anyway, we might as well bring in more people.

Jackie Chan's status in the Hong Kong film industry has long surpassed that of an ordinary actor. Besides, he is also a film company owner.

In the parlance of the modern internet, that means they've transitioned from actors to capital.

As for Leslie Cheung, although he was inferior in terms of strength and status, as long as Hideki Hanyu said it was okay, no one else would have any objections.

Jackie Chan asked curiously, "What business are you going to discuss tomorrow that requires inviting the heads of major Hong Kong film companies for tea?"

"You'll know when we get there tomorrow."

Hideki Hanyu uttered a single sentence, then smiled without saying another.

Jackie Chan and Leslie Cheung exchanged glances, knowing that if Hideki Hanyu could personally come forward, the matter being discussed must be significant.

After learning that the meeting was on the 57th floor of Hopewell Centre the next day, the two said they would definitely be there and started planning to cancel their work and schedules for the next day.

After discussing this matter, the serious business that had arisen due to the collaboration came to a complete end.

Next, it was Jackie Chan's turn to vividly recount his experience filming in Morocco.

His confidence in his directorial work, and his assurance that the film would be a huge success, were palpable.

In response, Hideki Hanyu could only say that he didn't want to dampen Jackie Chan's spirits.

During the filming of "Project A," Jackie Chan's various questionable actions fully exposed his shortcomings in film cost control.

With a budget exceeding HK$100 million, it ultimately only grossed US$35 million at the global box office.

Despite being the highest-grossing Chinese-language film worldwide in 1991, its high production costs resulted in a box office failure, requiring subsequent videotape revenue to turn a profit.

It was this failure that allowed Golden Harvest to successfully persuade Jackie Chan to give up directing and focus on shining as an actor.

However, as Cheng Long spoke, he paid no attention to Zhou Wenqiong and the other two women at the table, and changed the subject to actresses in the movie.

"For the sake of the Japanese market, the sponsor introduced a Japanese actress to participate in the film. She is a very polite girl. She will also participate in the scenes that will be filmed on set in Hong Kong. I will introduce her to you, Yuzuru, then."

Seeing the knowing smile on Jackie Chan's face as he spoke, Hideki Yuzuru naturally knew who the Japanese actress he was talking about was.

Masako Ikeda plays the female stall owner in the market.

(Photo by Masako Ikeda)

Although her later involvement in the main storyline lacked logic, it did not diminish the audience's interest in this beautiful woman.

In his previous life, Hideki Hanyu had a brief understanding of Masako Ikeda's professional career.

Born in 1967, she is no longer considered young in today's Japanese entertainment industry.

The other person actually debuted in the mid-1980s, when her stage name was Nan Zhuangzi. Her career path was similar to that of female idols in the 1980s: first release photobooks, then release albums after gaining attention.

Unfortunately, Masako Ikeda, who was still known as Minami Shoko, had limited resources from her agency and couldn't receive much support.

In addition, during the period she lived in, there were the top-ranked Xiaopangcai and Matsuda Seiko vying for supremacy, and the rising power of Kudo Shizuka, Minamino Yoko, Asaka Yui, and Nakayama Miho, the "Four Heavenly Kings of Idols," plus the overwhelming presence of idol groups like Wink.

Naturally, after releasing her photobook, Masako Ikeda's album flopped before even starting production.

As the 1980s drew to a close and the craze for traditional idols faded, Masako Ikeda had even less chance of becoming famous.

Seeing that her idol career was not going to work out and that she was getting older, Masako Ikeda changed her stage name from Minami Shoko to Akiko Ikeda and prepared to develop her career as an actress.

According to unreliable sources, Akiko Ikeda starred in Rie Miyazawa's debut work, "Crazy Skipping Class: Seven Days of Great War," during this period.

Akiko Ikeda, who wasn't even a lead actress, could never compare to Rie Miyazawa, who became an instant sensation upon her debut. Her acting career was far from smooth.

Then, Akiko Ikeda, who had been struggling in her acting career, changed her name to Masako Ikeda. Thanks to the sponsors and Golden Harvest's market considerations, she was able to star in Jackie Chan's "Project A".

Thanks to this film and Jackie Chan's influence, Masako Ikeda finally gained some recognition in Japan.

However, when faced with a crucial choice in this era, Masako Ikeda once again chose the wrong path.

Just as the Japanese entertainment industry was about to usher in a golden age for television dramas, Masako Ikeda chose to become a full-time film actress.

It's important to know that after entering the 1990s, the Japanese film market fell into a long-term slump, with very few projects starting each year, and even leading actors couldn't find opportunities, let alone a newcomer like Masako Ikeda who had no experience.

Relying on the fame brought by "Project Eagle", Masako Ikeda participated in several projects, playing minor supporting roles, but failed to achieve any success.

In order to become famous, Masako Ikeda chose the shortcut of becoming a female entertainer.

That means releasing nude photo albums and shooting explicit films.

then……

That was the end of it. After all, not every actress can put her clothes back on after taking them off.

After that, Masako Ikeda's career took a downturn. She went to America for further studies for many years, and even changing her stage name several times did not help.

The name change even caused her to be untraceable when searching for her in China during the internet age, leading people to believe she had retired and causing her to miss her last chance to make money in China.

In this current timeline, although the Japanese entertainment industry has been thrown into chaos by Hideki Hanyu's appearance, the overall trend remains unchanged.

In other words, Hideki Hanyu prevented the Cloud Sect from participating in the production of Hong Kong films; otherwise, Masako Ikeda might not have even had the opportunity to be recommended by sponsors and participate in "Project Eagle".

However, Hideki Hanyu was still very interested in knowing Masako Ikeda, after all, she was a beauty who lived in his memories of his past life.

Moreover, compared to the beautiful women, Hideki Hanyu was actually more interested in the action scene of the airplane wind tunnel battle that Jackie Chan built and filmed in Hong Kong.

He laughed until his stomach hurt when he watched this scene in his previous life, and now that he has the opportunity to witness it with his own eyes, he certainly won't miss it.

"No problem, just let me know when you start work."

Hideki Hanyu wanted to see the filming.

However, Cheng Long mistakenly thought that Hideki Yuzuru was after the beautiful woman, and immediately winked and patted his chest to assure him.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

(End of this chapter)