The spring night is short and the sun is rising. From now on, the king will not go to court early!
Although Chu Huan was not that stupid, he was almost there. After successfully winning the first blood, Chu Huan's subsequent itinerary changed completely.
Originally, Chu Huan planned to stay in Taipei for two to three days before returning to Xiangjiang to deal with all the company's affairs after the beginning of the new year, but now Chu Huan stayed in Taipei for five days.
And then he also skipped the trip to Xiangjiang. After directly contacting the heads of several companies through a conference call, he took Lin Qingxia to Scotland to meet with Jian Yueqiang, and then went to MacLehose's farm together!
"You!" Jian Yueqiang said helplessly after seeing Chu Huan: "How dare you not attend such an important occasion!"
Jian Yueqiang is talking about the foundation laying ceremony of Huaye City.
The mountain-moving and reclamation project lasted more than half a year and was finally completed. Then came the grand foundation laying ceremony of Huaye City.
However, Chu Huan was in Taipei with Lin Qingxia in the hotel at that time and did not go back to participate!
Chu Huan smiled nonchalantly and said: "It's just a matter of face. It doesn't matter whether I participate or not. Besides, I showed up too many times in Xiangjiang last year. It's time to keep a low profile at this time!"
Hearing what Chu Huan said, Jian Yueqiang smiled and said to Chu Huan: "I originally thought of reminding you during the foundation laying ceremony, but I didn't expect that you had already thought of it yourself!"
He didn't attend the foundation laying ceremony of Huaye City. In fact, Chu Huan had been friends for a long time and had nothing to do with Lin Qingxia, as Chu Huan himself said.
Last year Chu Huan was really too outstanding.
It acquired Jiahu Textile in March, announced the establishment of the Huaye City project in July, and acquired Henglong Real Estate in October.
Any thing that happened would shock Xiangjiang, and Chu Huan did three such things.
It seems that Chu Huan has unlimited fame in Xiangjiang at this time, but Chu Huan knows that prosperity must inevitably decline.
This kind of thing not only occurs internally, but may also be caused externally.
In fact, since the acquisition of Hang Lung Properties, Chu Huan's competitors have changed. They are no longer those second-generation competitors such as Chen Qizong and Michael Keswick.
Now the competitors that Chu Huan faces in the market have become Jardine Matheson, Hutchison International, and even many Chinese-owned companies.
So now Chu Huan needs to keep a low profile even more, because only in this way will his shortcomings not be exposed.
The three of them took a car and arrived at MacLehose's farm.
"Chu, welcome to your arrival!"
Here, MacLehose no longer has the aura of a Hong Kong governor and looks more like an ordinary farmer. But Chu Huan understands that anyone who thinks so is a fool!
It is true that Chu Huan does not deny that MacLehose was the most successful Hong Kong governor in the history of Hong Kong, but it would be a big mistake to think that MacLehose was a good person just based on this.
The success of a political figure must be followed by mountains of blood, but more people pay attention to his glorious political achievements.
If Chu Huan were just an ordinary citizen of Xiangjiang, you would naturally just support him honestly. But according to Chu Huan's current status, you can't just lie down passively. Sometimes you have to learn to take the initiative.
"Mr. MacLehose, thank you very much for the invitation. Your place is really beautiful!"
MacLehose really liked his farm, otherwise he wouldn't have given himself a long vacation and come back here every year.
Hearing Chu Huan's words, MacLehose said very happily: "I have prepared everything you need for hunting, just let us relax for a few days!"
Chu Huan smiled and said, "Thank you very much."
MacLehose really needs to relax for two days. He is recharging his energy.
There are two major events for MacLehose at the beginning of this year!
The first thing is naturally the foundation laying ceremony of the Huaye City project. For MacLehose, the foundation laying ceremony of Huaye City heralds the completion of the Shatin New Town earlier than expected. For MacLehose,
In fact, it also represents his success in this political achievement.
The second thing is the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption!
In February this year, the Independent Commission Against Corruption was officially established, which will be an important shot in the fight against corruption in Hong Kong. Although this matter has been handed over to specific candidates, MacLehose will definitely be watching behind the scenes.
Therefore, this year's long holiday will definitely have to be shortened for MacLehose.
As a guest, Chu Huan naturally would not disturb MacLehose too much, so Chu Huan only stayed in Scotland for two days. After getting over the addiction of touching guns, Chu Huan said goodbye.
In fact, according to Chu Huan's current status, it is actually very easy to play with guns, but she still can't let go in Xiangjiang.
Chu Huan, who left Scotland, did not return to Xiangjiang, but came to Los Angeles in North America!
Afro hair, bell-bottom pants, and deafening music coming from the convertible car whizzing by.
This was the first impression this city of angels gave Chu Huan.
"Huan, this is Director Spielberg!"
In the hotel, Chu Huan met the purpose of his visit to Hollywood under Kelly's introduction.
Under Kelly, Spielberg has joined Vertex from Universal Pictures.
The price paid by Apex Pictures for this was US$2 million.
At that time, Kelly called Chu Huan and asked, is Spielberg worth the money?
And most importantly, this person only has two years left on his contract.
Two years later, it’s not certain whether Spielberg can stay at Apex Pictures!
But Chu Huan’s answer was, it must be won!
"Steven, this is Chu Huan, who I told you is my good friend, who highly recommended me to sign you. Mr. Chu, he is now the boss of the largest film company in Hong Kong, and he appreciates your work very much."
Kelly introduced Chu Huan to Spielberg.
Spielberg was only in his twenties at this time. When he heard that Chu Huan was the boss of the largest film company in Hong Kong, he immediately became curious.
"So, Mr. Chu is Bruce's boss?"
Bruce is Bruce Lee's English name.
Chu Huan smiled and asked, "Steven knows Bruce?"
Spielberg smiled modestly and said: "I don't know him, but I have watched Bruce's "Enter the Dragon" and it is a very good action movie. I personally like it very much!"
This is Li Xiaolong’s international influence.
Chu Huan explained: "I am not Bruce's boss, but he and I are good friends. "Enter the Dragon" was released in North America last year, and my company invested in this movie!"
Spielberg praised: "Mr. Chu's vision is really amazing!"
Although Spielberg also shot many classic literary films during his life, his greater label is actually that of a commercial film director.
So Spielberg has always regarded movies as a business.
Chu Huan laughed and said, "I think so too!"
After the two chatted, they sat down. Spielberg was still very curious about Chu Huan. Although Kelly had already said it before, Chu Huan thought that he would become an excellent actor in the future after watching the short film he directed.
Film director.
But this statement is really difficult for Spielberg to accept.
The most important thing is that the emergence of Apex Pictures disrupted all Spielberg's plans.
In fact, there is one thing that Kelly did not find out clearly before, that is, in October, Spielberg had already started filming his first movie "The Great Escape".
Spielberg still attaches great importance to this movie, and even Universal Pictures invested US$3 million in this movie!
Universal Pictures is also very optimistic about this movie.
But because of the emergence of Apex Pictures, half way through the filming of my movie, I actually changed owners!
This is just like a player on an NBA team who is playing on the court, but is called down by the coach, and then tells him that you have been traded out by the team, and you cannot play in the next game!
Although the change of owners did not allow Universal Pictures to deprive Spielberg of being the director of the movie "Rampage", but...
Spielberg is proud, but for him, this matter still carries a certain amount of humiliation.
Moreover, this is the first time in Hollywood that such a contract for a film director has been purchased!
If it weren't for the fact that after negotiating with Kelly, he received Kelly's assurance that the company would give Spielberg the greatest respect for his creation in the film, and would even give Spielberg the right to edit the film independently.
In later generations, Wu Baige would often use this incident to prove his status in Hollywood, but in fact, the so-called independent editing rights can represent a director's status in Hollywood to a certain extent, but this right has
Such respect, but that's actually a bit nonsense.
But no matter what, this right still made Spielberg feel the greatest respect at this time, and it was this respect that made Spielberg accept Apex Pictures!
"Kelly, your company really got a big bargain this time. If your company wants to sign Steven again in a few days, I don't think Universal Pictures will agree to it!"
Chu Huan also learned from Kelly that beating was Spielberg's business. Although he didn't know the box office of the movie "The Great Escape", Chu Huan also understood that if the box office of this movie was not successful,
Universal Pictures will not give Spielberg a second chance.
Hollywood has always been a realistic place. For a young director like Spielberg, if his first movie is not successful, he really has to wait for the chance to continue directing movies.
In another time and space, Spielberg had already started planning to shoot the movie "Jaws" in May of this year!
Kelly also said with a smile on her face: "I think so too."
Seeing that Chu Huan and Kelly thought so highly of him, Spielberg felt a little embarrassed.
"By the way, Steven, do you have any new movie ideas for the next time?" Chu Huan asked Spielberg a question that shocked him.
Spielberg said: "I heard that Universal Pictures' producers Richard and David were more interested in Peter Benchley's novel "Jaws" and were negotiating with each other in my free time.
I have also read this novel and thought the story was very exciting!”
Every boss is actually a junior before he becomes a boss, and Spielberg is no exception. He said that he was interested in this novel. It is better to say that he heard about it and knew that the producers of Universal Pictures were interested in it.
That’s why I became interested in this novel.
Chu Huan knew that there was a tradition of adapting novels in Hollywood, but he did not expect that the movie "Jaws" would also be adapted from a novel.
"Really? So Steven, you also like this novel?" Chu Huan showed an expression of surprise.
Seeing Chu Huan's expression, Spielberg suddenly showed curiosity: "Chu, have you also read this novel?"
I have read it... Chu Huan smiled and said: "I have indeed read some of it. I actually thought about buying the copyright of this novel at the beginning, but you also know the situation in Xiangjiang, so for this
It was impossible to make a similar movie, especially the model of Jaws, so the idea was dropped.”
Spielberg showed a regretful expression. If Chu Huan had been able to buy the copyright of this novel before, based on the relationship between him and Kelly, it would have been very difficult for Apex Pictures to buy it from Chu Huan.
easy.
Although Spielberg paid attention to this novel because Universal Pictures wanted to make this movie, after reading the novel, Spielberg really liked the story and was very willing to adapt the novel into
Movie.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Kelly and Chu Huan have developed a tacit understanding over the past few years. When Chu Huan said this, she immediately understood what Chu Huan meant.
"One is the boss of a film company, and the other is a future film director. Since both of them are so optimistic about this movie, wouldn't I regret it if I missed it?"
Hearing what Kelly said, Spielberg suddenly showed an expression of joy: "Miss Kelly, what do you mean?"
Kelly asked: "Steven, to your knowledge, has Universal Pictures purchased the rights to this novel?"
Although both Chu Huan and Spielberg have taken a fancy to this novel, it would be more troublesome if Universal Pictures bought it first. Could it be that it was bought by Universal Pictures again?
Spielberg immediately said: "According to the information I received, the two parties have already negotiated the price, and Peter should be very satisfied with Universal Pictures' offer!"
If you are satisfied, it means it has not been sold yet.
After seeing the determination in Chu Huan's eyes, Kelly immediately understood what Chu Huan meant and asked directly: "Then what price is Universal Pictures offering? Steven, do you know?"
"$250,000!"
Spielberg immediately reported a number, which shows that he still takes this matter very seriously.
Kelly continued to ask: "Well, Steven, do you have Peter's contact information?"
Spielberg nodded: "Yes!"
Then Spielberg told Kelly the contact information of Peter Benchley, and Kelly didn't waste any time and called Peter Benchley directly and resolutely on the spot.
After Peter Benchley answered the phone, he was a little confused about Kelly's identity. This was because both Kelly and Apex Pictures were just a little transparent in Hollywood at this time!
Even when he heard that Kelly wanted to buy the copyright of his novel "Jaws", Peter Benchley thought that Kelly was a liar!
It was only after Spielberg picked up the phone that Peter Benchley believed Kelly's identity.
"I'm sorry, Miss Kelly, I've already negotiated with Universal Pictures, and now all that's left is to sign the contract. If I go back on my word now, there's really no way I can explain it to Universal Pictures!"
Peter Benchley rejected Kelly's offer to acquire the rights to his novel.
Universal Pictures, Hollywood's top film production company!
Apex Pictures, a newly founded Hollywood film company!
No matter how you look at it, Peter Benchley doesn’t think that selling his novel to Vertex Pictures would be better than selling it to Universal Pictures!
But Kelly was naturally not convinced so easily.
"Mr. Benchley, I know that the copyright fee paid by Universal Pictures is US$250,000. If Mr. Benchley agrees to sell it, we at Apex Pictures are willing to pay US$300,000!"
If there is any advantage that Apex Pictures and Universal Pictures have in acquiring the copyright of the novel "Jaws" now, it is that Apex Pictures is willing to pay more to acquire the copyright of this novel.
This is something Kelly immediately understood after getting Chu Huan's hint.
Sure enough, after hearing Kelly's offer, Peter Benchley's heart shook a little.
At this time, an extra fifty thousand US dollars is not a small amount of money.
But after considering it, Peter Benchley once again rejected Kelly's acquisition.
"Sorry, although I am very moved by Miss Kelly's offer, I still have to reject Miss Kelly with great regret!"
Peter Benchley still believes more in the strength of Universal Pictures. After all, if the movie adapted from his novel sells well, it can also increase the sales of his novel.
This hidden benefit is something Peter Benchley values very much.
Kelly did not hesitate to continue her generous speech: "400,000 US dollars, and our company promises to regard this movie as our company's most important project this year!"
Peter Benchley was a little shocked. He didn't expect that the other party was so optimistic about his novel, and that he would regard it as the most important movie of their company this year?
In other words, after the other party buys it, he will immediately start shooting?
Universal did not give itself this guarantee!
Not to mention Peter Benchley, Spielberg was actually a little confused at this time. Was it because of his conversation with Chu Huan that his boss was so optimistic about this movie?
Directly increase the price by 150,000 to purchase this copyright?
Are you really that good?
No wonder Spielberg would have this idea. What happened before his eyes was really too magical.
But regardless of whether it is magic or not, one thing is certain, that is, Spielberg is very excited at this time, and he feels full respect!
This is something he didn't feel at Universal Pictures.
Just this respect made Spielberg feel extremely excited.
After all, Peter Benchley did not stop Kelly's money offensive. As for the so-called things that have been negotiated with Universal Pictures, they will no longer mention it!
I happily agreed to Kelly’s purchase request!
So those who say that Gui Lao values the spirit of contract can actually shut up. Gui Lao has never valued the spirit of contract. If they did, it was just because the price of betrayal was too high!
In order to ensure that she could successfully obtain the copyright, after hanging up the phone, Kelly spoke directly to Chu Huan and Spielberg: "You two, I am going to sign a contract with Peter now, you two talk first!
"
Spielberg stood up and said: "Let me go with you. I have talked with Peter before. He is very interested in the movie adapted from this story. If possible, I hope the company can hire him as one of the screenwriters of this movie."
one!"
Paying attention to original creators may be one of the rare advantages of Hollywood!
Kelly nodded, then looked at Chu Huan and asked: "Huan, since you are also very interested in this novel, would you like to go and read it together!"
Chu Huan shook his head and said with a smile: "I'd better forget it. I couldn't buy the copyright of this novel. It was enough to make me very sad. Watching you buy this is not adding salt to my wounds.
?"
After Spielberg heard this, he couldn't help laughing.
Kelly nodded and said, "Okay, let's contact you after we're done!"
Chu Huan stood up and sent the two of them out of the room!
After Kelly and Spielberg left, Lin Qingxia couldn't help but curiously asked Chu Huan: "Brother Huan, when did you meet the boss of the Hollywood film company?"
At this time, Lin Qingxia was indeed a little curious. While the film companies in Xiangjiang were thinking about how to open their own market in North America, Chu Huan had already met the boss of the Hollywood film company, but no one in the entire Xiangjiang knew about it.
.
At this time, Xiangjiang Film Company was still ambitious. Although it knew that Hollywood was the leader in the global film market, it was not afraid to challenge this leader's position.
They all hope to have their films released in North America and in Europe.
This stems from their confidence in their films.
Later generations focused more on the impact of Xiangjiang movies on the Hollywood market by Jiahe. First it was Li Xiaolong, then he spent tens of millions of dollars to invest in Hollywood movies, and then it was Cheng Long!
Tirelessly!
But in fact, Shaw Brothers has also tried to open up the Hollywood market, and even invested in a movie "Interstellar", hoping to use this movie to open the door of Hollywood.
It's a pity that in the end, it was proved that Hollywood is too proud to look down on other films other than Hong Kong's action movies.
So until the era before Chu Huan was reborn, there were only two dragons who could really make a name for themselves in Hollywood and have strong appeal!
Li Xiaolong, Jackie Chan!
Others are always worse than the two of them!
Precisely because he knew this better than anyone else, Chu Huan never thought that in the future, black-and-white movies would have to enter the European and American markets.
You can happily make money in the markets of Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, and even your hometown in the future.
As for the European and American film markets, it is enough to let Apex Pictures help Chu Huan make money!
"I've known each other before, and she only recently had the idea of making a movie. We just met and discussed it with each other!"
Chu Huan said with a smile.
After hearing this, Lin Qingxia nodded and said with a smile: "Anyway, Brother Huan is awesome. If Apex Pictures succeeds in Hollywood in the future, will black and white movies be able to enter the Hollywood market?
"
Chu Huanxiao asked: "Why, you also want to develop in Hollywood?"
But Lin Qingxia shook her head and said: "I don't like it, I prefer to be in Xiangjiang!"
Chu Huan said: "Everyone else wants to come to Hollywood to develop, why don't you want to come?"
Lin Qingxia hugged Chu Huan's arm and said happily: "Because there is Brother Huan in Xiangjiang!"
Chu Huan laughed after hearing this, leaned over and kissed Lin Qingxia's forehead and said with a smile: "I will say some happy words!"
Lin Qingxia giggled.
"Let's go, let's go and see what this City of Angels is like?"
Chu Huan and Lin Qingxia also left the hotel and drove two cars away from the hotel.
In the evening, Chu Huan received a call from Kelly, telling Lin Qingxia to take a rest in the room and go out to talk about something.
It's not that Chu Huan doesn't trust Lin Qingxia enough now, so he didn't tell Lin Qingxia about Apex Pictures. The main reason is that it not only involves the background of Apex Pictures, but also many other things, which are really troublesome to explain.
So what Chu Huan wants to do is wait until there is a chance to talk about it later!
Kelly also opened a suite in the hotel. When she saw Chu Huan come in, she hugged Chu Huan and said playfully: "The girl next to you is very beautiful!"
Chu Huan smiled and said, "What? Are you jealous?"
Kelly said: "No!"
Chu Huan came to the sofa and sat down, smiling and said: "Okay, let's talk about the movie!"
Kelly said: "The contract has been signed with Peter Benchley and he has been invited to be one of the screenwriters of the film. The next step is to prepare for the filming of the film. The company has also recruited several people during this period.
A producer, but I think since you value Spielberg so much, you might as well let him directly serve as the producer!"
Chu Huan immediately shook his head and said: "It is precisely because we value him that we cannot let him be a producer. If we give him such great rights from the beginning, it will easily breed his arrogance. Let's do it step by step!
"
Hollywood has always been a producer system. Nowadays, Apex Pictures has given Spielberg enough discounts. If he is allowed to serve as the producer of "Jaws" again, Apex Pictures can still provide Spielberg with more benefits in the future.
Pierberg what?
We can’t let him succeed Kelly as the president of Apex Pictures, right?
Seeing what Chu Huan said, Kelly couldn't say anything else and said: "Then I will take a look at the company's producers during this period to see who is more suitable!"
Then Kelly couldn't help but ask: "Do you really believe that the movie "Jaws" can be a hit?"
Chu Huan looked at the curious Kelly and asked with a smile: "Then do you want the two of us to make a bet?"
Kelly showed an interested expression: "What bet?"
Chu Huan whispered something in Kelly's ear, and even the bold Kelly's cheeks turned red after listening...