Tsui Hark is still the same, very thin and with messy hair.
Ronald took him and Corey Yeun to an expensive restaurant to catch up with them.
Tsui Hark also studied in America, and his English is better than Ang Lee. He can talk to Ronald directly, and Ronald can understand a little Cantonese, so the three of them put aside the translation.
We started chatting about the progress of the new film directly at the dinner table.
The script that Corey Yeun came up with is called "Twin Swords of the Dragon and Phoenix".
The background of the story is San Francisco and Hong Kong in the 1980s. Kate Thompson, a female movie star in San Francisco, did not film for a while because she divorced her husband, a producer.
During her break, she became very interested in the Chinese martial arts gyms in San Francisco. After learning some Wing Chun techniques from a master who had served as a stunt double in "The Dragon King", she made rapid progress and liked it very much.
A martial art that looks quite feminine.
Kate Thompson decided to go to Hong Kong, the source of Wing Chun, to continue her studies. She also sought opportunities to develop in the film industry in Hong Kong. She heard that it was a film production center in East Asia. His agent also reminded him that there was a film maker in Hong Kong named Wei Lung.
The action star needs white women to join his new drama.
When they arrived in Hong Kong, Kate met a Chinese martial arts master, Lin Feilong. He heard that Kate wanted to learn authentic Wing Chun, so he took her to meet his grandmother, a martial arts teacher who had practiced Wing Chun for many years, Bai Guizhen.
Bai Guizhen saw Kate's excellent physical fitness and was willing to learn. She taught her without any secrets. She even taught Kate the Wing Chun trick "Dragon and Phoenix Swords". After a few months, Kate was already very good at fighting and filming moves.
There is no problem with the movie either.
At this time, Veyron's new film was facing some difficulties. The film's investor was a gangster, and he interfered randomly with the script and filming, which put Veyron under pressure. After Kate joined the filming team, the gang boss took a fancy to Kate's
She is beautiful and tries to forcefully intervene in her life.
As a good friend of Kate, Lin Feilong worked as her bodyguard on the set. In the end, the gang boss couldn't help but behaved rudely to Kate. In the end, Lin Feilong used Wing Chun taught by his grandmother to face the investor and his younger brothers.
.Kate fought side by side with him, and the two used the dragon and phoenix swords to knock down the black boss's younger brother.
At this time, the black boss took out a pistol. Seeing that it was about to escalate into an international incident, the big star Weilong, who was also the producer, couldn't help but take action. He stepped forward and knocked the black boss to the ground with a folding stool handle.
At this moment, the consulate counselor who received Kate's alarm call arrived with Mr. O and CID to bring the black boss to justice.
The movie had no investors and was about to fail. At this time, Kate's agent rushed to Hong Kong. There was a big director in Hollywood who wanted to make an action movie. After seeing the script that Kate sent to her agent, he greatly appreciated it and decided to invest in filming in San Francisco.
this movie.
Lin Feilong, Kate, Weilong and others went to San Francisco together. The filming of the movie was a great success, and Lin Feilong and Kate finally got married.
"Hiss..." Ronald scratched his head. The completion of this script is not very good, and the plot in many places is empty. For example, in the fighting scene, the hero and heroine fight here for five minutes...
And he could also tell that many of the characters in it were based on Jackie Chan and other real-life characters. The whole script seemed to have a peculiar feeling of a Hong Kong B-movie.
Seeing that the two Xiangjiang friends were looking at him eagerly, hoping for an answer, Ronald put away the script and cleared his throat.
"The story of the script is pretty good, and it's a good idea to shoot in Hong Kong and San Francisco. However, Hollywood has different requirements for scripts. The fighting scenes need to be refined, and the story itself needs to be modified. There are still some problems with Kate's character.
.I can help you find a script doctor to take a look.
How do you divide the work now? Is the screenwriter responsible?"
The two took a look, and finally Corey Yuen pointed to Tsui Hark, "He is the screenwriter." The final English script was written by Tsui Hark.
"Ah...ok, I'll arrange for you to meet. He's also Chinese, so we can chat." Ronald put the script down and looked at Corey Yuen, "Then you are the director?"
"Yes...yes..." Corey Yuen was excited. He had the opportunity to direct a multi-million dollar movie in Hong Kong. Jackie Chan, the biggest star there, had a plan A sequel with a budget of only 3.8 million US dollars.
Who would have thought that they would have the opportunity to take on such a big production.
"Okay, find a time and I'll arrange for you to meet with the casting director. Kate has to choose a very beautiful actress."
"Here, Director Luo? In our play, Kate has a lot of martial arts scenes. It can't just be about looks, she also has to be able to fight."
"You know how to fight? You don't have to know how to fight. This is an action movie. The heroine only needs to be good-looking and move like that." Ronald didn't understand why a female star playing the role of Kate would fight in a movie like this.
"You might as well take a look at two Hollywood movies from the past few years. One is 'Excalibur', starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bridget Nielsen. The other one is 'Crocodile Dundee', which
The comparison between the cultural landscape of America and foreign countries is very clever. You should make more changes in this direction.
Then these fighting actions also need to be written in detail. We have a celebrity insurance system in Hollywood. If there is no appropriate description, no company will be willing to insure it."
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! "This... we all make temporary decisions in Xiangjiang. We will shoot the martial arts drama tomorrow, and our martial arts instructors and martial artists can choreograph it today. It is not a literary drama, so we have to write it first
A plot.”
"This... when we shoot action movies in Xiangjiang, the literary drama directors are responsible for things like love, broken love, etc., and the martial arts directors are responsible for directing the martial arts dramas. I asked Tsui Hark to come together because I wanted to divide the work. He would direct the literary dramas and I would direct the martial arts dramas.
"
"Hahaha..." Ronald rushed over and laughed, "This is not okay. All Hollywood practitioners here must be supervised by the union. According to the regulations of the Directors Guild, a movie can only have one director, and it is impossible to divide
What kind of literary and martial arts drama..."
"This..." Corey Yuen was very disappointed when he heard this. Everything was done according to the rules. Ronald didn't know how long it would take to revise the script to his satisfaction. With this effort, three movies were filmed in Hong Kong.
Tsui Hark, who once studied in America, knows the rules here better, "Director Luo, it's not that we don't respect the rules of Hollywood, it's just that our technicians and martial arts masters are used to our working methods there.
"
Tsui Hark filmed a movie called "Swordsman" starring three female stars in Hong Kong. It cost a lot of money, but it failed at the box office. For a while, no investors were willing to ask him to make a movie. He had to work behind the scenes to help several other shareholders in the company.
Did some unnamed behind-the-scenes work.
That's why this time, he was persuaded by Corey Yuen to work together on this five-million-dollar "big production" that has never been made by a Hong Kong native.
He wanted to persuade again, but Ronald raised his hand to stop him. "Well, you are also tired today. I have booked a Hilton executive suite for you. You can have a good rest. We are jet-lagged and we will continue talking tomorrow. You also have it.
Give it more time to think about it and be mature."
Corey Yuen went back to talk to the martial arts masters in Xiangjiang about the progress, and then fell asleep. Tsui Hark was still very interested and asked to visit the set of Daydream.
Ronald asked his assistant to take him to the Daydream equipment showroom. There were lightning lights, camera stabilizers, various tapes, a portable toilet that could be hung on the back of the trailer, and some expensive wires.
"These steel wires are in compliance with the guidelines of the Hollywood Stunt Guild. The quality of our production is very good and can be used repeatedly for more than 3,000 times without any fatigue or strength reduction problems."
The assistant saw that he was very concerned about the wire, so he came up to introduce it.
"How much does a one-meter wire like this cost?" Tsui Hark touched it and it felt really good.
"Seventeen and a half dollars a foot..."
"How much?" Tsui Hark sighed in his heart. The quality is good, but it is really expensive. In Xiangjiang, you can buy this wire for ten Hong Kong dollars per foot.
He looked at the prices of other equipment and had an idea.
"Corey, get up." As soon as Tsui Hark returned to the hotel, he knocked on Corey Yuen's door.
"It's not that simple. Costs here in Hollywood are very expensive. An extra actor costs more than 200 US dollars a day, five million US dollars. It's not a big production here. When I studied abroad, it wasn't so expensive. Now we can negotiate the price.
I tried it three times and the swelling was huge."
"It's so expensive? It's not like our Xiangjiang. It would be nice if a walk-in person has a box lunch to eat."
The two of them now understood that the shooting budget that Ronald had mentioned was five million US dollars, which was calculated based on the shooting costs in Hollywood. Of course, this money would be very valuable in Hong Kong, so it was best to negotiate the budget. Most shootings
If you put it in Xiangjiang, you will be wealthy.
The next day, regardless of fatigue, the two came to Ronald's office to ask for a meeting and explain what they had agreed upon.
"This?" Ronald felt a little unsure when he heard the two people's plans. He didn't dare to make serious productions in Hollywood. The film industry in Hong Kong was operated in the form of B-level movies from the beginning.
The shooting speed is fast, the script is not standardized, and the actors and directors have a lot of random on-site performances. If they change their minds, they may not really be able to film anymore. Unless they stay in Hollywood as an intern for a period of time and follow a crew, they can make movies in the Hollywood way.
.
"If you want to shoot like this, it's the way to shoot a B-level movie. Our company can't invest too much, and you have to find a suitable Hong Kong investor."
Ronald explained that Hollywood is a long-arm jurisdiction. If your company invests in making movies overseas and holds more than 50% of the shares, it must also abide by various union regulations and register with the American Film Association.
Otherwise, if you have to follow the filming method of Xiangjiang and do not register the script in advance with the Producers Association, then it will be an overseas film and it will be introduced through import. The taxation, marketing, and distribution channels of the two are different.
It seems that two friends from Hong Kong have been poured cold water on their heads. This is really unexpected. No wonder the two reporters from Jiahe would rather invest in Hollywood projects or do overseas distribution than come to Hollywood for filming. It seems that they
He has suffered a loss.
Ronald looked at the two of them and thought that if nothing was agreed upon this time, then the cooperation in Xiangjiang would be cut off. In order to open up a new production base and introduce talents and knowledge from Xiangjiang, he would have to
To complete this project, even if you lose money, you still have to set an example.
Just can't pay too much.
"In this way, although my company cannot invest in the production of films in Hong Kong, it can invest in your company in my own name. After you make the film, sell me the distribution rights in America, Japan, Europe and other places. In this way, we can
It's a win-win situation." Ronald thought for a while and decided to invest 1.5 million US dollars to shoot the two of them.
"Overseas distribution..." The two of them looked at each other and said nothing. Jiahe's movies distributed overseas have always been excused for various reasons and the satellite companies were not allowed to settle overseas profits. When asked about these two gentlemen, they were losing money...
I don't have the ability to check the accounts.
Ronald continued to make offers.
"I personally invested 1.5 million US dollars, and you also provided talents and equipment accordingly. I put two high-end cameras at Brother Long's place and you can borrow them. The equipment and film are all in accordance with high standards.
You are responsible for the local release in Hong Kong. If the box office makes money, we will share the profits. For overseas distribution, America will pay you a copy fee, and then we will share the settlement with you after the release.
For distribution in other places, we will negotiate the price according to the market conditions after attending the Cannes and Tokyo Film Festival exhibitions next year. But don’t hold out too much hope. The buyout fee there is only tens of thousands of dollars per country.
"
"How do you like these conditions? If you are not satisfied with them, we can still discuss them."
"We are all satisfied, Luo Sheng, you are so generous." Corey Yuen and Tsui Hark almost burst into tears when they heard this condition. Apart from Jackie Chan's Japanese box office, no one else in Hong Kong has ever seen overseas box office profits.
What does it look like?
"But I also have conditions." Ronald continued.
The two looked at Ronald with wide eyes.
"First of all, I personally have the production rights, and the rights for future sequels and all script adaptations will belong to me.
Secondly, you need to film more scenes of hanging wires in this movie, our American audience likes this."
"No problem..." Corey Yuen gritted his teeth and agreed, taking more pictures of hanging wires. Old people who practice martial arts, such as the leader of Liu's class, would definitely laugh at the fact that what he filmed was not kung fu, but dance.
But for the sake of money, what can't be made? Your old man has never made a movie with such a big budget, right?
Both parties smiled, and Ronald asked a lawyer to draw up a contract and handed it to them.
Seeing Corey Yuen about to sign, Tsui Hark secretly pulled him down.
Ronald immediately said, "Don't be so anxious. Go back and discuss it with your lawyer first. If there are any unclear terms, we can discuss it again."
"It's okay. Luo Sheng is familiar with Brother Long, and he is a great benefactor of our Xiangjiang martial arts school. He will not lie to me. I completely believe in Luo Sheng's character. I will sign now."
While talking, Corey Yuen and Tsui Hark both signed their names. They all have small film companies or studios under their names, which are perfect for taking on this job.
"Hahaha...Okay...it's a pleasure to work with you." Ronald felt very happy when he saw the other party signing. He ordered them to accompany them to visit Los Angeles and give each of them some travel souvenirs and Sony electronics.
Products make gifts.
"Hehe..." Ronald looked at the contract very happily and locked it in the drawer. According to the contract, he has priority for Corey Yuen and Tsui Hark's next five movies each. As long as they are filming in Hollywood, they must first
Find cooperation with yourself. If you don’t agree to invest, then you can find others.
From now on, who else can make Hollywood Xiangjiang style action movies besides myself? Moreover, the copyright of the video tape of "Dragon and Phoenix" also belongs to me. As long as Jean-Claude Van Damme has 80% of the level of "Boxing Domination" of Jean-Claude Van Damme, this will
Isn’t it a great investment?
"Hey..." After leaving the office, they went to visit Warner Bros. Studios. Corey Yuen and Tsui Hark were both snickering in the back seat of the car. Director Luo really didn't know how cheap it was to make a movie in Hong Kong. With an investment of 1.5 million, they had nothing but
I can make this movie without any investment, and maybe I can make another one and sell it to a distributor.
Moreover, Ronald also promised to give them a share of overseas distribution. How about more cooperation like this in the future? Director Luo also signed an intention for each of them to make five movies. If this movie is a hit, they can do this five more times in the future.
ah.
The two hung out in Los Angeles for a week, during which they also auditioned some Hollywood actresses and stuntmen who could fight. A Polish martial artist named Cynthia Rothrock had just the right conditions. She was able to perform martial arts moves and had a good figure.
very good.
She was the national champion of Taekwondo and was also selected as the best female athlete of the year by "Black Belt" magazine.
What's more comfortable is that before joining the American Screen Actors Guild, she also played a supporting role in a Chinese New Year movie "Wealth Train" in Hong Kong, and her Chinese name is Rovero.
When she heard that she was being asked to be the heroine in such a theater movie, Rovero happily agreed. Ronald nodded after seeing her, and the "Dragon and Phoenix" project was basically confirmed.
"What about that? Go back to Xiangjiang and say hello to Jackie for me. I'm about to acquire a film company and have the property rights for his films in America. I also want to release his other film videos in the future. Ask him for me if he has any.
If you're interested, we'll find time to have an interview." Ronald came over to say goodbye to the two Hong Kong filmmakers, and let them keep an eye on the rest of the matter.
…
At the same time, Ronald's acquisition of 21st Century Pictures was also in progress.
Obviously besides them, there are other people who also want to reorganize the company that filed for bankruptcy, and have also filed applications with the court. However, because Ronald’s valuation of the old Kung Fu movie in Hong Kong is different from others, so he
The base price is higher than others.
However, when it comes to business negotiations, Ronald still entrusts a team led by lawyer Mickey Kanter to be solely responsible for negotiations.
"Ronald, I feel that our competitor EMI Pictures is not very urgent. It does not have to be 21st Century Pictures. We can wait.
Their new president is Italian, and maybe he wants to buy De Laurentiis Productions, which is also in trouble. If they go to buy De Laurentiis' company instead, we can delay it for a few more days.
Let creditors give you a huge discount on debt in the 21st century."
Miss Lindsay Dole was about to go back to accompany her son, so she came to Ronald's office, reported the negotiation situation, and expressed some of her intuitive feelings.
"Is that so? Let's wait, I'm not in a hurry." Ronald still has great trust in Lindsay's level and loyalty.
Ronald is not in a hurry, someone else is.
Soon, an old acquaintance rushed into Ronald's office.
"Ronald, Ronald, you bad boy, do you want to steal what belongs to me?" Minahan Golan came over and supported the desk with his hands, glaring.
"What's wrong with you? Minahan? What do you have to say? Why did I steal your stuff? By the way, you Cannons are also releasing my movie Boxing World in Cannes. You should be the one who stole my money, right?"
"
"Hey, a cannon is a cannon, I am me..." Minahan sat down slumped, "I need 21st Century Pictures, don't steal it from me, Ronald."
"You sit down first, and I'll pour you a glass of brandy." Ronald stood up, closed the office door, and poured Minahan a glass of wine.
"Drink some. Calm down first and tell me what's going on?"
It turns out that this company is being acquired by EMI Pictures with only one purpose, which is to give it to Minahan Golan in exchange for him to resign and hand over all the power of the cannon to his cousin Yoram and the new Italian boss
Giancarlo Parretti.
"So, this is part of your golden parachute?" Ronald suppressed a laugh. Minahan was eventually fired by Cannon and his cousin. For a person of this level to leave his job, in order to stop his mouth, the original movie
The company always prepares a big gift package, such as funding for his independent production company, cash rewards, and a long distribution contract to continue to support his future films.
Minahan lowered his head and admitted that he was very sad. Cannon had placed his dream of making a movie in his heart, but he didn't expect to be stabbed in the back by his cousin. The best distribution manager he brought out was kicked out together with outsiders.
"I said, this is no conflict, right?" Ronald handed Minahan a box of biscuits, and he picked it up and ate it. Minahan had a particularly good appetite when he was angry.
"There are many companies like 21st Century Pictures in Hollywood now. Many companies are facing financial difficulties. Just ask your cousin to buy another one for you." Ronald knew that this was an independent production.
Part of the company, part of Minahan's resignation package.
"Don't mention that bastard, pfft..." Minahan spat on the floor.
"I said, why are you..." Ronald laughed angrily at Minahan's childish behavior, "You eat slowly, these are cookies my aunt baked for me."
Ronald took the cookie box back and said, "Tell me, why is the 21st century so important to you?"
"..." Minahan was angry that Ronald took the biscuits back and said nothing.
"If you don't tell me, I won't consider giving you the 21st century."
"Well..." Minahan muttered, "It's all because of an exit clause."