1RomanceEB Chapter 89 One Hundred Million US Dollars
Chapter 89 One Hundred Million US Dollars
Chapter 88 $3 Million (5th Update)
November 15, Universal Studios headquarters, Los Angeles.
At 9 a.m., Universal Studios Boulevard was already bustling with activity, resembling a military camp before a battle.
Several trucks were parked on the side of the road, and workers were unloading goods. The dark blue carpet was rolled up to be as tall as a person.
The security company sent thirty people, all dressed in black suits and white shirts, with transparent communicators in their ears, making them look more like secret service agents than security guards.
"Over there! Lay the red carpet two meters further to the left!" a foreman wearing a hard hat shouted into a walkie-talkie. "Where's the media area's safety barrier? Hurry up!"
The media area is already taking shape.
The signs for international media outlets like CNN, BBC, and Reuters were displayed at the very front, followed by *The Hollywood Reporter*, *Variety*, and others.
Specialized media outlets such as Empire were positioned in the middle.
The Asian media section was particularly eye-catching, with more than fifty seats set up, including CCTV Movie Channel, Sina Entertainment, Phoenix TV, TVB, Japan's Fuji TV, and South Korea's KBS—it was as if all the entertainment media in the Asia-Pacific region had been brought here.
"My God, this is even bigger than the Dark Knight press conference last year," a Variety reporter said to a colleague while adjusting his camera.
My colleague is typing on his laptop: "Of course, a $2 million production budget and a $1 million marketing budget—this is already the biggest Hollywood project this year. Not to mention—"
He lowered his voice, "I heard that the male and female leads are both Chinese, Jackie Chan and Gong Li."
"Really?" the reporter exclaimed, eyes wide. "An A-list production casting Asian actors as leads? Has Universal gone mad?"
"That's why there are so many media outlets here today." My colleague gestured towards the Asian media section. "They came before dawn to reserve their spots. I heard there are over forty media outlets from China, over twenty from Japan, and over a dozen from South Korea —"
As they were talking, a black Lincoln Navigator drove into the parking lot.
The car door opened, and Jiang Yu and David Miller got out.
It was a bit chilly in Los Angeles in November, and Jiang Yu was wearing a gray custom-made suit today.
David, on the other hand, was dressed in typical Wall Street attire: a dark striped suit, a white shirt, a dark red tie, and a laptop in his hand, looking ready to handle work emails at any moment.
"Boss, guess how many media outlets will be here today?" David asked, adjusting his cuffs and half-jokingly.
"At least a hundred." Jiang Yu glanced at the group of cameras being set up. "At least fifty Asian media outlets are here, a hundred mainstream European and American media outlets, and fifty industry media outlets."
Are you nervous?
"What's there to be nervous about?" Jiang Yu laughed. "The ones who should be nervous are Jackie Chan and Gong Li; they're the stars today. I'm just the one who paid the bill."
"But you're the one who put them in this position," David said in a low voice. "I've seen the minutes of Universal's internal meetings; at least three vice presidents opposed casting Asian leads. If it weren't for your agreement to bear the publicity risks in the Asian market—"
"It's just a business decision," Jiang Yu said calmly. "Jackie Chan's box office appeal in Asia, Gong Li's artistic reputation in Europe, plus the action choreography by the Jackie Chan Stunt Team—Universal has a clear understanding of this."
As the two were talking, another car drove in.
Ye Ning and Lu Zheng got out of a rented Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Ye Ning was clearly well-prepared today, wearing a dark blue suit, a light blue shirt, a silver tie, and her hair was styled meticulously with hair gel.
Lu Zheng, on the other hand, wore a casual suit, which made him look more relaxed.
"President Jiang!" Ye Ning strode over, a professional smile plastered on his face. "I've never seen anything like this in China. Even the CCTV Spring Festival Gala press conference wasn't this lively."
"President Ye, President Lu." Jiang Yu shook hands with them. "I'll introduce you to people from Global and Lionsgate in a bit. Especially Ron Meyer, the president of Global. He likes to talk about data and planning, and doesn't like to hear empty talk."
"Understood." Ye Ning took the computer from her assistant. "This is the latest data from Wanda Cinemas, including the existing 286..."
"We have 1512 screens and expansion plans for the next two years. We plan to reach 500 cinemas and 3000 screens by 2010."
Jiang Yu glanced at it and nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. Remember, people in Hollywood are very pragmatic. Make it clear how much box office potential you can bring, how many screenings you can get, and they will take you seriously."
The four of them walked together toward the main building.
The Universal Studios headquarters building has a futuristic feel, with its curved glass curtain wall resembling a stranded spaceship.
A five-meter-tall poster for "2012" has been erected at the entrance, with Jackie Chan and Gong Li standing back to back in front of the collapsed city ruins, their eyes resolute.
Below the poster is a striking slogan: "What matters most when the world ends?"
Upon entering the hall, the atmosphere became even more lively.
Beneath the enormous crystal chandelier, waiters in black uniforms moved about carrying champagne and delicate pastries.
Hollywood producers, agents, and stars have already arrived, gathering in twos and threes. The air is filled with the scents of high-end perfumes, the aroma of cigars, and that atmosphere of ambition and scheming that only the elite world of fame and fortune possesses.
"Jiang!" A familiar voice called out.
Jon Ferrer, CEO of Lionsgate, walked over with a champagne glass and a big smile on his face.
He was still dressed in his signature casual attire: a light gray suit with the top two buttons of his shirt undone.
"Jon," Jiang Yu hugged him, "thank you for coming."
"Are you kidding me? This is a three-hundred-million-dollar project, how could I not come?" Jon smiled and clinked glasses with Jiang Yu, then looked at Ye Ning and Lu Zheng, "And who are these two?"
"Ye Ning, Vice President of Wanda Cinemas," Jiang Yu emphasized the title. "Wanda is expanding rapidly and plans to become one of the top two cinema chains in China within two years. This is Lu Zheng, Chairman of Starlight Media, our content partner."
Jon's eyes lit up immediately.
In Hollywood, theater owners hold a higher status than film studios, since even the best movies need to be shown on a big screen.
"Mr. Ye!" Jon shook hands with Ye Ning warmly. "I know Wanda; they were the company that built the fastest-growing number of cinemas in China last year. How many screens do you have now?"
"Currently, it's 1512 screens," Ye Ning replied calmly. "We plan to reach 3000 screens by 2010. The Chinese film market is growing at over 35% annually, and we conservatively estimate that total box office revenue will double within three years. More screens are driven by market demand."
"1500 yuan —" Jon quickly calculated in his mind. This was equivalent to the size of a medium-sized cinema chain in the United States, and in one of the fastest-growing markets.
"So, how many screenings of '2012' are there in China?" Jon asked tentatively.
"If we participate in the investment, we can guarantee at least 70% box office revenue in the opening weekend," Ye Ning stated, offering a realistic figure. "Moreover, we can guarantee that this film will get the best theaters and prime time slots in Wanda cinemas."
Jon took a deep breath and turned to look at Jiang Yu: "Jiang, you've chosen a very professional business partner."
As they were talking, a sudden commotion broke out in the crowd.
Ron Meyer, president of Universal Pictures, walked in surrounded by a group of executives.
Ron is in his fifties and is in great shape, with his silver-gray hair neatly combed.
Ron greeted acquaintances calmly, shook hands, and chatted. He didn't stop walking and headed straight for Jiang Yu.
"Jiang!" Ron extended his hand, his smile official, but his eyes held a genuine scrutiny. "The project has finally come to the forefront."
"Ron," Jiang Yu shook hands with him, "thank you for Universal's trust and support."
"Trusting trustworthy partners is a tradition at Global." Ron's gaze shifted to Ye Ning and Lu Zheng. "And who are these two?"
Jiang Yu gave another presentation, this time in more detail: "Mr. Ye's Wanda Cinemas is expanding rapidly in China, and the number of screens will triple in the next two years. Mr. Lu's company has excellent government resources in China, which can help us with localization."
Ron listened very attentively.
He first asked Ye Ning, "Is there a big difference in cinema occupancy rates between second- and third-tier cities and first-tier cities in China?"
"There is still a gap, but it is narrowing rapidly," Ye Ning answered professionally. "For example, in cities like Chengdu, Wuhan, and Xi'an, the occupancy rate during prime time has already reached over 70%. Moreover, audiences in these cities have a high acceptance of Hollywood blockbusters."
"What about the ticket price? What's the average price?"
"In first-tier cities, it's 50-80 RMB, and in second- and third-tier cities, it's 40-60 RMB. The important thing is that Chinese audiences are willing to pay for a good audiovisual experience. IMAX theater tickets can reach 100 RMB, and they are still often full."
Ron nodded and then asked Lu Zheng, "If the film needs some localized integration of Chinese elements, can you coordinate that?"
"Absolutely," Lu Zheng replied. "We already have a mature network of cooperative resources, and even the support of local governments."
If filming in China is required, we can provide a full range of production services.
After a ten-minute conversation, Ron's expression softened noticeably.
"Mr. Ye, Mr. Lu, it's a pleasure to meet you." He took out his business card and handed it to the two of them. "After the press conference, if you have time, we can talk privately about potential cooperation in the Chinese market."
Ye Ning and Lu Zheng both understood the weight of those words.
In 2008, only a handful of Chinese filmmakers were invited by the presidents of the six major Hollywood studios to discuss collaborations.
"Of course, Mr. Ron," Ye Ning replied composedly and politely, "We look forward to it."
Ron then turned to Jiang Yu and lowered his voice: "The actors are all here, in the VIP room on the second floor. Do you want to go and say hello? Especially Jackie Chan and Gong Li."
"good.
The VIP room on the second floor is a suite, larger than Jiang Yu's office.
When Jiang Yu pushed open the door, the scene inside was already quite interesting.
Jackie Chan was standing in front of the mirror, struggling with his tie. He tried three different ways of tying it, but was not satisfied with any of them.
Agent Chan Chi-keung tried to help, but Jackie Chan waved him away, saying, "I'll do it myself! I don't believe tying a tie is harder than filming a scene where you jump off a building!"
Gong Li sat in the corner of the sofa, holding a script in her hand, her lips moving slightly as she silently recited her lines.
She wore an ivory-white suit today, which was well-tailored and showed off her elegance without being overly flashy.
Thandie Newton and Chiwetel Ejiofor; two British theater actors are discussing something in standard RP accents, speaking so fast it's like they're using coded language.
Woody Harrelson leaned against the window, watching the growing crowd below, toying with an unlit cigar in his hand.
Smoking is prohibited indoors, so he can only enjoy the smell.
The most nervous were Jing Tian and Zhu Yilong.
Jing Tian wore a light purple evening gown today, her makeup was so exquisite she looked like a porcelain doll, and her fingers were tightly gripping the chain of her handbag.
Zhu Yilong, dressed in a black suit, stood ramrod straight with a serious expression, as if he were about to participate in a military review.
"Mr. Jiang!" Cheng Long was the first to see Jiang Yu, as if he'd seen a savior. "Come quick, help me take a look! This tie just doesn't look right no matter how I tie it!"
Jiang Yu walked over and looked at the tangled silk ribbon around Cheng Long's neck: "Brother Cheng Long, you don't actually have to wear a tie."
"what?"
"Really." Jiang Yu helped him loosen his tie. "You're wearing a casual suit with a polo shirt underneath. It looks more natural without a tie. You're Jackie Chan, not a banker. You don't need to be so formal."
Looking at himself in the mirror, Jackie Chan felt much more comfortable with his tie loosened: "That makes sense! I'm just an actor, why should I dress so formally!"
He relaxed and patted Jiang Yu on the shoulder: "You're the one who understands me best."
Gong Li also came over; she appeared more composed than Cheng Long.
"Thank you, Ms. Jiang." She always spoke very concisely.
"Sister Gong Li," Jiang Yu said earnestly, "I've seen your audition footage, especially the scene where you're searching for your child in the ruins; you captured that complex emotion of despair tinged with a glimmer of hope perfectly. After watching it, Director Roland only said one thing: 'There's a maternal resilience in her eyes, which is exactly what Kate needs.'"
Gong Li simply nodded: "I won't let the director down, nor will I let everyone down."
Sandy and Chiwetel also came over to say hello.
Thandie Newton spoke with Oxford-style elegance: "Mr. Jiang, thank you for giving me this opportunity. I have been studying geological data for three months and have also attended lectures at Caltech. I want to truly understand the character of Laura; she is not only a scientist, but also someone who remains rational in the face of disaster."
Chiwetel Ejiofor was more humorous: "To prepare for my role as a presidential advisor, I watched every single one of Bush and Clinton's press conferences. Now I think I could run for Congress."
Woody Harrelson, being the most easygoing, walked over and bumped fists with Jiang Yu: "Jiang, the character Charlie is just my type; a crazy radio host announcing the truth to all humanity before the end of the world. It's practically written for me!"
"Because you have a kind of lucid madness." Jiang Yu said with a smile, "That kind of drive to keep making shows even when you know the world is going to end, you can't find another person like that in all of Hollywood."
Finally, Jiang Yu walked up to Jing Tian and Zhu Yilong.
The tension between the two was palpable.
"President Jiang—" Jing Tian smiled sweetly, "I'm a little nervous."
"What's there to be nervous about?"
"There are so many reporters and so many big stars below—" Jing Tian honestly admitted, "I've only been a student at the film academy for a year, and I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing and bringing shame to the film when I attend this kind of international press conference."
Zhu Yilong nodded awkwardly: "I'm so nervous. My legs were a little weak when I saw so many cameras downstairs."
Jiang Yu laughed: "It's normal to be nervous. It would be strange not to be. Just imagine that the bottom is full of watermelons, and you'll get used to it slowly."
The two stared wide-eyed.
These words seemed to have a magical effect, and the expressions of the two people visibly relaxed.
"Thank you, Mr. Jiang." Jing Tian nodded.
"I will try my best not to be nervous." Zhu Yilong stood up even straighter.
At 9:00 AM, the press conference officially began.
The press conference hall, which can accommodate 500 people, was packed to capacity.
The front row consists of investors and special guests, the middle row consists of media novices, and the back row consists of industry observers and business partners.
The stage design has a very sci-fi feel.
The background is a huge curved LED screen playing the concept of "2012".
Special effects animations depicting the movement of Earth's tectonic plates, simulated scenes of cities collapsing, and breathtaking scenes of tsunamis sweeping across coastlines.
The stereo system was playing deep, oppressive background music, and even the seats were vibrating slightly.
The host walked onto the stage; it was Catherine Morris, Senior Vice President of Public Relations at Universal Pictures.
She was in her fifties, dressed in a royal blue suit, looking capable and sharp.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the global press conference for '2012'." Catherine's voice resounded throughout the venue through the speakers. "Today, we will officially unveil the mystery of this epic disaster blockbuster directed by Roland Emmerich and with a budget of 300 million US dollars."
Applause erupted, mingled with the frantic clicking of cameras.
"First of all, please welcome the representatives of our investors to the stage: Mr. Ron Meyer, President of Universal Pictures, and Mr. [Name of Investor], CEO of Lions Entertainment."
Mr. Jon Fermeier, Mr. Jiang Yu, founder of Light Chaser Animation Studios, and Mr. Ye Shi, Vice President of Wanda Cinemas.
The four walked onto the stage from the side curtain.
The stage was instantly flooded with flashes of light, the white light so bright it was blinding.
Standing next to Ron, Jiang Yu could clearly hear the whispers of the reporters below: "Is that young Asian man Jiang Yu? He looks under thirty, right?"
"Is Light Chaser Animation Studios the one that did the special effects for Iron Man?"
"I heard that he was the one who brought this project together, and he insisted on using Jackie Chan and Gong Li."
Ron spoke first.
He described Universal's confidence in the project, mentioning that "2012" would be Emmerich's next disaster epic after "The Day After Tomorrow," and that it would utilize the latest 3D shooting technology combined with real-life miniature models.
Jon's speech was briefer, mainly emphasizing Lion's experience in balancing artistry and commercial appeal.
When it was Jiang Yu's turn, the sound of cameras clicking away from the audience was as dense as a storm.
"Dear friends from the media, I am Jiang Yu." His English was fluent, with a slight California accent. "2012 is not just a movie; it is a transnational experiment by Yijing Film Industry. We are trying to prove that good stories can transcend cultural differences, and good production can integrate global wisdom."
He gestured and glanced around the room: "The production budget for this film is $2 million, and the global marketing budget is $1 million. This is not just an investment of money, but also a belief in film as a universal language; we believe that when disaster strikes, human emotions are interconnected and the brilliance of humanity is universal."
Finally, there's Ye Shi.
His English, accented with a distinct Chinese accent, was impeccably prepared, and he held a cue card in his hand: "Wanda Cinemas is honored to participate in this project. As one of the fastest-growing cinema chains in China, we are committed to providing the best screening support for '2012.' We believe that this film will not only be a success in the Chinese market but will also become a new benchmark for Sino-US film cooperation."
After the investors finished speaking, the real highlight began.
"Now, please welcome the creative team behind '2012'!" Catherine's voice announced, "Director, Roland Emmerich!"
Emmerich emerged from the side of the curtain.
He was wearing a black leather jacket over a dark gray T-shirt, and his beard was neatly trimmed, making him look more like a rock musician than a director.
The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. This German director, with films such as "Independence Day" and "The Day After Tomorrow," has become a gold standard in the field of disaster films.
"And the stars of '2012': Jackie Chan! Gong Li! Thandie Nope! Chiwetel Ejiofor! Woody Harrelson! Danny Glover! And—Jing Tian! Zhu Yilong!"
The actors walked out from behind the well.
Jackie Chan walked at the front, deliberately slowing his pace, waving to the audience, and even making his signature kung fu hand gesture; this action immediately ignited a high level of excitement from Asian media.
Gong Li followed closely behind, her steps graceful and elegant. After standing in the center of the stage, she gave a slight bow.
The European media response was particularly enthusiastic; French journalists even whistled, demonstrating Gong Li's undeniable popularity in France.
Jing Tian and Zhu Yilong walked at the back.
Jing Tian was so nervous that he took two steps with his hands and feet in disarray before being transferred, while Zhu Yilong walked straight like a soldier; their youthful appearance actually earned them some good-natured laughter.
Nine people lined up on the stage, and the large screen behind them switched to a giant "2012" poster, creating a truly stunning scene.
Catherine handed the microphone to Emmerich.
"Thank you, thank you everyone." Emmerich spoke frankly, without much formality. "2012 is a project that Light Chaser Pictures conceived over four years. We consulted geologists, climatologists, and astrophysicists, trying to construct a scientifically plausible apocalyptic scenario. The core of this film is not the disaster itself, but people, people's choices in extreme environments, the brilliance and darkness of humanity."
He looked at the actors beside him: "I'm very lucky to have such a fantastic cast. Jackie Chan brings Eastern resilience and humor, Gong Li brings maternal strength and vulnerability, Sandy and Chiwetel bring scientific rationality and humanistic care, and Woody brings—well, a kind of lucid madness." He chuckled, and the audience laughed.
"This film will be shot at Universal Studios' production facility, with additional locations in Iceland, Hawaii, and China. We will use the most advanced 3D cameras, the most sophisticated special effects technology, and the most grand-scale set construction. Our goal is simple: to give the audience an unprecedented audiovisual experience, and at the same time, to let them leave the theater with something to think about."
Next is the Q&A session with the media.
Xi Jinping addressed the core issue directly with the first question.
"I'm a reporter from The Hollywood Reporter," a middle-aged man wearing glasses stepped forward. "Director Roland, this is the first time in Hollywood history that Asian actors have been cast as male and female leads in an S-rated production. Aren't you worried that this will affect the film's performance in the global market, especially in North America?"
The question was pointed, and the entire room fell silent.
Emmerich took the microphone without hesitation: "This decision is based on the needs of the roles. Jackson and Kate are American-Chinese in the script, and we need actors who can authentically portray this cultural background. Jackie Chan and Gong Li are not only actors in the show, but they are also symbols of Asian culture."
He looked at Jackie Chan and Gong Li: "Moreover, I believe that cinematic art should transcend skin color. Good acting is good acting, and the audience will feel it."
Jackie Chan took the microphone and said in his signature English, "I am very grateful for the trust of the director and investors. This is my first time playing an ordinary person in a Hollywood film: not a kung fu master, not a policeman, but a father who writes novels. This is a new challenge for me, and I find it very interesting. After all—"
He smiled and said, "I can't play like this forever."
Good-natured laughter erupted from the audience.
Gong Li put it more succinctly: "An actor's responsibility is to create characters. I will prove this choice was correct through my performances."
The second question came from CCTV's movie channel, from a young female reporter: "Mr. Jiang Yu, as the Chinese investor and special effects provider, what role does Light Chaser Animation Studios play in this project? Does this mean that Chinese filmmakers are gaining more influence in Hollywood?"
Jiang Yu calmly replied, "Light Chaser Pictures plays a triple role in this project: first, as one of the investors; second, as the visual effects technology provider, whose team will complete the special effects in the film; and third, as a bridge to the Chinese market. We not only provide funding, but also our understanding of the local market and our resources."
He paused, then continued, "As for the dialogue—I believe it's a two-way street. China has enormous market potential, and Hollywood has mature industrial experience. The combination of the two isn't about one dominating the other, but about mutual learning and joint creation."
"Xi Jinping's '2012' is an experiment; if successful, there will be more such collaborations in the future."
The third question was directed at Mr. Ye: "Mr. Ye, Wanda is not currently the largest cinema chain in China. What about your promise of 50..."
How can the above percentage be verified? Will other cinema chains cooperate?
Ye Zhe was well-prepared: "50% is a reasonable estimate based on market demand and cinema capacity. Although Wanda is not currently number one in terms of the number of screens, our cinemas are all newly built, equipped with the latest technology, and located in the best locations. Moreover, the Chinese cinema market is rapidly consolidating, and we are confident that Wanda will become a significant force in the market when the film is released. As for other cinema chains, everyone wants to show good movies; that's a business principle."
The Q&A session lasted for more than an hour, covering a wide range of topics.
The most interesting question came from a Japanese reporter, who asked Jackie Chan, "Jackie Chan, you used to showcase kung fu in your Hollywood movies. Don't you find it a bit unsatisfying to play an ordinary father like this?"
Jackie Chan thought for a moment and answered seriously, "To be honest, I wasn't used to it at first. When we were filming 'Rush Hour,' the director told Jackie Chan, 'Here's a fight scene,' and I was very excited. Then, the director said, 'Here's a fight scene,' and I was stunned; Cry? How do I cry?"
The audience burst into laughter.
"I figured it out later," Jackie Chan continued. "Action scenes are external, crying scenes are internal. The character of Michael Jackson, his strength doesn't come from his fists, but from his love for his family. Expressing this kind of emotion was a new learning experience for me; ugliness is meaningful. After all—"
He laughed again, "I can't be a kung fu kid forever because I'm ugly, I have to grow up eventually."
He spoke sincerely, with a touch of self-deprecation, which won him a lot of goodwill.
The press conference ended with the trend.
Catherine announced, "Now, please watch the official trailer for '2012'!"
The lights in the entire venue went out.
The large screen lights up.
The music plays, not a powerful symphony, but a simple steel Buddha melody, slow and gentle, like raindrops pattering on the heart.
The scene shows: Jackie Chan staring blankly at his computer in his study, with the Los Angeles night view outside the window; Gong Li preparing breakfast in the kitchen, and two children arguing at the dining table.
Sandy Newt G., brow furrowed, stared at seismic waveforms in his lab; Chiwetel Ejiofor paced the White House corridor, documents in hand; Woody Harrelson roared into the microphone from the hilltop broadcasting station—
Then, the disaster began.
The ground cracked like a biscuit, quickly breaking into several pieces. Skyscrapers slowly tilted and collapsed, and a tsunami hundreds of meters high swallowed the coastal city.
The special effects were incredibly realistic, and the overwhelming sense of impending doom, even in just a two-minute trailer, made the entire audience hold their breath.
Finally, the scene freezes on Jackie Chan and Gong Li holding their child's hand as they rush towards the closing Ark Daisuke.
Their faces were blurred in the backlight, but their clenched hands and determined eyes were clearly visible.
The screen dims, and subtitles appear:
2012
What will be most important when the world ends?
Released globally during the 2010 Christmas season!
The lights came back on.
The entire audience stood up and applauded.
The applause lasted for two minutes until Catherine came on stage and signaled for everyone to be quiet.
After the press conference, the media area erupted in excitement.
Reporters frantically wrote articles, photographers took photos, and videographers reviewed the footage.
Everyone knows this will be the headline of tomorrow's global entertainment section.
"Quick, send the article back to Beijing!" a reporter from the movie channel shouted to the editor. "Use the headline: 'Chinese Actor Stars in Hollywood S-Class Production,'"
"Setting a record for co-production investment!"
"I've chosen the one with Jackie Chan and Gong Li together, and the one with Jiang Yu shaking hands with Ron Meyer!"
.
"Is the video clip edited yet? I need it for tonight's 'China Movie Report'!"
Asian media were particularly excited.
This is not just entertainment news; it's a cultural event. Chinese actors are playing leading roles in top Hollywood productions, which reflects the growing prominence of Chinese capital, the Chinese market, and Chinese technology.
Western media outlets, on the other hand, tend to analyze the situation from an industry perspective.
"If this movie is a success, Hollywood's casting rules may loosen," a reporter from The Hollywood Reporter said to a colleague while typing. "Asian actors will no longer be limited to supporting roles or villainous characters."
"The key is the box office," my colleague said. "If it can gross over $3 million in North America, and then the Asian market explodes, then Xi will become a role model. If it flops—then the Asian lead actor will have to wait another ten years."
"Look at this cast: director Emmerich, Jackie Chan and Gong Li, plus Thandie Niu Pi and Chiwetel Ejiofor—this is already top-tier. And the growth potential of the Chinese market is undeniable. I think—there's a chance."
The cast and crew were celebrating in the VIP room.
The champagne was opened, and everyone raised their glasses.
Ron Meyer walked up to Jiang Yu and said, "Jiang, today's press conference was a great success. The media response was even better than I expected."
"It's because the film itself is good enough." Jiang Yu clinked glasses with him.
"No, it's your vision and persistence," Ron said earnestly. "From casting to investment structure to market strategy, you are the most crucial link in bringing this project to where it is today."
He paused, lowering his voice: "The Universal board has given preliminary approval that if '2012' grosses over $7 million worldwide, we will launch the monster movie you mentioned."
This is an important commitment.
Jiang Yu nodded: "We will do our best."
On the other side, Jackie Chan and Gong Li were surrounded by Asian media.
"Brother Jackie Chan, how are you feeling right now?"
"Yes, I'm happy, excited, grateful, and also under pressure. This is a new stage in my career, and I will give it my all." Jackie Chan said honestly, "I feel happy, excited, grateful, and a little pressured. This is a new stage in my career, and I will give it my all."
"Ms. Gong Li, what are your thoughts on returning to Hollywood to star in an S-level production?"
"I'm very calm," Gong Li smiled. "An actor's work ethic is to live authentically in front of the camera. Whether in China, France, or Hollywood, the essence is the same. I will complete my work with the utmost professionalism."
Jing Tian and Zhu Yilong are relatively free, as they don't get interviewed by the media.
"Ms. Jing Tian, as a newcomer, what are your thoughts on being able to participate in such a large-scale production?"
"It feels like I'm just doing a job." Jing Tian is less nervous now. "Thank you to everyone who gave me this opportunity. I will learn from my seniors and do my best to play my role well."
"Zhu Yilong, what was it like participating in an international production for the first time?"
"It broadened my horizons," Zhu Yilong replied simply. "Seeing world-class production processes and the working conditions of top actors, I learned a lot. These experiences will be of great help to my future acting."
At 7 p.m., Universal held a celebration banquet in the rooftop garden of the Beverly Hills Hotel.
The banquet was smaller in scale than the press conference, and the venue was more spacious.
Many executives from the six major Hollywood studios, top agents, and A-list stars came: many were there to observe the prevailing trends.
If "2012" is successful, then the model of deep co-production between China and the United States may become a new trend, and they need to understand it in advance.
Jiang Yu, holding a glass of champagne, stood beside the Roman columns in the garden, watching the noisy crowd by the Evil Pool.
David walked over and handed him a glass of water: "Boss, have some water. You've had quite a bit to drink today."
Jiang Yu took the drink and took a sip: "How's the media feedback?"
"It's explosive." David showed him his phone. "CNN, BBC, Reuters—it's all headline news. The Hollywood Reporter's headline is: 'A New Era for Hollywood? Asian Stars in A-List Production Make History.' Variety says, 'A $300 Million Bets: Can Emmerich Create Another Miracle?'"
He scrolled to Asian media reports: "It's even more exaggerated in China. Every entertainment section of every major website is featuring this as its headline. Sina, Sohu, and NetEase are all reporting on it live. Five out of the top ten trending searches on Baidu are related to '2012'."
Jiang Yu laughed: "Now I'm really going to be famous in the country."
"More than just famous." David found a comment from a netizen: "Look, someone said: Jiang Yu is showing Hollywood with his actions that Chinese filmmakers can not only work for us, but also be bosses, cast lead actors, and invest big money."
Just then, Ye Shi and Lu Zheng walked over.
Both of them had flushed faces, clearly having drunk quite a bit.
"President Jiang!" Ye Shi patted Jiang Yu's shoulder forcefully. "Today was amazing! Ron Meyer asked me to meet with him alone next week to discuss a collaboration! Universal, one of the Big Six Hollywood studios!"
Lu Zhengchou excitedly said, "Jon Femer said that Shigeo has several medium-budget projects and is looking for Chinese funding. If '2012' is successful, there will be more collaborations!"
"President Ye, President Lu," Jiang Yu said earnestly, "Today's excitement is just temporary. The real test will be the box office and word-of-mouth after the film's release. We still have a lot to prepare: how to handle domestic publicity and distribution, how to implement localized marketing, how to deal with potential controversies—these are the tough battles."
Ye Shi and Lu Zheng calmed down.
"You're right." Ye Shi nodded. "I'll go back to Beijing to hold a planning meeting and finalize the domestic distribution and promotion for '2012.' Wanda will allocate all its resources to it."
"I'll take care of coordinating the filming location and handling the paperwork," Lu Zheng said.
"Okay." Jiang Yu raised his glass. "Then Xi will let us fight this tough battle well."
The four people clinked glasses.
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