Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 730 Denzel Washington

Mainland.

Just when the popularity of film projects such as "The Great Wall", "Grave Robbers' Chronicles 2", "The Wandering Earth 2" and "The Battle of Nantianmen" remained high, the group of filmmakers in Hong Kong could no longer sit still.

Over the years, only Emperor Entertainment Group has participated in the investment of many films in mainland China and made a lot of money.

Seeing that special effects blockbusters of various companies were being launched, China Star in Hong Kong could no longer sit still. Coupled with Gu Wei's trip to Hong Kong, the media reported that Star Film and Television Company and the Hong Kong circle had reconciled, and some Hong Kong filmmakers who were originally on the sidelines headed north.

These people are either looking for collaborations or film roles.

Among them, China Star was mixed together with Bona. Bona failed to catch up with "The Great Wall" and stood on the opposite side of Xingchen Film and Television Company because of the issue of taking sides. Yu Dong had a premonition that he might lose the share of "The Wandering Earth 2" again, and he could not get involved in Gu Wei's new movie, so he simply made a special effects blockbuster by himself.

There are two important factors when shooting a special effects blockbuster: the director and the subject matter.

As for the director, China Star and Bona originally had their eyes on Wuershan.

After all, the only person in China who is really good at special effects is Wuershan, apart from Gu Wei, Xu Ke, and Zhang Yimou.

Wu Ershan has been fascinated by various magic and fantasy novels since he was a child. He has been engaged in this field since he entered the directing industry, and the "Painted Skin" series has become his signature work.

In addition, director Wu Ershan also wanted to shoot "The Investiture of the Gods". He has said many times before that the films he had shot before were to some extent "practice" for "The Investiture of the Gods".

Unfortunately, when Bona contacted Wuershan, he was frightened by the other party's huge demand, because the other party planned to shoot a trilogy together, with a total investment of 3 billion. How could an ordinary company afford this?

Dong even thought privately that Wuershan left Xingchen Film and Television Company because the other party proposed this filming plan.

"It's better to take it easy. Even Xingchen Film and Television, with such a huge financial background, can't afford it, let alone Bo Na." After realizing this, Yu Dong decisively gave up Wuershan and looked for a suitable candidate again.

As for the subject matter of the script, after much deliberation, Bona decided to stick with the themes of "Honghuang", "Fengshen" and "Journey to the West".

Especially the "Fengshen" theme, firstly, there is the original novel, and secondly, it can take advantage of the traffic of "Honghuang".

Finally, after discussing with the Chinese star Xiang family, Bona, Yu Dong and Xu Ke decided to hire Hong Kong director Xu An, who entered the industry in 91 and worked with Xu Ke for 11 years. During this period, he worked as an assistant director and screenwriter and participated in the filming of "The Legend of Zu". He also participated in the special effects directing of films such as "Dragon Tiger Gate" and "SPL".

He has a good reputation in the special effects circle of Hong Kong Island, and has been recognized by Yu Dong and Xiang Huaqiang.

Bona Company.

At this moment, Xu An, Yang Longcheng, Zhang Tan, Zhang Zhiguang, Sun Zirong and others gathered together for the special effects blockbuster "Legend of the Gods".

At the conference table, Yu Dong tapped the table with his fingers, "Everyone, tell me, what needs to be solved now?"

Several people looked at each other, then looked at the representative sent by China Star. After a while, screenwriter Zhang Tan spoke up, "I need three months to polish the script. I only have a general concept at the moment."

With someone taking the lead, everyone naturally shared their experiences. Then Xu An said, "Special effects blockbusters are different from previous movies. The early preparation and training alone will take at least six to eight months."

Yang Longcheng: "Special effects are also a big problem. There are not many good special effects companies in China now, and the price is very high if you go abroad..."

Zhang Zhilong: "The selection of actors is also very important. I suggest a combination of old and new actors, both veteran actors and newcomers. The most important thing is that they can hold their own at the box office..."

After hearing so many questions, Yu Dong fell into deep thought.

This film project is jointly produced by China Star Film Co., Ltd. and Bona Film Group. Although Bona's investment share is not large, it still takes the initiative due to Yu Dong's status in the circle, even though the producer is Xiang Huaqiang.

After waking up from his contemplation, Yu Dong said, "Everyone, this time Mr. Xiang will treat Li Lianjie to the lead role."

This name alone made others very excited. After all, the other party was the "Kung Fu Emperor", the only Kung Fu superstar in the country who could be as famous as Jackie Chan.

"Also, the company is currently in contact with Louis Koo, Tony Leung Ka Fai and others, and has also made preliminary contact with Huang Xiaoming..."

As the names came out one by one, everyone understood that this time Bona and China Star were indeed planning to make a big production. After all, the pay of these people alone was not a small amount.

"This shows how great our determination is, but the time you mentioned is too long. It will take half a year to eight months to complete the preliminary preparations, plus shooting and post-production. Doesn't that mean this movie won't be released until the year after next?" Yu Dong was very dissatisfied with everyone's work efficiency and said in a rather unfriendly tone.

After a long while, Xu An spoke up. He had been engaged in special effects technology for many years and was very experienced. "Mr. Yu, the most important things for a special effects blockbuster are shooting, special effects production, and post-editing. We can speed up post-editing, but special effects production is extremely time-consuming.

Just like the special effects blockbusters directed by Gu Wei, almost every one of them takes about two years to complete…”

In Xu An's opinion, Yu Dong doesn't understand the technology at all, and his pursuit of speed cannot guarantee quality.

"I don't care about these. The filming must start before the first half of next year, and the movie must be released within a year and a half." Yu Dong waved his hand, not caring about these at all.

Seeing everyone's grim expressions, Yu Dong continued, "I plan to ask Xingchen Film and Television Company to be responsible for the special effects. They are always very fast, and you can't delay the progress."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu An's face looked a little better. Before, China Star had been contacting the South Korean special effects team, but Xu An felt that Xingchen Film and Television Company was the best choice, so much so that he and Xiang Huaqiang disagreed and almost had a falling out.

Now that Yu Dong has spoken, there is naturally no need for him to solve this problem.

"Mr. Yu..." Xu An was about to speak when Mr. Yu waved his hand, indicating the next question.

"Regarding the issue of actors and schedule, I think..."

………Tomorrow’s Star Film and Television Company.

Since Gu Wei met with Warner President Tsujihara the day before yesterday, the two sides had two negotiations in three days, and finally Gu Wei convinced the other party.

First, Warner only wants a 10% share of "The Battle of Nantianmen", and will not participate in the filming, role selection and post-production, but only has the right to share the box office revenue.

Second, Warner will release "The Battle of Nantianmen" worldwide at a price 20% lower than the market price, and it will be released in no less than theaters in North America.

Third, Warner will increase its investment share in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes 2" by 10%, bringing the total to 40%. The second film will be shot no later than the first half of 17.

Fourth, the estimated cost of "Nantianmen War" is 2.3 million US dollars. Warner needs to transfer the investment to a designated account before the filming begins...

5. During the filming process and the subsequent publicity and promotion, the fees will be increased in proportion...

six,……

There are dozens of scattered clauses, and it can be said that Gu Wei gave up some of his interests, and he signed the contract only based on the huge sales of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes".

However, compared to Warner's request for a 40% share, this result was acceptable to Gu Wei.

Moreover, the production model of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes 2" is similar to the first one. Gu Wei first provided the script, and Warner produced the special effects in advance, which greatly reduced the shooting time.

The contract was made in triplicate, with Warner and Tomorrow Star Pictures each keeping one copy, and Gu Wei planned to take the remaining copy back to China.

Naturally, some of the lost profits must be compensated. Several state-owned enterprises cannot offer a premium, but private film and television companies that want to join cannot get on this ship without bleeding some money.

"Don't worry. I have been in contact with Guangguang and Wanda in the past few days. Both companies are eager to join. With this contract, they have an excuse to charge a premium. They will not let you suffer any loss."

When Han Sanping saw the contract, he immediately gave Gu Wei some advice and directly targeted Guangxian and Wanda.

Gu Wei agreed with this very much. After all, Wanda was not short of money, and Guangxian had made a lot of money recently. Moreover, according to his estimation, Wang Changtian and Ye Ning had already made preparations mentally.

"Hehe, it would be so embarrassing to let them pay a premium." Gu Wei said to Han Sanping in an embarrassed tone on the phone.

"Hmm? I'll go talk to them." Han Sanping volunteered.

"Okay, Mr. Han, you go ahead." Gu Wei agreed decisively.

"Okay, so you're waiting for me here." Old Han's face changed instantly.

"It's okay, hang up now. Mr. Han, you've worked so hard. I hope to hear good news from you as soon as I get back." After saying that, Gu Wei hung up the phone before the other party could speak.

...

Two days have passed since the contract was signed, and Gu Wei was very satisfied with the box office performance of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" in its first weekend.

The movie is still in theaters, and Gu Wei has focused his work on the new movie.

Since we are taking the global box office into consideration, we also need to consider the pairing of white and black actors.

Originally, Gu Wei planned to invite Will Smith, but unfortunately he didn't have the schedule. At this time, Reid recommended Denzel Washington to Gu Wei.

In the conference room, Gu Wei looked at Hollywood's first Oscar-winning actor.

I have to say that Will Smith, Jordan, Kobe, and Denzel in front of us are all considered standard handsome black men.

"I really like your series "The Equalizer" and "The Rescue", your acting is great..."

When chatting with celebrities, especially when meeting them for the first time, Gu Wei had to start with movies.

"Thank you." Denzel smiled back.

Just when Gu Wei was expecting the other party to continue speaking, Denzel remained silent and instead picked up the coffee and sipped it slowly.

In an instant, Gu Wei discovered the difference between the other party and Will Smith. The other party was obviously not very good at communication.

In this case, Gu Wei decided to get straight to the point, "Ryder recommended you to me. Here is the script. You can take a look at it first."

After saying that, Gu Wei nodded to Reid, who took out a notebook, opened it and placed it in front of Denzel.

Denzel still smiled back and read the script silently, while Gu Wei lit a cigar and leaned back on the sofa with a relaxed look.

Reid then nodded to Gu Wei, indicating that he would go and get busy first. It would take at least an hour to finish reading a script, so there was no need to wait here together.

After Reid left, the only sound in the room was the sound of Denzel flipping pages. Gu Wei leaned back on the sofa, looking into the distance.

...

(End of this chapter)