Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 421 I'll handle the strength, you handle the arrogance.
At the Extreme Action Agency, Gu Ming had both feet propped up on the desk, his eyes glancing sideways at the television outside the door.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is holding a press conference.

"This incident was extremely serious. Gang members actually launched an attack on Metropolitan Police Department officers. Fortunately, at the critical moment, Chief Tachibana remained calm, took out his ID, and righteously rebuked the gang members, causing them to surrender themselves. A kind-hearted citizen named Akira Furuya who was passing by also provided some assistance."

Gu Ming clicked his tongue and shook his head.

What a kind-hearted citizen!

A kind-hearted citizen, Akira Furuya, casually broke the glass bottle neck, put down the cap, and drank his marble soda.

Gu Ming dared to say that the Sanhe Law Firm would definitely suffer a certain degree of blow.

In the 1980s and 1990s, with the development of Japan's economy, the Yakuza group became a kind of black glove—the kind that is used and then discarded.

The Japanese have done their fair share of land expropriation and forced demolitions.

As for these talent agencies, the relationships behind them are even more complex.

However, the Mikawa office itself is clean, being an agency under Toei, so those affected are probably only a small number of Yakuza members, including Honda's assistant.

"Kurosawa Mitsuru said he had arrangements, but where have they put me in?"

Gu Ming raised his hand to look at his watch, thinking to himself that he still hadn't seen anyone.

Kurosawa said he had arranged a marketing event, but he didn't know where it would take place.

As I was pondering this, a reporter on television suddenly raised his hand and stood up.

"I am a reporter from TV Asahi. Recently, two children went missing while boating in Tokyo Bay. What is the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department doing? Is the Metropolitan Police Department failing to act in this matter? Otherwise, why has this problem not been resolved for so long?"

quack!
Gu Ming immediately put his feet down.

It's here! The truth is, it's right here.

The spokesperson for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department was certainly not Chief Tachibana, but hearing such words still made the spokesperson gasp for breath.

Holy crap! Are you trying to cause trouble?!
No such thing as Ficonews!

"According to the investigation, the Metropolitan Police Department has no corresponding dispatch record, nor has it received any orders to conduct a search in Tokyo Bay. No police stations or investigation teams within Tokyo have received any such orders. Theoretically, there shouldn't be any such missing person case in Tokyo! Of course, the Metropolitan Police Department is very grateful for the assistance of the kind citizens..."

The phone rang, and Gu Ming answered it without hesitation. It was Kurosawa Mitsuru on the other end.

"How about that? Furuya-kun, you've hit their weak spot this time! Unlike us, they haven't been able to take over the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department yet!"

"The effect is indeed quite good; it must have a negative impact on the other party."

"That's right. If we can't improve ourselves, then we can strike at the opponent. That can achieve a similar effect."

Although they couldn't see each other, they both laughed together through the microphone.

"Alright, let's put this matter behind us. The two films have been quite successful, and we should receive payment before the end of the year. Mr. Furuya, actually, I heard you've been preparing for a new project recently..."

"Of course, this film will still be produced in collaboration with Dongzhong Productions."

Having large-scale scenes doesn't necessarily mean it's a big-budget film. After all, the large-scale scenes in this movie are just gunfights and action sequences, without any large-scale car chases or attacks. Overall, it's still a medium-budget production.

—It could even be described as a low-budget production, because the original work was a low-budget production, casting Jean Reno, a film star, and Natalie Portman, who was not yet famous at the time.

"Back when I was in American Entertainment, I was going to surpass Natalie Portman. But ever since she got trolled, she's practically become the regular villain in American Entertainment!"

Gu Ming shook his head.

People really do get tired of the old and crave the new!

……

……

The movie script is ready, and all preparations are basically complete; the only problem is that the actors are still a little lacking.

Gu Ming received the news three days later.

The actor he had his eye on refused to come.

"This American is pretty arrogant, huh? He won't come even if you offer him money!"

Gu Ming shook his head.

If they don't want to come, then they don't want to come. We might as well just look for them in Japan.

Gu Ming originally intended to cast Leslie Nelson, an elderly American actor. This actor had been in the industry for many years and possessed superb acting skills; however, in his later years, he had done so many comedies that he was left with only the signature craning-neck, wide-eyed stare routine. Nevertheless, he had previously appeared in films including the old version of The Ghost Show, where his portrayal of the cruelty of chasing a kind couple with a shotgun, and the terror and despair after being possessed by ghosts, was quite outstanding.

In addition, his salary is not expensive—even after starring in the Naked Gun series, Leslie Nielsen's salary was not high.

But since the other party refused, Gu Ming saw no need to make a special effort to invite them again.

"Let's change the script. The Interpol agent will be a Japanese Interpol agent, paired with an American female partner, namely 'Cynthia Rothrock.' As for this Japanese detective, she should have a refined and gentlemanly demeanor, but also a ruthless side; in short, she should be a villain..."

Tanaka's assistant took out paper and pen to take notes.

"Go to Toho and ask if 'Kurobe Susumu' has time to perform."

Tanaka responded.

A few minutes later, Tanaka returned with definite news.

"He has returned from Africa and currently has no film contracts."

"That's good, go find him."

The pay is reasonable and the job is easy to do, so why not use it?

After settling in, Gu Ming had just seen Tanaka off when Tanaka suddenly returned.

"What, is there something else?"

Before he could finish speaking, the office door was pushed open.

"It's really difficult to see Furuya-kun, but you're quite a responsible assistant."

Haruki Kadokawa swaggered in, casually tossing his coat and trench coat to Tanaka.

"Take good care of this Burberry trench coat! Treat it like a waiter serving caviar to a distinguished guest with both hands, with the utmost respect!! Otherwise, you couldn't afford to pay for it even if you sold yourself!"

Tanaka looked at Gu Ming, who nodded.

Tanaka bowed and went out wearing his trench coat.

Looking at the arrogant man in front of him, Gu Ming asked casually, "So, Mr. Kadokawa, you're not here to ask for investment, are you?"

"How could that be? I haven't even congratulated you on taking over Wan Gu yet. Although it's just a small production company, you can now be considered an 'upstream' person. Find a few more people, especially a few more women, the pretty kind. Fire all the male assistants and drivers. If you can't find any, I can send you a few."

Gu Ming raised his eyelids slightly.

As expected, it still didn't work.

Kadokawa Haruki lay sprawled on the sofa, head down and feet up, looking at Taniguchi.

"So, how's the preparation for my film going?"

"We can almost start filming now. The actors, script, location, and funding are all settled."

"Where's the director?"

"Let's talk to Akio Jissoji. We've worked together quite a bit. Let's contact him."

"Akio Jissoji... Oh, that freelance director from TBS, right? This guy's no good, too lowbrow. I'll find you someone higher-class, how about Kinji Fukasaku!"

Gu Ming's smile remained unchanged, but he shook his head: "It's just a medium-budget film, there's no need to hire a big-name director like Mr. Fukasaku Kinji. Besides, Mr. Jissoji and I have collaborated many times and we know each other's habits very well. I'll handle the action scenes, and he'll handle the dramatic parts. It's a good balance of action and drama!"

Haruki Kadokawa pursed his lips.

"If you insist, then so be it. But, Mr. Furuya, I just want to remind you that you are responsible for your own ration income. If you don't make money, you'll end up losing everything to me."

Gu Ming nodded slightly: "I am well aware of that."

"Good to know. It's settled then. Tomorrow, bring the main creative team. I'll arrange a press conference for you at the Akasaka Prince Hotel! Since it's a project I'm directing, of course, the whole of Japan should know my name!"

Haruki Kadokawa is gone; he came and went with a flourish.

Gu Ming shook his head secretly.

He really is a madman.

Although, he certainly had the right to be arrogant.

(End of this chapter)