novelslam Chapter 240 Two Zodiac Animals
Chapter 240 Two Zodiac Animals
Just as these old foxes in the capital were secretly rubbing their hands together, casting a giant net.
These big shots never dreamed that the net would be cast out but the fish wouldn't even get into the water!
Louis landed at Beijing Capital International Airport.
They didn't even go to the hotel, but went straight into the Vision Entertainment building.
then……
Then this guy just took root in Gu Heng's office and screening room and refused to come out no matter what!
He dragged Gu Heng around every day, relentlessly working on the storyboards and script for "Now You See Me".
The CEOs outside were all dumbfounded.
So what happened to the saying that Hollywood directors like to "do as the Romans do"?
What happened to the French being inherently romantic and charming?
Is this foreigner no good?
Gu Heng was practically laughing hysterically in his office.
Louis did indeed like to add close-ups of beautiful women to his films.
But that doesn't mean they'll do what they do in private!
If he really is the kind of person who can't be helped at all.
Gu Heng wouldn't have let Li Ming steal his directorship in the first place.
While the bigwigs on one side were scratching their heads in frustration, Wang Zhongjun, the head of Huayi, was quietly taking action.
That afternoon, Gu Heng had just sent Louis to the hotel to rest.
Wang Zhongjun called immediately, insisting on taking him out for tea.
Gu Heng didn't refuse, and when he arrived at the place, he opened the door and took a look.
Wow, quite the spectacle!
Albert Yeung of Emperor Entertainment Group, and his elder brother Cheng Long!
"Director Gu! Long time no see!"
Upon seeing Gu Heng, Cheng Long immediately stood up enthusiastically, strode over, and extended his hands.
"You're too kind, brother. Just call me Xiao Gu."
Gu Heng quickly went up to shake hands.
The two had met briefly at the Venice Film Festival.
Cheng Long had a very good impression of this young man who was making Chinese films a huge success on the international stage.
Albert Yeung, who was standing next to him, also greeted him with a smile. The two had worked together before and were familiar faces.
The group sat down, and fine red robes were served.
Gu Heng thought to himself that Wang Zhongjun, that old fox, definitely didn't organize this kind of gathering just to invite him for tea.
Sure enough, after a few cups of tea, Wang Zhongjun took the initiative to start a conversation.
After some conversation, Gu Heng learned that it was all for the movie "Chinese Zodiac" that Brother Cheng Long had been preparing for many years!
This project was actually initiated a long time ago, and Cheng Long has polished the script countless times.
But now we're stuck on the most crucial part: money!
"Director Gu, I'm really worried."
Cheng Long sighed, rubbed his hands together, and didn't put on any airs of being the eldest brother.
"The original budget for this movie was only 80 million, but I thought this was the last time I would risk everything."
"Oops, we've gone over the budget."
Gu Heng raised an eyebrow: "How much over?"
Albert Yeung, standing to the side, chuckled wryly and held up three fingers: "We actually made 300 million! And that was just the initial estimate!"
hiss--
Even though Gu Heng was prepared, he still had to gasp in surprise.
In 2011, how did a pure action film manage to raise 300 million yuan in investment?
According to the three-times-to-break-even rule, this box office would need to break 900 million just to break even!
No wonder even Albert Yeung and Wang Zhongjun felt the risk was too great and wanted to join forces to cut the budget.
"My brother is feeling guilty about this right now, and he even said he'd act in it for free."
Albert Yeung took a sip of tea, shook his head helplessly, and said, "But as investors, we always have to consider market feedback, don't we?"
Wang Zhongjun then changed the subject, looking at Gu Heng: "So, Brother Gu, the reason I brought you here today is to have you, the 'ever-victorious general,' give us your opinion. If you think this project is feasible, we'll grit our teeth and go for it. If you think the risks are too high, then I agree to cut the budget a bit."
Good heavens, so that's what they were waiting for!
Cheng Long and Yang Shoucheng stared at Gu Heng with anticipation.
Who in the industry doesn't know that Gu Heng has a sharp eye?
Gu Heng put down his teacup and thought for a moment.
The movie "Chinese Zodiac" grossed 13 billion worldwide in its previous life.
Cutting the budget is out of the question.
I can never cut the budget in my lifetime.
"Brother, this budget can't be cut." As soon as Gu Heng spoke, Cheng Long's eyes lit up.
"Not only can't we cut it, I should also suggest making the plate bigger!"
"This is your last desperate attempt at a film. Can 80 million really capture the feel of flying all over the world?"
Gu Heng looked at Yang Shoucheng, who was still somewhat hesitant, and spoke directly.
"If you think this 300 million yuan project is too big, Yuanjian can just take 30% of the share!"
"Don't worry about the box office. Other action movies struggle to break even at 900 million, but I trust your reputation, and I'll make at least 1 billion!"
The simple phrase, "I believe in my brother," deeply moved Cheng Long.
He immediately raised his teacup: "Director Gu! Just for that one sentence, I have to toast you today! I'll risk my life for this film!"
After leaving the club, Wang Zhongjun didn't rush to get into the car. Instead, he pulled Gu Heng to a corner, finally revealing his true colors.
"Brother Gu, I've done you such a big favor today."
"Since I'm bringing you onto my brother's ship, shouldn't you at least give him a heads-up?"
Gu Heng rolled his eyes, knowing that there was no such thing as a free lunch.
"Mr. Wang, let's get straight to the point. You're eyeing my 'Now You See Me' series, aren't you?"
"Hehe," Wang Zhongjun rubbed his hands together.
"What do you think of Bingbing, the female lead in that drama?"
"Brother, I don't want you to break the rules, I just want a chance to audition early! Whether it works out or not is up to that French director!"
Huayi Brothers' Li Lianhua is now making great strides towards international recognition, and Wang Zhongjun is going all out for this Hollywood opportunity.
Gu Heng stroked his chin and thought for a moment. Anyway, it was just a formality.
As long as the director approves, there's no difference between a pre-rehearsal and a rehearsal on the actual day.
Li Lianhua's English and action star persona are indeed a good fit.
"Alright, let Li Lianhua come to Yuanjian tomorrow. But let me make this clear: if it's not going to work, it's not going to work."
The following evening, Li Lianhua arrived discreetly at Vision Entertainment.
Louis, accompanied by Gu Heng, auditioned Li Lianhua.
A series of auditions were conducted.
Louis looked at the beautiful and cool Li Lianhua on camera and snapped his fingers with great satisfaction: "She is the one!"