Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 693, "Lost and Found," has been approved.

The afternoon sun shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Zhang Chen's office, casting dappled shadows on the mahogany desk.

He had just finished processing a personnel report for Golden Harvest Pictures when his phone rang urgently, displaying the name "Jackie Chan" on the screen.

Zhang Chen casually picked up his phone, swiped his finger across the screen, and said with a familiar smile, "Brother Long, what brings you here to call me today?"

Jackie Chan's signature hearty voice came from the other end of the phone, his tone brimming with excitement: "Ah Chan, it's not that I'm rushing you, I'm just too excited. The thought of working with you again makes me so curious. Can you give me a sneak peek at what kind of project we're working on? It's not going to be another disaster movie, is it?"

Zhang Chen chuckled in surprise: "Brother Long, I was just about to tell you about this. Do you remember the movies you filmed before, 'Dragon Brothers' and 'Project Eagle'?"

"I remember, how could I not remember? 'Asian Eagle', huh? What, is the new movie related to that?"

"Yes, the new movie, I'm going to name it 'Project Eagle 3'."

"Chinese Zodiac" is actually "Project Eagle 3".

Like "Armour of God" and "Operation Eagle," "CZ12" is based on a treasure hunt plot, and Jackie Chan plays the role of "Asian Eagle" Jack in all of them.

Although the names are different, they are actually a series of films.

The two "Asian Eagles" films, as representative works of the golden age of Hong Kong action movies, not only carried forward Jackie Chan's comedic action style, but also expanded the influence of Chinese films to the world.

Jackie Chan's portrayal of Jack in the film is both exceptionally skilled and humorous, sometimes witty and decisive, sometimes endearing and simple-minded, making him an irreplaceable classic character in the hearts of the audience.

In the original timeline, "Project Eagle" was released in the North American market before "Armour of God," so when "Armour of God" was released, its name was changed to "Project Eagle 2."

Therefore, "Chinese Zodiac" can only be "Project Eagle 3".

As for copyright, there's absolutely no need to consider it.

In the original timeline, the reason why "Chinese Zodiac" wasn't called "Project Eagle 3" was because Jackie Chan had already left Golden Harvest by then.

But now that Golden Harvest belongs to Zhang Chen, the name "Project Eagle" can't be used casually anymore.

"Project Eagle 3? Is it still the same treasure hunt route as before?" Cheng Long asked curiously.

"It has to be a treasure hunt!"

Zhang Chen's voice was filled with certainty: "I've already thought it through. This time, Jack is looking for the twelve zodiac animal heads."

Remember Christie's auction of the bronze animal heads last year? I had this idea then, and I've been thinking about how to combine this history with action-adventure.

We can have Jack search for the animal heads all over the world, showcasing the customs and cultures of different countries and designing various exciting action scenes.

For example, engaging in battles with villains in Parisian museums, chasing each other in the desert, and having a showdown on a snow-capped mountain peak—this film could be very Jackie Chan-esque…

Cheng Long was overjoyed to hear Zhang Chen say that.

What he feared most was that this film would be like "2012," lacking any Jackie Chan style, but judging from Zhang Chen's words, it was clearly not the case.

These past two years have been tough for him. He had just returned to his peak with "2012" in 08, but "Shinjuku Incident" in 09 was not released in mainland China due to its sensitive subject matter. It was only released in Hong Kong and overseas markets, and the box office was dismal, resulting in huge losses.

Following that, his remarks at the Boao Forum sparked controversy due to inappropriate wording, leading to him being criticized by netizens and trending on social media, which significantly damaged his reputation.

"The two films released this year were also unsatisfactory."

Jackie Chan's voice carried a hint of helplessness: "I originally wanted to make 'The Spy Next Door' a family comedy, but it received all sorts of negative reviews from the media, who said the plot was old-fashioned and the jokes were awkward. The box office also did not meet expectations."

Although *The Karate Kid* did alright at the box office, I was just a supporting character, barely there, and didn't get a chance to showcase my skills. To be honest, I'm under a lot of pressure right now, and I'm hoping this collaboration with you will pull me out of this slump.”

Zhang Chen remained silent for a moment, knowing Cheng Long's feelings at that moment.

As a leading figure in the Chinese film industry, Jackie Chan has long been accustomed to applause and flowers, and the successive setbacks of the past two years have undoubtedly been a huge blow to him.

But Zhang Chen also believes in Jackie Chan's abilities; his action style is unique, and his passion and dedication to film are unmatched.

"Brother Long, don't be discouraged. Everyone has witnessed your strength; you just haven't encountered the right opportunity yet."

"Project Condor 3" is your comeback film. We'll definitely polish the script and meticulously design the action scenes to try and create another box office miracle. Golden Harvest will fully support you; funding and the team are not a problem. Just go for it!"

Cheng Long on the other end of the phone visibly relaxed, and his tone became more enthusiastic again: "I'm relieved to hear you say that! Ah Chen, you don't know, I've been holding back a lot of energy, wanting to make a film that will impress the audience."

"This time, with the theme of the twelve zodiac animal heads, I must make sure my filming is both entertaining and educational, so that more people can understand this history and pay attention to the protection of cultural heritage."

"That's a good idea."

Zhang Chen praised, "We can incorporate some cultural elements into the film, such as introducing the origin and story behind each animal head, so that the audience can learn something while watching the movie. Do you have any initial ideas for the action scenes?"

"I plan to design several iconic action scenes. For example, when searching for the snake's head, Jack will have a thrilling chase with the villain in the rainforest, using vines and trees to fight."

The struggle for the rooster's head may involve a perilous adventure within an ancient castle.

I want to place the final battle for the dragon's head on a high-rise building, showcasing a thrilling aerial duel.

Of course, these are just preliminary ideas; the specifics still need to be discussed in detail with the action choreography team.

Jackie Chan spoke with great enthusiasm, as if he were already on the filming set.

He had actually thought about this subject matter a long time ago, and even had a first draft of the script.

Zhang Chen listened attentively and couldn't help but suggest, "Brother Long, you're not young anymore. You can't keep pushing yourself like you used to. Technology is so advanced now, there's no need to work as hard as you used to..."

"Haha, if that's what you think, why did you have Tom Cruise film the scenes for 'Mission: Impossible 4'?"

Zhang Chen was speechless, unsure of what to say.

"To be honest, at first I thought it was a green screen, but after reading the information I found out it was actually filmed live, and Tom Cruise really is like this~"

Even though he knew Zhang Chen on the other end of the phone couldn't see it, Cheng Long still gave a thumbs up.

Then he reassured Zhang Chen, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Jackie Chan said with a smile, "I'm not an old-fashioned person. I will use a stunt double when necessary. The film effect comes first."

And with today's advanced special effects technology, it can definitely be a big help. By the way, regarding the script, I've already written several drafts; I'll send them to you to take a look in a couple of days.

"no problem."

Zhang Chen agreed, saying, "Let's try to finalize the script as soon as possible, then assemble the team and start preparations. I hope that 'Project Eagle 3' can start filming early next year and be released during the Spring Festival."

"The Spring Festival season is great!" Jackie Chan said excitedly. "Then we'd better hurry up. Ah Chan, thank you so much this time. Without you, 'Project Condor 3' might have remained just an idea forever."

"We're partners, no need to be so polite."

Zhang Chen smiled and said, "I believe that with our joint efforts, 'Project Eagle 3' will definitely become a classic. Okay, Brother Long, I won't bother you anymore. You can focus on the script now. Contact me anytime if anything comes up."

……

Meanwhile, on the other side of the office area, Wenmuye was jogging.

Clutching a rolled-up newspaper, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead, he jogged into Lu Yang's director's studio, forgetting to even knock.

"Senior brother! Senior brother! I've decided what to film for my debut movie!"

Wen Muye's voice was filled with barely concealed excitement, like that of an explorer who had just discovered a new continent.

Lu Yang was revising the storyboard script on his computer screen when he heard this. He looked up, pushed up his black-rimmed glasses, and looked at his junior brother who was panting heavily in front of him.

Wen Muye was his junior at the Beijing Film Academy, and Zhang Chen personally assigned him to be a key student for training.

Wen Muye also did a great job with "The Equalizer". Zhang Chen agreed to let him direct his directorial debut, just like his previous film "Kowloon Walled City".

A debut work should be carefully planned, but how come this guy has finalized it in just a few days?
"Don't rush, catch your breath first."

Lu Yang pointed to the sofa next to him and was about to pour him a glass of water when Wen Muye impatiently shoved the newspaper into his hand, his finger pointing heavily at a news report in the social news section.

Lu Yang looked down at the newspaper. The headline wasn't particularly eye-catching—"Sixteen Years of Searching for His Son: Guo Gangtang and His 'Survival Map'"—with a picture of a dark-skinned, tired-looking but still stubborn middle-aged man riding a dilapidated motorcycle covered with missing person notices.

He read on word by word. The report said that Guo Gangtang had traveled hundreds of thousands of kilometers over the past sixteen years, crossing more than twenty provinces, wearing out countless pairs of shoes and several motorcycles in his search for his abducted son, but he never gave up.

Lu Yang grew increasingly silent as he looked at the film, finally raising his head with an incredulous expression: "Junior brother, you're not kidding me, are you? I arranged for you to work by my side, clearly intending for you to pursue commercial films and build up box office success and critical acclaim. And yet, for your first film, you want to do this kind of realistic drama?"

Wen Muye sat on the sofa, his chest rising and falling slightly, but his eyes were unusually firm.

"Senior, I know commercial films are easy to make, box office success is guaranteed, and companies like them. But when I saw this news, it felt like something had hit me hard in the heart."

Do you know how many parents like Guo Gangtang are suffering endlessly in waiting and searching across the country? Few people truly pay attention to their pain. I want to film their stories so that more people can see the plight of families whose children have been abducted, and perhaps that can prompt some change.

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable sincerity.

Lu Yang fell silent.

He is a director himself, and he has worked his way up from assistant director to director who can now independently manage projects with box office revenue of hundreds of millions. He knows all too well how unreasonable "ideas" can be.

Sometimes a story or a touching moment can make you willingly devote all your energy to it, even if the road ahead is full of thorns.

He looked into the light shining in Wen Muye's eyes, a light that reflected his purest love and dedication to film, just like when he first entered the industry.

Back then, his senior brother had painstakingly written the script for "Brotherhood of Blades" for him, but he insisted on making "Kowloon Walled City" himself.

After a long silence, Lu Yang sighed and made a decision in his heart: "Alright, I'll go with you."

"Really?"

Wen Muye suddenly stood up from the sofa, his eyes wide open, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

Lu Yang nodded, but in his heart he was thinking that he absolutely could not talk about this with President Zhong, otherwise he would definitely be scolded.

Chung Lai-fong is the CEO of Star Entertainment, and is known for her "box office supremacy," always prioritizing economic considerations.

At Star Entertainment, not making a big hit is already considered a loss, let alone this kind of realistic subject matter, which has a narrow audience and is difficult to promote. The words "anti-trafficking" alone carry a heavy tone, and it may actually result in a loss.

Wen Muye's excitement subsided slightly. He knew this was going to be difficult, but he was still unwilling to give up.

"What should we do then? We can't just give up like this, can we?"

Lu Yang tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his brain racing: "The breakthrough is still with my senior brother. You should finish the script first, the more solid the better, polish the characters' emotions and the details of the story, and then I'll take you to find my senior brother."

For the next two weeks, Wen Muye almost locked himself in his rented room.

He repeatedly studied the news report, collected a lot of information about combating human trafficking, interviewed several volunteers, and even tried to contact Guo Gangtang himself in hopes of obtaining more authentic materials.

Lu Yang would also give him suggestions from time to time, helping him to sort out the story structure and adjust the character logic.

Wen Muye often writes until late at night, the light from the computer screen reflecting his bloodshot eyes. When he gets tired, he will lie down on the table for a while to sleep, and then continue writing when he wakes up.

He incorporated his understanding of the search for his son and his reflections on human nature into the script.

A few days later, Wen Muye nervously followed Lu Yang to Zhang Chen's office, carrying a thick stack of first drafts of the script.

Zhang Chen's office was simply furnished, with several movie posters hanging on the wall, all classic works produced by Star Entertainment.

Seeing the two enter, Zhang Chen put down the documents in his hand and pointed to the chair opposite him: "Sit down, what's the matter that you're in such a hurry to see me?"

Lu Yang handed over the script: "Senior, this is Wen Muye's debut script. He wants to make it into a film."

Zhang Chen picked up the script, saw the words "Lost and Found" on the cover, flipped through a few more pages, and frowned more and more as he read.

When Zhang Chen saw the core plot of the script—a father riding a motorcycle across provinces for sixteen years to find his son—he suddenly looked up at Wen Muye and asked, "Is your story based on the news story of 'Guo Gangtang searching for his son'?"

Wen Muye nodded, his palms sweating with nervousness: "Yes, Mr. Zhang, I think this story is very meaningful and I want to film it."

Zhang Chen remained noncommittal, placing the script on the table and gently stroking the cover with his fingers.

The office was completely silent, the atmosphere so oppressive it was hard to breathe.

Lu Yang wasn't sure either. He thought Zhang Chen disagreed, so he quickly said, "Senior brother, Wen Muye is a very talented and hardworking kid. If this project really fails, don't worry. I guarantee that my film 'Taken 3' will reach 6 million at the box office next year. I promise to make up for the losses Wen Muye incurred with 'Taken 3'. Please give Wen Muye a chance and let him try."

Zhang Chen was speechless. He looked at Lu Yang with a helpless expression: "No, do I look like such a profit-driven person?"

Lu Yang was stunned for a moment and didn't react immediately.

Zhang Chen ignored him: "Movies are not just commodities; they also have an important attribute: reflecting social reality and provoking people to think. Although this subject matter is niche, it has its social value, and I agree with that."

Upon hearing this, Wen Muye finally felt relieved, and his eyes regained their light.

Zhang Chen looked at him: "However, having an idea isn't enough; you also need the ability to film it well. Tell me, how do you plan to film this story?"

Wen Muye took a deep breath, cleared his mind, and began to explain: "I plan to use a documentary-style filming approach to try to restore reality as much as possible."

The protagonist's motorcycle journey is the main storyline. I want to show the fates and attitudes of different people through the people and things he encounters on the road.

For example, he might encounter other families searching for their relatives, and they could find solace in each other's company.

He may also encounter skeptical and indifferent people, making him even more lonely.

I didn't want to be deliberately sentimental; instead, I conveyed emotions through details, such as the worn-out soles of his shoes, the faded missing child poster on his motorcycle, and the cigarettes he smoked alone late at night...

These details are what truly touch people's hearts.

He became more and more engrossed in his speech: "I also want to add some contrasts to the film, such as the prosperity of the city and the desolation of the countryside, the alienation and warmth between people."

The protagonist's journey to find his son is not only a process of searching for his son, but also a process of self-redemption.

Finally, I don't intend to give a happy ending. In reality, many families searching for their relatives are still waiting. An open ending might allow the audience to remember this story and pay more attention to this group.

Zhang Chen listened quietly, nodding occasionally, his eyes showing increasing appreciation.

After Wen Muye finished speaking, Zhang Chen smiled with satisfaction: "Not bad, it seems you really thought this through carefully, and it wasn't just a momentary impulse. Your thinking is very clear and sincere."

Wen Muye blushed with excitement and quickly thanked him, "Thank you for your recognition, Senior Brother!"

"What's the budget?" Zhang Chen asked.

Wen Muye thought for a moment and said cautiously, "I've done the calculations. If we control the actors' salaries and choose real locations for filming as much as possible, 1000 million should be enough."

Zhang Chen waved his hand: "1000 million is too tight, the effect of the shot will be compromised. I'll give you 1200 million, the extra 200 million can be used for photography and post-production, you must ensure the quality of the picture and the narrative rhythm."

"Thank you, senior brother!" Wen Muye and Lu Yang said in unison, their faces beaming with surprise.

Zhang Chen then asked, "What about the casting? Who are you planning to cast for the lead role?"

Wen Muye had thought about this issue long ago: "I want to invite Huang Bo. He has good acting skills, can handle this kind of down-to-earth role, and is also popular with the audience."

Zhang Chen, however, had a different opinion: "Huang Bo's star power isn't enough. To attract more audiences to the cinema for this kind of niche subject matter, whether for box office considerations or social impact, you absolutely need to hire big stars."

Let's use Liang Jiahui. His acting skills are beyond question, and he has high national recognition, which can bring more attention to the film.

Wen Muye was stunned for a moment. Liang Jiahui was an award-winning actor. Would he agree to act in such a low-budget realistic drama?

Zhang Chen seemed to sense his concerns: "Have Lu Yang help you invite him; he has a good relationship with Liang Jiahui. Also, have all the supporting roles in the film, even those with only one or two lines, have big stars make cameo appearances. Have you seen 'The Founding of a Republic'? Just do something similar; the more stars, the better."

Wen Muye was even more surprised: "Use all celebrities? Won't that exceed the budget? 1200 million is simply not enough to pay their salaries."

Lu Yang came up with a terrible idea: "We can imitate 'The Founding of a Republic' and have the stars act in it for free."

Zhang Chen rolled his eyes at him: "Where do you get the nerve to think that celebrities would be willing to do cameos for free? 'The Founding of a Republic' is a tribute to the country, it has a different meaning, and a free cameo is an honor. This is a commercial film, and the actors also need to make a living."

Lu Yang and Wen Muye both fell silent; this was indeed a difficult problem.

Realistic films can't offer the same high salaries as commercial films, but without star power, box office success is not guaranteed.

Zhang Chen tapped his fingers lightly on the table, pondered for a moment, and then his eyes lit up: "I have an idea, let's create a new model. The lead actor, Liang Jiahui, will only be paid a basic salary, not too high, just enough for his daily expenses. The other supporting actors and guest stars will not be paid a single penny."

"Who would be willing to come?" Wen Muye blurted out.

Zhang Chen smiled and said, "Don't rush, I'm not finished yet. After the movie is released, we'll take 50% of the profits as rewards for the actors. The higher the box office, the more rewards they'll receive. This way, we can control the initial budget and incentivize the actors to cooperate with the promotion. After all, if the movie does well, they'll benefit too."

Lu Yang's eyes lit up: "That's a great idea! It solves the problem of actor salaries and also binds actors and projects together, forming a community of shared interests."

Wen Muye nodded repeatedly: "Senior brother, you're amazing! This way, we should be able to invite quite a few celebrities."

Zhang Chen waved his hand: "Alright, stop flattering me. Put more effort into the movie. It should not only be entertaining, but also meaningful."

I hope that "Lost and Love" will draw more attention to the issue of child trafficking, and I also hope that this new model can bring some new ideas to the film industry. Do a good job, don't let me down.

Wen Muye nodded emphatically, his eyes filled with determination: "Don't worry, I will do my best!"

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating his young face and seemingly bathing him in a golden glow.

(End of this chapter)