Extracting skills from movies

Du Sheng actually doesn't care about it.

If he wanted to be conservative, he would choose Angelina.

After all, it was verified by the box office in the previous life.

But now the film has to be shot a year in advance, and the two sides just can’t get along.

In this case, let's just follow the crowd and start from the cost-effectiveness.

Anyway, whether it is Jessica or Scarlett, these two people have nothing to do with him for the time being, so he has no psychological pressure to choose.

As for the hidden rules of Hollywood routine?
I don’t know if it’s because their status has been raised or there are too many interviewers, but he hasn’t met anyone yet.

However, if it were a small star below the third tier with ambition, they would have started to obey one by one.

"Great, it looks like everyone agrees.

I will inform Scarlett later and ask her to sign the contract as soon as possible."

Although Du Sheng felt sorry for Jessica's proud figure, the key was to shoot as soon as possible.

It is impossible for him to wait for others to please him.

After all, there are plenty of women here, but we cannot be careless about money and itinerary arrangements.

When Timo and Claude heard Du Sheng's choice, smiles appeared on their faces.

After all, Scarlett's fame is not as great as Jessica's, and they are worried that Du Sheng might have some concerns.

It’s a good thing that we can easily decide on the female lead now.

Claude smiled and said:

“It’s not surprising that some crews spend half a year casting.

Our first casting went smoothly and we were able to quickly finalize the actors, which is a good start. I believe that Wanted will be a great success!"

Timo was also very pleased.

On the one hand, Scarlett's mother found him through her connections, so there is some connection here.

On the other hand, Scarlett's audition went well, proving that he was not biased.

In addition, Scarlett Johansson reduced her pay to save money for filming.

Du Sheng smiled and said:
“Don’t worry, the Wanted Order will definitely be worth its weight in gold.

Claude, try to convince Fox to sign more than two film contracts. "

"Du, are you planning to shoot a series? Are you so confident?"

Claude asked in surprise.

Du Sheng smiled slightly:
“If I don’t have confidence, why would I invest so much?
Just go for it, and let's work together to create a series of IP movies!"

In Hollywood, whenever a movie becomes a huge success, a sequel is a foregone conclusion.

At that time, some leading actors were like a group of shrewd foxes, each of them was good at calculating and would take the opportunity to ask the producers for higher pay and better treatment.

If Du Sheng was just the male lead in this film, he would definitely become one of the most active voices at the negotiating table like other actors, representing the actor team in a tug-of-war for interests with the crew and investors, striving to obtain the best conditions for all actors.

However, he is in a different position now.

As a member of the investment party, his position has changed.

With the successful example of "Wanted Order" in his previous life, Du Sheng arranged all the contract details early on.

He understood that although he could not fight for the rights of the actors from their perspective as he had done in the past, he could not ignore the actors' feelings.

Therefore, when planning the sequel, he ensured that every actor would see an attractive salary increase space, which not only ensured their enthusiasm but also avoided affecting the quality of work due to dissatisfaction.

However, the issue of subsequent box office sharing is another matter.

The previous version of "Wanted 2" failed to make it to the screen due to script problems, insufficient preparation, and the heroine's fatigue with the same role.

But this time, Du Sheng plans to adopt a different strategy.

Now, Scarlett has not yet grown into Black Widow, and facing such a rare opportunity, she has almost no reason not to accept the contract.

Du Sheng hopes to use this contract to lock her in and pave the way for the future of the "Wanted" series.

As for the follow-up script of "Wanted"?
This is naturally not a problem.

After all, most of the action movies in Hollywood are popcorn movies, and they can’t deviate from the general framework.

In fact, Du Sheng has some opinions about Hollywood sequel movies.

For example, the "Scream" series, the "Star Wars" series, the "Terminator" series, etc.

From the perspective of past lives, these sequels are full of loopholes, the plots are stiff and rough, and they lack delicate foreshadowing.

The logic and rationality of the plot are almost gone, and it is not an exaggeration to say that it is a movie that makes money by using the name of its predecessor.

'Although there is no plan for a sequel to Wanted, the key to a commercial film lies in how you shoot it.'

"Audiences are actually familiar with those routines. The key is whether we can create something new within them."

In fact, as long as the production is excellent, the plot is coherent, the logic is reasonable, and the characters are portrayed slightly better, such a commercial blockbuster is enough to satisfy people.

This time, the copyright of "Wanted Order" fell into Du Sheng's hands, and the second part must not be as perfunctory as the first one.

The script must be carefully polished, otherwise the audience will only see a bunch of special effects and ignore everything else.

“With a good setting, the screenwriters can show their talents.”

He thought:
“As long as the plot flows smoothly and the special effects are added, it will definitely be a hit series!”

Thinking of the special effects, Du Sheng turned to Claude and Teemo and asked:
"Have you contacted Digital Domain?"

The two exchanged glances and asked:
“Du, are you sure you don’t want to go to Weta Digital, but choose this company that is still undergoing restructuring?

You know, special effects are the core of our movies.

If something goes wrong, it will affect the quality of the entire film, and the cost of remaking it will be high!"

Weta Digital has participated in the production of films such as "Avatar" and the "Harry Potter" series, and is definitely the first choice at present.

“Although Digital Domain is undergoing restructuring, it has retained its core team and will not have any major problems.”

Du Sheng naturally would not tell them that the company had been nominally acquired by the Hearst sisters.

Moreover, he recently established a dedicated special effects department under Interstellar Media.

We plan to send some personnel to Digital Domain for exchange and study later, so as to lay a solid foundation for the special effects of oriental films.

He knew that after the birth of "Avatar", special effects became an indispensable part of commercial films and also the only way for the development of Eastern films.

Think about how many people were shocked by "The Wandering Earth" 20 years later?
The reason why "Nezha" reversed its box office is that it allowed people to see the bright future of oriental animated films.

If Xu Ke has any ideas in this regard, we can discuss it.

After all, it is well known that he loves special effects, and he uses a lot of special effects in almost every movie.

For example, the "Iron Triangle" which is currently being prepared can be won over.

Even a 20% discount is not a bad idea. It can just allow the special effects department of Interstellar Media to participate and use it as a practice opportunity.

While chatting, the auditions for the main roles in the crew were basically completed.

Next, we will start the preparation work for "Wanted Order".

Including interaction with Digital Domain special effects company, framing and special effects production.

These preparations will directly affect the speed of shooting in the first stage.

In addition, after signing the agreement, the actors also need to learn relevant content and receive training according to the role requirements.

Of course, there are also some behind-the-scenes operations that are commonplace in Hollywood.

For example, by cooperating with a European shell company, the crew can enjoy local tax incentives and then sell the copyright back to their own Miracle Pictures after the filming is completed.

This can save costs and improve return on investment.

This kind of operation has long been commonplace for any larger crew. Most Hollywood companies are just houses of cards.

Naturally, Du Sheng would not feel any guilt about these.

Anyway, he is not a lighthouse worker, so the "good thing" of contributing to the lighthouse should be left to the donuts.

As for those complicated capital games and corporate management matters, he waved his hand and entrusted them entirely to the professional team arranged by Li Yixin, and became a hands-off boss.

Because even if the preparations are fast, it will take at least a few days for "Wanted" to officially start filming.

Walking out of the audition room, Du Sheng yawned loudly.

It has been more than two days since we arrived in the Lighthouse Country, and we have finally solved the most difficult problem.

There are still a few important things to be dealt with next, such as discussing subsequent positioning and development with Taylor's team.

For example, whether Taylor should continue to be a country singer or gradually change his style.

Although the two sides had talked on the phone several times before, Taylor was always sweet-talking and affectionate every time they spoke, and once serious matters came up, he always said he would discuss it in person.

Du Sheng didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This girl was so bored with her schedule and she just wanted to find an excuse to see him.

There's nothing you can do about it, that's how popularity skyrocketed.

In addition, Taylor's album is currently selling well, so she has to promote it non-stop.

Without a legitimate reason, Big Machine Records and the agent probably wouldn't release it.

However, considering her busy schedule, it might not be possible even if she wanted to.

After some twists and turns, she finally took the opportunity to go to Las Vegas to participate in the endorsement and finalized the meeting.

Just as Du Sheng was about to put down his phone, a new message popped up.

I raised my eyebrows and saw that it was an invitation from South African gem Charlize Theron.

He smiled and probably guessed the reason.

However, there is no reason to decline an invitation from a beautiful woman.

That evening, Du Sheng walked into a luxurious restaurant.

Charlize gracefully stood up to greet him, and the two of them gave each other an intimate hug.

Obviously, Charlize took this meeting very seriously.

She had just finished an audition and changed into a lavender silk suspender skirt with a black suit on the outside.

"Du, I'm sorry that we could only communicate over the phone before, but today I finally have the chance to invite you to dinner."

she said softly.

"No, Charlize, I should be the one saying sorry."

Du Sheng responded politely and gracefully:
"For a beauty like you, it's the right thing for a man to do to take the initiative and invite her."

Originally he was wondering why he had never encountered the so-called Hollywood rules, it seems that it might be a matter of time.

"Thank you for the compliment, but there are countless beautiful actresses in Hollywood. To some extent, beauty is the cheapest thing here."

Charlize said with a hint of emotion.

"You are too modest. In Hollywood, where there are so many beautiful women, you are still the brightest star, attracting everyone's attention."

Du Sheng smiled and pointed around:
"If you don't believe me, look around. The waiter can hardly walk when he sees you."

In fact, besides the waiters, some diners also looked at him sideways.

"Du, you are such a humorous gentleman."

Charlize was amused by Du Sheng's words and smiled.

At this moment, she is in a mature and charming period, with blonde hair, blue eyes, deep and charming eyes, sexy red lips and a bright smile, which makes her look particularly charming.

Du Sheng's words were not actually polite.

Charlize's success in Hollywood is due to her outstanding appearance and talent.

"Du, you may not think that I am your loyal fan!

Sometimes I feel like God favors certain people, giving them gifts and talents that are so special that people would envy them.”

Charlize sincerely praised:
"Your album sales are amazing, you have won the world boxing title twice, you can write scripts and act in movies and win awards, and you have successfully founded your own company...

Honestly, I think you're like Superman."

Du Sheng smiled slightly and said modestly:
“Everyone has their own strengths, and maybe I just have more unique insights than others in some aspects.

But if I were asked to solve math problems or do scientific research, I would probably be at the bottom of the class.”

Charlize Theron smiled and echoed:
"It seems like we are really kindred spirits. I get a headache when I see those functions and symbols!"

In fact, Charlize invited Du Sheng this time with the intention of establishing a friendship with him.

She had asked Leonardo about Du Sheng and learned that he was an approachable person.

The other party also told her that in addition to these achievements in the Eastern country, Du Sheng is also a tycoon and wealthy man in the entertainment industry.

However, Charlize is not interested in Du Sheng's influence in the Eastern country.

But it is his special status in the Lighthouse Country.

If Du Sheng was just a singer or an actor, things might be much simpler.

But he established two joint ventures with the Hearst sisters and the Samsung Princess in Hollywood, investing over 100 million US dollars!
Now, news about Du Sheng's strong financial resources has spread.

And he is also a person who is willing to invest a lot of capital in movies.

Some people may laugh at his behavior and say it is unwise, not knowing how risky the film industry is.
But the problem is, everyone is willing to make friends with such a "fool".

Charlize knows the importance of connections.

Especially after working hard in the beacon country for many years and encountering many setbacks, I am very clear about the powerful relationships behind it.

Therefore, he was even more reluctant to miss this opportunity to establish a relationship with Du Sheng.

This dinner was not only to understand the role issues, but also to have the opportunity to work together in the future.

If they can become friends, she may be given priority in the other party's projects in the future.

As the topic gradually deepened, the two became more and more interested.

“…The gossip you heard is correct. Leon is indeed a 20-second playboy!”

Du Sheng also guessed the reason for being invited today, and took the initiative to reveal a piece of news when the atmosphere was just right:
"By the way, the cast has basically decided on the heroine."

Charlize sighed in her heart. She could tell something from Du Sheng's tone and expression, but she still held on to a glimmer of hope and asked:
"Who's the lucky one?"

"Scarlett Johansson."

Although Charlize felt regretful when she heard the name, she did not blame Du Sheng.

After all, this is a project with an investment of nearly 100 million yuan, and there are many checks and balances from all parties.

Even best friends would consider it carefully, not to mention that she and Du Sheng didn't have much in common before.

And there is no free lunch in Hollywood.

She hadn't put in any effort for this before, so what reason did she have to blame the other party?

Charlize took a deep breath and said with relief:
“Nothing, it’s common in Hollywood.

But I wonder why Scarlett Johansson was chosen?"

At first she thought it might be Angelina, or at the very least Jessica Alba, who is known for her sexiness.

Unexpectedly, it was won by the youngest of the five.

………(End of chapter)