Against the Current Hong Kong 1979

Chapter 173: Taking on Tsui Hark to Film "The Wise Man" (Please Subscribe)

Zhang Shuai'an then chose another time to talk to Lei Juekun.

As expected, Lei Juekun had no interest in "Thirty-Six Strategies for Chasing Women".

The main reason is that Mai Guangtou and his team produced a film called "Ghostly Girl of the Gou," which is a competitor to Zhang Shuai'an's film.

Since Cinema City, owned by bald-headed Mak, is now considered Lui's (the boss's) favorite company, they naturally receive more preferential treatment.

Lei Juekun didn't say that death was absolutely unacceptable, but he wanted the profit split to be reduced to 30/70.

Zhang Shuai'an naturally could not accept these conditions and directly refused to cooperate.

Lei Juekun wanted to acquire Zhang Shuai'an's Tianxia Film Industry, but Zhang Shuai'an refused.

Not long after Zhang Shuai'an returned to his office, Jiang Zuyi from Edko Films came over again.

Having tasted success from their previous collaboration, Jiang Zuyi had managed to assemble a network of seven cinemas and release the film in just two weeks, yet it still grossed over two million HKD at the box office. In the end, he earned nearly four hundred thousand HKD in profit sharing.

Jiang Zuyi immediately thought that if he could get more theaters to screen the film for a few more days, wouldn't he be able to reach the threshold of one million Hong Kong dollars?

You should know that he used to buy Western films from Europe and America for screening, and he only earned about two million a year.

This incident made him realize that he must seize the opportunity to cooperate with Zhang Shuai'an. If he could get on this fast track, perhaps his Edko Films could also take off.

This time, he came with his second son, Jiang Zhiqiang.

Zhang Shuai'an invited the father and son into his office and, as usual, had Yu Sijia serve them fine tea.

Jiang Zuyi pointed to the tall young man beside her and introduced him: "Mr. Zhang, this is my son Zhiqiang, nicknamed William."

"Mr. Zhang, hello!" Jiang Zhiqiang smiled and extended his hand to Zhang Shuai'an. "I've heard your name from different people over the past two years. Seeing you today, I can see that you are indeed extraordinary. No wonder you were able to accomplish so much in such a short time."

"Mr. Jiang, you flatter me!" Zhang Shuai'an replied with a smile. "Young Master Jiang is also a man of exceptional talent and ability. I've heard of you before."

At this time, Jiang Zhiqiang had just returned from studying abroad and was indeed indulging in a life of pleasure and debauchery, which was described by the media as "an idle rich second generation".

However, starting this year, Jiang Zhiqiang began to curb his playful nature and seriously engage in his father's business. By 1989, he would have completely taken over Edko Films, becoming a behind-the-scenes force driving Hong Kong films and even Chinese-language films onto the world stage.

The three of them exchanged pleasantries for about half an hour.

"I'm here mainly for two things."

Jiang Zuyi had finished her tea and then got to the point: "First, I'd like to establish a long-term partnership with Mr. Zhang's Tianxia Films. From now on, all your company's films will be distributed according to the 'Chasing Girls' model, and the revenue sharing will remain unchanged for the time being. What do you think?"

"That's fine." Zhang Shuai'an nodded. "Director Shi will be in charge of all the details. You just need to coordinate with her."

Although Edko Films does not have its own cinema chain, Jiang Zuyi has been engaged in film distribution for many years and has accumulated a lot of connections.

Building a good relationship now will save him a lot of time and energy when he helps acquire those theaters later.

In fact, Jiang Zhiqiang in the original timeline did something similar, gradually building his own Broadway cinema chain.

"The second thing."

Jiang Zuyi pointed to her son Jiang Zhiqiang: "My son has been studying abroad for several years, but he's never been a proper worker. I asked him to come and help me at Edko Films, but he said my lousy company has no future and he doesn't want to get involved at all."

It's not that Jiang Zhiqiang didn't want to get involved, but rather that his older brother Jiang Zhiwen was doing exceptionally well at Edko Films. Their casually cobbled-together film, "The Brutal War," grossed over nine million at the box office, making them incredibly wealthy.

Jiang Zhiqiang didn't want to overshadow his elder brother, nor did he want to arouse speculation among outsiders about a power struggle between the brothers.

"He has great respect for you, Mr. Zhang, so I shamelessly asked you to take him on as a student, even if it's just to do odd jobs and help him settle down."

Jiang Zuyi's words were almost a plea.

Zhang Shuai'an was surprised that Jiang Zuyi would pull such a stunt, and couldn't help but suspect that the old man might have other intentions.

However, it doesn't matter.

"I studied in the UK, Canada, and the US, although I didn't get a degree from any prestigious university."

"But my English is at a native-level, and I also know some French and Portuguese. I have no problem interacting with people."

""

Jiang Zhiqiang nodded and said, "I really want to see how you've become so successful, and also learn some skills from you, Mr. Zhang. I wonder if you'd be interested in taking me on as a student?"

Zhang Shuai'an was quite interested in this talent, but he cautioned, "I might not have what you're looking for here. Are you prepared to work hard for years only to end up with nothing?"

Jiang Zhiqiang's face revealed absolute confidence: "I don't believe I can't learn something from you."

"Okay, let's give it a try."

Zhang Shuai'an waved his hand: "Perfect, you can assist Director Shi."

Before long, Shi Nansheng was called over by Yu Sijia.

"Sister Nan, I've found you an assistant." Zhang Shuai'an pointed to Jiang Zhiqiang and introduced him: "This is Mr. Jiang Zhiqiang, a high-achieving student who studied abroad. He will be your assistant starting today."

"That's good, I've been extremely busy lately."

Shi Nansheng smiled and replied, "Having a helper can certainly help with a lot of things."

Until noon.

Shi Nansheng informed Zhang Shuai'an that she had arranged to meet Tsui Hark at the nearby Forget-Me-Not Cafe at 4 PM.

Zhang Shi'an found it somewhat amusing that Tsui Hark had made their meeting feel like a blind date.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, Zhang Shuai'an took a copy of the script that had been printed out in the drawer and then took Yu Sijia to the Forget-Me-Not Cafe.

Tsui Hark, wearing a hat and sunglasses, sat pretentiously in a corner booth, leaning on a cane.

"Master Xu, what are you doing?"

Zhang Shuai'an stepped forward, greeting him with a smile: "Trying to give me a hard time?"

"No," Tsui Hark replied, "You're too handsome. If we met someone ordinary, my presence would be overshadowed by you—"

Suppression. So, I have to use this method to borrow some momentum.

"Alright." Zhang Shuai'an had finally experienced Tsui Hark's playful and eccentric side: "Well, here I am. Shall we get straight to business, or should we talk about something else first, build some rapport, and then get down to business?"

Tsui Hark shook his head and said, "I don't get emotionally involved with men. Let's get down to business."

"Sister Nan said you want to join my company?" Zhang Shuai'an asked directly.

Tsui Hark replied, "My contract with Mr. Wu has been finalized. Several film companies are currently in contact with me, such as Shaw Brothers, Cinema City, and Golden Harvest. However, Nan Sheng suggests that I join your Universe Films."

"So what are your thoughts?" Zhang Shuai'an asked.

Tsui Hark looked at Zhang Shuai'an and said, "I've already made several films and am considered somewhat famous in the Hong Kong film industry. Do you know what I lack most right now?"

Zhang Shuai'an replied, "What you lack most is a blockbuster commercial film to prove that you also have the ability to make big money."

"You're right." Tsui Hark nodded. "The conditions at Shaw Brothers are so-so, I won't go. But Mr. Lei's conditions are pretty good. He wants me to join Cinema City. If I go, he'll invest in a commercial film for me."

Zhang Shuai'an also knew about this.

Not long after joining Cinema City, Tsui Hark got the chance to direct, which was to direct "All the Wise Men".

This film became the third highest-grossing film of 1981, earning over seven million dollars, which helped Tsui Hark shed his reputation as a box office poison that was critically acclaimed but not commercially successful.

"Take a look at this."

Zhang Shuai'an didn't say anything unnecessary and directly had Yu Sijia hand over the script he had prepared.

"What do you mean?" Tsui Hark was taken aback for a moment, but still stepped forward and took the script.

After reading for a while, Tsui Hark closed the script, looked up at Zhang Shuai'an, and asked, "What's the budget for the filming?"

"Initially two million Hong Kong dollars."

Zhang Shuai'an replied, "Later, we can add another million. If it exceeds that, then you can pack your bags and go to Cinema City or Shaw Brothers."

"Deal!" Tsui Hark not only didn't dislike this way of speaking, but actually quite liked it.

Zhang Shuai'an did this because he considered that "Mr. Vampire" might not be suitable for the viewing experience during the Spring Festival.

However, the film has already been approved, and it would be inappropriate to postpone it any further.

Since the company has plenty of funds in its accounts, it might as well release another film that fits the Spring Festival release schedule at the same time.

It just so happens that Tsui Hark stumbled upon this at that moment; it can be considered a kind of fate.

The script Zhang Shuai'an presented was "The Clever and Witty Star," which he had redeemed with a large amount of Star Points.

In the system shop, if the scripts are not already lit up, some classic scripts will cost five to ten times the Star Points to redeem.

Fortunately, Zhang Shuai'an has plenty of star points now, and they won't appreciate in value if left in the system, so he might as well spend them out when the time is right.

"I want to release this film during the Spring Festival."

Zhang Shuai'an earnestly told Tsui Hark, "You should know what I mean. As for the crew, you can set it up yourself; I won't interfere. The company doesn't have many actors right now, so use as many of your own as possible. That's all I can tell you."

Tsui Hark nodded: "Boss, since you're so agreeable, I certainly won't let you down."

Next, Zhang Shuai'an brought Tsui Hark to the company and introduced him to Fatty Wang, Chen Xunqi, and others, saying, "Everyone, please welcome our new colleague, Director Tsui Hark."

Fatty Wang readily complimented, "I've heard so much about Master Xu's name for a long time. I never imagined we'd be colleagues one day."

Chen Xunqi said with a smile, "I did the soundtrack for his movie before, so we've known each other for a long time."

"I didn't think things through beforehand. I don't think 'Mr. Vampire' is suitable for the Spring Festival season, and its release will probably be postponed. So I plan to make another comedy film."

Zhang Shuai explained to everyone, "The film is called 'The Clever Genius,' and the script has already been given to Tsui Hark. Ah Jing, you go and assist Director Tsui, and Brother Qi, you can be the producer."

7

Wang Pangzi and Chen Xun nodded in unison, saying, "No problem."

There's no need to rush the pre-production of "Mr. Zombie" anymore; there's plenty of time to polish it up slowly.