Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 559 Asking for Cooperation

The challenge has been issued; it remains to be seen whether Lu Chuan dares to accept it.
Zhang Chen is returning to China because the premiere of "The Message" is scheduled for late October.

Whether it can be made in time depends on the filming schedule of "White House Down".

If filming goes smoothly and can wrap up before then, then Zhang Chen will definitely go.

After all, it was his teacher's work.

But if "White House Down" hadn't been filmed, there would definitely be no going back.

The production team is burning through money every day, and it's all in US dollars. He can't just abandon this place because he has to attend the premiere.

So during this period, Zhang Chen is focused on filming "White House Down" and wants to finish filming before the premiere.

Currently, all outdoor scenes have been completed, and the crew has been filming indoor scenes in the studio recently.

The props team built 21 sets inside the White House in the studio—corridors, safe houses, mezzanines, underground passages, etc.

The villains naturally chose the Middle Eastern Muslims, since they had a proven track record and were naturally suited to play this kind of role.

As for the actor who plays Obama, Zhang Chen specifically chose Louis Ortiz.

This guy was originally known for imitating Obama.

The president of the United States in the movie is actually a black man.

To be honest, everyone in the crew initially found it unbelievable.

Is this a reference to the US presidential election?

Although Obama is indeed very popular among Black voters, there has never been an African American president in American history, and many people do not think he will win.

Hehe, you'll find out after the November election.

Zhang Chen pondered secretly, feeling somewhat like the only one sober in a world of drunks.

Just as filming was progressing smoothly, Zhang Chen suddenly received a call from producer David Heyman.

"Zhang, how's the progress of 'White House Down'?"

"It's going well, very smoothly. I want to finish filming before the end of October, and these last two days are the most crucial..."

"Thank goodness, at least we didn't finish filming!"

?

Zhang Chen couldn't understand what the other person meant.

"Zhang, I'm coming over tomorrow, with someone you'd never expect..."

Zhang Chen was drawn in by his words and subconsciously asked, "Someone I didn't expect? Who is it?"

"Haha, you'll see when we meet!"

David hung up the phone after keeping everyone in suspense, leaving Zhang Chen completely bewildered.

Forget it, if I can't figure it out, I won't think about it. I'll find out tomorrow anyway.

Zhang Chen didn't take it too seriously, and filming continued the next day.

"Click~"

Zhang Chen watched the replay twice and, finding no problems, finally nodded: "Good, not bad, that's a good take. Prepare for the next scene."

At Zhang Chen's command, the props began to be put into operation, but a voice suddenly rang out behind him: "Zhang, look who I brought with me?"

It's David Heyman.

They didn't know when this guy arrived, probably some time ago, but Zhang Chen was filming at the time, so they didn't disturb him.

He waited until the shot was finished before speaking.

Turning around, I saw David. Just as I was about to speak, I saw another familiar face.

Why do I say it's familiar? Because I've seen it frequently in the news lately.

His golden hair was combed so smoothly that even a fly would have to swat it away. He had pale blue eyes and a clean-shaven beard.

His white shirt and black casual pants were both impeccably styled.

The other person then introduced themselves: "Director Zhang Chen, hello, I'm Christopher Nolan~"

Reach out and shake hands with the other person.
"This is truly unexpected; I never imagined that Director Nolan would grace us with his presence!"

In Hollywood today, there are two directors who are most popular: Zhang Chen and Christopher Nolan.

Zhang Chen is known for directing "Pacific Rim" and "2012," both of which achieved considerable success.

Nolan is more famous than Zhang Chen.

The recent Batman series has not only achieved phenomenal box office success, but has also garnered recognition through awards.

His Batman film is hailed as the best Batman film ever made.

David looked at the two people shaking hands in front of him and had the illusion that he was making history.

These two are currently Hollywood's most sought-after directors, and both have collaborated with Warner Bros.

"Director Nolan, what brings you here today...?"

Nolan and he were complete strangers. His sudden appearance on the set of "White House Down" must have been for some reason.

Thinking of this, he glanced at David almost imperceptibly, as if to say, "You didn't even bother to let me know beforehand if something's wrong."
David understood Zhang Chen's resentment, but in reality, he was more wronged than Dou E.

David was naturally puzzled when Nolan suddenly wanted to see Zhang Chen.

But no matter how subtly they tried to get the answer, Nolan wouldn't reveal the reason, only saying that he wanted to meet him.
What else could we do but bring it?

They're a partner that Warner Bros. is practically begging to be with, so of course they'll grant their every request.

“Zhang, Director Nolan was originally on a global promotional tour for ‘The Dark Knight,’ but he suddenly said he wanted to see you, so I brought him here.”

"Director Nolan, now that you've met Zhang Chen, what can we talk about..."

David said it, but his actions showed no sign of avoiding it.

"Director Zhang, when I was sixteen, I had a dream. I was standing on a beach, holding a handful of sand in my hand. I could feel that I was in a dream, and that feeling made me feel both real and surreal. So, since I was sixteen, I've had a crazy idea: to control and master my dreams..."

Nolan suddenly started telling a story, but Zhang Chen already knew his purpose.

"You read the script for Inception?"

Zhang Chen prepared many scripts in advance, including thrillers like "Don't Breathe" and others like "Inception".

Furthermore, these scripts were all registered with the Writers Guild, meaning anyone could see them. Apparently, somehow, Nolan saw them...

"Yes, I stumbled upon the script for Inception on a script platform."

It attracted me from the first moment I saw it.

Although it's just a synopsis, I think this is the script I've been looking for.

So, Zhang, are you willing to reluctantly give up this opportunity?

Nolan's words stunned not only Zhang Chen, but also David, who was standing next to him.

They've taken a liking to Zhang Chen's script and want him to part with it?

David's blood pressure spiked for a moment.

If I had known they were here to poach my employees, I wouldn't have been a traitor.

He knew very well that any script that Nolan would choose must be good, at least on par with "Pacific Rim".

Zhang Chen's projects have always been in collaboration with Warner Bros., and David Heyman is one of the producers.

But if Nolan gets his hands on it, although it will most likely be a collaboration with Warner Bros., it will have nothing to do with him anymore.

Thinking of this, he became a little anxious and thought of reminding Zhang Chen not to agree to his request.

But they didn't dare to make it too obvious.

After all, that's Nolan~
If Nolan gets angry and forces Warner Bros. to make a choice, who do you think Warner Bros. would choose between you and Nolan?

Fortunately, Zhang Chen did not disappoint him.

"Director Nolan, I'm very sorry, but I have no intention of selling the script for 'Inception'..."

Zhang Chen smiled and said, "I plan to direct this script myself." "Just as I thought!"

Nolan's tone was full of disappointment, "I knew it would be like this."

Before coming, he had of course inquired about Zhang Chen's resume.

Zhang Chen shares the same habit as him: all his works are written and directed by himself.

Such people are often very arrogant.

It's unlikely they'll give up their work.

Nolan thought that with his reputation as a great director, he might be able to find an exception.

Looking back now, I was overthinking it.
"Could you tell me more about the story of Inception?"

Since he couldn't direct, Nolan decided to settle for second best.

"Of course~"

At the same time, David was also very curious about this story called "Inception," wondering what kind of story could interest Nolan so much.

Zhang Chen made no attempt to hide anything and recounted the entire story of Inception, leaving the two people opposite him looking completely bewildered.

I didn't understand.
Definitely impressive but incomprehensible~
Dream weaver, imposter, three layers of dreams, dream within a dream, reference point~
There are so many different concepts, I don't understand them, but they seem so amazing!
After hearing the full story, Nolan became even more eager to learn more.

"Director Zhang Chen, could you please reconsider? I'm really interested in this story!"

For him, Inception is the dream in his heart, and it even provides explanations for many things that he himself is still unclear about.

This gave him a strange feeling that Zhang Chen seemed to understand him better than he understood himself.

"I'm so sorry, so very sorry~"

Zhang Chen's attitude was firm, so Nolan could only shut up in frustration.

"Well then, the flight must have been tiring, Director Nolan, why don't you take a rest first? I'll treat you both to dinner later."

As he spoke, Zhang Chen winked at David.

The latter understood and persuaded the person to leave on the grounds that they should not interfere with the filming.

At the same time, I was secretly overjoyed.

He didn't understand the logic of Inception, but that doesn't stop him from considering it a masterpiece similar to The Matrix.

After settling Nolan in, David returned to the set.

"Zhang, how come I've never heard you mention Inception before?"

"Because I never intended to make this film in the first place~"

"why?"

"The investment is too large; it's estimated to be around $1.5 million."

David gasped.

Zhang Chen shrugged as well.

But this number didn't just appear out of thin air.

Movie special effects are actually graded.

Films like Pacific Rim don't really qualify as top-tier.

What truly stands out is something like Inception, whose special effects are no different from the average movie.

The original folded street effect was probably the highest level of special effects available at the time.

……

Early the next morning, someone reported that director Nolan had left.

However, these were all minor incidents; Zhang Chen's main task was to wrap up "White House Down".

After filming in the Canadian studios was completed, the crew returned to North America to film on location outside the White House.

Of course, the White House has requirements in this regard. FBI agents will follow you throughout the process, and you are only allowed to take photos of what they can take.

Filming for "White House Down" has wrapped.
There was no wrap party. After handing over the post-production work for the film, Zhang Chen decisively returned to China.

On the evening of October 21, Zhang Chen landed at Beijing Capital International Airport.

It feels really good to be grounded like this.

Two days before the premiere of "The Message," Zhang Chen immediately called Yang Xiaomi.

I originally wanted to contact Fan Xiaopang, but considering that she should be filming "Gravity" right now, I decided not to bother her.

The call was answered quickly, and the voice on the other end sounded somewhat excited.

"You...you've returned to China?"

"Yeah, let's go out for dinner tonight~"

"tonight?"

"correct."

"But... my period started, and it's not leaving until next Wednesday~"

Yang Xiaomi's voice sounded timid on the other end of the line. How could it have happened so coincidentally?

Zhang Chen finally took the initiative to call her, but her health failed her.

Zhang Chen, sitting opposite him, retorted, "What kind of person do you take me for? Did I invite you to dinner just for that? You're being incredibly disrespectful..."

In an instant, Yang Xiaomi felt guilty, realizing that she had been judging others by her own petty standards.

"I'm sorry, I misspoke."

To everyone's surprise, Zhang Chen immediately said, "If you've made a mistake, you should reflect on it. I'll give you some time to reflect on it. I'll talk to you again next Wednesday..."

"Uh~"

Seeing that her phone was now just a busy signal, Yang Xiaomi was completely bewildered, feeling like she'd been tricked.

……

A private club in Beijing
As Wu Baige entered the private room, Li Ming and Zhong Lifang, who had been waiting inside, immediately stood up to greet her.

"Director Wu~"

"Sorry, am I too late? The traffic in Beijing is terrible..."

Wu Baige behaved very modestly.

"No, no, we're just too early..."

Today, Xiao Ma Benteng specially hosted a banquet for Wu Baige.

Xiao Ma Ben Teng entered the industry late; by the time they did, all the good resources in the film and television industry had already been snapped up.

Good directors and good actors have formed a community of shared interests.

However, Li Ming was also capable, so he set his sights on screenwriters and signed priority investment rights for a large number of well-known screenwriters.

At first, they dabbled in small-scale operations, making both profits and losses.

But after seeing the blockbusters released by Star Entertainment, Huayi Brothers, and Orange Sky Entertainment recently, I finally couldn't resist and wanted to do it myself.

Wu Baige was his target.

Li Ming had inquired and learned that Wu Baige and Orange Sky were not bound together; their relationship was simply one of cooperation.

Although "Red Cliff (Part 1)" lost money, Li Ming believed that even a starved camel is bigger than a horse.

"In another month, 'Red Cliff Part II' will be released. Wishing Director Wu's film great success!"

Li Ming said the nice things, and casually mentioned his desire to cooperate with Wu Baige.

"I would certainly be willing to cooperate with Xiaoma Benteng. I wonder what kind of subject matter Mr. Li plans for his first big film?"

"What about disaster movies? Zhang Chen's '2012' made so much money at the box office precisely because of its subject matter. If he can do it, I think we can too!"

(End of this chapter)