The King of Directors 2000

Chapter 379 When people are popular, they will have more friends

When you become popular, you will have more friends and connections, and the world will become more friendly.

For Lee Sheng Yew, "Taken" became a hit, and the few days after he returned to China were extremely busy.

Attend this banquet tonight, attend that banquet tomorrow night.

During the day, there were many interviews with reporters, and directors of various film and television production companies came to visit in person.

They all wanted to find Fenghua to cooperate with. Li Shengyao had no time to watch their projects, so naturally they all refused.

But even so, many projects were sent to Li Shengyao's desk through various means.

He was even a little annoyed, in order to clean himself up, he even asked his assistant to help him recover.

And he himself stayed in the big courtyard in the DC area, discussing life with Dong Xuan, Chen Xun, and Yan Danchen all day long.

He was away from China for a long time this year, and he spent much less time intimately with several women.

Now it's time to make up for it.

On this day, Li Shengyao had just woken up, and was about to go to the vegetable market with Chen Xun to buy two old hens for soup, along the way, to buy a few catties of mutton, to mend his kidneys, when he received a call from Cheng Long.

Not long after, Li Shengyao came to Fenghua Film and Television Company, and saw the high-spirited Cheng Long, and Jerome Gordon from New Line Films.

"Taken" was a big hit, bringing Cheng Long back to the eyes of movie fans all over the world.

He found the feeling he had when he was filming "Rush Hour 2" in Hollywood.

Everyone is holding him, and you can hear "jaekie" and "jaekie" one after another when you go out.

This made Cheng Long feel that the two veins of Ren and Du had been opened up, and his whole body was refreshed. All the cells, muscles, blood, bones, and even hairs in his whole body were very excited and full of energy.

At this time, Cheng Long's face was full of red, even without the Overlord, his hair was still black and beautiful, full of confidence.

Jerome is in his fifties and looks like a very ordinary old white man. The only feature is that his ears are relatively large and protruding.

The hair is combed meticulously, and the suit and leather shoes are also very neat and clean.

He is a senior executive of New Line Films. He has worked in New Line Films for a long time, and he can be regarded as the senior management of this company.

An old man like him can be said to have witnessed the beautiful country defeating the Soviet Union and becoming the world's most powerful country. He is very confident in the beautiful country, even to the point of paranoia. He thinks that Hollywood pop culture is the best and the most outstanding of.

Li Shengyao was a little surprised. Why did Cheng Long and Jerome, the senior executives of the new line, come to Yanjing to find him?
Li Shengyao arranged for an assistant to pour coffee for Cheng Long, and Jerome then smiled and chatted with Cheng Long.

After a while, Cheng Long stated the purpose of coming this time.

"Director Li, New Line and I believe in your ability very much. We think you can direct "Rush Hour 3". Are you interested?"

There was an interpreter beside Jerome. After listening to Cheng Long's words, he continued, "Li, our budget for "Rush Hour 3" is US$[-] million. It is definitely a blockbuster."

"In addition, Warner will give us a lot of support. The publicity, distribution, and film scheduling will not be a problem at that time. It must be at the level of a top Hollywood blockbuster."

"We will pay you 500 million dollars, we are full of sincerity."

It was Cheng Long's idea to ask Li Shengyao to direct "Rush Hour 3". After discussions with the senior executives of New Line, he felt that Li Shengyao had directed "Let's Punch, Dad", "Extreme Escape" and "Taken" successively. The strength of an excellent commercial film director.

They are willing to try something.

To show his sincerity, Jerome came over in person.

Jerome came to the inland ten years ago. At that time, the inland was far less developed than it is now. Even Yanjing gave people the feeling of a big countryside.

Now Yanjing has the feeling of an international metropolis.

Jerome checked Li Shengyao's information on the plane, only to find out that Li Shengyao's business in China is very large.

If it is translated to Hollywood, Lee Seung Yew's style is like a big company like Warner, much better than New Line.

Of course, Fenghua has been established for a shorter period of time, and its background is far inferior to that of Warner.

But Warner does not have a large-scale theater chain, which is where Warner is not as good as Fenghua.

Jerome realized that Lee Seung Yew was really a rare talent.

He seemed very sincere when he spoke.

Hearing this, Li Shengyao raised his head to look at Cheng Long and Jerome, and saw that they both looked expectant.

He thought for a while and shook his head.

"Brother, Mr. Gordon, I can't agree to your invitation. Next, I have my own shooting plan."

The routine of "Rush Hour 3" is still the same as the previous two. Stark is responsible for gags and making jokes.

Cheng Long is a good policeman who is dedicated to his duties, and a person who has a lot of bad luck.

The fighting style is also the traditional dragon kung fu comedy.

This style of movie has obviously been abandoned by the audience in the beautiful country.

The big guys don't like such boring, or fights that look like children's play house.

In fact, after "Around the World in Eighty Days" was released, there were many interview videos, and the audience said that Cheng Long's comedy routine was the same.

After watching two or three, I don't want to watch it.

Audiences don't want to watch it, they are not interested, this is the deadliest thing.

Naturally, Li Shengyao would not rush to join him. He is Director Li, and he hasn't lost money in filming and TV series?

How could it be possible to break the golden body because of "Rush Hour 3".

Cheng Long and Jerome looked at each other when they heard the words. The two had discussed this matter a long time ago, and they obviously had a plan.

Jerome secretly felt that Li Shengyao is indeed a talented person, with high spirits, and then slowly and confidently said: "Li, I know what you think, you come to be the director, you want the right to adapt the script, you want the right to edit , these we can give you, our new line is not an ordinary company, we have 100% trust in talents."

Jerome had already inquired about it. Disney, Fox, and Warner had all recruited Li Shengyao before.

As a result, Lee Sung Yew said he didn't have the editing rights, so he didn't shoot.

It seems so now.

Fortunately, they had already discussed that they could give Li Shengyao the right to adapt and edit the script.

Of course they still have the final editing rights, if the finished product edited by Lee Seung Yew is not up to standard, they will re-edit it.

But such a thing, he will not say it.

Cheng Long nodded beside him, with a little smile in his eyes.

This is a blockbuster movie with an investment of 4000 million US dollars. He believes that no Chinese director can refuse.

Even if Zhang Yimou heard this number, he would agree.

After all, outside of Hollywood, who can direct a movie with such a large investment?

Hearing this, Li Shengyao paused slightly.

He picked up the teacup and took a sip of the tea.

With the right to adapt the script and edit the right, isn't that the ability to make a movie according to his ideas?

It is indeed a rare opportunity to make a blockbuster movie worth US$[-] million.

Even if it fails in the end, it is still a valuable experience.

He was a little moved.

At this moment, the assistant pushed open the door of the office, came in with a fruit plate, and respectfully placed it on the table.

This assistant has been working with Lee Shengyao for several years, and his annual salary has been rising all the time. He has no problem with his work attitude and ability.

He put down the fruit plate, then nodded and left politely.

When closing the door, it is very considerate and gently closed.

A smile appeared on the corner of Li Shengyao's mouth, but his eyes were much colder.

His assistant is not a pioneering talent, and he can perfectly execute what he tells him, but let him make his own decisions, let him develop new markets, or engage in product innovation, this is not good.

It can be said that it is best not to start a business as an assistant, but to work honestly and listen to his instructions to maximize its value.

In other words, an assistant is suitable as a migrant worker.

So what about Director Li?

From six years ago to now, his works have always belonged to him, and he is his own boss.

He is not a worker.

What's the point of working for Xinxian, a project doomed to failure?

At this time, the sunlight came in from the window through the glass, just falling on Li Shengyao's body, it was warm.

There are faint footsteps outside. Fenghua has been very busy recently, with many projects and businesses, and guests visit from time to time.

Li Shengyao smiled, then shook his head, "Mr. Gordon, forget it, I really don't have time, I have my own work plan."

Cheng Long's eyes widened with disbelief.

Jerome's expression was similar to Cheng Long's, and he couldn't help but ask, "Li, why, is this a 4000 million blockbuster movie?"

Li Shengyao pointed out the door, and then said: "The current Fenghua Film and Television Company has about a thousand employees, and I am their boss. All my previous works, the copyright belongs to me. I don't want to change this. I just shoot my movies."

The headquarters of Fenghua Film and Television Company does not have that many employees, but with the addition of Fenghua Cinemas, there are almost a thousand employees.

When Li Shengyao said this, it was not a lie.

Hearing this, Jerome lowered his head and thought for a while, then he gritted his teeth and said, "Li, if you come to direct "Rush Hour 3", and the global box office of this film exceeds [-] million US dollars, then the subsequent income of this film will , we can give you ten percent."

New Line was acquired by Warner and got a lot of money, but the pressure was also great.

They need to make a profit, and they need a movie that they can sell.

Before Jerome came to China, he communicated with other high-level officials.

Everyone felt that if Lee Sung Yew could be recruited, some benefits could be given up to a certain extent.

Jerome made the decision at this time and gave Lee Shengyao [-]% of his income in the later period. In fact, he already had a lot of sincerity.

Hearing this, Li Shengyao thought for a while, then shook his head and said, "Mr. Gordon, I'm not interested in directing Rush Hour 3. It's not just about money and copyright. It's just that I don't want to make sequels to other movies. To make films that I wrote myself, that interest me."

Seeing that Cheng Long was eager to try, in order to prevent Cheng Long from saying something later to help you out and owe you a favor, he just said it to death.

When Cheng Long and Jerome heard the words, disappointment flashed in their eyes, and after saying a few regretful words, they got up and left.

Li Shengyao said with a smile to Cheng Long: "Brother, do a good job filming "Rush Hour 3". After that, we will film "Taken 2"."

……

Li Shengyao sent Cheng Long and Jerome away, then returned to the office, and then went directly to the rest room of the office, intending to take a nap.

It was a little late to have a fight with Chen Xun last night, he is a little sleepy now.

He lay down and soon fell asleep.

An hour later, someone knocked on the door, Li Shengyao opened his eyes, and then opened the door.

"Boss, directors Zhu Jun and Jin Yue from CCTV are here, and they want to see you."

Li Shengyao nodded, he was a little puzzled, why did he ask him these two days, but since he is here, let's meet him.

After a while, Li Shengyao drank two cups of tea and regained some energy, then came to the reception room and saw Zhu Jun and Jin Yue.

Jin Yue is the director of CCTV. He looks like an ordinary man in his forties.

Zhu Junsong sat on the chair loosely, saw Li Shengyao, and stood up staggeringly. He looked a little tired, with heavy dark circles, and some bloodshot eyes. The whole body language expressed that I was tired, and I needed rest.

Jin Yue looked tired, but his eyes were excited, as if he had watched the World Cup all night, and his whole body was a little excited.

"Hello, Director Li."

"Hello, Director Li."

Two people greeted each other at the same time, one with a low tone and the other with an uplifting tone.

Li Shengyao secretly laughed in his heart, the Spring Festival Gala is coming soon, and Zhu Jun originally had a lot of shows, so he must be so tired.

He then greeted Zhu Jun and Jin Yue for tea.

The three exchanged a few pleasantries, and Zhu Jun stated the purpose of the trip.

"Director Li, we are here this time to ask for your help."

"What are you busy with?"

Zhu Jun raised his teacup, drank it down, and then said: "In recent years, the Spring Festival Gala has been criticized more and more by the audience. Everyone said that the Spring Festival Gala show is boring, old-fashioned, and not innovative. You are an international director, and you know the market best. You Can you help us, we want to invite you to be the assistant director and creative director of the 07 Spring Festival Gala."

Jin Yue continued: "Director Li, this is an important achievement."

Hearing this, Li Shengyao frowned slightly.

These people in the system are like this, they like to talk big and empty words.

He is not familiar with the officials in the system, and his achievements are none of his business.

If it's like the general director of the Olympic Games, this can be written in the history books, then it's not too bad.

Just this Spring Festival Gala, you tell me about your achievements, and your achievements are like a hammer.

Zhu Jun noticed Li Shengyao's expression, and hurriedly said: "Director Li, Fenghua can have five artists, how about it?"

Or Zhu Junshi, this is an honest person.

No wonder when interviewing a celebrity artist, the subject of the interview did not cry, but he cried first.

But the work of the Spring Festival Gala is not something ordinary people can do.

Not to mention the various reviews.

Let's just say that there are more than 14 provinces in China, with a population of about [-] billion, and the customs and preferences of different regions are different.

Even if the best director in the world is invited, it is difficult to satisfy people.

And even if [-]% of the people are dissatisfied, there will be hundreds of millions of people, and the result will be a lot of scolding on the Internet.

This is definitely a thankless job.

Not to mention that the main viewership of the Spring Festival Gala is in the north, and Li Shengyao actually doesn't know much about the preferences of northern audiences.

Regardless of the difficulty of the work or his own ability, he is really not suitable to be the assistant director of the Spring Festival Gala.

"Thanks to the two of you, but I have really filmed TV dramas and movies. I have no experience and no idea for a large-scale gala like the Spring Festival Gala."

Before Jin Yue answered, Zhu Jun took the lead and said, "Director Li, you don't need to think too much. You can think of a few bright spots, and the program is fine. You can even advertise your movie during the Spring Festival Gala."

Is there such a good thing?
Li Shengyao looked at Zhu Jun, the host with thick eyebrows and big eyes was looking at him sincerely.

He then rolled his eyes at Jin Yue, only to find that Jin Yue frowned.

What he said just now obviously did not get Jin Yue's consent.

Li Shengyao realized that Zhu Jun was fooling him.

Saying it like this now, when the time comes to really advertise his movie, if he can't be approved, the relationship will be rejected.

Li Shengyao couldn't help laughing.

The honest Zhu Jun was not honest at all.

He didn't know why Zhu Jun wanted him to be the assistant director of the Spring Festival Gala so much, he wasn't interested anyway.

"You two, I really don't have this ability. I have already emptied my head out of preparing for "Taken", and now I have no idea."

Zhu Jun didn't expect Li Shengyao to still refuse, so he nodded in embarrassment.

"Director Li, I have been the host of the Spring Festival Gala for so many years, and I am the one who has been scolded the most by the audience. I really hope that the Spring Festival Gala can be run well, with a wonderful and distinctive feature."

"I understand, but I really can't help here."

Jin Yue curled his lips, stood up and nodded, "Then I'll bother you."

He then pulled Zhu Jun out, "Come on, let's ask Director Kai."

The voice was not low, Li Shengyao could hear it.

Director Li naturally didn't care about it, he was too lazy to talk to them, it wasn't worth it.

Besides, brother Kaizi is thinking about making a movie, why would he become the assistant director of the Spring Festival Gala?

Even if he has time and spare time, he is also the chief director.

……

Li Shengyao has been really busy recently. He met Cheng Long, Jerome, Zhu Jun and Jin Yue.

This afternoon, the weather was perfect. Although Yanjing was cold, but the sun was out, it was very suitable for going out for fun.

Li Shengyao was planning to go out with Chen Xun for a walk, but he received a call from Feng Xiaogang, saying that he had something to discuss with Li Shengyao.

Xiaogangpao is a diligent person, but "The Banquet" was not good, so he immediately threw himself into the next movie.

He started filming "Assembly" in October last year, and it should be almost finished by now.

"Assembly" is a good movie, there are some minor problems, but the flaws are not hidden. In Lee Sung Yew's previous life, "Assembly" would be the box office champion of mainland movies in 07, with a total of 1000 million.

The film invested 9000 million yuan, and I don't know if it made any money.

Anyway, word of mouth is good, and Huayi has vigorously promoted it.

Later, when Huayineng went public, "Assembly" must have contributed a part.

Not long after, Li Shengyao brought Chen Xun to a box in the Dihao Hotel.

Feng Xiaogang, Wang Zhongjun, and Xu Xi were all there.

Xu Yu and Chen Xun went to the side to chat, Li Shengyao drank Feng Xiaogang, and Wang Zhongjun sat together.

Tea, pastries, and fruit had already been ordered on the table.

Feng Xiaogang immediately poured tea for Li Shengyao, looking very enthusiastic.

Li Shengyao secretly guessed Xiao Gangpao and Wang Zhongjun's intentions, and responded with a smile.

Soon after, Feng Xiaogang revealed the purpose of inviting Li Shengyao this time.

"Director Li, you are the number one talent in our country in terms of writing and directing commercial films. The scripts you write, even if you don't shoot them yourself, can make a lot of money."

"The "Assembly Number" we filmed this time is very important, but I still feel uneasy here. Can you help me feel the pulse and read the script for me."

Xiaogang Pao used to shoot Fung's comedies, the investment was small, the income was big, and the scenery was incomparable.

However, the mainland market has entered the era of blockbuster films, and the executives of Xiaogangpao and Huayi understand that now they need to invest heavily and make blockbuster films.

It's not enough to make small troubles like before.

It's a pity that "Night Banquet" invested a lot, but it lost money.

Now "Assembly Number" is also heavily invested, and Xiaogangpao and Huayi Wang have no idea.

They are thinking of going public to make money, and every movie is very important at this time.

Wang Zhongjun continued: "Director Li, help me out for half a month. We owe you a favor. In the future, you need to use Huayi's resources and contacts, and they will be there whenever you are called."

When Li Shengyao heard this, his heart moved slightly.

Huayi's human resources are actually secondary. For him, the biggest benefit of "Assembly" is the shooting experience.

Although "Taken" has a lot of investment, it is not comparable to "Assembly" in terms of scenes.

Originally Cheng Long didn't accept "Taken", he planned to make a war movie.

But he really didn't know what to do. It would be a good thing if he could go to watch the filming of "Assembly Number" now.

However, there is no need to show this intention. Now that Hua Yi is begging him, he naturally has to make a decision.

"It's not that I don't want to help you guys, it's just that the filming of "Assembly Number" is almost finished, and it's almost finished. What can I do at this time?"

"It's not finished so quickly, there are at least [-] more days. If there is a problem, it is not impossible to postpone it for a month."

Hearing this, Li Shengyao raised his teacup, pretending to be thinking.

At this moment, Chen Xun on the other side raised two fingers towards him and opened his mouth.

From the shape of her mouth, it should be "200 million".

Seeing this, Feng Xiaogang became even more anxious, "Director Li, help me out. Of course, I don't want you to waste your time. We will give you 500 million yuan as a salary."

Wang Zhongjun glanced at Feng Xiaogang in surprise, and agreed to 200 million. The price has increased at this time, but "Assembly Number" is too important, and 500 million is also worth it.

He then said: "Director Li, "Assembly" still needs to use a lot of special effects in the later stage, and I will trouble your Fenghua Special Effects Department then."

"And... our Huayi movies can be sold to Fenghua Video at your price."

Previously, Fenghua Video bought classic movies everywhere, but Huayi was more of a chicken thief and did not sell them at a low price.

Now it is a big concession for Huayi.

Li Shengyao felt that it was almost done, so he put down his teacup, "Director Feng, Mr. Wang, if this is the case, then I will accept this job, but I want to go to the set to see it, so that I can feel it better. Not good, don't take offense, both of you."

Feng Xiaogang was overjoyed, "No way, Director Li is too modest, who doesn't know your ability."

Soon after, Li Shengyao took Chen Xun away.

Chen Xun said with some concern: "Assembly" is a war movie, can you really adapt it?"

"It's just a war movie, trivial."

"Assembly" is indeed a good movie, Douban [-]:[-].

However, there are many flaws, especially some common-sense war mistakes, which are very obvious.

Li Shengyao had read many articles criticizing "Assembly Number" in his previous life, so it was easy for him to correct them.

Seeing this, Chen Xun felt happy, and then said, "I'll go with you."

Li Shengyao looked over in surprise.

"Don't you have an ad?"

"Rejected, I want to spend more time with you."

Director Li is getting more and more popular, and Chen Xun already has a sense of crisis.

"Okay, let's go together."

(End of this chapter)