Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 531 I'm here to support you

As November arrived, Gu Ming's schedule became increasingly tight. He had two things to do that month: go to Hong Kong to support Jackie Chan, because Project A was set to be released there on November 21st.

Even Gu Ming wasn't quite sure how far the revamped Project A would be filmed in this world.

Also in December, on December 24th, "Satomi Hakkenden" will be released in Japan, so Tani Akira will have to take the opportunity to promote the film.

"So busy!"

After personally overseeing the editing of Satomi Hakkenden, Gu Ming rushed to Hong Kong without stopping.

Hong Kong, pier.

Before Gu Ming even disembarked, he saw Chen Desen holding up a welcome sign, which he could recognize from a distance.

“Mr. Gu Gu, I’m Chen Desen, Brother Long’s assistant. We’ve met before. Brother Long is currently busy with film promotions and specifically instructed me to come and pick up the ship. He’s staying at the Regent Hotel…”

In an instant, Gu Ming thought of the Lijing Grand Hotel.

Of course, Cheng Long isn't that stingy, so he probably won't get to experience the local products.

"Speaking of which, isn't this the Wan Chai Ferry Pier?"

Gu Ming looked around but didn't see the legendary sign.

Chen Desen stepped forward and explained in a low voice, "This isn't the Wan Chai Ferry Pier; the Wan Chai Ferry Pier is on the other side. Mr. Gu Gu mentioned the Wan Chai Ferry Pier; could it be that someone else is coming?"

"No, I was just asking. Let's talk about it at the hotel where we're resting first."

Gu Ming waved his hand casually.

Before he transmigrated, he unfortunately watched a movie called something like "Chicken Dumplings XX".

Needless to say, it's a long story. I heard it's a promotional video produced by Wanchai Ferry Pier with a huge investment, and Gu Ming judges it to be something that anyone who watches will regret.

"I heard that the Wanchai Ferry Pier was established with Japanese investment. Should we say hello to them?"

Gu Ming got into the car, thought about it for a long time, and decided to give up.

At this moment, a certain company that makes frozen dumplings is unaware that it has just faced a life-or-death situation.

The next day, Gu Ming met Cheng Long, but Cheng Long looked even more tired than him, as if he were the host and Cheng Long was the guest who had come from afar.

"I'm so sorry!" As soon as Jackie Chan arrived, he put his hands together and looked apologetic. "I've been so busy. My new movie is about to be released, and they need me everywhere. I also have to personally oversee the editing. My godfather keeps asking me to go out and do promotions. I'm so busy. I don't know how Ah Sen treated you. Did he neglect you?"

Although they arrived a day late, their attitude was definitely very good.

Gu Ming naturally replied, "He's fine, no need to worry."

As he spoke, Gu Mingduo glanced at Chen Desen.

Chen Desen initially worked as Jackie Chan's assistant, but later Jackie Chan helped him become an independent filmmaker.

Chen Desen, who directs his own films, is a well-known filmmaker in Hong Kong.

In a sense, Jackie Chan was indeed a mentor to many directors and screenwriters in Hong Kong. For example, when Chan Tak-sum entered the industry, he used Jackie Chan's connections.

Given their long-standing relationship, there was no need for formalities. Soon, Cheng Long sprawled out on the sofa, letting out a satisfied sigh.

"It's so tiring! I never imagined something like this would be so exhausting. So many people, wow, so many people, all of them rushing over!" As Cheng Long spoke, he raised his hand and made a sudden pressing motion: "It's like a mountain collapsing!"

Gu Ming nodded.

He could imagine that scene.

Are there any promotional activities today?

'Yes! There are a lot of people. They're going to do some kind of promotion in Central. They're making me stand on a car, and then…'

Cheng Long went on and on about Hong Kong's propaganda, but Gu Ming had a sudden thought.

Have any of you tried door-to-door canvassing?

Cheng Long countered, "Sweep what?"

Gu Ming repeated: "Go door-to-door! I heard that Central is full of office buildings with lots of white-collar workers and such. It seems that some people might like to watch your videos. So, let's talk to the property manager and those companies in advance and go door-to-door!"

Building canvassing, a common propaganda tactic in later generations, usually involves movie stars going to office buildings frequented by white-collar workers to distribute materials and make greetings.

Many modern films use this method for promotion.

In Hong Kong, building canvassing is even more advantageous, because Hong Kong is a small place with concentrated office areas, so a single canvassing session can often attract a large audience. Upon hearing Gu Ming's words, Cheng Long couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Speaking of...

Going door-to-door for business, there's a problem with that.

His movies aren't actually very popular with white-collar workers!
Yes, in this era, Jackie Chan's movies are not very popular among white-collar workers.

White-collar workers tend to prefer works by deadpan comedians like Michael Hui, or various romantic movies.

Jackie Chan's films are more geared towards a younger audience.

This is inextricably linked to Jackie Chan's film style, because Jackie Chan's films are almost all devoid of a story, consisting only of simple revenge, slapstick, and fighting, lacking any depth.

Seeing Jackie Chan's hesitation, Gu Ming said, "But your Project A is different. This movie is very meaningful. It has a story, action, national sentiment, and dialect. It's different from your previous films."

After thinking for a moment, Cheng Long nodded solemnly: "That seems to be the case, but I can't make the decision."

As Gu Ming said this, he noticed that Cheng Long clenched his fist.

But that was just a fleeting action.

Cheng Long then released his hands and said, "I'm going to talk to my godfather. He should agree! Ah Sen, take good care of Gu Sheng."

As they were talking, Cheng Long left, his arrival and departure both fleeting and swift.

Gu Ming clicked his tongue.

Golden Harvest provided Cheng Lung with a lot of help, but Ho Koon-cheung always suppressed Cheng Lung.

This relationship is very complicated. It can be said that Jackie Chan respects Ho Koon-cheung, but he is also very dissatisfied with him. This is because Ho Koon-cheung is even more involved in other people's business than Lo Wei.

For example, when Jackie Chan was filming a movie in Yugoslavia, he had an accident and almost died. After that, Ho Koon-cheung stipulated that Jackie Chan must keep his hair long.

Cheng Lung listened, of course, but as soon as Ho Koon-cheung died, he grew his hair back to short. It could be said that he was quite rebellious.

"However, there's no harm in this kind of door-to-door promotion, so they should agree, right?"

Gu Ming thought about it and then lay down to wait for Cheng Long's call.

……

……

However, Gu Ming was wrong about one thing.

For a big shot like Ho Koon-cheung, the most frustrating thing is when things get out of his control.

Going door-to-door for business sounds wonderful.

However, Ho Koon-cheung immediately refused.

"What a joke! If you're going to do publicity, why are you going to office buildings in Central instead of the streets? What do the Japanese know about Hong Kong? They're just idiots! Listen to me on this matter, there's no need to discuss it."

Cheng Long hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

“But Godfather, I think this publicity plan is great.”

"What's so great about it? There are so many office buildings, how long are you going to take to get there?"

Ho Koon-cheung wanted to persuade him again, but seeing Cheng Lung's slight dissatisfaction, his attitude softened a little.

“Ah Lung, you’re a big star in Hong Kong now. Everyone’s watching your every move. You went to their office building. Do you think they’ll let you go home? They have to work too! Don’t they eat? What if something happens and those tabloids start spreading rumors? I already regretted your trip to Japan last time. Those tabloids took pictures of you. What did they say? That Jackie Chan was arrested while performing in Japan? They even have photos!”

Cheng Long almost couldn't breathe.

Of course, he wasn't arrested for singing! He was just showing respect to the two police officers!
It's all because of the unscrupulous and irresponsible lies spread by Hong Kong tabloids!
Of course, he did go to Japan for a while, but you can't just say things like that! He clearly wasn't arrested!

After saying both good and bad things, Ho Koon-cheung finally gave Cheng Lung a treat.

"Alright, let's leave it at that. What did you tell me before? The Japanese want you to make a movie? If they want you to go, you can go if you have time, but you must discuss it thoroughly. You also need to bring the script back for us to see. Movies that could damage your image are absolutely out of the question, and you won't be a supporting actor for them! Even if you do make a movie, even if your role is small, it must be a movie with two male leads or an ensemble cast!"

As for door-to-door canvassing?

Ho Koon-cheung nodded his chin.

Let the Japanese go if they want to.

(End of this chapter)