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T/N: I will be translating another tough Chinese novel "The Lord's Lady from the East" check it out if you have time. Thanks.
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Hollywood is a place where qualifications are needed. If you repeatedly play a role in a bad movie, you will inevitably give people the impression of box office poison. Chen Long's wish is to bring Kung Fu to the West. How could he be willing to be ended by the cruel reality at the beginning?
So when he overheard his elders talking about a friendship with Grandma Chen, he had the idea to ask Laila to direct the next movie.
After reading a few pages of the script, Laila also realized that this is the classic action film "Rush Hour" in the future. Although there are some differences in some details, the big frame is the same.
"Why are you looking for me? I'm just a new director who made two low-cost horror films. If I read it right, the investment cost for this is $35 million U.S. dollars. Don't you worry about giving me the money?"
Laila has filmed three works so far, and the most expensive one is "Final Destination." Chen Long brought so much investment to her at once. She didn't know whether to thank him for his trust or to admire his boldness. After all, this movie is his turnaround. Whether he can gain a foothold in Hollywood depends on whether this movie has brought him a good result.
Chen Long looked at her deeply: "I believe you are the best choice!"
"Oh?" Laila smiled non-committal, setting the script aside. "I don't think I am a suitable candidate. You should know that my works are all low-cost horror films, and yours is an action film. There are many differences between the two."
Unexpectedly, Chen Long said earnestly: "I have seen those two films that have been released. They have the same characteristics of uniqueness and innovation. As long as the movies are wonderful, I still have some confidence in my martial arts design. The next thing is how to tell this story more attractively. That's why I chose you."
"Haha." Laila smiled. It cannot be denied that it makes her feel happy to say that to a celebrity she liked very much in her previous life. "I can take this script, but there are two conditions."
Chen Long nodded happily: "Please speak."
Laila raised a finger: "First, I want the final editing rights."
"I can guarantee this!" Chen Long agreed without thinking.
It made Laila a little surprised: "No need to discuss with investors and producers?"
Chen Long smiled and said, "I have been assured that as long as you are willing to accept the script, we can agree to any conditions."
Laila raised her eyebrows: "Well, the second point, I want to join the investment, the investment amount is not less than $10 million."
This time Chen Long raised his eyebrows accidentally: "Do you think this movie will be good?" He saw that she only glanced at the script a few times. Did she have confidence in the script?
Laila smiled slightly: "How come the movie I made is so bad?"
If you were so confident, you might be labeled as proud of others, but Chen Long didn't. He knew very well what kind of genius the girl in front of him was. Perhaps a genius can be used to describe someone who is a bit awkward. As many people say, she is a person born for movies.
Don't look at only two works, but think about what these two movies have brought to know how incredible she has made. The two films won nearly $600 million US dollars worldwide, which is a goal that most directors will never achieve in their lives!
He doesn't ask for more. As long as the script can get a box office of $100 million, he will be satisfied. As for the investment requested by Laila, I believe that investors cannot refuse, and those people are eager for someone to stand up and share the risk with them.
"That's okay!" He gave a final word.
"Well, I will arrange for someone to sign with you as soon as possible." Laila stood up and stretched out her hand: "Happy cooperation."
"Happy cooperation." Chen Long smiled and shook hands with her. The heart that had been hanging finally fell back into his position.
To be honest, when he came, he had never thought that things would go so smoothly. First of all, Laila was a member of the Moran family, and he was not worthy of asking her. Furthermore, he is an Oriental, and it is hazardous to make a movie with the protagonist in the West to win the box office of Hollywood with the face of an Oriental. If it weren't for some relationships, he wouldn't be able to get those investments.
With Laila's achievements, she didn't need to gamble like this at all. Once the work fails, she will suffer more pressure and blows than him.
Unexpectedly, she agreed! Compared with her promise, the final editing rights and investment can be said to be fringe benefits. In front of him is a director who has won hundreds of millions of box offices worldwide. Who can take away her editing rights? With her investment, New Line Production and investors will be more assured to hand over the film to him for operation!
He has a hunch. Maybe this time the cooperation will enable him to make some achievements in Hollywood!
After leaving the script, Chen Long left.
Only then did Laila pick up the script and read it carefully.
As I said before, Hollywood is very exclusive. If the best actors in other countries want to mix in Hollywood, they have to climb up step by step according to Hollywood rules. In this capitalist society, if you're going to get the attention of investors, you must first show the benefits that you can get them. Otherwise, who cares if you are a superstar or a beggar in your original country?
Many non-Hollywood actors have also met Chen Long. Take Cate Blanchett, who has worked with Laila, for example. She is also a famous actor who has won important awards in Australia, but she can come to Hollywood. Don't you also need to find all the opportunities to climb up?
Just now, she glanced at the script roughly and saw that the big frame above was formed. Only the small details were different from the original. For example, in the original version, the partner with Chen Long is a black man, but although the script is also black, it is more serious. This is contrary to Chen Long's style, and it is not as likable as the original version.
Touching the pen, Laila made notes in the corresponding places, ready to let the screenwriter modify these minor violations. At the same time, she would try to avoid some unsatisfactory areas in the original version.
"I heard you found a new script?" The old man pretended to ask her casually at the dinner table.
Laila nodded to her grandmother, who also looked at her: "Yes, I found a script."
The old man seemed to be very upset about her not caring about her attitude. He snorted and said, "I heard it was a big production?"
"Yes, it is estimated to be $35 million."
"Are you sure?"
Laila curled her lips and said, "I won't fail."
The corners of the old man's mouth turned up involuntarily, but he quickly restrained and put on a serious expression: "Don't be careless! Movies are not toys. You can't get the box office with money! You have never seen how those big director fail? Even the most powerful director will fail, not to mention you, a "little" guy who has only made two "small" cost movies.
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T/N: Am still a novice in translating novel, No group, No team, No partner, just me for fun…
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