Extracting skills from movies

That day, Amanda returned from discussing the filming location for "Wolverine" with New Ceylan.

They also brought back a "sugar daddy" along the way.

Representative of the German-owned HK company.

A middle-aged foreigner named Mandley was clearly a seasoned businessman.

In the Wolverine project office at Sony Pictures, Amanda greeted the people with a smile:

"This is Mr. Mandley, the person in charge of HK Company here."

Hearing that we were going to make a film called "Wolverine," they flew back from Germany specifically to try and collaborate with us.

Upon hearing this, Du Sheng smiled and said:
"I'm very familiar with the HK brand. I've played with MP5, USP, and G36."

To be honest, the quality of German firearms is much better than that of imported ones.

Not only are their guns excellent, but their tactical knives and collectible knives are also highly sought after in the industry; a single HK military knife can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.

Mandley was surprised by Du Sheng's knowledge; his eyes lit up and he immediately presented a gift.
"This is our company's complete catalog and samples of civilian products, including the latest HK416 carbine."

We'll handle all the legal paperwork for you, so please don't refuse.

Du Sheng took the documents and deliberately asked:

Does the HK416 have a fully automatic version?

Mandley gave a wry smile:
“California is very strict, so they can only provide semi-automatic civilian versions; fully automatic versions require special approval from the military.”

Amanda, seeing that the time was right, quickly chimed in:

“Mandley came here to represent HK Company in fully sponsoring the Wolverine project.”

She paused and added:

“I had previously spoken with Mr. Mandley about the script and also looked at the set design.”

He found the movie to be almost entirely action-packed, with gunfights, close-quarters combat, and explosions one after another, which really appealed to him.

Mandley is straightforward:
"Our headquarters was very interested after reading the script and decided to sponsor all the weapons and equipment that appeared in the film."

Of course, that includes Wolverine's claws!

Upon hearing this, Du Sheng understood the situation.

There are quite a few weapons in "Wolverine".

The protagonist's retractable adamantium claws are his signature feature.

There are also special bullets that can counter him, saber-toothed tiger claws, Deadpool's katana that he wields with incredible skill, Gambit's deck of cards that can explode, and the Silver Samurai's steel sword...

These are all high-end equipment.

In fact, Amanda had already told him the truth over the phone.

She negotiated the sponsorship on the side, just to add some "extra income" to the project.

Du Sheng asked directly:
"Does that mean all the main characters' weapons in the film have to be products from Hong Kong?"

He added:

"There are several key scenes, such as Wolverine jumping onto an armored vehicle and shooting at planes, and using polymer plastic bullets to fight Magneto. The weapons scenes are crucial."

Mandley nodded:
"That's right, the protagonists and villains should prioritize using HK series firearms and melee weapons!"

He didn't hide it either:

"In addition to providing a full set of props, we will also assist the crew with filming in New Xilan and Huaxia Jiangcheng, and provide an additional $300 million in venue sponsorship fees."

Du Sheng turned to look at Amanda and nodded gently.

Amanda immediately said:

"We'll discuss the specific terms tomorrow."

Mandley was in a great mood and pulled Du Sheng aside to chat about firearms techniques. The more they talked, the more they clicked.

He then understood why headquarters had agreed to the investment.

This isn't just because of Du Sheng's box office appeal, but also because this guy really knows guns!
He's an honorary citizen of Los Angeles and has even fought off criminals with a gun; he's really capable.

As the conversation got more interesting, Mandley tentatively asked:
"Mr. Du, would you be interested in filming some promotional videos or endorsement posters for us in Hong Kong?"

You also have gun scenes in the movie, fans will definitely appreciate that.

Without even thinking, Du Sheng shook his head:
"I'll pass on the gun endorsement."

He has a clear mind.

Whether in the United States or China, the topic of guns is extremely sensitive.

If public figures get involved with this stuff, they might get into serious trouble.

In movies, you can act however you want; those are just roles. But in real life, would you accept such endorsements?

Only someone with a brain full of water could do that.

However, he changed the subject:
"If it's a segment showcasing the Vajra Claw, I might consider making an appearance."

Mandley was not disappointed, after all, the main objective had been achieved.

Ultimately, the two parties reached a preliminary cooperation agreement.

HK Company will provide a full set of weapons and props, plus a $300 million sponsorship, and all the equipment worn by the main characters in the film will bear the HK brand.

Subsequent advertising revenue is expected to reach $1000 million.

After seeing Mandley off, Lydia, standing to the side, spoke with a hint of smugness:

"The contract with McDonald's has also been finalized, a $300 million advertising sponsorship."

Du Sheng leaned back on the sofa and casually asked:
Did they make any special requests?
"You're not going to make me eat a Big Mac in the movie, are you?"

Lydia smiled:
“You’re currently a highly sought-after ‘traffic king’ internationally, and they only have one request.”

In the action scenes, arrange for one to be filmed at or near a McDonald's store, ideally with the sign prominently displayed—a subtle product placement.

Upon hearing this, Du Sheng smiled and waved his hand:

"What kind of nonsense is this?"
I'll tell Eighth Master later and ask him to design a fight scene.
The backdrop was set at the McDonald's entrance, with the sign blown away for maximum visual impact, effectively doubling the advertising effect.

Lydia nodded and continued:

"Furthermore, in areas such as clothing, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals, major brands are lining up to extend olive branches, all wanting to get on board."

Du Sheng was decisive and efficient:

"If you pay enough, everything is negotiable."

Clothes, cars, pills—just stuff them in, as long as it doesn't ruin the character or the story.

Although "Wolverine" is a comic book adaptation, in this era before the Avengers even appeared, the plot has a high degree of freedom and a lot of room for change.

In addition, Du Sheng is currently riding high, with his popularity soaring from the Grammys to global box office success. Brands are chasing after him, so he has no trouble attracting sponsors.

Even the tourism board of New Zealand and local shopping malls have taken the initiative to approach them, hoping to get some exposure.

Although the investment in this project is not yet at the level of a top-tier blockbuster, Du Sheng's position in Hollywood is already secure.

Over the next few days, he met with director Gavin Hood and comic book legend Stan Lee to finalize his schedule and creative direction.

Sony had recommended several directors, but Du Sheng rejected them all.

He knows who is the most suitable.

As for Stan Lee, he was the creator of a whole host of super IPs, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, X-Men, and Hulk.

If it weren't for his company going bankrupt, and the Hearst family's behind-the-scenes maneuvering, would an Asian have been able to secure the lead role in "Wolverine"?
There are no doors!

But Du Sheng is different.

With high international recognition and deep pockets, Miracle Pictures offered a hefty price.

Moreover, "Wolverine" is just a prequel to "X-Men," and no one had made one before, so it didn't get much attention.

Du Sheng was well aware of the influence and earning power of the "Wolverine" film series, so naturally he wouldn't miss out.

He had it all planned out: as soon as the Oscars were over, he would immediately join the production team, finish filming in two or three months, and then return to China to participate in the Olympics—a perfect transition.

Before Amanda went to Australia to scout locations, she specifically called together the Sony producer, Du Sheng, and Gavin Hood.
The four people formed a small circle, which served as a meeting to discuss the Wolverine project.

Amanda looked serious:
"There's something I need to tell you in advance."

She paused, her tone cautious:
"This time, shooting on location in New Zealand inevitably involved dealing with local agencies. One of the New Zealand officials was quite cooperative with us."
He asked someone to pass on a message, hoping to get his friend's daughter into the production team for a role of some importance.

Gavin Hood shrugged upon hearing this:

"Which Hollywood movie doesn't have a few people with connections?"
Let her play a villainous female assassin; she can fight a couple of times and then disappear, it won't affect the main plot.

Amanda shook her head:
"I think it's safer to cast a positive character, preferably the second female lead."

Anyway, the female characters don't have much screen time, and the main plot revolves around Wolverine, so adding a new character won't disrupt the pacing.

Du Sheng raised an eyebrow:

"What's this girl's background?"
Could she be the daughter of some political figure?

Amanda told the truth:

"Her father is the federal prosecutor in New Zealand. He has worked there for more than ten years and has also held a position at the city hall. He has a wide network of connections."

If we can get her involved, it will save us a lot of trouble when shooting on location.

Moreover, this young woman has formal training; she started acting in dramas in 2003 and entered the film industry in 2006—her resume is quite impressive.

After hearing this, Du Sheng waved his hand:

"You can handle these kinds of social interactions as you see fit."

Amanda is always prudent in her work, and she wouldn't have brought it up specifically if it weren't for the importance of the role.

Seeing that neither of them objected, the matter was settled.

As for the age difference?
Makeup and filters solve all the problems.

Before they knew it, it was mid-February. Amanda and Gavin Hood took a large group on a chartered plane to New Zealand to prepare for the filming of "Wolverine".

Meanwhile, Du Sheng was summoned to the hotel by a phone call from Charlize Theron.

After a series of intense and exciting matches, Charlize began to focus on preparing for the Oscars.

The next day, Du Sheng was again "besieged" by Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Alba, as if she had just finished a battle.

However, Du Sheng remained energetic, which completely won over the two women.

Knowing they had no chance at this year's Oscars, they simply stayed in bed.

That afternoon, Du Sheng changed into a custom-made dress, got into the all-black Mercedes flagship, and slowly drove towards the Kodak Theater.

Tonight is the 80th Academy Awards ceremony.

The cars lined up outside the red carpet for a while, and just as Will Smith's figure walked away, Du Sheng's car came to a smooth stop at the entrance.

He glanced sideways at Elizabeth, who looked slightly nervous, and smiled as he pointed out the window:
"Do you see that patch of red?"

The territory of the Eight Extremes Association.

"I'm the president, and you're the saintess. We'll need to go and greet the 'followers' later."

Elizabeth followed the gaze, and the striking red T-shirts made her smile involuntarily.

“I know, this is your signature move every time you walk the red carpet.”

Du Sheng also laughed:

"You can join this ceremony later."

Elizabeth felt a warmth in her heart, and her tension instantly dissipated.
"I'm starting to look forward to it."

The car door opened, a red carpet appeared, and flashbulbs went off.

Du Sheng got out of the car first, then turned around and gently pulled Elizabeth out of the car.

In an instant, countless flashes went off, crashing over like waves, blinding everyone.

He took Elizabeth's hand, and the two walked side by side toward the Kodak Theatre, exuding an aura of power.

Reporters on both sides immediately began to whisper among themselves:
"Oh dear, the dashing playboy has found a new love again?"

"Isn't this the youngest of the Olsen sisters, Elizabeth Olsen, right?"

Wow! Blake Lively is here too!

Du Sheng's luck with women is too good! He's got women on both sides!

Before he finished speaking, Du Sheng turned back and casually took Blake Lively's hand.

It's really lively now.

Two stunningly beautiful women, one on each side of him, instantly became the center of attention.

The reporters swarmed around like cats smelling fish, snapping photos incessantly.

Even more amazing, a unified shout suddenly erupted from both sides of the red carpet:

"Du Sheng! The King of Spies!"

That spectacle was even more exaggerated than the debut of a top boy band.

These fans in red T-shirts are all die-hard members of the Bajiquan Association, who came specifically to promote him.

The group stopped several times on the red carpet, all because the two girls wanted to pose.

After all, they are professionals when it comes to walking the red carpet, and every step they take has to look like a magazine cover.

As they walked to the middle of the red carpet, someone suddenly shouted:
"Du Sheng! Over here! Over here!"

He looked in the direction of the sound and saw Cui Yayi leading her earliest fan group, waving a banner wildly.

Du Sheng walked over with a smile, first taking photos with his longtime fans, and then signing autographs for each of them.

To be honest, he truly has feelings for these fans who have supported him since before he became famous.

Just as I was feeling sentimental, Cui Yayi handed me three cans of McDonald's cold drinks.

Du Sheng took the cans, opened one for each of them, and handed one to Elizabeth and Blake. Then he held them high and shouted to the fans:

"Wishing everyone all your dreams come true, continuous advancement, and victory!"

The entire audience responded immediately, with even passersby on the red carpet joining in the chants:
"Du, Du, Du!"

This scene amused the head of McDonald's Los Angeles branch.

He turned to his deputy and said:
"This spokesperson is reliable; even walking the red carpet doesn't stop him from advertising for us."

The deputy nodded:

"It's incredibly difficult to find a celebrity with this kind of professionalism."

Looking at the sales data that had just popped up on his phone, the person in charge remarked:
"Headquarters needs to renew his contract as soon as possible; his sales ability is absolutely amazing!"

Once inside the media area, since neither Elizabeth nor Black were nominated, the reporters didn't bother them at all.

Du Sheng simply let the two girls show their affection and take photos in front of the sponsor's backdrop, having a great time, before they went into the theater together.

Blake muttered to himself as he walked:
"I starved myself for over a week, just for these few minutes of glory, I'm crazy!"

Du Sheng replied with a smile:

"But there are people all over the world who are obsessed with this."

Upon reaching the theater lobby entrance, Elizabeth suddenly stopped him and carefully straightened his suit and tie, praising him as she did so:
"You look incredibly handsome today, everyone who sees you will be smitten!"

Du Sheng was both amused and exasperated.

This girl is still chasing after celebrities even at a time like this.

He didn't expose her, and pulled her inside.

The Kodak Theatre was a veritable arena of fame and fortune.

The most popular and influential celebrities of the past year were mostly seated in the first few rows.

Actors from art films are placed in more prominent positions.

Du Sheng was nominated and her seat was arranged in the second row, with the two girls sitting behind her.

I had only taken a few steps when I ran into Julia Roberts.

The moment their eyes met, the air grew cold and heavy.

Julia snorted and turned to leave.

…(End of this chapter)