Actor: Thank you.

When asked how good works come about, Zhang Yuan believes they come from reality.

The best literary works are those that have real-world relevance.

Just like in "American Dreams in China".

After dropping Elizabeth off at her place, he received a call from Chen Kexin.

The other party then sent him a new version of the script.

It's still being revised.

But the cast has been largely finalized.

Deng Chao and Tong Dawei were naturally present.

Zhang Yuan also thought the two were a good match.

As the male lead of the film, he has a certain degree of ability to select supporting actors.

Moreover, Chen Kexin knew that even if others didn't have it, he did.

It's just a matter of whether he wants to or not.

Now that he had no objections, Director Chen breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Chen Kexin was also annoyed; I had to watch his expression...

Of course, Huang Xiaoming originally wanted to play the role of Meng Xiaojun, which was originally written by screenwriter Xu Xiaoping.

He wanted to create a sophisticated role for himself, and didn't even want to play the lead role.

Deng Chao also disliked the male lead, Chen Dongqing; nobody wanted to play a rustic character.

Now that he's taken the lead role, Xiaoming has no confidence in the character.

The role of Meng Xiaojun was also taken by Deng, so Huang Xiaoming didn't even have a chance to play a supporting role.

Chen Kexin felt that Zhang Yuan's lack of objection was probably out of consideration for Lao Han.

Well, I heard before that he wanted to start a big battle between the Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama, but Lao Han stopped him with just one phone call.

It has to be "Zuo Shan Diao" (a famous bandit leader), no, the old leader is formidable.

In any case, Zhang Yuan couldn't explain it.

And it's not just "American Dreams in China"; the story of "John Wick" is also based on a real person.

In 09, a home invasion robbery occurred in Texas at a suburban villa.

After entering the house, the group not only looted the property but also killed a small dog inside.

Then... as the group was leaving, the homeowner chased after them in his pickup truck and started firing wildly with his gun like a madman.

The homeowner, Marcus, is a retired Navy SEAL, an organization whose prestige is beyond question.

They sell for 1000 in Red Alert...

The dog's name was Daisy, after his comrade who died in Afghanistan.

With all buffs maxed out, I unleashed Bloodrage, and those robbers were almost wiped out on the spot.

If the police hadn't come, these guys wouldn't have survived to go to court.

In the film, the profession was changed from Navy SEAL to retired assassin, and the origin of the dog was changed from a comrade-in-arms to a deceased wife.

Clean and efficient, grounded in reality, and full of emotion.

But those cliché directors wanted to put this story in the middle of the film, not at the beginning.

First, show a bunch of fun everyday moments between the male lead and his wife, then film the wife being killed, and finally, a small climax of revenge.

The standard multi-segment creative formula.

As it turns out, it's nowhere near as exciting as putting this at the beginning and starting the battle from zero frames.

Furthermore, in Zhang Yuan's eyes, this film is very special, especially in Hollywood.

Because his worldview sounds mysterious, involving the High Table and assassin organizations.

The High Table setting didn't exist in the first part; it was added later.

According to the owner, Baz, they were creating an "insecure" world where your neighbors, friends, and colleagues might all be killers beneath their everyday facades.

This feeling isn't actually like a Hollywood action movie, but rather... like a martial arts movie!

The so-called assassin world is more like a martial arts world.

There are hidden masters all around you; you might just walk a few steps and a renowned swordsman will suddenly appear.

Hotels in mainland China are similar to Longmen Inn.

The High Table organization is like the Eastern Depot.

The story of "John Wick" is actually six or seven parts similar to "Reign of Assassins," with a secret assassin rebelling against an organization.

Kung Fu Hustle also evokes the feeling of a master hidden in plain sight.

So essentially, this is a Frankenstein's monster movie, a Hollywood production disguised as an American action film but with a martial arts core.

Sew-up isn't scary, it's all about how well you sew.

He was pondering how to handle the film.

Especially given that it is destined not to be released in mainland China.

Several years ago, mainland China began to tighten its control over gangs, vendettas, and bloody themes.

A TV series like "Conquest" might not have been allowed to be filmed even six or seven years later.

But John Wick is even worse.

According to statistics found online, in the first movie, which was about 100 minutes long, the protagonist fired a total of 153 shots, killing 77 people. Including follow-up shots and multiple hits, his hit rate was as high as 87%.

On average, one person dies every 1 minute and 20 seconds.

It's like a hack-and-slash game.

Only a censorship agency like the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television would allow this kind of show to pass censorship.

Even if it passes review, it will be edited beyond recognition.

You have to convince the company to agree to the investment.

If all else fails, just pay for it yourself and register it under the company's name.

I'm exhausted.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth, back at her hotel, received a call from her sister.

"Great, you've hitched a ride on the Marvel ship, your future is bright."

"Thank you. Let's celebrate together when I get back to New York." She knew her two older sisters had put in a lot of effort behind the scenes.

"By the way, didn't you already finish your audition? Why are you still in Los Angeles?" the older woman asked.

“WELL…” she hesitated, biting her lip.

"Because of someone, right?" the older sister guessed.

"A newcomer or an old friend?" He pressed on before the other could answer, assuming his guess was correct.

"Old friend..." Realizing that his sister had seen through him, he stopped acting like that, crossed his legs, and started chatting with a cushion on the sofa.

"It seems our Chinese friend is still as charming as ever," the older sister remarked casually after listening.

Then came a surprise attack.

"Have you slept with him?"

“Hey!” Xiaobai replied with wide eyes.

“You are my older sister, you shouldn’t ask such a question.”

“It’s worth a try,” the older sister replied.

"Since he didn't sleep with you this time, it means he's not interested in you anymore."

"Really?" Xiaobai looked hesitant.

"Of course, it's also possible that they're waiting for you to take the initiative."

"really?"

"So your reaction means you really like him, right?" The older sister was manipulating her.

"I just see that he's very popular with women, and it makes me think about what would have happened if I had said yes when he gave me the ring?"

She still believes that Zhang Yuan proposed to her in Brazil that year, but was rejected.

"Men are very concerned about their image, especially successful men."

Her sister was also misled by this misinformation.

"Don't do things you'll regret, and don't do nothing and then regret it," the older sister advised in the end.

After putting down her phone, Elizabeth scratched her head vigorously, messing up her long, dark blonde hair.

Very confused.

Zhang Yuan wasn't so conflicted.

Two or three days later, he found Keanu Reeves again.

The guy was still riding his retro motorcycle, the kind you have to pedal to start.

Zhang Yuan suggested that they didn't need to be so serious about finding a fancy restaurant.

So the two of them went to a park and sat on a bench under the shade of a tree.

He had a hot dog, and she had a sandwich; they just ate like that.

"Your motorcycle is beautiful." Zhang Yuan looked at the meticulously maintained vehicle and thought to himself that these foreigners were really enjoying themselves.

Not only do they earn a lot from acting, they also have time to play.

This is a classic Harley-Davidson, an older model that has long been discontinued.

There's a strong culture of classic cars in North America.

Zhang Yuan recalled that this guy started with Kawasaki motorcycles, then moved on to Ducatis, and only later did he get his current Harley-Davidson. The speed decreased as he rode more... which actually reflects a more stable mindset as one gets older.

Later, he wasn't satisfied with just playing with classic cars, so he started his own brand to make cars.

Do you like motorcycles too?

"It's not bad, but in our country, most cities have very strict restrictions on motorcycles."

For example, in Shanghai, the issuance of new motorcycle license plates was stopped in 08, and yellow license plates for motorcycles with a capacity of 50cc or more were once sold for nearly 100 million yuan each!
Driving a car is nothing; riding a motorcycle in a big city is what really makes you rich.

Zhang Yuan thought about it and decided that he shouldn't get involved in this; the risks were too great.

Even skilled drivers can have accidents due to various weather and road conditions.

If you've never broken a bone while riding a motorcycle, you're almost embarrassed to greet your fellow motorcyclists.

If the collision is slightly more serious, dying is still relatively quick and easy; uninstalling QQ is the worst outcome.

I still want to use it.

Even if China's industrial level reaches a point where it can produce excellent vehicles in the future, the market and profits will still be too small, and I have no interest in getting involved for the time being.

He talked to the other person about motorcycles for a while, just to get closer to him.

Because he understands that Keanu is the core of this project, and it won't work without him.

The later spin-off, "Ballet Killer Princess," did not receive the same level of approval.

People love to watch him swagger around and kill people.

This is called audience appeal.

No matter who plays the role, no matter how beautiful the action scenes are, it won't make a difference.

"About that movie." Zhang Yuan finished his hot dog and coffee before getting down to business.

“I’ve thought about it carefully and read the script you gave me.”

"I agree with your point of view. The world and the audience desperately need a pure action movie."

"Yeah!" The man raised his big arm and bumped fists with him.

"I knew it, you're a martial arts master."

"Only those who truly understand martial arts will love action movies."

"Only people like this can understand our thoughts."

"Let those money-grubbing businessmen make boring, second-rate films!"

“However,” he said, gesturing with his hands before lowering his voice.

"I believe that if this film can be completed smoothly, it will be well-received by audiences."

"I cannot guarantee whether the investment will be recouped."

"I don't want to lie to you, even though I've invested a lot of money myself."

This guy is really honest; he's a typical example of someone who's beautiful inside and out.

“You should understand that I am interested in this play because of you. If it were anyone else with a script like this, I wouldn’t be so enthusiastic.”

Zhang Yuan simply went on to say all the nice things.

"Therefore, I will cover the remaining funding gap for your film."

"WHAT!"

Even someone who had weathered many storms, fought against the mastermind, and battled demons was utterly astonished by his words.

[Received a thank you from Keanu Reeves, motorcycle skills +2, looks +1!]

"Yes, you heard me right." Zhang Yuan patted him on the shoulder.

"That would cost at least tens of millions of US dollars."

"Can you produce it?"

"It seems you have some misunderstanding about my abilities." Zhang Yuan smiled in the face of the doubt.

Because the other party had no malicious intent.

"Of course I can get it out, and I can get it out in a short time."

They had previously sold some of their company shares to Kering Group, leaving them with tens of millions of US dollars in cash.

The money was only used to fool people, pretending to throw a hammer, but in reality, it was never used.

The company didn't quite agree, so he took a series of steps to turn the money into an investment, issuing and participating in the production in the company's name, but the profits only went through the company's accounts and would eventually all go to him in the form of dividends.

The company's shareholders found his actions very puzzling.

He insisted on putting it under the company's name in order to boost performance and increase the company's future cash flow.

"Of course, if I give you money, you will have to pay a corresponding price."

"Even if we are friends, business is business."

“No problem. You can tell me what you expect, and I will discuss it with Buzz as your representative.”

The man patted his chest and readily accepted the job.

"First of all, I have some complaints about the script."

"I think my worldview is too narrow."

"If this show is successful, it has the potential to become a series."

"Like the Bourne series or Mission: Impossible."

"Therefore, more detailed design is needed in the construction of the world view."

There is an old Chinese saying: "He who does not plan for the long term cannot plan for the short term."

"Think ahead and plan for the future."

"No problem, I will relay your suggestion and communicate with the screenwriter personally."

"You make a good point."

"besides……"

This is when he truly bares his fangs.

"Like I said, if this show is successful, then we all hope it will be a huge success."

"I want to make sure I can be involved in the production process from the beginning."

"Instead of being kicked aside once a success has been achieved."

"Hollywood is a very cruel and emotionless place, and you and I both know that."

"Zhang, I promise, if this happens, I will stand by your side, and even withdraw from filming," Keanu sincerely assured him.

Others might say this as empty talk, but this guy is different; he's likely to keep his word.

He genuinely doesn't care about money.

But his guarantee alone is useless; what if the capital kicks him out as well?
It's not like we can't do it.

“Your words put me at ease, but I still need you to pass on this to Mr. Buzz.”

"I need this film, the character John Wick, the title, the script, and half of all the IP rights for future derivative works!"

"I will register and seal these copyright assets as investment assets under the name of my personal company."

By removing half of the IP addresses, no one will be able to bypass me in the future.

Unless the names of the characters, the title of the movie, and the worldview are all changed.

Otherwise, I could file an infringement lawsuit.

In North America, where litigators abound, lawyers willing to take on such cases and claim a share of the compensation can easily spring up in droves with just a shout.

Just like what he did with "Fast & Furious".

Now, seeing him makes my teeth ache.

"If they can do all that and agree to let my film company oversee the entire process from filming to release, then I will get the money into the production team's account as soon as possible."

"So that you can start filming as soon as possible."

This is what most people think of this "broken show".

My life almost ended in disaster!

Due to insufficient funds and repeated changes in investors, the start-up time has been repeatedly delayed, and it will be completely dissolved in a few more weeks.

Furthermore, releasing the film after filming was a huge challenge because there wasn't enough money for marketing and distribution.

However, after its release, it became a moderate hit, not a huge success, and immediately a large group of film companies and investors rushed up to it, begging it to take their money.

Coolly throw it in his face.

Keanu Reeves also experienced a career resurgence because of this movie.

He deserves to be famous.

This show wouldn't have been made without him; if he's not famous, who is?

After the second film became a hit, before the third film was made, a group of Hollywood veterans and newcomers came to the production team begging for roles, even for free.

This is what is meant by "A poor man standing at a crossroads wielding ten steel hooks cannot catch his own flesh and blood, while a rich man wielding knives, spears, and clubs in the deep mountains and forests cannot scatter his unrighteous friends."

The proverb "When poor, one lives in a bustling city and no one cares; when rich, one has distant relatives even in the deep mountains" from the Zeng Guang Xian Wen (Expanded Collection of Wise Sayings) illustrates this principle.

Now that you're famous, everyone wants to be your friend.

At this time, people easily forget their true old friends.

To ensure I am not "forgotten," I respect your "spirit of contract."

I want to sign a contract with the company and also establish a private "blood pact" with Keanu.

Of course, this is all predicated on you having enough strength to prevent the other party from reneging on the contract. (End of Chapter)