Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 340, Section 338: Meeting Jackie Chan

Beijing, New Pictures Film Company.

Inside the general manager's office, the warmth and the smell of smoke mingled together, creating a somewhat stagnant atmosphere.

Zhang Weiping slammed the fax in his hand onto the mahogany desk with a "thud," the solid wood surface making a dull sound.

He suddenly stood up from his chair, his chest heaving, his round face flushed with anger.

"What kind of person is this! They're so condescending!"

His voice was loud and clear, thick with a Beijing accent and undisguised indignation, "I don't support it! The risk is too great! What a high-sounding excuse! Isn't it just that they're afraid of taking responsibility? Han Sanping has now secured his position as vice chairman of China Film Group, but he's become increasingly timid! He has absolutely no guts!"

His spittle almost sprayed onto the faces of the two people sitting on the opposite sofa.

"You think you can scare us away with an investment of twenty or thirty million US dollars? Look at Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon! That's what you call vision! That's what you call ambition! Chinese films want to go global, want to compete with Hollywood, but they don't dare to invest, they don't dare to make big productions, so they're always just making small-scale efforts!"

Sitting on the sofa opposite him were Bill Kong, head of Edko Films in Hong Kong, and director Cheung Yik-mou.

Jiang Zhiqiang was in his forties, wearing a well-fitting dark suit and gold-rimmed glasses. His calm and reserved demeanor contrasted sharply with Zhang Weiping's impetuousness.

He silently smoked his cigarette, not responding immediately, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness behind his glasses.

Zhang Yimou, standing to the side, appeared somewhat tired and uneasy.

He was wearing an ordinary jacket, his brows slightly furrowed, and his hands clasped together on his knees.

Hearing Zhang Weiping's blunt criticism of Han Sanping, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end it turned into a barely audible sigh.

"Weiping, calm down."

Jiang Zhiqiang finally spoke, his voice calm and with a Hong Kong accent, "Chairman Han has his reasons. After all, the cautionary tale of Chen Kaige's 'The Emperor and the Assassin's Creed' is still fresh in our minds."

Although China Film Group is a state-owned enterprise, it still expects a return on its investments. The pressure is indeed considerable.

He flicked his cigarette ash and continued calmly, "I'll figure out how to handle the investment."

Edko Films has confidence in Director Zhang's project, and even more confidence in the mainland market.

Funding is not a problem; we can take the lead or find more partners overseas.

The script for "Hero" is of international standard in terms of scope and artistic conception; I believe in its potential.

He paused, looked at Zhang Weiping, and said in a tone of reminder: "As for China Film Group, we will still have to rely on their distribution channels in the future."

There's no need to make things too tense.

Han Sanping's influence in this position should not be underestimated. His cautious decision not to vote today doesn't necessarily mean he's pessimistic about the future. "Leave a way out, so you can meet again."

Zhang Yimou then raised his head and chimed in with a slightly hoarse voice, "Weiping, President Jiang is right. Director Han... Chairman Han has always been generous in supporting my other films. Last time, 'Jing Ke' did cause him to lose money and stumble, so it's understandable that he's being cautious this time."

He tried to explain from a more moderate perspective: "Perhaps he felt that the subject of assassinating the Qin emperor was risky in terms of market acceptance, given the precedent of 'Jing Ke'. Or... maybe he has a more promising project on his side."

"Understand? I understand him, but who understands us?"

Zhang Weiping's neck remained stiff, but his tone softened somewhat. He plopped back into his chair, grabbed a cigarette from the box on the table, lit one, and took a deep drag. "Damn it, I just can't swallow this! I was thinking that with China Film Group leading the way, things would be much easier back home. Now look what's happened..."

He exhaled a smoke ring, squinting his eyes: "Alright, President Jiang, since you put it that way, you handle the investment, and I, Old Zhang, will take care of keeping things running smoothly in the domestic market! As for distribution... we'll talk about that later. Can't we still eat hairy pigs without Zhang the Butcher?"

That being said, he knew in his heart that making films in China, especially if he wanted to do something big, would be exponentially more difficult without going through the behemoth that is China Film Group. No matter how strong Jiang Zhiqiang's overseas distribution capabilities were, the vast cinema network in mainland China still depended on local giants like China Film Group.

"The script still needs further polishing, especially the dialogue."

Zhang Yimou tucked the conversation back to the project itself, seemingly trying to lighten the mood after the unpleasant atmosphere, "I have some new ideas about the visual style; I'd like to try a more extreme use of color..."

In the office, the three sat together again, and the discussion gradually subsided the previous tension. However, the fact that "China Film Group refused to invest" was like a small thorn stuck in Zhang Weiping's heart, casting a faint shadow over this grand undertaking.

……

In the evening, the lanterns are lit.

Inside a private room of an elegant upscale restaurant in Beijing, the atmosphere was completely different from the cold outside.

As Wang Sheng entered the private room under the guidance of the waiter, Jackie Chan had already stood up and greeted him with a broad smile.

"Mr. Wang! Happy New Year! Wishing you prosperity!" Jackie Chan, dressed in a red Tang suit, looked very energetic and festive. He spoke in his signature Mandarin with a Hong Kong accent and warmly extended both hands.

"Jackie Chan, you're too kind. Happy New Year." Wang Sheng smiled and shook hands with him firmly. "I should be congratulating you. 'The Accidental Spy' is a box office hit. It seems this year's Spring Festival film season will be Jackie Chan's domain again."

"Not at all, it's all thanks to the support of our friends, especially Mr. Wang, and 'China Film Grand' for the screening support, that's really kind of you!" Jackie Chan pulled Wang Sheng's arm and led him to a seat, his attitude both friendly and respectful.

Wang Sheng's agent, Chen Ziqiang, was also present. He smiled and exchanged pleasantries with Wang Sheng, and personally poured him a cup of hot tea.

The private room was small, but exquisitely decorated and private, clearly a carefully chosen place for conversation.

The food and drinks were served quickly, mostly light and delicate Cantonese dishes.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere became even more lively.

“Mr. Wang, to be honest,” Jackie Chan put down his chopsticks, his tone becoming more serious, “I’ve been deeply impressed by this trip to the mainland for promotional activities. The market changes so fast, it’s different every year. I used to think the Hong Kong market was big enough, but now look at the mainland, this is what you call the vast ocean of stars.”

He remarked with emotion, "More and more multiplex cinemas are being built. Modern cinemas like yours, 'China Film Grand Cinema,' have hardware and services that are in no way inferior to those abroad. Audiences are also willing to go to the cinema, which is a great thing!"

Wang Sheng nodded: "Infrastructure is the skeleton, while content is the flesh and blood. We need more good movies to support the market."

"That's absolutely right!" Jackie Chan slapped his thigh. "That's why I'm thinking that I should go to the mainland more often and cooperate more. We can't always be doing the same old fighting and killing; we have to adapt to the tastes of mainland audiences."

He leaned forward slightly, looked at Wang Sheng, and said sincerely, "Mr. Wang, I'm a straightforward person, I say what I mean."

I have high hopes for you. You're young, have ideas, and are decisive. Most importantly, you have a keen eye for the market! From *The Pursuit of Happyness* to *The Proposal*, and even Fan Bingbing's *My Sassy Girl*, your films are all different genres, but they've all been successful. Impressive!

"Mr. Jackie Chan, you flatter me. I was just lucky," Wang Sheng said modestly.

"It's not luck, it's skill!"

Jackie Chan waved his hand, "So, I was thinking, is there any chance we could collaborate? To make a truly meaningful co-production, not just with me in it, but with the script specifically designed for the mainland market, what do you think?"

He finally revealed the core purpose of our meeting tonight.

Wang Sheng was not surprised by this.

Jackie Chan is an extremely shrewd businessman and artist. He keenly sensed the rise of the mainland market and the shift in discourse power, and began to make arrangements early on, actively moving closer to emerging forces in the mainland.

Collaborating with Wang Sheng is undoubtedly a shortcut.

(End of this chapter)