Huayu became famous overnight

Chapter 253 You better tell us you're lying!
Reception room.

The door opened, and Xu Ming's figure appeared in Zhang Ziyi's eyes.

The latter stood up, a slight smile playing on his lips.

She deliberately chose to face the other person from the right side, which she thought looked better.

"Teacher Zhang..."

"Just call me Ziyi."

"Sister Ziyi."

Xu Ming readily agreed, feigning surprise: "Weren't you in New York? Why are you back all of a sudden?"

"Hehe, I have a project in China that has approached me, but I remembered my rudeness at the banquet that day, so the first thing I did when I got back was to come and apologize to you."

Zhang Ziyi looked apologetic. "I don't know what's wrong with me. When I see you talking to that foreign woman, I suddenly lose control of my emotions..."

She paused at this point, a hint of embarrassment flashing across her face.

Sister, if I remember correctly, you're ten years older than me, right?

Still pretending to be a little girl?

Xu Ming inwardly complained, but outwardly echoed his words of comfort: "It's normal. Everyone has moments when they lose their mind. Don't take it to heart."

Zhang Ziyi's eyes twitched twice.

What does it mean to have a brain fart?

She suspected that Xu Ming was using this opportunity to insult her, but she had no evidence.

"By the way, has the release date for 'The Grandmaster' been set? I'll come and support you guys when it airs," Xu Ming asked.

"Director Wang didn't say; it depends on the investors' decision."

Zhang Ziyi explained, "This film was mainly invested in by Sil-Metropole, and they wanted to use global distribution channels, which caused delays."

Silver City.

Xu Ming seemed to be deep in thought. He was no stranger to this company, which was formed by Hong Kong leftist film companies such as Phoenix and Great Wall. The film "Shaolin Temple" was produced and distributed by the former.

The distribution channels are indeed impressive; I might look into them later.

"What does Megan have to do with your movie?" Xu Ming inquired.

"She was one of the investors and bought the North American distribution rights for the film. During filming, she stayed on set for a month and often discussed art with Wong Kar-wai and Tony Leung. She is the kind of person who is quite idealistic."

Zhang Ziyi was happy to answer Xu Ming's questions. The reason she was there was because she knew about his collaboration with Megan.

Neither party concealed any information about their projects.

However, most people just consider it Megan's hobby; it's laughable that a script by a Chinese filmmaker is being produced in Hollywood.

Even so, for Zhang Ziyi

A mid-budget Hollywood film with a budget of $60 million, featuring director David Copperfield and Christian Bale, was an opportunity she had long awaited.

Therefore, she was willing to go to Qiming and lower her stance to the lowest level.

A thoughtful look flashed in Xu Ming's eyes.

What the other party said is probably true. In his interactions with Megan, he could sense that the latter did not have a strong sense of business acumen.

This is why, even when other companies offered better terms, he still negotiated with Megan.

Although he himself is not a good person, he still hopes that his partners are better.

It seems that Megan's interest in the Chinese film market is greater than she imagined.

There's something to be done here.

But that's a story for later. Xu Ming turned his attention back to the present and smiled at Zhang Ziyi, "You've come at the right time. The company is planning to start a new movie soon. Are you interested in acting in it?"

"What drama?"

Zhang Ziyi was overjoyed, but outwardly she still pretended to hesitate.

"It's a movie about a group of genius students who pull off perfect cheating in international exams for profit. The whole of Asia is familiar with this kind of exam culture, so it has the potential to open up the Asian market..."

Xu Ming was still explaining his ideas for the script.

But Zhang Ziyi's mind had already wandered far away; she clenched her back teeth.

Who the hell wants to open up the Asian market?

She considers herself a top-tier actress in Asia and only wants to break into the Hollywood market!
Little did she know, Xu Ming was simply trying to fool her.

I really want to act, but there aren't any suitable roles for the other person. People in their thirties shouldn't play students, especially since the pay is low.

He understood the other person's thoughts, but it was up to the other person to bring them up.

"This story sounds quite interesting; no wonder you're considered a top screenwriter in the industry."

Zhang Ziyi looked at Xu Ming with admiration and praised him.

Then, changing the subject, he asked, "I heard that you and Megan are working on a movie project?"

"Oh, you mean this?"

Xu Ming drew out his words, noticing Zhang Ziyi's barely suppressed anticipation, and nodded, "That's right. I came back to China this time to pave the way for this project. What, are you interested?"

Before Zhang Ziyi could speak.

He shook his head to himself: "I did want to invite you to audition, after all, we're on the same side, but now the female lead has been decided, Amy Adams, recommended by director David and male lead Bale, so the choice is basically finalized."

"Even if you were willing to play a supporting role, I wouldn't dare ask you to."

Zhang Ziyi's mouth was slightly open, but the words "I'm willing" stuck in her throat and she couldn't say them.

She'd already said everything; what else could she say?
The problem is, she'd rather be a supporting actress, just like Jet Li started out as a supporting actor.

But even such opportunities are rare for her.

After all, there is a thick barrier between them, whether in terms of skin color or culture.

"However, there may be other opportunities in the future. I am the producer of this film, so I will have more say in the next film."

Xu Ming then looked at the somewhat surprised Zhang Ziyi and said, "When a suitable role comes up, I will contact you as soon as possible."

The latter only knew that Xu Ming was the screenwriter and investor of the show.

I only just learned from the other party that I was working as a producer.

In an instant, Xu Ming's position in her heart rose countless times.

“You need help right now. In Hollywood, everyone talks about openness, but in reality, it’s all about social circles.”

"Yeti help yie, British help British, blacks help blacks, and even so, blacks are divided into American blacks and African blacks."

Zhang Ziyi looked at him with concern: "Even if you are the producer, you can't carry the whole crew alone. I'll take a pay cut to play a supporting role so I can help out."

Ha, it sounds like they're doing this out of good intentions, as if they're sacrificing themselves for you.

These hypocritical words shattered the last shred of moral restraint in Xu Ming's heart.

He pretended to think for a moment, then said seriously, "You're right. Although that supporting actress doesn't have as many scenes as the lead actress, she still has her shining moments. I'll try recommending her to you; it shouldn't be a problem."

Megan and he discussed the supporting actress role yesterday, and they have basically decided on Jennifer Lawrence.

The latter was Megan's recommendation, and Xu Ming did not object.

Besides being part of the original cast, Jennifer Lawrence's starring role in "The Hunger Games" in June of this year was a huge success, propelling her to the position of a top Hollywood actress.

The production team really hit the jackpot by casting her as the supporting actress.

Moreover, he used this to gain the right to cast other roles.

In other words, what he promised Zhang Ziyi was just an empty promise.

Zhang Ziyi couldn't help but smile. She had thought that after the awkwardness of the last time, it would be difficult to get closer to the other party, but the process was much smoother than she had imagined.

Sure enough, I'm still young.

When we were both this old, we were just as innocent; it's quite nostalgic. *Knock knock!*

"Mr. Xu, representatives from Xingmei have arrived."

"Tell them to wait a moment, I'll be right there."

Xu Ming responded and apologized to Zhang Ziyi, "I might have to excuse myself for a moment. I need to talk to Xingmei about the investment in this film and the subsequent screening schedule. You can go back first."

Zhang Ziyi's eyes lit up. She roughly understood what Xu Ming had discussed with Yang Shoucheng when he landed in Hong Kong.

It's nothing new for Hollywood film projects to attract global capital.

For example, many domestic companies invest in overseas film projects.

These are all considered film investors.

Thinking of this, Zhang Ziyi smiled and said, "If you don't mind, I'll go with you. I'm quite familiar with the rules of Hollywood."

The fish is hooked.

Xu Ming hesitated for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "It's fine for me, but it wouldn't be good for you if word got out, would it?"

"It's alright," Zhang Ziyi insisted.

"That's good." Xu Ming nodded.

If the other person accompanies you in public, it will only be as a female companion.

Consider the likes of Wang Zhongjun and Wu Kebo; the female companions they bring to dinner parties are only people like Huo Siyan and Jiang Yiyan.

She herself leads a group of top-tier female stars in the Chinese entertainment industry.

Add to that Zhang Ziyi's experience in the international film industry, and the effect is completely different.

Domestically, he believed that if he wanted to, no company would refuse his investment invitation. However, it was different when it came to overseas markets; he would have to put in more effort to persuade them.

With Zhang Ziyi by his side, he didn't need to say anything to establish a foundation of trust.

……

The investment in Xingmei has been finalized.

Like Yinghuang, it also had a $5 million investment and a guaranteed number of screenings upon release.

Not only that, Xu Ming also got the other party to sign a cooperation agreement.

On overseas projects, the two parties have reached a cooperation agreement, investing and advancing together, which is equivalent to an alliance.

Initially, Xu Ming planned to find Han Sanping first.

Let the latter step in and help coordinate.

With a director from China Film Group leading the way, the formation of this alliance became much easier.

However, the effect of Zhang Ziyi's attendance at his negotiations with Xingmei was much better than he had expected.

When the Xingmei representative saw Zhang Ziyi sitting next to Xu Ming in the conference room with a friendly demeanor, their doubts about the latter's influence in "The American Deception" were instantly dispelled.

This is more effective than having Megan come over in person to explain.

It's very simple. Female celebrities, especially those of Zhang Ziyi's caliber, are most sensitive to the situation on set.

The latter's attitude indirectly reflects the extent of Xu Ming's influence on the production team.

The investment amount wasn't large; the Star Media representative simply reported to the head office and the deal was finalized.

The subsequent cooperation agreement was reached after Xu Ming, seeing that things were going too smoothly and testing the waters and finding that there was potential, persuaded him to sign a letter of intent.

With this letter of intent in hand.

He brought Zhang Ziyi to other negotiations, and they were always successful.

Sohu, Tencent, and Alibaba have all joined the alliance, each contributing a small share of one million US dollars.

Xu Ming refused when asked to contribute more.

These internet companies can only provide funding and domestic promotion; they don't offer much help to the film.

Giving up a small share is merely a symbolic gesture representing their participation; they can be put to use in the future when there are funding gaps for other projects.

His actions after returning to China stunned everyone in the industry.

One by one, the vigilant and wary hearts began to feel lost.

Although they knew that Xu Ming intended to develop his career overseas, they were initially gloating, thinking that he was a lost dog and that he would inevitably stumble sooner or later given the unpredictable nature of the overseas film market.

Unexpectedly, in just two months, this guy has actually made a name for himself.

No, are overseas markets so easy to enter?

You better tell us you're lying, that it's all fake. We'll beg you on our knees, okay? Just tell us!

Do you know how much better it is for you than for us to poop in your mouth?

Then my mind started working.

Now that Xu Ming's film projects in Hollywood are a done deal, is there any chance for them to get a piece of the pie?

If one of their own actors makes a brief appearance in the film, and they release some press releases announcing their transition to international acting, their market value will undoubtedly increase.

"Hey, Mr. Yu? The casting for the movie hasn't officially started yet. Let me go back to America to participate in the preparations and then we'll see if there are any suitable roles."

"Chairman Wang, the shares have all been distributed. Let's do it next time. But your Enlight Media doesn't lack investment projects, does it?"

Xu Ming then received a series of phone calls from his colleagues, and Qiming, which had been quiet before the Lunar New Year, suddenly became lively again.

He had just hung up the phone with the CEO of Enlight Media when the next call came in.

"Xiao Xu, how much of your project is left?"

“Uncle Han, China Film Group’s background is too complicated. They might not be willing to accept it,” Xu Ming said truthfully.

"Alright, then forget it. I don't want to cause you any more trouble," Han Sanping said after a moment of silence.

He had been pushing Chinese blockbusters to go overseas, and it was booming after the turn of the millennium. However, now that various companies have suffered heavy losses, the effort has come to an end.

Xu Ming, on the other hand, had previously only regarded him as a leader in promoting the rise of the domestic film market.

He felt extremely sorry to be implicated in the incident involving Uncle Benshan.

Unexpectedly, they managed to carve out a way to survive.

"Just because that project is not negotiable doesn't mean other projects are not viable."

Xu Ming smiled and said, "I plan to make another film and release it in Hong Kong, trying to open up film distribution channels in East Asia and Southeast Asia."

Although he looked down on the Hong Kong film market, using the other party's name as a cover was still quite effective.

Hong Kong cinema is a catch-all term; anything can be thrown into it.

Many stories that don't fit into mainland China can work in Hong Kong.

For example, his upcoming film "Bad Genius" was originally a Siamese film, but the story was changed to take place in Hong Kong, which is just as reasonable.

On the other end of the phone, Han Sanping frowned slightly. He didn't really think much of the East Asian and Southeast Asian markets.

They are determined to bring Chinese-language films directly to the international stage, not to mention competing with Hollywood, at least to get a piece of the global film market.

But now, let alone going out to eat meat, even hiding at home often results in people breaking in and beating me up. If it weren't for protection, I wouldn't even be able to eat meat at home anymore.

Instead of following Xu Ming's approach, we should first rekindle the glory of Chinese-language films in East and Southeast Asia.

It's important to understand that Hong Kong cinema was once known as the Hollywood of the East and developed so rapidly because of its popularity throughout Asia.

Back then, films like "A Better Tomorrow" and "A Chinese Ghost Story" had an influence that radiated throughout Asia.

Unlike now, when only domestic actors recognize the new generation of actors.

Despite Xu Ming's phenomenal performance last year, his commercial value was limited to China.

"Bad Genius" aims to extend Qi Ming's reach into the film markets of neighboring countries in East Asia and Southeast Asia.

(End of this chapter)