Rebirth: I'm filming extra scenes on the set

Chapter 218: Zhen Zaidan wants 3500 million? What the hell...

Meeting Jet Li at the Higer Hotel.

Jet Li was very happy and kept greeting the two of them: "Director Xu, why did you bring Director Chen here as well? I seem to have heard that Director Chen recently took on a super production, The New Three Kingdoms, and he must be very busy."

Chen Cheng smiled and said, "Yes, I didn't have time originally, but Director Xu dragged me here."

Jet Li smiled and said, "New Three Kingdoms, Director Chen, can I play a role?"

Chen Cheng replied: "Lianjie, if you want to act in this film, I would welcome you very much. However, if you want to act in this film, I guess we may not have enough production funds."

All of a sudden.

All three of them laughed.

Xu Ke also said at this time: "Lianjie, you have the highest salary in the country."

Jet Li raised his hand and said, "Thank you for your kindness."

Xu Ke got to the point: "Lianjie, do you remember that year when I asked you to come and film New Dragon Inn together?"

"Of course."

When talking about New Dragon Inn, Jet Li also sighed and said: "That was my most difficult time. My agent died in an accident. I could only hide in the mainland and dared not come out. If it weren't for a big brother behind me, I probably wouldn't dare to go to Hong Kong."

"Yeah, what a pity. Because of this incident, you were unable to perform in New Dragon Inn."

“I also think it’s a pity.”

The two chatted from time to time.

Xu Ke also said, "You know, if we want to shoot a martial arts film, you are my favorite. I think any other actor is not as good as you. Although more than ten years have passed since the New Dragon Inn, I want to shoot the New Dragon Inn again."

Yes.

In Xu Ke's eyes, the best actor is Jet Li.

Although he also recognized Liang Jiahui, the male lead of New Dragon Inn at that time.

And Liang Jiahui's acting skills are also very good.

But it is one thing that Liang Jiahui’s acting skills are OK.

But no matter how good his acting skills are, in Xu Ke's eyes, they are not as dazzling as Jet Li.

What makes him so eye-catching is not only Jet Li's kung fu fighting scenes, but also his unique temperament.

This temperament is innate and cannot be expressed through acting.

This is why there are many people in Hong Kong who are better than Jet Li in terms of skills, but no one can match Jet Li's martial arts temperament.

Even if it is Cheng Xi, Xu Ke also thinks that he is not as good as Jet Li in terms of temperament.

of course.

Jet Li and Long Yi belong to two different types and it is hard to compare them.

But for Xu Ke.

He always thought.

The one who best fits his mood is Jet Li.

This is why, after more than ten years, Xu Ke still misses Jet Li.

Chen Cheng also lamented this.

More than ten years have passed since the New Dragon Inn.

Just because Jet Li did not play the male lead, Xu Ke actually planned to shoot another version for Li Lian.

This persistence is in addition to Xu Ke's personality.

This also shows the charm of Jet Li.

"No way, Old Monster Xu, are you planning to reshoot New Dragon Inn?"

"Correct."

"What is this version called, New Dragon Inn?"

"Haha, not really. I plan to call it Dragon Gate Flying Armor."

"Dragon Gate Flying Swords, what a good name. Who is the male lead?"

Jet Li asked subconsciously.

Xu Ke rolled his eyes at Li Lianjie and said, "Lianjie, we've all come to find you, and you're still asking who the male lead is?"

"Old Monster Xu, you really are so awesome."

After hearing Xu Ke's words, Jet Li was also deeply moved.

"No need to say anything. You're here now, how can I not agree?"

Although I haven't read the script.

But Jet Li agreed immediately.

"That's great, Director Xu, Lianjie, you two can work together to create something wonderful."

Chen Cheng stood by to add to the atmosphere and cheered.

Then he made a few polite remarks.

Xu Ke finally stated his purpose: "Lianjie, this time we are going to make a 3D version of our Dragon Gate Flying Daggers."

"3D is a trend and it is very popular overseas now."

"Yes, 3D images are so exciting for the audience, and we have to keep up with the technology."

Chen Cheng disagreed.

3D is great, but it's only a fad.

in the hereafter.

3D is gradually becoming less popular and we are returning to 2D.

This is due to the cost of filming.

There is also the reason of poor audience experience.

As for 3D, the pictures are just a little more stimulating, but it doesn’t have any major advantages.

In the end, the movie returns to the story itself.

Therefore, after experiencing the stimulation of 3D images, people are no longer so interested in 3D.

But obviously.

3D has just become popular and many people are still very interested in it.

"Haha, 3D is okay, but the production cost is higher than 2D."

Jet Li is obviously very knowledgeable about 3D, and he also said this.

"Yes."

Xu Ke nodded: "I'm having a headache here too. The investment I got is 2 million, which means I only have less than 1 million for production funds."

"Cough cough..."

Jet Li said embarrassedly: "Old Monster Xu, I haven't even made an offer yet, so you should just calculate my price."

"How about that, our Mr. Billionaire?"

Xu Ke said, "Director Chen is here. Although we have a good relationship, I can't let you take less."

Jet Li replied: "Look at what you said. Considering our friendship, the price should be at least 1000 million less, 9000 million."

By this time.

Chen Cheng knew.

It was his turn to go on stage. Looking at Jet Li, Chen Cheng said, "Jet Li is very generous."

"However, Director Xu is also in trouble. In fact, several producers were not optimistic about the filming of Flying Daggers of Dragon Gate. It was Director Xu who did a lot of work to get the project approved. Director Xu and you are old friends, so some things are hard to say. Let me say it, Lianjie, 9000 million is no problem. I have always believed that your salary should be at least 1 million, but the crew is in some difficulties now. Can your salary be reduced a little?"

Chen Cheng finished speaking.

Jet Li looked at Chen Cheng and then at Xu Ke.

I understood it all at once.

"Okay, I understand now, Old Monster Xu, you came to bargain with me today."

Jet Li said this, but he was not angry. Instead, he said it with a smile.

Chen Cheng knew.

Jet Li and Xu Ke have been friends for such a long time, it is impossible for them to fall out just because of bargaining over a price.

Say.

This Dragon Gate Flying Sword was clearly tailor-made for Jet Li.

No matter what.

Jet Li would think about it more.

I thought about it.

Jet Li said, "Okay, for Mr. Chen's sake, 8000 million is 8000 million. But, Old Monster Xu, you can't tell anyone about it."

"Of course."

Xu Ke nodded.

It’s one thing to actually take it.

The price told to the outside world is the price told to the outside world.

Actors work in front of the camera, and the most important thing is their image in front of the camera.

If we tell the outside world that we have cut the price with Jet Li by 2000 million, Jet Li's prices in other crews will also have to be reduced accordingly.

This is also not good for Jet Li's image.

However, 8000 million is not Xu Ke’s bottom price.

He meant that it would be best to cut it down to 7000 million.

After a while.

Chen Cheng said again: "Lianjie, Director Xu just said that I am the producer of this film. I am not the kind of person who beats around the bush, so I will tell you the truth. 7000 million, is that okay?"

Chen Cheng said directly.

Mr. Li did not immediately respond.

He hesitated.

Jet Li added: "Two big guys, you don't bargain like this. 7000 million, that's 7% off."

Old Monster Xu also smiled bitterly.

He really had no choice.

On one side is an old friendship, on the other side is his new film.

Old Monster Xu also knew that he had chopped too hard and didn't know what to say.

Chen Cheng then said, "Lianjie, 7000 million is indeed a bit harsh. But I, as the producer, am not doing nothing. When we start filming later, Lianjie, I will keep an eye on your scenes."

This is Chen Cheng’s trump card.

before coming.

Chen Cheng had already figured out how to convince Jet Li.

For Jet Li.

Although the pay is important to him, it is not absolutely important.

"Director Chen, are you serious?"

really.

Jet Li was extremely moved by Chen Cheng's words.

Although Chen Cheng said it simply.

But for Jet Li, he thought more.

The current film market is completely different from that of Hong Kong in the 90s.

Many of the veterans who used to be very successful in Hong Kong are now on a downward spiral.

It's not just Jet Li.

Including Cheng Xi.

Both of them are also thinking of ways to return to the top.

But after a while, both of them seemed to have accepted their fate.

They feel.

My own time has passed.

but.

Chen Cheng's words suddenly ignited hope in Jet Li.

He recalled the play directed by Chen Cheng during The Warlords.

He remembered more.

If there was no Chen Cheng, how could he have won the Best Actor award for his role as Pang Qingyun.

even.

If it weren't for Chen Cheng, he would have wondered whether his performance at that time could have surpassed the Big Three.

"of course."

Chen Cheng nodded.

He also understands.

This is also the reason why Xu Ke wanted to remake New Dragon Inn.

for them.

The Hong Kong actors and Hong Kong directors are tied together. If the Hong Kong actors regress, the Hong Kong directors will also regress.

So how to regain the market?

Each director is thinking of his own way.

Chen Kexin’s approach is to actively embrace the mainland and co-produce a large number of films with the mainland.

Tsui Hark's approach is to use new technologies and work with top actors to restore the glory of Hong Kong films.

"Okay."

"Old Monster Xu, 7000 million is 7000 million."

This was a decision made by Jet Li.

……

Xu Ke seemed very happy after agreeing on the salary with Jet Li.

The price dropped by 3000 million at once, which saved a lot of money for the crew of Dragon Gate Flying Daggers.

Jet Li teased Xu Ke: "Old Monster Xu, you are so happy today. You lost 3000 million in a flash. You treat me to dinner today."

"It's my treat."

No matter how much the meal cost, Xu Ke did not refuse.

immediately.

The three of them talked about the domestic film market.

Both Jet Li and Xu Ke sighed and said that Chen Cheng's "Lost on Journey" during the Spring Festival was really crazy.

They couldn't even imagine it.

There is actually a movie that can break the box office of 4000 million in just one day.

"Lianjie, you know what, when I saw that Lost on Journey broke 4000 million in box office on the same day, I thought it was April Fools' Day."

Xu Ke said.

Jet Li also replied: "Haha, I didn't think it was April Fools' Day. I thought I didn't go home and was still in the United States."

Obviously.

What Jet Li meant was that only the North American market could have such an amazing box office.

Chen Cheng said to the two, "This is just the beginning. The potential of the domestic market in the future may be incomparable to that of the North American market."

Some people seemed a little bit unbelievable.

Chen Cheng didn't explain much.

The next day.

Chen Cheng returned to the New Three Kingdoms Audition Hotel.

After several days of auditions, some of the roles planned by Chen Cheng for the New Three Kingdoms have been selected.

Simultaneously.

Zhang Lai also followed Chen Cheng's advice and started a two-month horse riding and action training for some important military generals.

Although this kind of training is quite arduous, all the actors are very dedicated.

As for the reason.

Also simple.

For an actor, a drama like The New Three Kingdoms is something that he or she can only encounter once in a lifetime.

I don’t know how envious others are of being able to join the crew of the New Three Kingdoms.

Now that I can join the crew, I should cherish it.

Especially those actors who are not particularly famous but have decent acting skills.

They cherish this opportunity very much and secretly swear in their hearts that they must play this role well.

But there were too many things happening in the early spring of 09.

Just now, Jet Li’s salary was settled.

On the other hand, Wong Pak Ming found Chen Cheng again to discuss the matter of "Ip Man 2".

As the producer of Ip Man 1, undoubtedly.

Chen Cheng must stick to his role as producer until the end.

"Director Huang, you are enough, why are you still dragging me along?"

At the Ip Man audition hotel, Chen Cheng spread his hands and said to Wong Pak Ming.

Huang Baiming smiled and replied: "Director Chen, you are the producer, you must supervise us carefully. Come on, come on, what do you think of these actors?"

"Director Huang, since when did the producer also take charge of casting?"

"How dare I ask you to come to the casting? I know you're busy. I just want you to give me some advice. Don't spend too much time."

"alright."

Chen Cheng looked at the list.

The main cast roles remain the same as before.

The male lead is Zhen Zaidan and the female lead is Xiong Dailin.

Ip Man’s good friend is also Fan Shaohuang.

Of course, there are a few more characters in Ip Man 2.

Such as Hong Jinbao.

Hong Jinbao is the martial arts instructor this time and also plays the role of Hong Quan master Hong Zhennan in the play.

It is worth mentioning that Ip Man in Ip Man 2 began to accept disciples.

Ip Man had several apprentices, so he needed some new characters.

Chen Cheng looked at several proposed roles and said, "Huang Xiaoming is my senior brother. Give him some face and let him be Ip Man's apprentice."

Of course we have to give this face.

Huang Baiming had no problem and said, "Okay, if you say Huang Xiaoming, then it's Huang Xiaoming."

but.

Today, Wong Pak Ming did not approach Chen Cheng to audition for a role.

The main characters in Ip Man 2 are all carried over from Ip Man 1, and other characters have little impact.

The key point is that there is a question of pay here.

After thinking for a while, Huang Baiming said, "Zai Dan will be here soon. The salary quoted by their agent is a bit high. Please help me bargain for him later."

"What, bargaining again?"

Chen Cheng was overwhelmed.

Why is he being asked to bargain again?

It was Jet Li’s side before.

This side too.

But it was obvious that Huang Baiming was a little confused and asked, "Director Chen, who asked you to bargain?"

"Uh... let's talk about this later."

Although I cut down on Jet Li’s price.

But this kind of thing cannot be told to others.

Chen Cheng changed the subject and asked, "How much does Zaidan want?"

"3500."

“It’s a bit high.”

“It’s a bit high indeed.”

"Our Ip Man 1, how much was he doing at that time?"

"300."

Ok.

A comparison.

Chen Cheng discovered that Zhen Zaidan’s price was higher this time.

of course.

That's not the case.

The price of 1 million for Ip Man 300 by Zhen Zai Danner is a bit low.

Normally.

at that time.

Although the films starring Donnie Yen did not perform well at the box office.

But the price of Zhen Zaidan is also around 1000 million

But the increase from around 1000 million to 3500 million is obviously too high.

"Director Huang, didn't you tell Zhen Zaidan's agent about the high pay?"

"Yes, but the agent was a bit pushy. He also said that other crews also offered the same price to Zhen Zaidan."

"You're being a big shot."

Chen Cheng said.

Chen Cheng naturally understood why Zhen Zaidan dared to offer this price.

This is because of the success of Ip Man 1.

Although Ip Man 1 is nothing compared to his own film Lost on Journey.

It is also not as good as "Red Cliff".

But if you look at how many directors in Hong Kong have not yet earned over 3500 million, you will understand why Zhen Zaidan dared to ask for a price of million.

……

in the afternoon.

Zhen Zaidan and his agent came to the hotel.

Chen Cheng sent Zhen Zaidan's agent away and said, "Zaidan, long time no see."

Zhen Zaidan said somewhat embarrassedly: "Director Chen, you are here too."

"Oh, I'm the producer of Ip Man, of course I have to come."

"Yeah, our Ip Man 1 before, luckily it was you."

Don't know why.

Zhen Zaidan felt a sense of fear towards Chen Cheng in his heart.

This may be the reason why Chen Cheng took action during the siege in October.

Anyway, facing Chen Cheng, Zhen Zaidan had no confidence at all.

"I am just playing a supporting role. The key lies in you, the actors in front of the scenes. Look, our Ip Man 1 has a very good reputation. Everyone also has very good comments about you. They think you have broken through the original action route and opened up a new fighting style. You have great prospects."

"Thank you, Director Chen."

"Okay, I won't be polite. For Ip Man 2, our Director Huang has discussed it and you are still the No. 1 male lead. However, your agent's offer for you is NT$3500 million, which is a bit high. Before, you only received NT$300 million in salary."

"Director Chen, the 300 million yuan salary was a friendly price. You also know that my actual salary is not 300 million yuan."

“But it can’t increase 10 times all at once.”

"Director Chen, how about 3000 million?"

Zhen Zaidan took the initiative to bargain down to 3000 million.

But Chen Cheng still shook his head: "It's still too high."

"Director Chen, how much do you think I should take?"

Zhen Zaidan asked.

Chen Cheng did not answer, but stared at Zhen Zaidan: "You say."

Zhen Zaidan's scalp felt numb.

Facing Chen Cheng, he really had no confidence at all.

He blurted out, "Director Chen, 2800 million, this is the lowest price I can accept."

"Not sincere enough."

Chen Cheng still shook his head: "Well, let me give you a price, 2000 million."

"Director Chen, 2000 million is far below my market price. This is impossible."

Zhen Zaidan said with gritted teeth.

"is it?"

Chen Cheng said, "What is your market price? Zaidan, what I want to say is that as an actor, don't overestimate yourself. An actor can only play a limited role in a film."

"Director Chen..."

Zhen Zaidan didn't know what to say.

He had no way of resisting Chen Cheng.

Chen Cheng said without further ado: "How about this, you discuss it with your agent. If you accept this price, then go back and sign a contract with Director Huang. If you don't accept it, then forget it."

Not much was said.

Chen Cheng asked Zhen Zaidan to go back first.

(End of this chapter)