Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 350, Section 348: Jackie Chan's Happy Garden
Beijing, Wangfujing Hotel, Executive Suite.

The morning sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the expensive Persian carpet.

Jackie Chan, who arrived in Beijing yesterday evening, was wearing a comfortable silk bathrobe. He had just finished his morning exercise, and there were still fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

He habitually picked up a few newspapers that his agent, Chen Ziqiang, had placed on the coffee table in the living room earlier that morning, intending to browse them before breakfast.

The front pages or prominent positions in the financial and entertainment sections of newspapers such as China Economic News, Economic Information Daily, and China Youth Daily are almost all occupied by the same topic—the phenomenal popularity of "Crossing the Guandong Film City".

Jackie Chan was just casually flipping through the pages, but as he looked at them, his expression gradually changed from relaxed to surprised, and then to incredulous.

"During the seven-day May Day Golden Week, the number of tourists exceeded 55?"

"Direct ticket revenue exceeded 2200 million?"

"It is estimated to drive over 4 million yuan in comprehensive revenue to the surrounding area?"

"Creating more than 5000 temporary jobs?"

He muttered the bolded data, raising his eyebrows slightly with each one.

As a top artist who has worked in the global film market for many years, he knows all too well what these figures meant in China in 2001.

This is not just the success of a tourist attraction; it's creating a regional economic miracle!

Wow! No way?!

Jackie Chan couldn't help but exclaim in Cantonese, pointing at the newspaper and saying to Willie Chan, who was organizing his schedule nearby, "Willie, look at this! Wang Sheng's film studio is so extravagant! It's more profitable than the box office revenue of one of our blockbuster movies! And it's a continuous source of income!"

Chen Ziqiang pushed up his glasses and nodded, saying, "Yes, brother. I was also shocked when I got the newspaper this morning."

This is no longer just ordinary film and television derivative development; it's about creating a completely new cultural tourism brand.

Shengying Media revealed that this is only the first phase, and there are plans for further expansion.

This Mr. Wang is getting bigger and bigger with his spending, and his eye for business is getting sharper and sharper.

Jackie Chan put down the newspaper, took a deep breath, and his eyes flashed with a complex light.

There was shock, there was admiration, but more than anything, there was a burning, intense interest and ambition.

He had been looking forward to Wang Sheng's proposal for cooperation, and now that expectation became incredibly concrete and fervent.

What Wang Sheng has demonstrated is not only the ability to produce blockbuster movies, but also the vision and execution to build a cultural and commercial empire.

"It seems that we will have to discuss more things this morning than we expected," Jackie Chan said meaningfully.

……

At 10:00 AM, in the conference room of Shengying Media at Jingxin Building.

The conference room was spacious and bright, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the towering skyscrapers of Beijing, symbolizing the rapid development of the times.

Wang Sheng sat in the main seat, exuding a calm and composed demeanor.

"Mr. Wang! Congratulations!"

As soon as Jackie Chan entered, he warmly extended both hands and shook hands with Wang Sheng, his tone filled with sincere admiration, "I saw the news first thing this morning, your 'Crossing the Guandong Film City' is truly incredible! It's such a success! 550,000 people in seven days, more than 400 million yuan in revenue! Wow, this is simply a gold mine!"

Wang Sheng invited Jackie Chan and Willie Chan to sit down, and his secretary served them fragrant tea.

Upon hearing this, he simply smiled calmly and waved his hand, saying, "Mr. Cheng, you flatter me. It was an expected result."

The popularity of the TV series "Crossing the Guandong" is there, and we are just going with the flow, turning the virtual emotional resonance into a physical experience consumption.

This "film and television IP + immersive experience" model is still relatively new in China, so it's not surprising that audiences are buying into it.

He spoke calmly, as if the astonishing figures and the rolling wealth were already part of his blueprint.

This nonchalant attitude actually made Jackie Chan think even more highly of him.

After exchanging pleasantries, the conversation quickly got down to business.

Wang Sheng had his assistant hand Jackie Chan a thick stack of project proposals and the first draft of the script for "Night at the Museum".

“Mr. Cheng, this is the project I personally prepared after our last conversation. It’s a story that blends Eastern fantasy, historical culture, and action comedy. I think it’s perfect for you.”

Jackie Chan suppressed his smile and began to carefully read through the book.

He reads very quickly, but he will ponder the key parts repeatedly.

As he read on, his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

The Terracotta Army comes back to life, drinks with Li Bai, a Silk Road carnival, and a battle between ancient and modern treasure thieves...

The imaginative scenes and plots retain his signature action-comedy elements while incorporating a grand Chinese civilization background and fantasy elements, which is completely different from the "partner comedy" style he was typecast in Hollywood in the past, providing great freshness and creative space.

"Brilliant! Brilliant!" Jackie Chan couldn't help but slap the table in admiration, looking up with excitement in his eyes. "Mr. Wang, this story is fantastic! It has action, comedy, history, and spectacular special effects! This boundless imagination is more exciting than most of the scripts I've seen in Hollywood recently! I'm very interested!"

Seeing Jackie Chan's reaction, Wang Sheng felt reassured.

He seized the opportunity and began to discuss the specific production plan, especially the set construction.

"To ensure the quality and effect of the filming, I plan to build a large-scale interior set of the 'Chinese Civilization Museum' on-site near Huairou."

This isn't just for this movie; after filming is complete, the venue will be preserved as a physical entity and opened to tourists—it's like another 'film city' project.

Jackie Chan immediately grasped the key point. Recalling the glorious achievements of the "Crossing the Guandong Film City" he had just seen, he asked astutely, "Film city? Like the one in Crossing the Guandong? Selling tickets?"

Wang Sheng nodded, then shook his head: "It's part of the film and television city, but the model is different."

This 'museum' focuses more on static displays and scene recreations, lacking the interactive activities and life experiences found in the 'Crossing the Guandong' region.

Therefore, relying solely on ticket sales may not generate substantial profits; it serves more as a promotional extension for the film and a way to build brand awareness.

He then shifted his tone, continuing with a forward-thinking air: "However, I see it as a long-term investment. In the future, when digital technology, or other technologies, become more mature and widespread, we can further develop this venue, giving it a completely new interactive experience. Or..."

Wang Sheng paused, then turned his gaze to Jackie Chan and offered an even more enticing idea: "If the initial investment were more substantial, we could go beyond just a museum and expand the park to create a comprehensive indoor theme park."

Even better, creating a dedicated "Jackie Chan Theme Park," incorporating classic scenes, special effects props, and character stories from your movies, and developing an indoor amusement park combining action experiences, movie secrets, and interactive entertainment—that wouldn't be out of the question.

"A Jackie Chan-themed indoor amusement park?" Jackie Chan's eyes widened instantly, and his breathing became slightly rapid.

In 2001, China's theme park market was just beginning to take off, but most of them either imitated the West or were limited to mechanical amusement rides.

Combining a personal film IP with an indoor theme park, especially by partnering with an international action star, is undoubtedly an extremely bold and innovative concept.

Jackie Chan has hundreds of millions of fans worldwide. If a theme entertainment project centered around him could be established in the huge Chinese market, its commercial value and cultural influence would be immeasurable!
"Wang Sheng, are you serious? Can it really be done?" Jackie Chan's voice trembled slightly, and his body leaned forward involuntarily.

This idea far exceeded his initial expectations of only collaborating on one film.

Wang Sheng saw the burning light in Jackie Chan's eyes and knew that the time was right.

After a moment's thought, he replied in a calm and confident tone: "It all depends on human effort. As long as the funding is in place, the planning and design are up to par, and the policy approvals are smooth, with the influence of Shengying and your global appeal, Mr. Cheng, we have every chance of making it happen."

This is not just a business investment, but also about creating a place where dreams come true for Chinese audiences and even your global film fans.

"Okay! Okay!"

Jackie Chan's gaze towards Wang Sheng became incredibly firm and sincere. "Mr. Wang, since you have such great courage and vision, I, Jackie Chan, cannot be petty!"

With a wave of his hand, he demonstrated the decisiveness of an international superstar and a shrewd businessman, saying, "In this way, I can forgo a fixed cash salary for the movie 'Night at the Museum'!"

Upon hearing this, even Chen Ziqiang, who was standing next to him, seemed slightly surprised, but did not speak up to stop him, indicating that the two had communicated beforehand.

Jackie Chan continued, "My salary can be converted into 10% of the film's global box office net revenue!"
I only want 10% of all subsequent derivative revenue!

I'm willing to use this method to express my support and confidence in this project and the future of the Chinese film industry!

This offer is undeniably generous, but it also reflects Jackie Chan's absolute confidence in his box office appeal.

Given his current status as a top Hollywood star and the enormous potential this project has shown, he can afford this price.

This is both a return to Wang Sheng and a deeper level of shared interests.

Wang Sheng quickly weighed the options in his mind.

Giving up tens of millions of dollars in cash remuneration in exchange for long-term profit sharing greatly reduced the cash flow pressure in the early stages of the project and demonstrated Jackie Chan's sincerity in the cooperation.

He extended his hand and shook hands firmly with Jackie Chan: "Mr. Chan, since you are so sincere, on behalf of the project team, I agree!"

"That's wonderful!" Jackie Chan smiled broadly, sat down again, and said with even more enthusiasm, "As for what you just mentioned, Mr. Wang, the funding needed to expand the scale and build a film studio that includes a museum and a theme park..."

He glanced at Chen Ziqiang, who nodded slightly.

Jackie Chan solemnly promised: "I'll find a way to solve this part! I have some investment connections and fund resources overseas, and they will definitely be very interested in this project that combines Chinese culture and my personal brand. I can take the lead in bringing in enough international capital for this film city project!"

He paused, then added, "And it's not just about funding. I will do everything in my power, using my connections in Hollywood, to secure top-notch technical support for you, Mr. Wang. Whether it's a special effects company like Industrial Light & Magic, or experienced special effects directors and consultants, I will negotiate with them with all my might! If we're going to do it, we'll do it to the best of our ability, to a level that will amaze the world!"

Looking at the spirited Jackie Chan, Wang Sheng picked up his teacup and, instead of wine, said, "Then it's a deal! I'll immediately organize a team to refine the feasibility study and business plan for the film studio project, while also accelerating the script development and pre-production of 'Night at the Museum'."

Once we've finalized the investment agreement, the specific location, and the government approvals, I will contact Mr. Cheng immediately.

"I'll wait for your news!"

Jackie Chan also picked up his teacup and solemnly clinked it with Wang Sheng's, his eyes full of anticipation. "Mr. Wang, thank you so much for creating such a wonderful story as 'Night at the Museum' and for giving me such an unprecedented opportunity."

I believe our collaboration will extend far beyond this one film or this one project!

(End of this chapter)