Hollywood, I became a legend with special effects.

Chapter 92 is so obvious? Superbody Quota

On November 30, the front desk of Light Chaser Pictures North America in Los Angeles had been turned into a temporary flower shop.

Emily stared at the "sea of ​​flowers" before her and began to seriously consider the possibility of switching careers to open a flower shop.

"David, this is the seventh bouquet! The seventh bouquet! And this one is even bigger than the one Universal sent yesterday!" She held up a huge bouquet of red and white roses, so big that it almost overwhelmed her.

David poked his head out of the office, sporting dark circles under his eyes that rivaled those of a panda: "Who sent this again?"

"Sony Classics" Emily laboriously placed the bouquet on the already overflowing front desk, pulled out a card, and wrote, "Congratulations on the continued success of 'Twilight,' looking forward to a deeper collaboration with Light Chaser Animation—Tom Rothman."

"The CEO personally delivered flowers?" David raised an eyebrow. "These people have a really keen sense of smell; they immediately came to make their presence known."

.

Just then, Jiang Yu pushed the door open and came in, carrying coffee and bagels he had bought downstairs.

He paused for a moment when he saw the sea of ​​flowers at the front desk: "Is this... someone proposing?"

"Good morning, boss!" Emily said with a pained expression. "They're all flowers congratulating 'Twilight' and expressing goodwill. I don't know where to put them. The meeting room is full, and your office is also full."

Jiang Yu took the card, glanced at it, and smiled. "This is a reminder that we shouldn't forget our old friends. Okay, put this bouquet in my office; it's the president's honor, after all."

"What about the other bunches?"

"Give them to the employees so they can take them home to decorate," Jiang Yu said, taking a bite of his bagel. "Or you could open a secondhand flower shop at the company and resell them to the employees at a low price to earn some extra money."

Emily's eyes lit up: "That's a great idea! I can sell them for five dollars a bunch!"

David rolled his eyes: "Don't listen to the boss's jokes. Hurry up and get things ready. Luc Besson and Fox's Blakelin are coming this afternoon. What would they say if they saw our front desk looking like a flower market?"

"It's a sea of ​​flowers, not a flower market," Emily corrected. "A flower market is a place that sells flowers, a sea of ​​flowers is—"

"Never mind, I'll pack it up now."

Jiang Yu walked into the office with a smile and turned on his computer.

His inbox was overflowing with unread emails; ever since the Twilight movies exploded at the box office, the number of emails he received each day had increased exponentially.

He quickly glanced at the headline: "Warner Bros. Developer Conference Invitation."

"Disney cooperation intention consultation".

"A request for an interview with Variety magazine."

Upon seeing the last headline, Jiang Yu nearly spat out his coffee.

He opened the email, the gist of which was: a Chinese girl traveled to the world of "Twilight" and became involved in a love triangle with Edward and Jacob. In the end, she chose to become the vampire queen herself.

"The idea is bold," Jiang Yu muttered, clicking delete, "but the legal risks are even greater."

By the time I finished dealing with the urgent emails, it was already 10 a.m.

David knocked and came in, carrying a stack of documents.

"Boss, these are the materials for this afternoon's meeting." David placed the documents on the table. "They include a project overview of *Lucy*, a draft budget, and a template for the cooperation agreement. Also, I looked up Luc Besson's preferences; he likes espresso and dislikes American coffee; he likes French cheese and dislikes industrialized American cheese" (his exact words); he likes discussing art and philosophy and dislikes purely commercial calculations."

Jiang Yu nodded: "Well prepared. What about Bellinko?"

"Typical Hollywood executive," David said. "He likes to get straight to the point and hates beating around the bush; he prefers data to abstract concepts and dislikes empty talk; he prefers win-win collaborations and hates zero-sum games. Oh, and by the way, he's on a ketogenic diet, so don't prepare desserts."

"Got it." Jiang Yu flipped through the documents. "Is the meeting room set up?"

"As you instructed, it should be simple, professional, and artistic. I specifically borrowed a few abstract paintings from a French gallery to hang on the wall. Although I don't understand what they depict, they look very sophisticated."

Jiang Yu smiled: "Very good. Sometimes form is content."

At 1:30 p.m., Jiang Yu arrived at the conference room early to conduct a final check.

There were indeed three abstract paintings hanging on the wall, with bold colors and unrestrained lines, which looked—very French indeed.

In the center of the conference table sat an exquisite cheese platter, a fruit basket, and an espresso machine.

At 1:50, the receptionist called: "Mr. Jiang, director Luc Besson has arrived."

When Luc Besson entered the conference room, the first thing he saw was the painting on the wall.

He stopped at the doorway, staring at the abstract painting in the center, a mix of red and black, for several seconds before turning to Jiang Yu and saying, "It's in Miró's style, but even more—wild. I like it."

Jiang Yu breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "I'm glad you like it. Please have a seat."

Besson wore a dark gray cashmere sweater, black jeans, and had slightly wavy hair. His stubble was neatly trimmed.

He exudes an aura of "I am an artist, don't tarnish me with commercialism," and his eyes also gleam with shrewdness.

The two had just exchanged a few pleasantries when Bellakin arrived.

This Fox vice president was as punctual as a Swiss watch, exactly two o'clock, not a minute off.

"Jiang! Luc!" Blake shook hands with the two men, his grip just right. "Sorry, there was a bit of traffic coming from Century City. Compared to last week when I went to Santa Monica to see Director Cameron, today was much smoother."

A typical American opening: first complaining about traffic, then implying that you're very busy, and finally emphasizing your own importance.

The three of them took their seats.

David was in charge of hosting, and Emily was in charge of recording.

Besson took a sip and nodded with satisfaction: "Authentic Italian baking. You put a lot of effort into it."

Berlinken ordered black coffee: "I'm on ketosis, I can't touch any sugar, not even milk. This life is like that of an ascetic."

Jiang Yu smiled and replied, "It's worth it for your health. Shall we begin?"

The meeting then officially began.

Blakein spoke first, getting straight to the point: "Jiang, Fox values ​​this collaboration highly. The collaboration on Avatar was very pleasant, and Director Cameron was full of praise for the digital water effects and plant rendering. So when we heard you were working on a new project, we were very interested."

Jiang Yu nodded: "We've been developing the 'Lucy' project for a long time. It's a great combination of science fiction, female protagonist, philosophical core, and commercial appeal with art."

Besson chimed in, gesturing animatedly as he spoke about the creative process: "I heard you polished the script for three years! I read it carefully, and the core concept is very simple: the human brain only develops 10% of its capacity. What would happen if it were developed to 100%? I didn't want to make a typical superhero movie! I wanted to explore the essence of consciousness, existence, and evolution!"

He excitedly stood up, walked to the whiteboard, picked up a marker, and began to draw: "Look! The protagonist, Lucy, started as an ordinary person, forced to become a drug mule. A drug leak activated her brain's potential. The ability she gained wasn't scaling walls, but rather control over matter, information, and time! Ultimately, she transcended her physical body, becoming a—new form of existence!"

Blakein patiently waited for Besson to finish speaking before calmly continuing, "But we also need to consider commercial elements. Action scenes, international filming locations, visual spectacle. Fox did market research, and audiences like the premise of ordinary people gaining superpowers," but it requires scientific explanation and cool special effects.

Besson turned to Jiang Yu, "The visual effects team at Light & Shadow Digital can realize my imagination—the changes in the world Lucy sees, the flow of information, the perception of time—these require top-notch visual effects support!"

After Jiang Yu and the other man finished speaking, he slowly began, "I fully agree with the potential of this project. The current issues are the investment structure, copyright allocation, and creative rights. We need to clarify these."

The atmosphere became slightly more serious.

Blinken stated first: "Fox is willing to invest and provide global distribution. But we want at least 40%."

Jiang Yu shook his head, his tone calm but firm: "Too high. Chasing Light is the project initiator, providing script development..."

Core creative concept and special effects technology. I suggest Light Chaser take 60%, Fox 25%, and handle global distribution. The remaining 15%...

"Give it to EuropaCorp; they're responsible for the French and German markets."

Berlinken frowned, tapping his fingers lightly on the table: "60%? Ginger, this percentage—Fox also provides distribution channels and marketing resources."

"Let me finish." Jiang Yu leaned forward. "Regarding the copyright, Light Chaser owns 70%, and Fox owns 30%. Fox has priority investment rights for sequels. This way, you have long-term benefits, and we retain creative control."

Besson, who had been watching the negotiations with great interest, suddenly interjected, "What about me? How are my rights as a director guaranteed? I don't want to be bossed around by the studio!"

"The director has the final cut rights, which should be written into the contract." Jiang Yu turned to him. "The budget needs to be kept within a reasonable range. I suggest 4000 to 5000 million."

"4000 million is enough!" Besson said. "Having more money isn't necessarily a good thing! 'The Fifth Element' had too much budget, and the studios always wanted to interfere!"

Blakelin pondered for a moment, looked at Jiang Yu, then at Besson, and finally smiled: "Jiang, you're very good at negotiating. The 25% investment ratio is negotiable, but the issuance fees need to be calculated separately, with Fox taking 15%."

"10%," Jiang Yu said. "That's the upper limit of the industry standard."

"12%, let's each compromise."

Jiang Yu and Blakelin looked at each other for a few seconds, then nodded: "Deal."

"What about the copyright?" Jiang Yu asked.

"70/30 is acceptable. The priority for sequels must be clearly stated. If a sequel is made, Fox has the priority investment right under the same conditions."

"Can."

For the next two hours, the three engaged in a heated but professional exchange on various details.

David and Emily were taking notes, their hands were almost cramping.

The most interesting part was the discussion about casting.

"The female lead is crucial," Besson said earnestly. "She has to portray an ordinary girl who transforms into someone almost like a god."

It requires a wide range of performance skills, a distinctive appearance, and a temperament that can support the philosophical core.

Jiang Yu nodded: "I have a preliminary idea, but it's not convenient to talk about it now. We will organize a public audition after the script is finalized."

"What about a supporting actor?" Blakelyn asked. "We need a heavyweight actor to elevate the film's quality."

"How about Morgan Freeman?" Jiang Yu suggested. "His wise and elder-like demeanor would be perfect for playing a neuroscientist."

Besson's eyes lit up: "Great idea! He can add depth and credibility to the film!"

"Another police officer role," Jiang Yu continued, "can be recommended to EuropaCorp, since it's a co-production."

There's another supporting role; I suggest using a Chinese actor, making it a Sino-US co-production, and enjoying the benefits of a co-production.

Berlinken frowned: "Chinese actors? Won't that affect their acceptance in the international market?"

"Quite the opposite," Jiang Yu said calmly. "The Chinese market is growing rapidly, with box office revenue increasing by 35% last year and expected to exceed 40% this year. Co-productions enjoy policy benefits, higher revenue sharing, and faster approval processes. Moreover, appropriate Chinese elements can boost domestic box office revenue."

Besson seemed quite interested: "Chinese actors? Do you have any in mind?"

"It's too early to say now." Jiang Yu smiled mysteriously. "Once the final draft of the script is released, we will conduct a global casting call, including in China."

Berlinken thought for a moment and finally nodded: "Okay, co-productions are definitely a trend. Fox supports this direction. Chinese actors must be fluent in English and their performances must be international."

"Of course," Jiang Yu said.

Ultimately, the three reached a preliminary agreement:

Investment ratio: Chasing Light 60%, Fox 25%, Europa 15%.

Copyright: Chasing Light 70%, Fox 30%, Europa None.

Director: Luc Besson, with final cut rights.

Budget: $4000-5000 million.

Distribution: Fox Global (excluding France and Germany), EuropaCorp handles France and Germany.

Special terms: This film is a Sino-US co-production and features Chinese actors.

"It's a pleasure to work with you." Jiang Yu extended his hand.

Three hands clasped together.

Besson seemed very excited: "Jiang, I've already started working on the storyboards! This movie will be different!"

"I believe you," Jiang Yu smiled.

Berlinken put away the documents: "I'll have the legal department prepare the contract as soon as possible. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a long-term partnership."

"must."

After the meeting, Besson did not leave immediately.

He checked the time; it was four o'clock in the afternoon.

"Jiang, I heard you also submitted Darren Aronofsky's 'Black Swan'?" Besson asked.

"Yes, we're filming now," Jiang Yu said. "Director Darren is very talented."

"I admire him very much." Besson nodded. "His films have a unique tension, like a taut string."

Although it was tiring to watch, it was very enjoyable.

Jiang Yu's heart skipped a beat, but he remained outwardly calm: "The film set isn't far from here. Would Director Besson be interested in taking a look?"

Besson's eyes lit up: "Great! It's been a long time since I've seen Darren."

David listened from the side, wondering to himself: What is the boss up to?

Taking a French director on a set visit is definitely more than just a "sightseeing" experience.

He didn't ask.

There's always a reason why a boss does things.

On the way to the theater, Besson was very excited, like a child going to an amusement park.

"I've watched Darren Aronofsky's 'Requiem for a Dream' three times," he told Jiang Yu. "That kind of exploration of the dark side of human nature is very brave, but also very painful. Watching his films is like undergoing psychotherapy."

Jiang Yu smiled: "Then 'Black Swan' might be more suitable for you. Although it's a dark subject, it has artistic beauty."

"Ballet themes—that's really interesting," Besson said. "The ultimate control of the body, the ultimate loss of control of the mind."

This contradiction is very dramatic.

The car was parked in front of the theater.

The two entered through a side door, where a major scene was being filmed. Lin Xin was performing "Swan Lake" on stage, and while dancing the Black Swan variation, she had a hallucination, thinking that she had grown black feathers.

Darren's requirements were extremely strict.

Liu Yifei has already danced it eight times, and each time she has to portray a state of mental breakdown in a perfect dance.

"Cut!" Darren shouted. "Crystal, the allure of the Black Swan needs to be unleashed even more! You're not resisting the darkness, you're embracing it! Embracing that dangerous freedom!"

Liu Yifei knelt on the stage, panting, her dance costume soaked with sweat.

She nodded without saying anything, conserving her energy.

Darren then noticed Besson, paused for a moment, and walked over: "Luc? What brings you here?"

The two directors embraced.

Darren was wearing his signature black hoodie, with a scruffy beard and dark circles under his eyes, looking like he hadn't slept for days.

"I've come to see an old friend," Besson said, "and while I'm at it, I'll check out Ginger's new project."

"Twilight was a great success," Darren said to Jiang Yu in a flat tone. "Congratulations. Although I don't watch those kinds of movies, the box office doesn't lie."

Typical Darren Aronofsky humor: direct, a bit sarcastic, but without malice.

Jiang Yu smiled: "Thank you. Your film has even greater artistic value."

"Artistic value doesn't translate to box office success," Darren shrugged. "But I don't make movies for the box office."

As they were talking, Liu Yifei finished her scene and came over.

She was wearing a black training outfit today, her hair was tied in a ponytail, there were fine beads of sweat on her forehead, and she was still wearing the character's makeup; her eyeliner was slanted, her lips were bright red, and she had a dangerous kind of beauty.

"President Jiang."

She greeted Jiang Yu first, then looked at Besson, paused for a moment, clearly recognizing the famous French director, "Director Besson? Hello, I'm Liu Yifei, you can also call me by my English name Crystal."

Besson shook her hand, his gaze lingering on her face for a few seconds: "I've seen your movies. You're very beautiful."

Following standard polite greetings, Liu Yifei smiled and said, "Thank you."

Darren explained, "Crystal plays Lin Xin in the movie, the embodiment of the Black Swan. She dances very well, with a wild beauty."

"How long have you been training in dance?" Besson asked.

"Three months, six hours a day," Liu Yifei replied. "I had a dance background before, so I adapted relatively quickly."

"Can I see you dance?" Besson suddenly asked.

Liu Yifei paused for a moment and looked at Darren.

Darren nodded: "Perfect timing, the next act is Lily's solo warm-up. You can prepare in advance and let Director Besson take a look."

Liu Yifei went to change her clothes.

Besson watched her retreating figure, lost in thought.

Jiang Yu stood aside without saying a word, simply observing Bei Song's reaction.

The music begins; it's a modern adaptation of the Black Swan Variations from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, with a more intense rhythm and a more dangerous melody.

Liu Yifei stood in the center of the stage, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

When she opened her eyes, her entire aura changed; she transformed from the polite young actress into a seductive and dangerous black swan.

She started dancing.

That's not the precise control of classical ballet, but the free and unrestrained style of modern dance.

Spinning, jumping, falling, getting up—every movement is full of power, yet carries a fragile sensuality.

Her expression was completely immersed in the role, her eyes sometimes provocative, sometimes seductive, and sometimes ethereal.

The most spectacular move was a continuous spinning motion. She spun around twelve times, then suddenly stopped, leaned back slightly, and spread her arms, like a black swan spreading its wings.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still.

As the dance ended, Liu Yifei knelt in the center of the stage, panting with her head tilted back, sweat dripping down her neck.

Besson paused for a few seconds, then clapped softly: "She has that kind of—inner fire. Not an outward passion, but a restrained, burning flame."

Darren nodded: "She's very hardworking and talented. This film is a breakthrough for her."

Liu Yifei walked over, still catching her breath: "I'm sorry to have made the directors laugh."

"You danced very well," Besson said earnestly. "You have a unique quality, a blend of innocence and danger. That contradiction is fascinating."

"Thank you, director."

After the tour, Jiang Yu escorted Besson back to his hotel.

In the car, Besson remained silent, gazing at the night view outside the window.

As they approached the hotel, he suddenly said, "That girl, Crystal—she reminds me of a young Milla Jovovich."

"Oh?" Jiang Yu said calmly.

"It's not her looks, it's her aura," Besson said. "She has an untapped potential, like a rough stone that needs polishing to shine. She has something more than Mila—an Eastern mystique."

Jiang Yu did not respond.

Besson turned to look at him: "The female lead for this project hasn't been decided yet, right?"

"Yes, it's not decided yet," Jiang Yu said. "Everything depends on the completion of the script and the official casting. It will be open and fair."

"I understand," Besson smiled. "Filmmaking is a serious matter; personal relationships shouldn't influence judgment. However—"

He paused for a moment, then said, "If she auditions, I will seriously consider it."

"That's enough," Jiang Yu said.

As the car arrived at the hotel, Besson said before getting out, "Give me the contract as soon as possible. I already have an idea. The character of Lucy—I'm starting to see her outline."

We look forward to your creations.

Watching Besson walk into the hotel, Jiang Yu sat in his car and did not leave immediately.

He took out his phone and opened Liu Yifei's text message.

The chat history was from two days ago, when she asked him what good restaurants were in Los Angeles.

After thinking for a moment, he sent a new message: "You danced wonderfully today. Director Besson really appreciated it."

A few minutes later, a reply came: "Really? I'm so happy! He's one of my favorite directors; I've watched 'Léon: The Professional' so many times."

"Get some rest, there's more to see tomorrow."

"You too. By the way, thanks for the recommendation, that Italian restaurant was delicious."

Jiang Yu smiled.

Last week he casually recommended a restaurant, and to his surprise, she actually went there.

The next morning, David rushed into Jiang Yu's office with coffee and a breakfast sandwich in his hand.

"Boss, I have a problem!"

Jiang Yu was reading the first draft of the script for "Twilight 2" without looking up: "Talk while you eat, don't spray it on my documents."

David sat down, took a big bite of his sandwich, and mumbled, "You took Besson to the set of 'Black Swan' yesterday, were you trying to get Crystal to act in 'Lucy'?"

Jiang Yu put down the script and looked at David: "Why do you ask that?"

"It's too obvious!" David swallowed his food. "The female lead for 'Lucy' hasn't even been cast yet, and you specifically took the director to see Crystal I dance. What is that if not an implication? And you even asked me before if she was suitable for a sci-fi film!"

"That was a visit to a project invested in by Light Chaser Animation, which is perfectly normal," Jiang Yu said calmly. "Besides, director Besson himself expressed a desire to see the filming of 'Black Swan,' and I was just accompanying him. As for what I asked you earlier—I was simply considering the possibility of Chinese actors participating, and she wasn't the only one."

David looked at him suspiciously: "Really?"

"Really." Jiang Yu picked up the script and pretended to continue reading. "Casting will have to wait until the script is finished before the formal auditions."

I will not interfere with the director's choices.

"You can plant a seed in the director's mind," David muttered, "and make her his first choice."

Jiang Yu neither denied nor admitted it, but simply asked, "David, do you think Crystal is suitable for the role of Lucy?"

David thought about it carefully: "Her appearance and temperament are a good match. She has that Eastern mystique, yet she's also very modern."

Regarding her acting—I've seen clips of her in *Black Swan*, and she's improved a lot. But Lucy requires portraying a character from an ordinary person to someone almost divine, which is a huge leap. Although she's improved a lot, she still has a way to go to reach the level of a Hollywood lead actress.

"So training is necessary," Jiang Yu said. "If she really gets the role, I will arrange three months of intensive training; preparation in all aspects, including action, language, philosophy, and science."

"What about the other candidates? There are so many actresses in Hollywood, Scarlett Johansson, Portman, Keira Knightley—"

"There will be open auditions," Jiang Yu said. "Fair competition. David, you know, sometimes the right actor isn't the biggest star, but the one with the most potential. Also, using Chinese actors helps with the qualifications of co-productions, which is beneficial for the project."

David nodded, but still had a question: "Boss, is there something special about you towards her?"

Jiang Yu looked up: "What do you mean?"

"It's just... showing special concern." David carefully chose his words. "You rarely pay this much attention to an actor's development. Tailoring projects for her, taking directors to see her, considering arranging special training—this isn't like you usually do."

Jiang Yu was silent for a few seconds, then laughed: "David, what kind of person do you think I am?"

"Calm, rational, and profit-driven," David said honestly. "You choose projects based on data, cast actors based on suitability—it's all a business decision. But with her—it feels a little different."

"People change," Jiang Yu said with a smile. "Besides, nurturing a Chinese actor with international potential is good for Light Chaser Animation and for Chinese cinema. It's a business decision and a strategic move. As for paying special attention—she's the first Chinese actress we've promoted, and she's filming in Hollywood, so it's normal to give her more attention."

This explanation makes sense, but David always felt it wasn't that simple.

However, he didn't press the matter further; he didn't want to meddle in his boss's private affairs.

"Okay, I'll go deal with the 'Lucy' contract now." David turned to leave.

"Wait a minute," Jiang Yu called out to him. "I think there's a problem with the script for 'Twilight 2.' The second act is too drawn out and lacks conflict. Have the screenwriter rewrite it; I want to see the new version in a week. Also, tell Dingfeng that we need to control costs; the budget for the second film cannot exceed 6000 million."

"clear."

After David left, Jiang Yu leaned back in his chair and looked out at the sky.

David is right, he does have a special feeling for Liu Yifei.

He recalled his past life, in which Liu Yifei's career in Hollywood was not going smoothly.

He acted in two lukewarm films and then returned to the Chinese market.

Her potential has not been fully realized, and her international influence is limited.

In this life, he wants to change this trajectory.

"Lucy" is an opportunity: a great director, a big production, and a character with depth.

If she can perform well, this series will be enough for her to establish herself in Hollywood and become a true international actress.

This is good for her, good for Zhuiguang, and good for Jiang Yu.

It's a win-win-win situation, so why not do it?

After returning to his hotel, Luc Besson entered a frenzied creative state.

He had his assistant buy three large whiteboards, markers of various colors, and a case of coffee.

Then he hung a "Do Not Disturb" sign outside the door and began his seclusion.

On the first day, he filled the whiteboard with storyboard sketches.

Lucy's evolution is broken down into five stages, each with a corresponding visual representation:

20% Development: Sensory Enhancement, Color Saturation, Memory Flashback.

40% Development: Matter control, electromagnetic induction, CGI particle effects.

60% of development focuses on time awareness, information retrieval, and multi-dimensional perspectives.

80% of the development: shape transformation, energy manipulation, and body liquefaction.

100% Development: Changes in the form of existence, the form of light.

The next day, he began writing biographical sketches of the characters.

Not only Lucy, but also other characters: neuroscientist Norman (Morgan Freeman), drug lord Mr. Zhang, and police officer Pierre —

On the third day, he opened the leather notebook he had carried with him for many years and began to record his inspirations.

On one page of the notebook, there is a drawing of a woman's silhouette, transitioning from solid lines to dashed lines to dots of light, symbolizing the transformation from the physical body to energy.

The caption read in French: "Lucy's journey is not about gaining power, but about losing limitations."

She was freed from the cage of "humanity" and became "existence" itself.

This is not a tragedy, it is evolution.

It's not about losing humanity, it's about transcending humanity.

Turning the page, we see his vision for the female protagonist: "She must possess a pure quality, not naivety."

Have a spark of wisdom, but not arrogance.

Be vulnerable, but not weak.

It should be beautiful, but not gaudy.

It should have an Eastern mystique, but it should also resonate globally.

She wants the audience to believe—

This ordinary girl contains the universe within her.

Seeing this, Besson was reminded of Crystal.

The way that Chinese girl dances on stage.

Her eyes were clear and deep, like a calm lake, yet with undercurrents surging within.

The focus and dedication she showed when she danced were exactly the qualities Lucy needed: complete absorption, selflessness, and connection with some higher power.

Besson quickly shook his head and wrote in his notebook: "Crystal Liu? Too early. Casting is a serious matter and cannot be based on momentary impressions; moreover, we must consult the investors."

He closed his notebook and walked to the window.

The night in Los Angeles is ablaze with lights. This city is full of possibilities, just like Lucy in his movie.

"I'll find one," he told himself. "The right actor will appear."

Just then, my phone rang.

It was his producer friend in France, Jean-Pierre.

"Luc, I heard you're in Los Angeles talking about a new project?" Jean-Pierre's voice came through the phone. "A collaboration with Light Chaser Animation? That Chinese company's really hot lately."

"Yes, the project is called 'Lucy,' a science fiction film," Besson said.

Has the female lead been cast?

"Not yet, we have to wait for the official casting."

"I have a recommendation: Emma Durant, the rising French star, who just won the César Award for Best Newcomer —"

Besson interrupted him: "Jean-Pierre, this time I want a different kind of actor. Not necessarily French, not necessarily European. I want—a face that resonates globally."

"Global resonance? Isn't that just American actors?"

"Not necessarily," Besson said. "Sometimes, unfamiliarity can actually bring a sense of novelty. Unfamiliar faces, if they perform well, might create new possibilities."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone: "Luc, you're taking a risk."

"Isn't filmmaking all about taking risks?" Besson laughed. "You can't make good films by choosing safe options."

After hanging up the phone, Besson returned to the whiteboard and continued his work.

He drew a diagram of the brain and captioned it: "Lucy's brain: from local activation to global connectivity. Visual representation: the flow of light and shadow in the neural network, like a nebula, like the Milky Way."

As he was drawing, he thought of Liu Yifei's eyes again.

There was something special in those eyes: pure, deep; gentle, yet powerful.

"Maybe—" Besson murmured to himself, "maybe it really is possible."

Jiang Yu wasn't idle either.

While Besson was creating at a frenetic pace, he was also secretly preparing for "Lucy".

He summoned the team from Light and Shadow Digital.

"Lucy needs a completely new visual language." Jiang Yu drew on the whiteboard in the conference room. "The visual effects for brain development can't be simple glowing or lightning. They need to be more layered, more scientific, and more poetic."

Mark took careful notes: "What are your specific thoughts?"

"Several key scenes," Jiang Yu said. "First, Lucy's perception is enhanced for the first time. The world she sees is more saturated in color, the details are clearer, and she can even see electromagnetic waves, heat radiation, and information flow. We need to create that feeling of 'the world unfolding before your eyes.'"

"Second, matter control. She makes objects decompose and recombine. It's not magic, it's science—manipulation at the molecular level. The visual effects have to be like particle simulation, but also have artistic beauty."

"Third, time perception. She sees the flow of time, like a river. Slow motion, time freeze, multiple timelines running in parallel—these require innovative filming and special effects techniques."

Mark nodded: "Boss, it's technically feasible, but it requires a lot of research and testing. Especially the visual effects of information flow; we need to create a new visual language."

"Then let's create," Jiang Yu said. "Budget isn't a problem; the key is to make a breakthrough. I'll give you three months to create a concept test video."

"clear."

Just then, David knocked on the door and came in, his expression a little strange.

"Boss, something's up."

"explain."

"Jeff Robinoff from Warner just called to ask if we're interested in a new project with Fox," David said. "The news travels fast; we just signed a letter of intent yesterday."

Jiang Yu wasn't surprised: "There are no secrets in Hollywood. Who else?"

"John Lasseter from Disney also inquired, as did Ron Meyer from Universal. He said he enjoyed working on '2012' and hoped for more projects together."

David paused for a moment, then added, "The most interesting thing is Rob from Summit Entertainment. He was a little jealous when he heard that we were working with Fox, saying that we are Light Chaser's closest partner."

"

Jiang Yu smiled: "Tell them that Light Chaser treats all partners equally. If there's a suitable project, we'll naturally find the right partner."

"Understood." David nodded. "Boss, won't this offend people? Hollywood is all about choosing sides."

"We don't need to take sides," Jiang Yu said. "What Light Chaser Studio aims to do is act as a bridge, connecting China and Hollywood, art and commerce, and different studios. What we want is cooperation, not dependence."

David nodded thoughtfully.

"Is there anything else?" Jiang Yu asked.

"Yes," David said. "Crystal's agent just called to ask when casting for 'Lucy' will begin, as she wants to prepare in advance."

Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow: "The news spreads really fast. Tell her that there will be a public casting call after the project is officially announced, so there's no need for any special preparations now."

"OK."

After David went out, his phone rang; it was Besson.

"Jiang, the tenth draft of the script is finished. It's more in-depth and powerful than the last draft. Would you like to see it?"

"Of course. Send it to me."

"Okay. Also—I have a question."

"Please speak."

"If we cast a Chinese actress as the female lead, do you think the market will accept it? I mean the global market."

Jiang Yu paused for two seconds, then said, "If the acting is good enough and the story is engaging enough, the audience will accept it. Film is a universal language that transcends national borders."

"That's right," Besson said. "Then let's work in that direction."