Chapter 1683
Protecting One's Own
As the year draws to a close, the crew of "American Dreams in China" has completed most of their filming in Tianjin.
"You're on holiday for Christmas, right?"
"Going to North America, I understand."
Zhang Yuan is currently checking the latest schedule with Chen Kexin.
The film crew is going to North America to shoot on __cpLocation, including two famous outdoor __cpLocations: Times Square and Wall Street, as well as Columbia University and the Brooklyn Bridge.
They're all concentrated in New York.
Filming costs are very high in foreign countries, especially in landmark __cpLocations.
Back then, Tom Cruise bought the remake rights to "Open Your Eyes" with the intention of making his own movie to showcase his acting skills, which later became "Vanilla Sky".
The movie opens with a shot lasting several seconds where Tom Cruise wakes up from a dream and runs wildly through an empty Times Square in New York, unable to distinguish between dream and reality.
The film also features rare architecture; two or three months before the film's release, the World Trade Center was hit by a plane.
It was during the filming of this movie that Tom Cruise had an affair with the female lead, Penelope Cruz. After Nicole Kidman found out, the two divorced.
This film was shot at the turn of the century, when CGI wasn't as advanced, so practical effects were used.
After months of communication between the production team and the film crew, the New York City government allocated three hours—from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on a weekend morning—to close off 42nd to 48th Streets near Times Square for a few dozen seconds of footage.
The street names in New York City are very simple. The east-west streets are numbered from 1 to 155, which are easy to remember.
For just three hours, the production team spent $100 million, and Tom Cruise had to participate in a series of Manhattan Police Department activities as a return on investment.
Later, Chen Sicheng also used Times Square when filming "Detective Chinatown 2," which was also a closed-off filming location.
4 hours, 300 million US dollars.
All things considered, venue usage fees in North America have roughly doubled in the last twenty years, which is not bad.
Chen Kexin, or rather the production team, couldn't afford that much money, and China Film Group wouldn't build it like that for him.
So it's impossible to clear the streets completely, so we'll just manage to control the crowd and take a few shots.
After all, it's a film called "American Dreams in China," so it's not appropriate to use all the money from foreigners.
"The crew will take care of the visas. You should pack your bags and make plans to adjust to the time difference."
"Remember not to cause trouble overseas, or the production crew will have a hard time getting you out of trouble."
After he finished speaking, Chen Kexin, Deng Chao, Tong Dawei, and the others all turned their gazes to him.
Why are you all looking at me like that?
"I have always been honest, steady and reliable, and a rare low-key man in the Chinese film and television industry."
Chen Kexin: ...
Who?
Where are people like that?
Several people cast disdainful glances at him, as if he wasn't the one who turned Tianjin's traditional performing arts world upside down while filming.
Although Chen Kexin thought this way, she didn't dare to say it out loud.
Because they're not only good at stirring up trouble, they're also top-notch at making money at the box office!
He made a point of finding time to watch Pacific Rim in a theater.
The conclusion I came to after watching it was that it was far inferior to Avatar... in terms of the groundbreaking special effects he mentioned.
In his opinion, the plot was mediocre, or even nonexistent.
The director's cinematic language is quite interesting and skillful.
This is called an expert seeing the details; Chen Kexin saw the key point at a glance.
This is also why watching Pacific Rim 1 is much better than watching the second one.
Putting aside the world-building, the completeness of the setting, and the actors' performances, the special effects of the second film were heavily criticized.
Firstly, the budget was reduced, and there was no other option due to cost constraints.
Another issue is that the director changed; Guillermo del Toro went to film "The Shape of Water," the movie that won him the Oscar, and he was unavailable.
Even if he has the time, he might not participate.
The moment the director is changed, the viewing experience of the film immediately suffers.
Because when using camera angles, including special effects shots, Toro adheres to one principle: he must express the colossal feel of the mechs and monsters!
There are specific techniques involved in how to perform this; it's a skill in itself.
First, when a giant object appears, there must be a reference point.
In every scene featuring mechs and monsters, there are always humans or vehicles nearby; without comparison, their size wouldn't be apparent.
The second part doesn't work in this respect.
Also, Toro tried to avoid filming full-view shots of mechs and monsters.
It makes extensive use of close-up shots to show the feeling that the giants cannot be seen in their entirety from a human perspective, and that they seem to stretch endlessly into the distance.
The camera angles also often use a low-angle view, mimicking the perspective of humans looking at giant objects.
Avoid using overhead panoramic shots as much as possible, as this type of shot greatly diminishes the sense of volume of large objects.
Not only Pacific Rim 1, but also the first Godzilla movie used this team, so the first Godzilla movie also had a strong sense of colossal size and a great atmosphere.
Like Pacific Rim 2, the later Godzilla films also saw changes in cinematic language that led to the monsters becoming increasingly toy-like and anthropomorphic.
Furthermore, the special effects for mecha emphasize a sense of weight, and all movements must reflect air resistance and mechanical jerking.
Guillermo del Toro's Oscars, Golden Globes, and Venice Film Festival wins are well-deserved.
Chen Kexin doesn't make science fiction films, but she only gets a glimpse of the whole picture and thinks it's amazing.
At the same time, I realized that this movie shouldn't have such a high box office!
The fact that they were able to make so much money was inseparable from Zhang Yuan's efforts.
Could it be true that he spent 8000 million to create hype?
No one believed him before the film was released; everyone thought he was just trying to create hype.
Geniuses are always misunderstood, and Zhang Yuan is also helpless. "To be honest, no one believes me anymore."
Now everyone believes it!
In just two weeks, the box office has already exceeded 8 million yuan, and there is still room for growth.
Many viewers even watch it two or three times, going to different theaters to see it.
Opinions on the internet are becoming increasingly polarized, with some people liking it very much and others starting to voice their dislike.
At this stage, Zhang Yuan stopped trying to control things and just let things take their natural course.
Because dissenting voices also generate buzz.
This has startled our domestic counterparts.
How can we continue playing?
If you keep throwing money around like that, no one can outspend you.
Everyone saw a set of Heaven-rank cultivation techniques, but no one dared to practice them easily.
When we talk about spending money, we don't just talk about it; we actually put the money in our pockets and spend it!
Those in China have a vague feeling that times may be about to change.
Some people have started to criticize and complain, saying that the excessive hype and promotion of movies has had a very negative impact on the market.
The company reported the situation to him, but Zhang Yuan just laughed it off.
If you're so capable, then come and try. If you're not, then keep quiet. I don't care about you.
At the same time, they also had the company staff record the accusations against them for hyping up the products.
Yang Siwei thought he was holding a grudge and planned to take revenge.
Actually, that's not the case. He's keeping the script so that one day he can work at a film bureau or something similar and then use it to attack his peers.
Jiang Zhiqiang called him to congratulate him.
After all, the film company invested a staggering 7000 million US dollars, a terrifying figure. No film company in China, whether listed or not, dared to do it.
Only he dares!
Now that I've received a good return, I can finally relax.
Because if this isn't handled properly, it could easily ruin the company.
Back then, Hong Kong film companies went bankrupt every year because of a single film.
"The company now expects the final box office to be around 12 billion yuan."
"This film is an imported film, so we can only take 25% of the total box office revenue."
"To break even and make a profit, we need to look at North America and other Western markets."
"But if this movie can achieve such good box office results in China, it goes without saying that it will do even better in the West," Mr. Jiang replied confidently.
"We'll just have to wait for the results from North America in a while."
“No need to wait any longer.” Zhang Yuan interrupted the other person’s pleasant mood: “I’ve already sold the box office revenue from North America and Europe.”
"What!" Jiang Zhiqiang exclaimed in surprise.
He hadn't expected this situation.
Zhang Yuan had contacted Harvey before the film's release, following the same old routine—in North America, anything can be packaged into a financial product.
It wasn't until the film was released in China for a week and achieved excellent box office results that the two parties finalized the contract amount.
After seeing his good performance in China, the other party initially showed only moderate interest, but later took the initiative to approach him.
Of course, if you have money, you'll take the initiative.
As Jiang Zhiqiang said, this is also the habitual thinking of most industry professionals at home and abroad.
The Chinese market is a downstream extension of the Hollywood market.
What does that mean?
Just like those big brand restaurants, especially those in the mid-range and above, they will definitely open stores in Shanghai and Beijing first, and then gradually extend to ordinary first-tier cities.
If Shanghai and Beijing become popular, other cities will likely follow suit.
The same applies to China's imported film market: what's popular in Hollywood becomes popular in mainland China, with virtually no exceptions.
There are no films that are popular in Hollywood but not in mainland China; the reverse is always true.
Just like Avatar, it grossed over 700 million US dollars in North America and nearly 200 million US dollars in China.
At that time, the relationship between the mainland Chinese market and Hollywood was roughly 25% of the box office.
It is already the largest market outside of its home country.
Of course, there are films like "The Promise" that are "okay" domestically but a complete flop overseas.
But that's a play for you Chinese people; it's normal that it doesn't take to the North American environment.
In Hollywood, the big shots are the big shots!
Wherever they went in the world, they were welcomed with joy and gratitude.
North Americans are quite confident in their products.
Zhang Yuan really liked this confidence.
All statistics are based on empiricism. Based on past experience, if a movie can sell for 200 million US dollars in China, then this movie must sell for at least 500 million US dollars in Hollywood!
Harvey, that fatso, figured something out and decided to go find him.
The revenue from a $5 million box office in North America is roughly less than $2 million.
After factoring in his commission and negotiating further, the two parties quickly reached a deal for $4500 million. The other party was in a hurry to make the payment.
Hurry, hurry, hurry, if you don't buy it now, you won't be able to buy it anymore!
Zhang Yuan was so determined to make Legendary Pictures release the film in China first, all for this reason!
If they release it in North America first, they're doomed!
The play's lukewarm reception in North America surprised many professionals.
It fell short of institutional expectations by at least 30% or more.
The problem remains the same: Americans don't like meat wrapped in metal; they prefer meat wrapped in metal.
They don't like this kind of mecha; they prefer armored gadgets like Iron Man or Warhammer.
Zhang Yuan wasn't worried about the consequences of a poor box office performance in North America.
Because Harvey earns a commission, he won't lose money.
He resold it to the banks and investment institutions of the old Jewish people, and those people wouldn't lose money even if they sold it off in a package.
Ultimately, the ones who lose out are the end buyers—the banks and the product's small customers.
Financial risks exist, and caution is advised when investing. If you've lost money, you can only say that God didn't protect you, and that being born in America is a blessing.
"How could you sell it!" Jiang Zhiqiang was still puzzled, and even a little angry.
"The market is unpredictable, especially the Hollywood Christmas market, which is full of experts."
"Everything has two sides. If it sells well, everyone's happy. If it doesn't sell well, we won't lose money?"
"By acting now, we can recoup our investment sooner, not only avoiding risks but also making the company's accounts look better."
How much money is too much? Just have fun.
Tong Lei, the actor who plays Feng Xiaogang, often says this, and I partially agree.
I'm already pushing myself to the limit by not losing money, what more could I ask for?
Whether a company is profitable or not is certainly important, but total revenue is also very important.
As long as the revenue figures are large enough, the market will have confidence even if the profit margin is low.
Thus, Pacific Rim could generate over a billion in revenue for the company. Adding the revenue from previous works like Lost in Thailand, as well as music and variety show revenue, the total revenue on the books would be several billion, which is quite impressive!
Jiang Zhiqiang took several deep breaths to calm down.
They found Zhang Yuan unusually mature, and he even knew that not losing out was a gain.
But then he started complaining.
"You should have told us in advance."
"If I told you, would it still be possible to make it happen?" Zhang Yuan countered.
With your group of people, ten of you could have six hundred and sixty-six schemes in your heads. I'm too lazy to waste my breath arguing with you.
I'm going to take absolute power now, so what?
"Things have come to this point, so everything should be prioritized for the listing. Everything else can wait, right?" Zhang Yuan said, trying to smooth things over.
"You..." Boss Jiang was speechless.
"Never mind, I have a few energetic young people who want to act in movies, we can talk about it when we meet." The other person casually mentioned.
After agreeing repeatedly, Zhang Yuan hung up the phone.
A day or two later, Mr. Yuan Kuocheng, whom he hadn't seen for a while, called him.
I still used the landline at home to make the call; the old man is never used to using a mobile phone.
"Mr. Yuan, how have you been lately?"
"I'm in Tianjin right now. Would you like me to bring you some food when I go back?"
He was extremely polite.
The old man's tone was also very gentle.
"You even brought food?"
"It's not easy that you were able to bring yourself back."
"Huh?" Zhang Yuan switched hands to hold the phone. "Did you hear something?"
"It wasn't just something I heard; someone came to our door!"
The traditional performing arts circle in Tianjin was in complete chaos, and those crosstalk performers finally couldn't hold on any longer.
Originally just a temporary alliance of petty people, it has now scattered like birds and beasts under pressure from the local music association chairman.
Ms. Ji Wei, the chairperson of the Tianjin Quyi Association, had already called to greet him. Although she was much older than him and a leader, he didn't apologize, only saying that he hadn't been a proper host and that he should invite her to his home for a meal.
Zhang Yuan said he's been busy lately, so he'd like to visit my home when you go to the capital in a while.
The other party understood that he didn't want to cause any trouble in Tianjin, but the invitation to his home indicated that he intended to befriend him.
After chatting for a while, he brought up the proposal.
Zhang Yuan said I've already submitted it, and I can't take it back; let him do as he pleases.
It needs everyone's vote to pass.
The older woman understood that he wasn't insistent and, knowing this, said goodbye with a smile and promised to see him again next time.
And he promised to properly educate those people.
On the other hand, after being scolded nine times in three days by the local music association chairman, the ringleaders of the disturbance were starting to have trouble.
Fearing that Zhang Yuan would escalate the situation further, he chickened out.
That's how petty people are; they shout and fight when they feel they have the upper hand, but as soon as they encounter the slightest setback, they immediately turn into cowards.
Zhang Yuan was only pretending to be afraid; they were genuinely afraid.
They asked someone to inquire about Zhang Yuan's connections, and that's how they found out about Yuan Kuocheng.
Knowing that the elderly care about their reputation, I mustered up my courage, brought some snacks and gift boxes, and went to visit the old man.
It's the same old routine: they greet each other, but after a few words, she kneels down and cries her heart out.
We had a misunderstanding with your student. We didn't expect him to have such a bad temper and act like this... He still hasn't admitted that he did something wrong.
But they overlooked one point.
Zhang Yuan once said, "Guo and I are fellow disciples. If you can't handle him, how can you handle me?"
Similarly, given my current situation, what kind of person could Yuan Kuocheng be?
Do you really think the four great storytellers were just a handout from above?
The old man is old, but he's not blind.
I knew something was wrong as soon as I heard that.
how can that be possible?
How could my intelligent, kind, and reserved apprentice easily throw such a tantrum?
Mr. Yuan's assessment is consistent with his self-assessment.
I've never seen him provoke anyone; it's always others who bully him.
It must be because of you guys!
That's how old people are; they're protective of their own.
He put on his reading glasses, opened his phone book, and called his old friend Mr. Jin Bingchang, who used to live in Yingkou.
Mr. Jin is from Beijing. He later went to work in Northeast China, where the two met.
She was also Gong Hanlin's wife and Jin Zhu's mentor.
He is well-liked; he is recognized by the crosstalk community in both Beijing and Tianjin.
Back then, Mr. Jin and Yuan Kuocheng even pawned their coats to raise money to entertain their colleagues from Tianjin who came to perform in Northeast China.
This story is quite famous. People in the northern folk art circles are all impressed and say that he is a true leader in the industry, very righteous.
When I called to ask, I learned that Mr. Jin's health was not very good at the moment. After hearing this, I said I would go and find out what was wrong.
Mr. Jin is a veteran artist of the "Bao" generation, the same generation as Hou Baolin. There is no crosstalk actor of a higher generation than him on the market.
As soon as he spoke, all those old guys in Tianjin knew about it.
How come Master Yuan's child is being bullied here?
Yuan Kuocheng was saying that Zhang Yuan was being bullied.
Back then, which of these people's masters and fellow apprentices who went to Northeast China didn't receive hospitality from Mr. Yuan? When the old man used his influence, he could command a huge following, and many people came forward to say they would take charge.
Those who came to our door originally wanted to find a peacemaker, but they never expected to find someone with an even bigger temper.
The image of a righteous big brother can't be built just by treating people to meals; his artistic level, connections, and experience are all top-notch.
They slunk away, not even daring to return to Tianjin, and went elsewhere to avoid trouble.
"I chased you away for disturbing my rest."
"Tianjin is a place where nine rivers flow into the sea, with three pontoon bridges and two passes, a place where all sorts of people mingle."
“There used to be a lot of thugs and troublemakers in this line of work.”
"If it were just Haiqing, that would be fine, but upon inquiry, it turns out he's one of several people who have become his disciples."
“I’ve already sent someone to find their master. People like that are just a nuisance.”
After listening, Zhang Yuan felt that Yuan Kuocheng was much more ruthless than him.
The older generation is still the most capable.
At most, I just wave a big flag to scare people, but they are the flag bearers themselves.
Once this news gets out, won't those people be expelled from the sect?
He even said he would expel me from the noble family, but then he stripped me of my title himself. What kind of wish was that?
In the end, the old man got angry, and he had to turn around and try to persuade the other party.
“It’s nothing, I didn’t mean to bother you.”
"These people are outrageous."
"Forget it, let them educate themselves through their own schools."
“You haven’t been here for a while. I can’t possibly finish all those tonics and dried goods you brought,” the old man suddenly said.
"When are you and Little Lion coming over to our house so we can eat together?"
"Oh, definitely." Zhang Yuan understood what that meant.
“You’re not young anymore. I already had children when I was your age.”
"These are major life events, a matter of carrying on the past and forging ahead into the future, so we must seize the moment," the old man said hastily.
“I feel like you’re instigating me to do bad things,” Zhang Yuan replied.
"Go back now if you have time. You're not studying properly. Let me see if you've practiced anything."
The call ended with the other party's rebuke.
But Zhang Yuan was in a pretty good mood.
He even cared about those small, unwanted fish.
But you can't handle my little show of skill, and you still dare to act presumptuously in front of me.
Now that I've calmed down this little ripple in Tianjin, it's about time I left. (End of Chapter)