Chapter 464 North American Determination of the Round
The story of "Pacific Rim" takes place near the Hong Kong Dome Base, so there are more Chinese actors.
But this is a large production of $100 million, and it is aimed at the global market, so it can only be made into English films.
Essentially, the actors who audition must pass the English speaking skills, and this time, most of them were screened out.
The Prince Long's English is no problem and was selected.
Zhang Mo was almost there, but Zhang Guoli agreed to hire an English teacher immediately and ensured that he could speak fluently before the filming started, so Zhang Chen agreed.
The base commander, Zhang Chen was replaced by a Chinese.
How could the Supreme Commander be a foreigner or a black brother in Hong Kong Dome Base? It sounds unreliable.
The actor who plays the commander is Hu Jun, a man who is obviously good at acting in literary dramas but looks mighty and domineering.
Hu Jun's foreign language is also not up to standard, but it doesn't matter. One-on-one training is available. Zhang Chen believes in the professionalism of the People's Art Theater actors.
On Da Tiantian, she bought a commander assistant role for 10 million yuan. She is considered a big match. She often follows the commander near her, with many shots and lines.
It's great to be very sweet. After "The Storm of the Giant Crocodile", she has already gained a certain popularity. Even if she is abroad, she is a familiar one.
There are only so many Chinese actors who have been confirmed. No matter how many Zhang Chen has, he has no right words, and he can only depend on the situation.
Then he flew to Hollywood with the new version of the script.
So far, the script has been modified for 7 versions, and of course, they are all fine-tuned, and the large framework remains unchanged.
The purpose of going to Hollywood this time is mainly to the foreign actors in the play.
As a science fiction blockbuster for the whole world, "Pacific Rim" must have several famous foreign actors acting as supporting roles, not all of them Karami.
Jason Statham can count as one.
In Zhang Chen's latest version of the script, several characters are fine-tuned, including him.
First of all are Prince Long and Zhang Mo.
In the original work, the three brothers of the Liu family were driving the storm. Zhang Chen made modifications here and became the three brothers of the Liu family.
Fan Binbin is the eldest sister, while his two younger brothers are Prince Long and Zhang Mo.
The two brothers were responsible for the Storm Red walking and two arms, while Fan Binbin was responsible for the combat system and the other mechanical arm dedicated to combat.
In the movie plot, in the early stage, Storm Chihong was attacked, the cab was broken by monsters, Prince Long and Zhang Mo died, and Fan Binbin chose to retire.
Another one with a big change is Jason Statham.
In the previous script, Jason was the one who sacrificed his life, and the male protagonist Zhang Chen originally planned to be Huang Xiaoming.
But considering that this drama is released to the world, it is best to have a Western actor in the movie as the starring role, so that they are more emotionally acceptable.
So Zhang Chen changed the script and set Jason as the male lead.
The Dome Base encountered a crisis in the later stage, and Hu Jun asked Fan Binbin to return to the team. Jason was her new partner, which also continued the two's usual screen couple mode.
The script changes are not a big deal in the country, and everything is decided by the main prosecutor.
But it's a big deal in Hollywood.
According to Hollywood rules, the script cannot change after it is finalized. If you want to change, all investors must agree.
So this time, Zhang Chen must convince Warner.
Walking into Warner headquarters with the script, David Heyman met Zhang Chen in the reception room.
"Dear Zhang~"
"Mr. Heyman, I have made some optimizations to the script and changed the weight of some characters, which is more beneficial for global distribution..."
David Heyman took the script and read it. Zhang Chen had special notes on the changes, so it reads very quickly and does not waste much time. "No problem, Zhang, you are a mature director, your revisions are very reasonable and are good for global promotion..."
This time, David Heyman's attitude was surprisingly good.
"In addition, I am planning to start casting for "Pacific Rim" in the past two days, and you may need your company to help coordinate..."
"It's all a trivial matter, Zhang~"
After a pause, David Heyman said again: "Zhang, first of all, please allow me to apologize to you on behalf of Warner. We admit that you have underestimated you before."
"In the previous evaluation, we thought you were an excellent horror film director and had a strong ability to control small and medium-cost horror films, but we didn't think you could control a project as big as a $100 million science fiction film...
But obviously, we were wrong.
Your "Moon" let us see your potential. You are a genius, so you know..."
Zhang Chen was stunned for a moment, then nodded, "Okay, then Mr. Heyman, I accept your apology."
"Call me David, we are already friends, aren't we?"
"Okay, David, yes, we are friends."
"Hahaha, come on, let's go to my office to chat. I have the best whiskey, everyone can drink it and chat..."
David Heyman smiled and was unexpectedly enthusiastic about Zhang Chen.
The two came to his office, and the secretary opened the door for them first.
"Helen, this afternoon belongs to me and this gentleman, and I will refuse any meeting..."
Before entering the door, David Heyman smiled and ordered the secretary. "Okay, Mr. Heyman."
The two entered Heyman's office and he really turned out a bottle of whiskey and two cups, added ice, and poured into a shallow layer.
"Try it, Zhang, this is the best wine here~"
Zhang Chen did not dare to drink it, but looked at the other party with a wary look: "Mr. Haiman, I must declare first that I have no interest in homosexual love~"
Heiman was stunned at first, and then laughed. "Zhang, who do you think of me? Like you, I only love beauty. Did I misunderstand what I said just now? Oh, damn cultural differences..."
Seeing Haiman's appearance, Zhang Chen also knew that it was probably because he made a mistake and smiled awkwardly.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a little awkward, Heyman simply said, "Actually, I'm asking you to discuss something with you."
"What?"
"About "Moon"~"
Hyman rubbed his hands and placed the wine glass on the table: "Warner made a comprehensive assessment of "Moon" and believed that it was very suitable for videotape distribution, so we hope you can sell it to Warner..."
Zhang Chen finally understood why this old boy was too enthusiastic about him today, and the root of his relationship lies in this.
However, he was still a little confused: "Just videotape?"
Hyman nodded: "Yes, it's just videotape.
I admit that "Moon" is a good story, but it's a bit too thin after all. We have internally evaluated that there are risks in the release of the movie. On the contrary, if it's a videotape, the sales may be better..."
Zhang Chen did not refute, because Diane said so before.
A good story does not necessarily mean a good movie, and a good movie does not necessarily mean a good box office.
The story of "This Man from Earth" is also amazing, but it also did not go to theaters, but was directly released.
The situation in "Moon" is similar.
"But you know, I have a film company myself~"
"I know, you are the boss behind the cube, right?
But I must remind you that big companies have natural advantages in videotape distribution, and your cube is incomparable in this regard.
Instead of trying hard and delaying such a long payment cycle, it is better to sell it to us and get the money immediately~"
David Heyman kept staring at Zhang Chen's eyes when he said this, as if he wanted to understand his inner thoughts.
Zhang Chen did want to sell it, just as he said, it may be more profitable than selling it to Warner, but the time and energy spent in the middle is not easy.
"Then you offer a price~"
"How about $3 million? It's already very good for a small cost. ”
"Impossible, you have to know that if "Moon" is on theaters, it will definitely be more than 3 million US dollars~"
"I just said that according to our evaluation, this kind of film will likely be compensated~"
"It is possible to lose, but it may also be profitable, right?"
Zhang Chen was stubborn, and the two were in a stalemate for a long time, and Heyman finally gave in: "Then how much do you want?"
"Ten million US dollars." Zhang Chen said.
"Impossible." Heyman refused. "Be realistic, let's stop testing each other. What's the case with $8 million? This is already a lot, and everyone has made a profit~"
"Transaction~"
8 million US dollars is Zhang Chen's psychological price. The two old foxes shook hands, and they picked up the whiskey and drank it all in one go.
Zhang Chen did not forget to remind: "You'd better hurry up and release it. Jason became popular, which will also be beneficial to "Pacific Rim"~"
"We think so too~"
Hyman agreed immediately.
The next day, Zhang Chen started auditioning with the help of Warner.
This is Hollywood, and countless actors with dreams are guarding here at any time, but what Zhang Chen needs is not the nameless.
He needs familiar faces, that is, male actors from second-tier or third-tier lines, and the pay cannot be too high.
Warner contacted many people, and everyone near Los Angeles came to interview.
Adrian Brody, an actor who may not remember who he is, but he definitely knows his face.
The most famous work that has participated in is "King Kong", and later participated in "1942" by Xiaogang Cannon and "The Lion from the Sky" by Cheng Long.
A face is very recognizable and has good acting skills.
He won the Oscar in 2002.
But the asking price is also the highest, $5 million.
Zhang Chen has learned that its market price is between 5 million and 8 million US dollars, and the offer given to Zhang Chen is already very conscientious.
But it was still too tall and a little thin, and Zhang Chen was afraid that his body would not be able to withstand it when filming.
In addition, there is Charlie Hannam, the male lead of the original Pacific Rim.
But he is not well-known now, he has only acted in some dramas, and at best he is a third-tier tier.
Shia LaBeouf, this person is also very familiar. It is said that he just starred in "Constantine" last year, starring Keanu Reeves, and Shia LaBeouf played a small supporting role in the movie.
This year he participated in the filming of "Transformers" and it was just finished in September.
Zhang Chen likes him very much. He looks very tough and looks like a mecha pilot.
The last one is the big acquaintance, Jack Gyllenhaal.
Stars in a series of classic films, "Brokeback Mountain", "Source Code", "The Day Afternoon", "The End of Alert"...
He has always followed a semi-commercial and semi-literary path, and his acting skills are not mentioned. He contributed superb acting skills with Heath Ledger in last year's "Brokeback Mountain".
Gellenhaal was the last audition:
"Mr. Gellenhaal, I have a scene here. You are a mecha pilot and are fighting monsters on the mecha. I need you..."
Zhang Chen made a request, and Gellenhaal performed as required.
This is nothing difficult, as long as there are some famous actors, they can basically complete it.
"I have another question here. I want to know, how is your body?" "My...body?" Gyllenhaal repeated the question in confusion.
"Yes, basically all the scenes of the role of mecha driver are done under exoskeleton armor, which requires good physical strength..."
"Oh, this is OK, I am very strong, and I will take time to exercise every week..."
"So what about your pay?"
"
"Four million US dollars."
Zhang Chen was about to say something, when the phone in his pocket suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID and found it was Diane. "Sorry, I need to answer the phone first~"
After Gyllenhaal made a gesture of asking for advice, Zhang Chen walked away and answered the phone two steps.
On the other end of the phone, Diane's iconic voice came, the background sound and quiet music sound, like in a cafe.
"Zhang, I heard you are auditioning for Pacific Rim today?"
The newest ⊥小⊥ said⊥ in ⊥6⊥9⊥⊥⊥⊥⊥⊥⊥⊥⊥⊥⊥⊥⊥!
"Yes, they are all supporting roles. You know, some foreign faces are needed in the movie. Why do you suddenly ask about this..."
"It seems that my news is correct. I actually want to ask you, has the actor been decided? If not, I have a person to recommend it..."
"Do you have any recommendations? Who is it? You can say that I will consider it, but there is no guarantee that it will be enabled..."
"Of course, everything is mainly about movies, and I'm just helping to have an audition opportunity."
"Okay, tell me the name and see if I know?"
"Robert Downey Jr~"
Hearing this name, Zhang Chen's mind flashed back with red steel suits.
When he was silent, he thought Zhang Chen didn't know him, and introduced: "Donny is a family of acting arts. He started acting at a very young age. In 1992, he was nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor..."
Diane was about to continue talking, but Zhang Chen interrupted her and said, "You are familiar with him?"
Dian settled in, "I don't know him, I just know him, but my wife and I are good friends, and this call was called for his wife..."
Zhang Chen shrugged: "It's good that I'm not familiar, because I'm afraid I have to say sorry, I know some of his things..."
Dian took the conversation without waiting for Zhang Chen to finish speaking, "I know you must have heard of something, but Zhang, I can assure you that Donnie has reformed and he hasn't touched that thing for a long time..."
Who knew that Zhang Chen still refused: "Sorry, Diane, my country is quite special, and in my country, there is zero tolerance for that kind of thing."
"Even if he has changed his past?"
"Yes, it's not OK to change his past, as long as he touched it, it won't work. So, in order for the movie to be released normally, I can't take this risk..."
"Okay, I understand."
In a certain cafe, Diane hung up the phone in front of Susan and smiled helplessly.
"Susan, you also heard that Zhang's country's attitude towards that thing is different from ours. He himself hates it very much, so..."
Susan nodded: "It doesn't matter, I'm still very grateful to you, Diane, thank you for everything you did for me. It's okay, I'll find other opportunities for Donnie..."
In the audition room, Zhang Chen also hung up the phone.
No matter how good Robert Downey Jr. was hyped in later generations, depravity is depravity.
What kind of character is that the prodigal son is not good for returning to the gold medal?
As long as you get involved with those, you will be banned indefinitely.
Zhang Chen couldn't take such a big risk to be a favor.
At this time, a weak voice came from beside him: "Director, I never touch that thing, I swear to God~
Also, I didn't mean to eavesdrop~"
It's Gyllenhaal.
Looking at the other party's swearing, Zhang Chen couldn't help but want to laugh.
"Okay, Mr. Gyllenhaal, there is no need to swear. I am very satisfied with you. The staff will contact you later. As long as the pay is fine, you are a member of Pacific Rim."
"Thank you~"
Let the staff send Gyllenhaal away, and then Zhang Chen said to the casting director whom Warner came with: "I am very satisfied with Gyllenhaal and LaBeouf. Go and talk to them about the pay~"
"How much can we pay?"
"How much is LaBeouf's pay?"
"The market price is about $2 million."
"How much is his salary for starring in "Transformers"?"
"I've asked, it's $500,000."
"Then you can negotiate for $500,000, and he agrees and sign the contract right away."
The casting director smiled sly: "What about Gyllenhaal?"
After all, Gyllenhaal has participated in successful projects such as "The Day After Ahead" and "Brokeback Mountain". Among the many auditions, he is second only to Adrian Brody.
"What is his market price?"
"It's between $2-4 million."
"Try to talk about $1 million. We are a Class A production, and this is just a supporting role that will be played for more than ten minutes. I think $1 million is already good..."
Soon, news came from the casting director, and both Labou and Gyllenhaal agreed.
Zhang Chen was also surprised that the casting went so smoothly.
He thought it was all over, but David Heyman reminded him that there was still a black character missing.
How can I forget this?
There is an unwritten rule for Hollywood movies, and black people must participate in every movie, which is an extension of the racial equality system.
Zhang Chen had heard of this statement in his previous life, but in this life he thought that "Pacific Rim" was a project led by China, so he did not need to be followed so strictly.
"If your film still wants to be released in Hollywood, it is best to abide by this rule. It may not necessarily make you successful, but it will definitely make you fail~"
"Okay."
Zhang Chen can only abide by this weird rule.
The black actor seems to have a scientist in the movie that has not been decided, so why not just do this.
Zhang Chen originally wanted to decide on Morgan Freeman, but then checked it and was frightened by his pay.
It actually costs $8 million.
The most reward for a supporting role in the whole film is an insignificant one?
Zhang Chen gave up decisively and finally chose Don Chandel, the war machine in Marvel.
Before this, Don Chandel won the Best Actor Award in the Film category at the 12th American Actors' Association Awards for "Crash", and was nominated for the Best Actor in the Film category at the 62nd American Film and Television Golden Globe Awards for "The Rwanda Hotel".
Although there are many awards, the pay is not high, and finally the negotiation is $800,000.
The audition and other ones took a total of three days.
Fortunately, all the main actors have been found.
As for other extras, it’s easy to deal with. You don’t need to look for them from Hollywood, just look for international students in China.
After getting the role, Zhang Chen set off to return home. This time, Chen Xiaowei was responsible for picking up the plane.
"Did I have had some trouble here during my absence in China?"
"You guessed it right, there is really~"
Chen Xiaowei started Balabara. In the past, this was all Dong Jianqiang's job, but now he has successfully handed over to Chen Xiaowei, the deputy.
But the latter is enjoying it.
"First of all, it was Huayi. When he saw that our Pacific Rim casting made such a big splash, he immediately announced the news of "Kung Fu King".
"Kung Fu King" is also "Double J Plan".
Before, everyone only knew that one J in "Double J Plan" was JetLi Jet Li, but there was no conclusion on who the other J was.
Today I finally gave the exact answer, and the other J is Jackie Chan and Cheng Long. "
It's indeed a big news. Everyone's guess was Hollywood stars before, but they didn't expect it to be Cheng Long in the end.
Then people realized that Cheng Long was going to work with Jet Li?
The two most famous kung fu stars in Chinese movies actually wanted to work together to film. What's the point?
Everyone is full of expectations.
When Chen Xiaowei talked about this, she was unconsciously excited in her tone, and she was obviously full of expectations for the cooperation between the two major kung fu superstars.
But she suddenly found that Zhang Chen's expression was very calm.
"Don't you expect it?"
"Hmm?"
"Hmm?"
"I said you don't expect the new movie Cheng Long and Jet Li collaborated?"
Zhang Chen shook his head, and saw Chen Xiaowei's face full of confusion, and finally decided to make it clear: "I can guarantee that the movie "King Fu" they collaborated on will not be good~"
"Why?"
Chen Xiaowei looked incredible, and she just came up to touch Zhang Chen's forehead. "You think about it, Cheng Long and Jet Li collaborated on a movie. They both have status and are indispensable for the film pay alone. The production cost is 60 to 70 million US dollars.
With such a high cost, it can only be made into blockbusters and released globally, and the cost can be recovered.
If you want to release a kung fu film worldwide, you must consider the acceptance ability of foreign audiences.
You have to let foreign audiences understand it, and it has to conform to their aesthetics.
Then think about this movie, may it still look good? "
Zhang Chen finished speaking, but Chen Xiaowei still looked confused, as if she didn't understand.
Zhang Chen sighed and reminded again: "Which Kung Fu movie was last shot for foreigners?"
""Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"?"
"Is it good?"
This time Chen Xiaowei understood in seconds, and finally got what Zhang Chen meant, but her eyes were still open, and she looked disbelief.
"No...no, right? That's Cheng Long and Jet Li~"
Chen Xiaowei's mind led Cheng Long and Jet Li to the two protagonists in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and immediately felt disgusted...
No...No~
Zhang Chen further explained: "We Chinese have been immersed in martial arts culture since we were young. The threshold for kung fu movies is actually very high.
But foreigners are different.
They have just started to come into contact with kung fu movies in recent years.
Still people still don’t understand why the Chinese in kung fu films are flying around~
They can’t understand what light qi is~
It is impossible for such audiences to expect them to understand good kung fu films in our sense of understanding, but they are in a multi-party market, so the producers will definitely be on their side when filming, so I said, "Kung fu King" must be not good~
Because if we think it is good, this film will probably lose money~"
This time Zhang Chen explained it thoroughly at once, and Chen Xiaowei was enlightened and figured it out at once.
But immediately she became conflicted again:
On the one hand, she knew that what Zhang Chen said was right, and "Kung Fu King" would likely be made into a bad movie;
On the other hand, she hoped that what Zhang Chen said was wrong, so that she could not leave any regrets.
(This chapter ends)