Huayu became famous overnight

Chapter 243 I said I kill without blinking, and you ask me if my eyes are dry?
Jinling.

Shiqiu Film and Television Base.

Outside a church, the film crew was noisily moving equipment.

"This place is nice. I heard it cost 20 million to build the exterior?" Xu Ming said, looking around.

"The 20 million is for external use, and the estimated expenditure is a little over 10 million."

Zhang Guoshi still had a bitter and resentful look on his face, a cigarette between his fingers, as he said, "The local government funded the construction and offered very favorable conditions."

Given his fame, this kind of thing is commonplace.

The reason I brought it up with them was because of their status as investors.

"That's good. How's the actor training going?"

Xu Ming then asked, "The Flowers of War was supposed to be released this year."

But he persuaded Zhang Yimou to make "Dearest," which has been delayed until now.

However, Zhang Guoshi did not lower his standards at all, and he dragged a group of actors through nearly half a year of training.

Most of them were amateurs making their film debut.

Only Zhang Guoshi possesses such boldness.

"You know what, even though so many of the people I found had no acting experience, their performances surprised me much more than those of professional actors."

Zhang Guoshi got excited, "And Ni Ni, whom you recommended to me, looks like a completely different person when she wears a cheongsam, perfectly matching the character's temperament..."

He paused here, noting that the other party's eye for casting was as excellent as ever.

To be honest, this diminishes his sense of accomplishment as a director.

But then I thought about it again, and how much trouble it saved the crew by having such a helper.

So he stopped thinking about it and said, "By the way, let me introduce you to a friend. You should be familiar with him. He's Christian Bale, the male lead in my movie."

Xu Ming understood; he was certainly familiar with it.

This is Batman from the Black Knight trilogy, and also the first Hollywood A-list star to appear in a Chinese film.

From this perspective, Zhang Yimou still enjoys considerable international renown.

Xu Ming followed Zhang Guoshi towards the film set.

The crew members who passed by all greeted him respectfully.

Even Bell didn't receive this kind of treatment.

This instantly made the overseas staff of the film crew realize that this unusually young Chinese man seemed to have an extraordinary identity.

"Who is he? An investor?"

While Bell was reading the script, he noticed the two people not far away and asked his assistant without making a sound.

"You could say that, but he's also the hottest actor in China this year."

The assistant had clearly done his homework: "His film grossed over $130 million this summer solely from the Chinese market."

"He is the investor, screenwriter, and lead actor, and his company is very powerful in China. This movie was produced and invested in by his company."

Bell raised his eyebrows.

Upon hearing the first half, he thought it was a Chinese version of Leonardo DiCaprio, but he realized he was completely wrong when he heard the second half.

The other party's status is no longer limited to being an actor, but is developing into a behind-the-scenes bigwig.

If you really think about it, the money I get for my work is actually the other party's money.

Their attitude immediately became more upright.

"Bell, this is Xu Ming, whom I invited to make a cameo appearance..."

"Hehe, Director Zhang, you don't need to introduce him. I've heard of him. The movie he starred in this summer grossed over 100 million US dollars. It's unbelievable."

Bell made an exaggerated expression, then extended his hand in a friendly manner: "When I was your age, I was still trying to become a leading actor."

He doesn't mind providing some emotional value to his benefactors, but of course, within limits.

"There is a Chinese proverb that says 'early ripe fruit rots first.' In comparison, your steady progress is even more admirable, especially your performance in 'The Machinist,' where you lost 55 pounds in two weeks for the role."

After shaking hands, Xu Ming gave a thumbs up, saying, "This professionalism is something every actor should learn from."

When interacting with people, simply saying nice things isn't always effective.

But well-timed praise can often have amazing results.

Many people think that "Psycho," the movie that made him a fixture in Hollywood, or the "Dark Knight" Batman series, are his proudest works, but they are completely wrong.

As a Welshman, he cared more about the English film industry's opinion of him.

The film "The Mechanic" earned him the 'Best Actor of the Year' award from the British Film Critics Association that year, bringing him acclaim in Europe.

In a later interview, Bale mentioned his appreciation for his performance in the film.

Coincidentally, Xu Ming, as a film and television editing blogger, not only dabbles in film and television editing but also in celebrity editing.

While editing the Batman: The Dark Knight series, I also made a character edit of Christian Bale, having watched his interview.

“I didn’t expect you to have seen my movie. Looking back now, I think I could have done even better.”

Bell's smile went from feigned politeness to a hearty grin.

He clearly found it quite useful.

"As an actor, if you look back at your own work and can't find any flaws, it only means that you haven't made any progress during that period."

Xu Ming smiled and said, "You guys start filming, I'm going to change into my costume."

He didn't have much in-depth conversation with the other person, as it's a big no-no to talk too much with someone you don't know well.

Make a good impression first, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to communicate on set later.

However, he wasn't interested in Bale; what he was really interested in was the Hollywood market.

With so many precedents of entertainment industry veterans paying their dues, he wouldn't be a fool to rush in and get scammed like an idiot.

This matter needs to be considered carefully; Bell is just a side pawn he's playing.

Bell raised his eyebrows in surprise as he watched Xu Ming decisively walk away.

He originally thought that the Chinese actor was befriending him in order to take the opportunity to film in Hollywood.

After all, he had heard that Chinese actors would go to great lengths to get a chance to appear in Hollywood, even for a small role.

In his eyes, it was all a waste of effort.

He knew the unspoken rules of Hollywood all too well; not everyone could make a name for themselves in Hollywood through kung fu films like Jackie Chan or Jet Li.

……

Snapped!
Xu Ming made a sound.

He discovered that he did indeed have a talent for martial arts, no wonder Zhao Wenzhuo specially taught him Tongbei Quan.

"it is good!"

The entire crew cheered.

During his time on set, the former never missed a set of Tongbei Quan (a type of Chinese martial art) every morning and afternoon, making it an essential part of everyone's daily routine.

Bell clapped along with him.

Influenced by Chinese kung fu films, few foreigners are not interested in them, and he is no exception.

"You're good enough to transition into an action actor."

With a smile, Zhang Guoshi slapped his forehead and said, "I forgot, you released an action movie not long ago. You're not really planning to change your career path, are you?"

It's fine to film it for fun, but if he really wants to get involved in action scenes, he'll have to find a way to persuade his nephew.

There's really no future in it.

"Having more skills is never a bad thing. Besides, when have you ever seen me define myself?" Xu Ming shook his head and said.

"That's true." Zhang Guoshi nodded.

Looking at the other person's works over the past three years since their debut, from comedy films to youth films to kung fu films, the genres have changed a lot and the roles are not the same.

Compared to their earliest collaboration, "A Simple Noodle Story," their performances have matured considerably.

"Bale, I'll teach you boxing, and you teach me how to control my body shape, okay?" Xu Ming said, looking at Bale. The latter was a well-known Hollywood rubber man, switching back and forth between 288 pounds and 108 pounds.

This is infinitely more powerful than that female director who lost 100 pounds and then went on a wild goose chase, and who even felt sorry for her past self who used to sell smiles after losing weight.

"I'll pass on boxing, but I can teach you how to control your body shape," Bell said with a smile.

After spending some time together, he and Xu Ming gradually became familiar with each other.

Although they haven't reached the point of being friends yet, he admires this foreign junior who knows when to advance and retreat, especially after learning about the latter's recent record of dominating the rankings in China, he no longer has any intention of looking down on him.

The rise of the mainland market is a fact that filmmakers around the world can see.

This was part of the reason he agreed to star in "The Flowers of War," and it was only natural that he became friends with Xu Ming, the local rising star who delivered a stunning performance.

It can be said that the two have a tacit understanding.

“I want to learn boxing from you,” Ni Ni interjected.

“You should learn to control your figure with me. I heard Xiaoyuan mention that your weight fluctuates a lot. If it weren’t for her strict control, this cheongsam would have to be made a size larger.” Xu Ming said bluntly.

His Tongbei Quan became more and more refined with practice, but his kidney fire also became more and more intense.

Since he couldn't break his vow, he could only stay away from women.

If the other party keeps moving closer, he has to be stricter to maintain the distance.

Ni Ni pouted, feeling a little embarrassed by what she was told, and went to read her script in a huff.

"There's something else. I have a film that's going to be released next Thursday. If you're not too busy, why don't you and Director Zhang go check it out?" Xu Ming said with a smile.

Bell was taken aback; it seemed this was one of the reasons the other party wanted to befriend him.

However, given Xu Ming's urgent request, it's hard not to look down on him.

They've only known each other for a short time, yet they're already so eager to convert their feelings into money. Without patience, things won't go far.

Since they got along well, he didn't intend to refuse.

"it is good."

……

12 month 8 day.

The premiere of "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy".

With Bona Film Group's involvement, this premiere was more grand than any of Xu Ming's previous premieres.

"Yu Dong likes to show off like this."

Han Sanping shook his head and looked at Xu Ming, asking, "When will Zhang Guoshi and Bell arrive?"

"On our way," Xu Ming replied.

The fact that Bale was invited to the premiere has been eagerly anticipated by many Chinese filmmakers.

In his view, wasn't this a kind of tragedy?

This sense of superiority among Hollywood stars can only be dispelled by those who come after them.

When Chinese cinema stands up, Chinese filmmakers will naturally follow suit.

When Chinese films start generating billions in box office revenue, people will naturally lose their mystique towards Hollywood stars.

Ten minutes later, Zhang Guoshi and Bale appeared at the entrance of the red carpet, accompanied by Ni Ni and the other thirteen beauties.

This was a decision that Zhang Guoshi made without any formal instruction.

Having worked with Xu Ming for so long, Zhang Yimou has made significant progress in marketing.

Immediately, flashes went off everywhere.

This is the first time the entire cast of "The Flowers of War" has appeared together.

It stole some of the limelight from the premiere film.

Yu Dong's expression turned somewhat unpleasant. Due to Xu Ming's rush to complete the project, coupled with director Xu Ke's tacit support, the production cost of "The Taking of Tiger Mountain" had increased significantly.

Don't forget, the special effects studio that collaborated on the film was founded by Tsui Hark.

Including advertising expenses and other miscellaneous costs, the total investment reached almost 200 million.

This means that to recoup his costs, the box office would need to be at least 600 million.

In terms of publicity, we mainly use Qiming's channels.

Faced with his 'old friends,' Xu Ming naturally chose to have a grand slam of familiar faces, feasting on everyone from top to bottom.

Even if Yu Dong noticed, he couldn't say anything.

Everyone in the crew had a role, but he was the outsider.

Fortunately, Bona mainly makes money through stock price fluctuations; otherwise, he wouldn't be so wealthy and powerful.

"Bell, this is Chairman Han of China Film Group. You can think of him as the chairman of Disney in China, or even a level higher."

Xu Ming pulled Bell aside and began to introduce them.

His concise and to-the-point expression immediately earned him the deep respect of the latter.

Disney is now the number one behemoth in Hollywood film production, and the other party is an enhanced version of the chairman, so he can understand what kind of status the other party has in China.

"This is director Jiang Wen. His two films have grossed over $100 million each year, and one of his films has won the Cannes Jury Prize."

"This is director Tsui Hark. He was the one who created Jet Li's golden age in Hong Kong, and he also directed Cheng Lung's films."

"This is Liang Jiahui, another lead actor in my film. You may not be familiar with him, but he's known as the 'Thousand-Faced Actor' in China..."

Xu Ming introduced his impressive lineup of friends one by one.

Bell noticed a thoughtful look in Liang Jiahui's eyes before interrupting, "No, I know this one. He's Liang from China. His film 'The Lover' is very famous in Europe, as is his shapely buttocks."

Uh, I forgot that Lao Liang also made a name for himself in Europe.

The awkward topic of a perky buttock actually helped the two sides open up more quickly and start chatting happily.

"Cough cough."

Yu Dong coughed twice, and seeing that no one paid attention to him, he coughed violently for a while, and then desperately tried to wink at Xu Ming.

What about me? I haven't introduced myself yet.

The latter turned his head upon hearing the noise, which delighted Yu Dong, who straightened his chest and waited for the introduction.

"Chairman Yu, is your throat sore?" Xu Ming asked with concern.

puff~
I said I would cut my way from Causeway Bay to Tsim Sha Tsui without blinking an eye. You ask me if my eyes are dry?
"I haven't introduced myself yet."

Yu Dong wanted nothing more than to grab the other person's ear and yell at them; it was just too damn embarrassing.

If he hadn't been so interested in a Hollywood A-list star like Bale, he would have turned around and left long ago.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Xu Ming suddenly realized.

Han Sanping and the others twitched their lips, managing to hold back their composure.

Was it almost true? They were too lazy to even call them out.

"This is Yu Dong, chairman of Bona Film Group."

That's it?

Gone?

In the moment of Yu Dong's utter frustration.

Xu Mingcai continued unhurriedly, "Last year, Yu Dongcai rang the bell on Nasdaq in the United States, with a market value of $4.5 million on the first day. He is an absolute film industry giant in China."

Although he and Yu Dong have a rift, they are still on good terms on the surface. Besides, Yu Dong just delayed the release of "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate," so it's all well-intentioned.

Moreover, in Bell's eyes, Yu Dong was part of Xu Ming's network of connections, so of course he had to exaggerate his abilities.

He didn't mention that Bona Film Group's market value has now fallen to $2.7 million.

Bell raised his eyebrows.

He realized he had underestimated Xu Ming's influence; this foreign junior held a much higher position in the Chinese film industry than he had imagined.

(End of this chapter)