Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 160 Charging Forward! The Clown's face was ashen! Talent System!
On August 8th, at the Bird's Nest, the Olympic Games opened, shocking the world!

This opening ceremony perfectly showcased China's five thousand years of civilization and modern technology.

It became the most stunning and successful opening ceremony this year, and even in Olympic history.

Without the baggage of "Eileen Chang," Zhang Yimou created an unparalleled dreamlike masterpiece.

After the opening ceremony, Jackie Chan headed to Hollywood.

Cao Zhong also plunged headlong into various kinds of demanding work.

We are maintaining communication with Jiang Zhiqiang, Chen Zhixi, the crew of "The Equalizer", and the crew of "Happy Death Day" in Hollywood.

Pre-production for both films has begun, and they are just waiting for funding before filming can begin.

Before leaving Beijing, Cao Zhong met with Cheng Long. Cheng Long wanted to invest a portion of the investment himself. "Split" boosted his confidence, and Cao Zhong naturally agreed. He chose Cheng Long simply to solidify the Chinese symbol in Hollywood and avoid being completely devoured.

Jackie Chan also showed his sincerity by slightly reducing his salary and not asking for too much of a share, contributing five million US dollars to launch the "The Equalizer" project.

Thus, the production team for "The Equalizer" was formed.

Chen Zhixi also joined the crew, and Cao Zhong gave her some work tasks and procedures.

For some shots that could be filmed together, he requested that they be filmed directly together.
While ensuring quality, save wherever possible.

Making movies in Hollywood was just a stepping stone for Cao Zhong. Profit sharing was irrelevant to him, but saving on costs meant earning more overall.

After a month in theaters, Split grossed $9487 million in North America, but its global box office surpassed $2.9 million, stirring up the nerves of the entertainment industry worldwide.

Production cost of tens of millions, with a profit of 29 times!
Even the six major powers were extremely envious!
James McAvoy has risen directly to the top tier of Hollywood, and Yang Mi has also become a global superstar in the name of the domestic entertainment industry.

Although he was just a minor character and relatively unknown in Hollywood, he was a new Chinese face who was rapidly rising in Hollywood for many viewers!
Moreover, she is brave and intelligent! Very different from the shy and effeminate image of previous Chinese actresses!

Yang Mi has surpassed the popularity created by Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li and others in Hollywood!

On August 14, "Split" passed the review process without any obstacles.
It is scheduled to be released in mainland China on September 18, directly clashing with "The Equation of Love and Death".

Rong Xinda felt conflicted upon hearing this.

The junior sister beat up the senior sister, but she was a traitor.
Li Xiaowan and Li Shaohong naturally felt a surge of relief.
Although their contract termination with Zhou Xun was outwardly very amicable,
But Zhou Xun did some dirty work behind the scenes, such as secretly accepting the role in "The Banquet".
While I wouldn't say I wasn't angry, that's not entirely true.

However, Rong Xinda was not clean either, so the matter was simply dropped.

The news caused a sensation on major entertainment news pages.

Afterwards,

Edko Films has announced two new films, and the news has caused a huge stir in the industry!
Even the six major powers were slightly shaken.

Jackie Chan's starring role directly ignited the kung fu film industry.

The title "The Equalizer" has excited kung fu movie fans to the point of screaming!
20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, due to their relationship with Bill Kong, quickly extended olive branches to him.

Wang An also called Jiang Zhiqiang, complaining about Cao Zhong and recounting their glorious past together, asking if Focus Features could also be compared.

"I'm really excited to see you succeed in Hollywood now."

As Wang An spoke, he broke down in tears, feeling wronged.

"After I returned to the United States, I felt more and more aggrieved when I thought about thanking Cao Zhong back then."

Wang Andao said, "The mistake of 'Ailing' was that I did not stand on the legitimacy of art and have an exchange and debate with Cao Zhong."

The mistake lay in China's censorship system, as well as in the timing. Han Sanpin made the mistake of betting on "Nanjing Photo Studio," which was a box office success during that period.

The fault lies neither with me nor with you.

This is not my fault, nor is it the fault of art; it's just that timing chose Cao Zhong, allowing him to step on my artwork.

Han Sanpin, heeding slanderous words...is utterly muddle-headed.

Wang An became increasingly agitated as he spoke, causing Jiang Zhiqiang to frown.

“No,” Jiang Zhiqiang said, “Director Wang, I think you should admit your mistake.”

"The Chinese film market has a huge future. My accidental success in Hollywood does not mean we should abandon the Chinese market."
On the contrary, what Cao Zhong did, although it cost me a lot of money, also served as a wake-up call for me.

"If Director Cao hadn't firmly prevented the release of 'Ailing' last time, 'Split' might not have passed censorship this time either."

Jiang Zhiqiang had already decided to become Cao Zhong's spy, he reassured him.

"Director Wang, every cloud has a silver lining. I think your next film will also be a success in China."

Wang An's face stiffened, and he said, "I'm afraid it won't work. The movie I'm going to make next still won't be able to be released in China."

"How to say?"

“James told me,”

Wang An clenched his fists. Outside the window, the sky was clear, but his heart was filled with gloom.
"Let me make a film called 'Taking Woodstock' for now, a movie similar to 'Brokeback Mountain'."

There were some things he really wanted to say to Jiang Zhiqiang, but he held them back.
Only an indescribable sense of irritability and resentment welled up in my chest.

After "Lust, Caution," the respect that James showed him in their interactions was completely gone.

Conversely, when James was on the phone with someone else, his name came up.
He heard James say to the man, “Ang Lee, I will make the most of this.”

This has made it so that he hasn't been able to sleep well lately.

After chatting with Wang An, Jiang Zhiqiang quickly called Cao Zhong to report the situation.

He is very loyal!

“Wang An’s team is indeed very suitable for making this type of film.”

Cao Zhongdao said, "You should give him more support and encouragement. We should make the most of this kind of person! Promoting political correctness for the Americans is killing three birds with one stone. The Americans are happy, he is happy, and I am happy too. Isn't that good?"

"If Director Cao is happy, I'm happy." Jiang Zhiqiang adopted a humble attitude. "I'll praise him more."

"Also, the six major Hollywood studios want to talk to you; we can talk."
In the script I gave you, wasn't there a movie called "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle"?

It's a good opportunity to talk to Sony Columbia, since they hold the copyright.
The male lead in my script is perfect for Jackie Chan.

Making a few big-budget films occasionally is important for Edko Films and for enhancing your reputation in Hollywood. The more successful you are, the more respect they will have for you.

Operating within other people's rules, and being protected by the six major authorities, is still quite useful.

Cao Zhong was arranging the work.

"Director Cao, I'll make the arrangements right away." Jiang Zhiqiang indicated that if Director Cao told him to go west, he would never go east.

The success of "Split" has made Jiang Zhiqiang realize the reality.

Even chickens and dogs can rise to prominence if they follow the right person.

However, if you follow the wrong person, even artistic sacrifices like firing real guns can be banned.

This is the life journey of Yang Mi and Tang Wei.
In a very short time, the world has been turned upside down.

All of this happened right under Jiang Zhiqiang's nose.

“Director Cao is no longer just an ordinary successful person.” Jiang Zhiqiang held unparalleled loyalty in his heart. “But in China, only I know best just how capable he truly is!”

……

The success of "Split" made Jiang Zhiqiang, the producer in name only, a hero in China!
This also became the biggest shock in Hollywood!

Yang Mi also had numerous film offers. After inquiring with Cao Zhong, she joined the cast of "Chinese Paladin 3," earning a higher salary than Hu Ge. She also made many requests of Cai Yinong, which Cai Yinong agreed to one by one.

The news of Fan Bingbing's foray into Hollywood immediately plunged the female celebrities in the entertainment industry into a deathly silence.

Less than six months after leaving Huayi, Fan Bingbing somehow got involved with Jiang Zhiqiang.

Their rapid foray into Hollywood has left many people completely unsettled.
Zhang Ziyi, Li Bingbing, Zhou Xun, and the others were grinding their teeth in frustration.

Zhang Ziyi, in particular, turned green with rage.

She specifically brought a script titled "Perfect Match" to Fan Bingbing's studio.

He even called Fan Bingbing, sincerely inviting her to decline the Hollywood offer.
"Bingbing, your sister has been to Hollywood. People there discriminate against us, and they always arrange for us to sit on the red sofa."
Listen to your sister, go there.

It would be better to stay in the country and be with me.
This is my first time producing a film, so I'll definitely give you a big boost.

Fan Bingbing expressed her deep gratitude, saying, "This is the first time I've heard of this. Has Sister Ziyi ever been to the Red Sofa? How do you know so much about it?"

Zhang Ziyi: ...

The two exchanged words of concern, but each one was a deadly stab in the back.

Afterwards, Zhang Ziyi contacted Jiang Zhiqiang, hoping that she could play the role.

"President Jiang, we've collaborated for so long, why didn't you leave a good opportunity for your sister?"

"What Bingbing can do, my sister can do too, and she can do it even better." Zhang Ziyi drawled.

"This really isn't my fault," Jiang Zhiqiang smiled, clearly not the first time he'd encountered something like this. "It was the director and producer who made the choice."

"Is this film also like 'Memoirs of a Geisha'?" Zhang Ziyi was still not giving up.

"No."

hang up the phone,

Zhang Ziyi not only found out that Fan Bingbing would be the absolute female lead in this film,
There's absolutely no need to film sex scenes.

His face turned ashen instantly.

……

During the Olympics, the public opinion against Cao Zhong intensified, and the enemy launched a fierce attack.

Luo Taijun quickly became the leader of the attack.

Due to the explosive popularity of "Split".

Luo Taijun was equally excited.

Luo Taijun, who recently established an English training school in Beijing, is leveraging the popularity of the Olympics and the North American hit "Split" to continuously advertise her school.

Driven by a desire for attention, he relentlessly mocked Cao Zhong, quickly becoming an opinion leader and gaining considerable recognition.

"Some people can dominate Hollywood and rake in box office revenue worldwide. That's the power of the English language."

Some people, however, only get caught up in the extremes of populism and nationalism, making one Nanjing film after another.

He also wrote a lengthy article arguing for the contributions of Hollywood producer Bill Kong, who made "Split," to Chinese cinema, emphasizing that Kong was one of the producers of "Ailing," which Cao Zhong criticized last year.

Cao Zhong is considered nothing more than a clown who uses populism to stir up public opinion and incite emotions in the entertainment industry.
I'll never reach Jiang Zhiqiang's level of vision in this lifetime.

Waves of people, their true intentions ulterior, launched a massive attack on Cao Zhong.

Wang Renjun was furious, feeling that Cao Zhong's fans weren't enough, and that he would use online trolls to argue with Luo Taijun.

"It's okay, let him rant."

Cao Zhong felt quite happy; the contrasting behavior of Luo Taijun amused him greatly.

I haven't even been happy for two days.

Upon learning the news, Jiang Zhiqiang was far from composed. He "inadvertently" gave an interview to domestic media, responding to related topics.

"Madam Luo? I don't know her, never heard of her. Is she just trying to ride the coattails of someone's popularity? What kind of crazy person is she?"

This directly ignited a wave of public criticism against Cao Zhong.

This also made Lady Luo's face turn ashen.

……

Cao Zhong entrusted the script for the first film in the Tang Dynasty series to Yu Gengzhe, Ma Boyong, and many other professional screenwriters for careful polishing.

He flew to Hong Kong to work on the final special effects for "We Live in Nanjing".

He wants to personally oversee it.

Inside Xiantao Digital Technology, Zhu Jiaxin reached out and shook hands with Cao Zhong, her expression complex.
It was a mix of sadness, surprise, and heaviness.

"Everyone in our company worked their butts off for the special effects in Director Cao's film."

Whether it's working on films like "Kung Fu Hustle," "Hero," or collaborating with Hollywood special effects companies,

"We at Xiantao Digital have never independently undertaken a film this difficult to make before."

As the CEO of Centro Digital, Chu Ka-yan is a representative figure in the behind-the-scenes production industry in Hong Kong, China, and a pioneer in digital special effects production for films in Asia.

Such pioneering figures
The special effects already produced for Cao Zhongxin's film are simply astonishing!

He believes that the fact that this movie doesn't focus on the story, but simply features special effects on the big screen, is a blessing for the audience!

That means the most spectacular special effects only need five minutes to render.

Otherwise, even if it cost him his life, Xian Tao would definitely not be able to complete it.

He even brought in foreign aid from Singapore just for those five minutes.

Cao Zhong gave too much!
For this part of the special effects, Cao Zhong demanded that the effects break through the limitations of traditional storyboarding and be achieved through 3D modeling and a physics engine, with precision and dynamic effects far exceeding the physical limits of hand-drawn animation.

"It's been tough, but I believe that after this movie, Mr. Zhu will be even busier in the future."

"On this point, I have no doubt."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Jiaxin's heart skipped a beat, but a smile appeared on her lips.

He had many questions he wanted to ask Cao Zhong about his film.
He had a feeling that the film's special effects could rival those of the top Hollywood blockbusters.

Not to mention the differences between Western narratives and Chinese narratives!
This gives the film a natural and fertile ground to attract audiences in China.

At first, he genuinely thought Cao Zhong was filming the "Nanjing Photo Studio" series.

However, once Zhu Jiaxin actually got involved, she saw Cao Zhong's ambition.

He even had a suspicion in his mind...

This film's box office performance is likely to cause a sensation across mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

An unparalleled sensation!
For Xian Tao, being able to participate in the special effects production of this film was indeed an honor.

Thinking of this, a barely perceptible hint of excitement flashed in Zhu Jiaxin's eyes.

Some time ago, Liu Zhenwei held a launch ceremony in Hong Kong, announcing the start of production for China's first science fiction film.
When the news reached Zhu Jiaxin's ears, he said nothing because of the confidentiality agreement.

But he just kept shaking his head, finding it funny just thinking about the name the other person had called out.

On a sweltering Hong Kong afternoon, the heat was intense.

A cold draft was blowing freely in the office.

"Has Mr. Zhu ever considered expanding the business to the mainland?"

Cao Zhong looked at Zhu Jiaxin and sincerely invited her, "I think we may need closer communication and contact in the future."

"To be honest, Director Cao, I certainly had this idea," Zhu Jiaxin said with a smile. "Hong Kong is too small and has too few talents. It's just that I haven't been able to make up my mind because of the connections and resources I have here."

"Then why not, let's cooperate?"

Cao Zhong looked at Zhu Jiaxin, his tone calm yet firm.
"Mr. Zhu, I know that special effects companies spend a lot of money, and there's no guarantee what the final result will be."
But with your resources and foundation, I'm willing to invest in Xiantao and establish a joint venture in mainland China, recruiting a large number of talented individuals.
Even if there are some initial expenses, we will share them.

But in the future, you won't have to worry about being too busy to handle business, and you'll earn more and more.
And I can also cultivate more special effects talent for the film industry in mainland China. These talents, under our management, will be a contribution to both of us, and to Chinese cinema. What do you think?

Cao Zhongshi spoke frankly, with a warm gaze; he was straightforward and genuine!

Zhu Jiaxin pondered for a moment, appearing very cautious, "Regarding the details, I think we need to discuss them carefully before making a decision."

"Of course!"

Cao Zhong smiled.

(End of this chapter)