1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 149 A Documentary

Nicholas Donabet Christopher, born Nicholas Donabet Christopher, was from Chicago but grew up in Oregon.

A columnist and freelance reporter for The New York Times.

From 1988 to 1993, he lived in cities such as Hong Kong Island and Beijing, specializing in reporting on Dongda University news, and had a very complete negative framing reporting model.

Xu Shengjie knew this person.

In the original timeline of 95, he and his Hong Kong wife, Sheryl Wu Dunn, co-authored a book titled "The Awakening of Tokyo University," specifically designed to smear and spread rumors about the university. The book heavily criticized Tokyo University's cultural activities and fabricated lies such as "Tokyo University restricting cultural exchange." At the time, this book became a major publishing incident for Tokyo University, causing extremely negative consequences. After the turn of the millennium, the couple gradually faded from public view.

Because a new generation of Gao Hua has replaced them.

A large number of highly qualified intellectuals who came from China entered the American news and media field, and their attacks on Tokyo University were far more intense than those of the Nicholas Kristof and his wife.

For example, Yuan Mouli of the New York Times, Fan Mouyang of The New Yorker, Chen Mouyun of The Washington Post, and Su Mouan of the Los Angeles Times (all women) are representative figures of this so-called "high-class" group, and even the main force.

As for the Kristal couple, because their views were not novel enough and their arguments were not powerful enough, they were naturally eliminated by the times.

Americans really enjoy watching their own people at Tokyo University make fun of themselves; it feels very real.

Xu Shengjie wasn't too worried about Ji Sidao and his wife; so what if they bickered?

If you can't win an argument, then take action. I reckon WABC won't just not stop it, they might even be happy to see it happen.

As for Xu Shengjie—

Too many lice are not afraid to bite.

He never intended to establish any labels of "gentlemanly" or "humble".

From the moment he first appeared on camera to repay Vernon, he was labeled a "bad boy" by many.

So, it doesn't matter!

After submitting the manuscript, Xu Shengjie felt relieved and carefree.

The next day he received the script from Toni Ann and Tim Herlich.

This is the first draft.

The general direction is fine, but the specific details still need to be revised.

However, that was enough for him to register with the Writers Guild of America and submit a copyright application to the U.S. National Copyright Administration.

These matters will be handled by agent Harris.

One of the most promising projects by the "Big Mouth Queen" has fallen into the hands of Xu Shengjie.

Next, we need to continue writing and communicating with Ms. Erin, the prototype of the uncompromising woman, to prepare for obtaining permission in the future.

In the past two months, Xu Shengjie has been in contact with Eileen.

By exchanging letters once a month, Xu Shengjie came up with many environmental protection concepts from later generations.

Ms. Eileen also replied, expressing her gratitude to Xu Shengjie for his support.

She also invited Xu Shengjie to attend the court hearing next March.

Xu Shengjie gladly accepted!

He remembered clearly that Ms. Eileen would likely lose the trial next March.

She then appealed, and the case wasn't finally settled until 96.

So, come on!

After submitting the script, Toni Ann received a portion of the script fee in advance and then happily took her children on vacation to Miami.

But Tim had to stay in New York, much to his dismay.

The 24th was a Saturday.

He couldn't get away from filming a Christmas special for Saturday Night Live, as the on-set writer.

"If there's nothing else, you and Sally are welcome to participate in the recording of the show."

After Tim paid an advance of $50,000 for the script, he handed Xu Shengjie two tickets.

"Tim, are you interested in directing?"

"what?"

"I have an idea, an idea for a documentary."

I'll write out the outline later. Would you like to give it a try and be a director for once?

It's a small production, a very, very small production—around $50,000. If you're interested, we can talk about it after the New Year.

To become a director?

Tim was a little shocked.

But to say that he doesn't dream of becoming a director is obviously impossible.

What kind of documentary could be made with just $50,000? Tim was clearly a little confused, even skeptical.

"Of course, I'm very interested."

"Alright, let's talk again after the New Year. Merry Christmas, Director Herlich."

"No, no, no, I wouldn't dare be called a director." Merry Christmas, Director Jeffrey.

Herlich was overjoyed, though he repeatedly denied it, but his eyes gleamed with an unusual light.

"Are they really going to let Tim direct?"

After seeing Tim off, Theron sat on Xu Shengjie's lap and couldn't help but ask a question.

"certainly!"

"Fifty thousand dollars—"

Theron shook her head and said softly, "I can't imagine what you can get for fifty thousand dollars."

Xu Shengjie chuckled.

Yes, what kind of documentary can you make with $50,000?

It's important to know that the cost of making documentaries is not low—some documentaries even cost more than making movies.

However, in Xu Shengjie's memory, there is precisely such a work.

In 2003, a screenwriter and documentary director named Morgan Spurlock (also translated as Morgan Spurlock) made a documentary film titled "The Fat Report," starring himself. Before filming, his health was above average, and then, according to the trial rules, he needed to use McDonald's for thirty consecutive days.

Rule 1: Consume only food and beverages sold by McDonald's.

Rule 2: Do not choose the larger meal unless the waiter offers it.

Rule 3: You must try all the items on the menu.

During the test, there will be three continuous monitoring sessions.

Since the 1990s, McDonald's in the United States has launched extra-large meal packages, which have become popular in the US and are loved by many McDonald's enthusiasts.

However, with the release of this documentary, McDonald's canceled its extra-large meal.

Because it is very harmful to the body.

This documentary was nominated for the 2004 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and grossed $22 million in North America.

The cost is only $6.5.

Considering inflation, $50,000 would have been enough to film this documentary in 1994.

Xu Shengjie had no interest in filming, but he was extremely interested in the profits from the documentary.

He certainly wouldn't film it himself, but Tim—

This opportunity is undoubtedly extremely tempting for a screenwriter who hopes to make a successful career transition.

Therefore, Xu Shengjie decided to give the opportunity to Tim.

He told Theron about his idea for the documentary.

Theron remained calm after listening.

"You are not allowed to film yourself, nor are you allowed to participate in the experiments."

"Yeah, Tim is a perfect fit, and I think he'll really appreciate this opportunity."

She is very satisfied with Xu Shengjie's current physique.

Eat McDonald's for a month?

It's unimaginable what Xu Shengjie will become then.

As for whether it will succeed?

She had no idea.

Even Charlize Theron wondered, "Would anyone actually watch this kind of documentary? Would anyone actually like it? It seems so boring!"

Xu Shengjie did not explain further, but that evening he wrote down the outline of the entire documentary.

If Tim isn't interested, then he should go find Morgan.

This guy—

Xu Shengjie couldn't quite recall what Morgan had done before filming this documentary, but he vaguely remembered that he was a graduate of the film department at New York University.

If you can't find Morgan, look for someone else.

New York City has never lacked talent.

On the 22nd, JJ Harris returned to New York from Los Angeles, bringing with him a contract.

Thanks to her insistence, Disney finally secured the rights to use "The Colors of the Wind" for $30,000 plus a maximum 12% revenue share.

"Mr. Montan said he looks forward to the next collaboration."

Xu Shengjie knew that when Montan mentioned "next time," he was referring to *Mulan* and its theme song, "Reflection." It seemed that the story of *Mulan* had caught Disney's attention. He believed that soon, perhaps next year, Disney would contact him to begin copyright negotiations for *Mulan*.

Montan used this method to inform Xu Shengjie of the result in advance.

So, starting next year, we'll have to stir things up again!

By generating buzz around yourself, you can secure more benefits when negotiations begin.

Then tomorrow's "In-Depth Cultural Talk" will be a very good opportunity.

I just don't know if there will be an opportunity by then?

Suddenly, he was filled with anticipation for the upcoming interview.

The next day, Xu Shengjie got up very early.

This is a bit difficult for him!

In late December, the temperature in New York was already very low, approaching minus ten degrees Celsius.

In this kind of weather, the sealing power of the blankets is extremely strong, not to mention there is a warm and soft body inside, making it even harder to part with.

With extraordinary perseverance, he broke free from the seal.

I drew back the curtains, only to see a vast expanse of white outside the window.

In 1994, New York's first snow fell silently and quietly!