Chapter 1655
Beheading
The next day, Elizabeth called to greet him.
"Are you OK?"
Upon hearing this English sentence, Zhang Yuan automatically pictured Yang Mi's image in his mind.
"fine."
"Aren't you injured?"
The other party pressed for answers with some anxiety, their tense tone evident in their words.
She was asking about the car accident she had with Paul the night before, of course.
As mentioned before, many on-site reporters in North America are privately employed.
They roam the streets all day, especially at night, and are known as the "Night Riders".
They even secretly listen to police radio... Do you really think the superheroes in Hollywood movies who eavesdrop on police radio and cause trouble are just made up?
People's experiences all stem from real life.
So they often arrive faster than the police.
The Los Angeles morning news reported it the next day.
He and Paul were involved in a car accident after attending a fundraising event for local children with leukemia.
Others are able to bring up charity events, but he's the one who initiated it.
At least let the public know that we did something good, not just that a celebrity caused an accident while speeding.
The film is already making headlines before it's even finished filming; it'll probably be making headlines in China soon too.
It will be on the evening news at the latest tomorrow.
"It's just a slight headache, nothing serious," he replied casually.
My head is buzzing, and it's still there after I got up. I guess it will take a few days to get better.
"I hope the production crew won't sue me," he joked.
If you are injured during filming due to personal reasons, the production crew can claim compensation.
After all, investors want to ensure that their investments will yield steady returns.
What? I'm an investor.
That's alright then...
"Phew, I'm glad you're alright." Xiaobai breathed a sigh of relief.
"And you, how are you?"
“I’m already back in New York. My sisters dragged me back.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes helplessly as she said this.
These two women are too business-minded. After talking with Zhang Yuan last night, they rushed back to their New York office early this morning to start investigating the situation in the Chinese market and assessing the feasibility of his proposed plan.
What successful people have in common is their amazing execution ability.
Just do it if you think of it, and if you break it, so be it...
Because the plan included having Elizabeth as the representative of the China region, they also brought her home.
Zhang Yuan didn't say much after listening.
One problem with Marvel movies is that once someone is associated with Marvel, they are labeled as an entertainment actor in the Western market.
This label makes it very difficult for celebrities to get endorsements from high-end or top-tier luxury brands.
Because high-end luxury requires style, and Elizabeth doesn't...
Acting in art films and winning major awards is considered classy. But after making money from Marvel movies, you still want to win awards? There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Therefore, after becoming the Scarlet Witch, her endorsement deals couldn't reach a high level.
Because high-end endorsements require clients to have an emotional connection with the celebrity, pleasing ordinary viewers is seen as a drawback by wealthy people.
Therefore, Zhang Yuan positioned the Olsen sisters for the mid-range market in China, at most that.
The two older sisters gave their younger sister orders on the plane back to New York.
Whether you're serious or just playing around, at least don't fall out with that Asian person for the time being.
Even if we separate, it should be a peaceful parting so as not to affect the expansion of the family business.
This made her feel both upset and somewhat relieved.
Because among the boys she dated since her teens, not many were truly valued by her.
It should be said that there are basically none; Zhang Yuan is the first one.
Let alone ordinary people, even celebrities are just average in the eyes of the Olsen sisters.
Because you are neither as famous as us nor as rich as us.
They would prefer to marry into the old money family, but they might not be interested in you.
"See you in New York sometime."
"I hope someone can show me around this city properly."
"Then it's settled," the other person agreed in a playful voice.
After several days of studio shooting, the aftereffects of the car accident have basically disappeared.
That evening, he went to the airport to pick him up.
Zhang Yimou finally has time to come.
The film "The Criminal Lu Yanshi", also known as "Coming Home", has been filmed and edited, and is currently under review, scheduled, and ready for promotion and release.
Zhang Yuan didn't really like this.
Unfortunately, this kind of subject matter still has a market.
It will take another ten years or so to get better.
He took Zhang Yimou to dinner with executives from Legendary Pictures to discuss filmmaking.
Zhang Yimou was very excited and wanted to make a big splash.
The owner of Legendary Pictures was also very excited, feeling that he could make a big splash.
Zhang Yuan remained silent throughout.
They just kept their heads down and ate.
Since things have come to this, let's eat first.
I dare not say anything, or they'll try to blame me later.
You guys came up with all the plans, I didn't say a word!
Tour excitedly pulled the screenwriter aside and told Zhang Yimou about his script ideas.
This combination of Chinese and Western shooting styles has become quite popular in China in recent years.
Even Zhang Yimou and Chen Long play this game.
Tours wanted to make it a blockbuster with large-scale war scenes.
It embodies the mysterious power of the East while showcasing the spirit of the West.
Zhang Yuan remained silent.
You might as well pour soy milk into civet coffee and say the civet poop wasn't filtered properly.
The most crucial element is the "foundation" of this story.
It's about how to ultimately defeat the monster.
A major battle was inevitable, and Tour adopted standard Hollywood thinking.
After the protagonist finally defeats the "leader," all the monsters perish together.
This "decapitation" method has been used in Hollywood for decades.
In Starship Troopers, an adaptation of Starship Troopers, defeating the cerebrates can paralyze the entire swarm.
In Ender's Game, victory is also achieved by killing the leader of the swarm.
This kind of big-budget action movie formula was used in films like Keanu Reeves' The Matrix and later Tom Cruise's Edge of Tomorrow.
Hollywood blockbusters will always personify the BOSS as an individual.
It doesn't necessarily have to be a person; it could also be an object, a computer, or a machine.
Like in Pacific Rim, the boss is an alien, but what needs to be dealt with is a wormhole.
Destroying the wormhole will end the war.
Whether concrete or broadly abstract, Hollywood almost always designs an enemy that can be easily defeated by the main characters, instantly turning the tide of battle.
This is the so-called "decapitation" mode, a standard Hollywood formula.
Tuer argued that this formula for designing monsters, allowing the protagonist group to defeat the leader at the end, would create a plot twist.
From a commercial film perspective, this design is perfectly fine; people have been doing it this way for decades.
The film builds up the protagonist team's hardships and weaknesses in front of the enemy in the early stages, all for the sake of the final big explosion.
but!
Here's the key point. This isn't just a Hollywood formula; it's a white mindset!
When these blond guys carry out military operations, do they also adhere to this "decapitation" model?
They believe that as long as the enemy leader is killed instantly, all enemies will be paralyzed!
It's not that the blond guy learned this from watching movies; it's that Westerners all think this way.
They don't understand the saying "Even if Chu has only three households left, it will surely be Chu that destroys Qin," nor do they understand that wildfire cannot burn out the flames, and the spring breeze will bring them back to life.
Their guiding principle has always been "decapitation".
Every industry is like this.
But once the "headless giant" continues to move after being "decapitated," or even puts a new head on himself, they are completely bewildered.
Why don't you play by the rules?
Zhang Yuan believes that this difference in mindset is related to religion.
Taoism is the indigenous religion of China, and Taoism reveres Heaven. Even if there are gods, there is a Heaven above the gods, and there are the rules governing the operation of Heaven and Earth.
However, Western religions are all monotheistic, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The highest principle is a single individual, and fundamentally, all three venerate the same individual.
Now you know why the West is obsessed with "decapitation".
This is their culture.
What's even more counterintuitive is that Tours forced a Western narrative logic into the film, but the Great Wall ultimately lost money in North America!
Domestically, it was considered terrible, but the box office performance was not bad and met expectations.
The loss was due to poor box office performance in North America.
So, towards the end, Zhang Yuan, who hadn't said much throughout the entire conversation, finally spoke up.
"Tuer, after listening to your description, I'm not sure if this is a Chinese blockbuster or a Western blockbuster."
“It’s a fusion of East and West, my friend,” Tours said with unwavering confidence.
"Are you sure this design can cater to both the Chinese and North American markets?"
"At least North America is fine!"
Seeing his arrogant words, Zhang Yuan found it hard to remain calm.
"Okay, how about we work together based on our expertise?"
“But I will be responsible for marketing and promotion in China and surrounding areas, while you will be responsible for North America and Europe.”
"Of course." The other party had no objection whatsoever.
"So how should we distribute the profits?" Zhang Yuan raised the key question.
"Why not divide it by region?"
He wanted to be cunning and at least minimize his losses.
"I think we should allocate the funds according to the investment ratio." However, the other party did not agree.
Deep down, I wasn't entirely satisfied with the previously agreed-upon revenue sharing for "Pacific Rim".
This is still due to the adjustment of the revenue sharing ratio for imported films by China Film Group.
Tuer thought to himself, "Is this Chinese kid just lucky, or did he know in advance that the policy would change?"
Anyway, they want to take advantage of the booming Chinese market.
"I have recommended areas for filming locations."
He also needs to finalize his investment contract with Hengdian.
The sets for this movie definitely cost tens of millions.
"It is the largest film and television base in the country, with convenient transportation, filming, and accommodation, and it is also tax-friendly for enterprises."
The other party didn't have any objections to this; you have the final say on the Chinese part.
"And another thing," Zhang Yuan said, taking the opportunity to ask about his own affairs.
"Regarding what you said last time about Godzilla and my role in it."
"How did your discussions go?"
“This…” Tur laughed, indicating that he was still considering it.
"So you're giving me neither an answer nor a promise."
"Whether it's casting for new Hollywood films or the revenue-sharing ratio for Zhang Yimou's new film, you haven't given me a satisfactory answer."
"I don't think this is a good way to cooperate."
He seized the opportunity to make the most of the situation, becoming increasingly adept at creating cards out of thin air.
"These are two different things."
"No, for me it's the same thing, it's all about your and Legendary Pictures' expectations and attitudes toward me and the Chinese film market."
He persisted.
“We can discuss these things further.”
"Okay!" As soon as the other party relented slightly, even if it was just a perfunctory reply, he immediately said, "I will record it and arrange a time for another meeting."
Tuer had a headache; this Chinese man was too difficult to deal with.
The following day, Zhang Yimou visited Legendary Pictures' soundstage and met with senior executives of the production team and representatives from several special effects studios.
He then traveled with the film crew to the filming location in Britain.
They filmed a late-night shoot on their very first day after landing.
The scene being filmed was the first major scene in the script, a midnight chase between the protagonists and antagonists on the streets.
The main characters drive a bunch of BMW M5s, older models, supposedly V10 engine versions with F1 technology.
It is highly regarded by many BMW fans and is considered a classic, with its 10-cylinder engine having a captivating sound.
The repair bills are also quite impressive; this thing breaks down so easily.
The production team didn't have BMW's sponsorship, and they wouldn't actually use those £10 cars to film the car crash scene.
I bought a bunch of used BMW 5 Series cars and modified their exteriors to look like the M5, just like some young men in China who just want the M5 look good.
Most of the film crew's vehicles are handled this way; it saves money.
Later, you can add the roar of a V10 engine.
Guo Fan, who had finished his business in China, was asked to come directly to Britain to meet him.
"I'll talk to the crew in a bit and get you an ID card, then you can come and go from the set at will."
"It will probably take a few days. You know how efficient foreigners are."
After meeting him, Zhang Yuan personally led him into the filming location.
I told the assistant director and the on-site producer that this was one of my people, my new assistant.
As long as you recognize the key person's face, that's enough.
"You've come at the right time; today is going to be the main event."
"Watch closely how they film car crashes and rollovers."
"Some of the equipment is not available in China; it is unique to Hollywood and Britain."
"For example, do you see that big black jar?"
"That thing is a compressed air cannon, which can lift several tons of objects into the air and create the effect of a vehicle being hit and then spinning in mid-air before landing."
"This is a mobile green screen vehicle that can follow the camera in real time, making post-production easier."
Guo Fan got excited as soon as he saw these things he had never seen on set before.
He pulled out his notebook and digital camera and started writing and taking pictures.
Seeing his serious expression, Zhang Yuan stopped bothering him and went about his own business, letting him do as he pleased.
Hollywood film crews don't get too tired even when filming late into the night.
In addition, since setting up and directing the scenes for action films takes up more than 8% of his time, he is not tired.
They even have time to play on their phones for a while.
"hey-hey!"
A moment later, Paul's assistant suddenly ran over.
I called his name softly a few times.
"Oh... hello." He had a good relationship with Paul, so he was also familiar with the assistant.
"Is Paul looking for me?"
"No... sort of."
Seeing that the other person was hesitant and seemed to be repeating themselves, he put down his phone and sat up straight.
"Did something happen?"
The man nodded, then whispered.
"Just now, several bodyguards apprehended an Asian man who was taking photos without permission."
Zhang Yuan: ... (End of Chapter)