Regarding her words, those present would only consider her modesty. Perhaps what she said made some sense, but achieving a sweeping success without any talent would be hard to believe.
"Director Moran, are you interested in coming to the East to shoot a movie?" Zhang Ziyi asked curiously.
Her words reflected the thoughts of others, and she also considered whether, if Laila had such intentions, she could seize an opportunity to join the production.
Laila thought for a moment, "I haven't thought about it for now. The cultural differences between the East and the West are quite significant. I don't think my usual approach would be well-received here." This was actually a polite way of refusing. Aside from having important films to shoot, she currently had no plans to come here for filming.
The East still didn't have as many theaters as in the future, and it couldn't generate substantial box office returns. What she wanted was to earn money, make movies, and then earn even more money. By investing all this money in the East, she hoped to contribute to the development of the land that once nurtured her.
Whether it was for the sake of providing her beloved movies with a better platform or for the nostalgia she felt for her homeland, she wanted to do something for the East, for the people here, and the memories of her past life.
As an individual, she might not be able to accomplish much, but she had money—a vast flow of funds, a healthy company, and a media company she would control in the future. All these factors combined would enable her to achieve things that others couldn't.
Moreover, she wasn't spending this money recklessly or planning to throw it away. Understanding the development of the future, she knew that this land in the East would become the world's largest economy. Investing more money would only yield more returns.
What's more, she was involved in industries that were virtually risk-free, such as theaters, real estate, and various industries to be developed in the future. With the privilege of reincarnation, if she could choose her career, she would have wasted her second chance if she made the wrong choice.
"Director Moran, you've previously cast Eastern actors. Do you have similar plans in the future?"
Laila smiled at the curious young actors, "Of course, I love everything about the East, whether it's the food or the actors."
Zhang Yimou was also curious, "I remember Westerners can't properly recognize Eastern faces, right?"
"There are indeed some factors at play," Laila knew that many Easterners also struggled to recognize the faces of many Westerners. "But it doesn't matter. As long as there is acting skill and ability, it will naturally be accepted by more audiences. Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, aren't they examples of this?"
Zhang Yimou raised his cup thoughtfully and took a sip, "They struggled for a long time in Hollywood before achieving success. It's not easy!"
He spoke from experience. Being in this industry, he had access to many inside stories. For example, Jackie Chan struggled in Hollywood because things weren't going well for him there initially. He took a gamble, seeking out Laila's grandmother, and invested everything to bring Laila over to shoot "Rush Hour."
Fortunately, it was a success. Laila used her incredible directorial skills to turn a Hollywood-style hero story into a film that everyone loved, successfully opening up the Hollywood market for Jackie Chan.
If they had chosen another director at the time, the film might have failed, and Jackie Chan would have had to return to Asia to develop his film career.
"I heard that Director Moran, you're going to shoot a new movie soon. Will there be Easterners involved?"
Seeing several young actors continuously discussing "Eastern roles," Laila knew they were eager to join her film. It was possible, as there were over a hundred characters with lines in the movie. As long as they didn't mind, anyone could play a role. She was happy to extend some goodwill, considering many characters in the film would require special effects makeup. After the makeup, viewers might not even be able to tell if someone is Eastern or Western.
"Perhaps there will be. I've delegated the selection of actors to the company. If you're interested, you can take a look. Louise is a very responsible person and won't miss any outstanding actors."
The expressions of the actors changed instantly, even the established ones had a moment of daze. Mainly because Laila's words were too impactful. In this era, being famous only within one's own country was not enough for them. It was like encountering a barrier in their cultivation. Only by breaking through that barrier could they level up.
Going to Hollywood to shoot a movie was an opportunity for their cultivation. If they could get a role, the barrier hindering their progress would loosen. If they were lucky enough to get a good role, then they might even directly ascend to immortality.
In the following time, the actors seemed unchanged, but their attitudes towards Laila became more respectful, both in words and actions. After all, no one wanted to leave a bad impression on their future boss.
The other directors present were all very clear in their hearts. After all, she was one of the best directors in Hollywood. It wasn't surprising that these actors were enthusiastic about her. If they were in their shoes, they would also hope to learn from her and see if they could gain some advanced experience.
Yao Yingxia also naturally hoped that there would be actors from her side sent to the West. In a sense, it was a form of cultural exchange, just like how Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan spread Eastern martial arts to the world. The current Eastern countries were expecting a larger stage and more room for development, and cultural output was also a symbol of strength.
"We have many outstanding actors here. It would be great if there could be more exchanges in the film industry in the future."
Laila nodded, "Yes, only developing within one's own territory is not progress. We must go out, present our good things to the outside world, and absorb good things from outside."
"Director Moran, I'm really glad to have such a friendly international friend like you, come to the East." Yao Yingxia was truly moved; she had seen too many Westerners with a condescending attitude. It wasn't just Westerners; people from several small neighboring countries also dared to act superior.
Indeed, the East was not yet prosperous, but that was only because it had been asleep for too long. As long as it was given some time to awaken, this awakening dragon would soon show the world its magnificence and greatness.
"If all Westerners were like you, we would be much more relaxed." Not sure what she was thinking, Yao Yingxia sighed softly.
Laila's eyes also dimmed, recalling the setbacks she had encountered, and she felt a sense of shared destiny.