Chapter 178 Iron Eagle King's Grand Production

"Ross, how's my movie going?" He Zhongqiu asked.

Ross Lewis smiled and took out a script from his briefcase. When he handed it to He Zhongqiu, he said, "Boss, this is a script specially created by the company based on your characteristics and found an editor."

"Isn't their script good?" he asked.

Ross Lewis said: "I have read the scripts of several major film companies, but I am not very satisfied with them. They are not as good as our own."

He Zhongqiu took the script which was only about a hundred pages long, opened it and saw that it was all in English.

Philip moved his chair over and sat down to help him read the script.

"Forget it, I'll take a look at this later. Ross, please give me the outline."

He Zhongqiu read only one page and then stopped. This kind of Hollywood script was too professional and it was in English, so it was a bit difficult to read.

Turning to the back, there are a total of 125 pages. Hollywood movies basically have one page per minute, which means that if this script is made into a movie, it will be about 120 minutes.

"OK."

After eating a cookie and taking two sips of coffee, Ross Lewis began to introduce the script.

The script is a fantasy adventure treasure hunting film, tentatively titled Iron Eagle King. The timeline is 1995, and the location is Chinatown in New York. The protagonist Iron Eagle is the Iron Shirt Eagle Claw King from China, the owner of the Tie Clan Martial Arts School in Chinatown, and is actually a bounty hunter from the underground world.

The story begins with a mysterious murder case in the New York City sewers. Iron Eagle accepts the commission of the FBI's 13th Bureau and enters the huge New York sewer system to investigate. He is then attacked by orcs from the underground world, and the story unfolds from there.

After a brief introduction, Lewis asked, "Boss, what do you think of this script? Its production cost is tentatively set at $5000 million.

Of course, if investors are willing to pay more, the quality will certainly be better, and we can also invite more famous stars to join us.”

"I don't know whether the script is good or not. You are a professional agent, so you make the judgment." He Zhongqiu said.

Lewis nodded quickly and said, “I have studied it many times myself, and also asked several well-known Hollywood producers to read it. They thought the plot of the script was okay and expressed their willingness to persuade the company to invest.”

"The Big Eight film companies are willing to invest?" he asked in surprise.

Lewis said: “The current progress is joint investment. I have contacted three companies in total, and each company is willing to invest between 10 and 15 million US dollars.

We can invest the remaining share ourselves, or we can find two small companies to make up the difference, such as New Line Cinema.

But if we don’t invest ourselves, our control over the project will be too small, and we may be kicked out by other big investors, so I suggest that we invest part of the money so that we can actually control the project.”

He Zhongqiu thought about it and felt that he was not very confident, so he said, "Is there no film company that wants to take this script and ask me to shoot it?"

"Of course, they all want to take control of this project."

Lewis said this, then changed the subject and said: “But Boss, we need the main control of this project, and we can get it with only an investment of 10 million US dollars, which is relatively advantageous.

My suggestion is that Boss should not take the salary, but use it as an investment, so that he does not have to pay out cash and still has major control. "

"Row."

He Zhongqiu didn't think too much about it. He was not short of money now. This was his own company's movie, so as long as it was beneficial to the movie, there would be no problem.

Lewis nodded and said, "There is a big market for fantasy and treasure-hunting movies right now. This year's Pirates of the Caribbean cost $1.4 million to make and grossed $6.5 million worldwide. It was a huge hit and the biggest dark horse at the box office this year."

He Zhongqiu asked, "Pirates cost 1.4 million, and our production cost is 3 million. What level of special effects can we achieve? Blade 6600 cost million to produce, and I heard that the special effects are average."

Lewis said: "Boss, the production cost of 50 million US dollars is not small, and it is considered a big production in Hollywood.

We can’t be as wealthy as Disney, and it’s impossible for anyone to be willing to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in this movie.”

He Zhongqiu nodded. Of course he understood this. Blade 3 hasn't even been released yet, and he's just a supporting role. He's a Chinese, and his height makes it difficult for him to play supporting roles. Investing in his movie is still very risky.

Lewis continued, "So when I was making the script, I gave some premises, focusing on the action scenes, so that I could reduce some of the special effects shots, and there wouldn't be those very large and expensive special effects shots."

At this point, he smiled and said, "Although it is a magical adventure treasure hunting movie, its core is actually an action movie, a monster-killing movie. Your kung fu is the biggest selling point, followed by the monster settings and special effects."

"What is the setting for my fighting opponent? That orc must require a lot of special effects, right?" He Zhongqiu asked.

Lewis said: "Yes, a lot of special effects shots are needed. But some shots don't require special effects, only makeup. But you need people with good skills, that is, people who know kung fu, especially several important supporting roles, so you also need a top martial arts team."

"Where is the heroine?" He Zhongqiu asked.

Ross Lewis laughed strangely and said, "There is no fixed female lead. My idea is that if this movie does well at the box office, it can be made into a series of movies, with a different female lead for each movie. This is very suitable for you, Boss."

"Like 007?" He Zhongqiu laughed.

"Yes."

Ross Lewis smiled and nodded, "It's best if the female lead is a Westerner, a well-known actress, which can cater to the Western market."

"Are there any Chinese roles? I need at least two important supporting roles," said He Zhongqiu.

Lewis nodded and said, "There are several Chinese characters in Tie's Martial Arts School. In addition, as long as we have control over the project, the right to choose the actors will naturally be in our hands. As long as the actors are suitable, you can decide, Boss."

At this point, he couldn't help but remind: "But Boss, the actors must accept the audition of the casting director, which can guarantee the quality of the film to the greatest extent."

He Zhongqiu stared at Lewis and said, “Others naturally need to audition, but Ross, I want at least one supporting actress, and an important supporting actress.”

Lewis immediately thought of Yang Xue. The key point was that she should be considered the only relative of Boss. He nodded quickly and said, "OK, no problem. At most, we can modify the script and customize a role for Miss Yang Xue.

By the way, just like your character in Blade 3 and this movie, the character's setting was modified according to her characteristics. "

Nodding with satisfaction, He Zhongqiu stroked the script in his hand, thought for a while, and couldn't help asking, "Ross, are you really not going to wait for Blade 3 to be released?"

"I can't wait any longer. By the time Blade 3 is released, the NBA offseason will probably be here. It's too late. I'll waste a year."

Lewis said this and then added, “Boss, I just said that the box office of Blade 3 has nothing to do with you.

The number of hits your films have received on the Internet speaks for itself, and this is why several major film companies are willing to invest in this film.

I have basically secured investment, and the film has been approved and is moving forward. I am just waiting for your official decision, Boss."

After thinking about it, He Zhongqiu said, "Ross, since you are confident, let's get started."

"OK."

Lewis nodded excitedly.

After discussing the Iron Eagle King, Ross Lewis talked about Blade 3 and said:

"Boss, New Line Cinema will try to release it after All-Stars. It's currently in post-production."

"Ross, how much do you estimate Blade 3 will make in North America?" He Zhongqiu asked.

Lewis said: "If there are no problems with the distribution, and it goes on at a normal pace and has a good release date, the fans of the Blade series and the popularity of your trailers alone should be able to guarantee that the North American box office will reach at least $6 to $8000 million.

I don’t think it will be worse than Blade 2, which grossed 2 million in North America, 8160 million overseas, and 1.5 million worldwide.”

At this time, Mike Johnson came back and said, "Boss, it's settled. Mr. Daly thinks you are right. The league can pay a total of one million dollars in appearance fees."

"That's fine."

He Zhongqiu nodded with satisfaction. After dinner, at six o'clock, which was nine o'clock in China, He Zhongqiu sent Ross Lewis and Mike Johnson away, and after thinking about it, he called Wu Jing.

"Hello, Mid-Autumn?"

The call was connected quickly, and Wu Jing's voice came from the other end.

"Brother Jing, haven't you filmed yet?"

"Almost there. Testing the position."

"Where was it taken?"

"Hengdian."

"There's something, Brother Jing. I'm going to have a martial arts performance at the NBA All-Star Game on February 2 next year. It's the same one I did at the last All-Star Game. You know that, right?"

"I know, I know. What's the matter?"

"I'm planning on arranging a sparring show. If you're free, come over. If you're not, let me know in advance so I can make arrangements."

"This is a good thing, count me in."

"Can you finish filming this play on February 2th?"

"The shooting period is three months, and it is estimated that it will be completed in early February. My schedule is mid-January, and I will go to the United States after the shooting is completed."

"Okay, that's settled. Come over early so we can plan and rehearse it carefully. We want it to be more exciting."

"Just the two of us fighting? I guess it won't be enough. How can I beat you alone? And you're so tall, I can't even reach you."

He Zhongqiu said: "I plan to hire a few more people and use weapons. But how to fight and what weapons to use, we will discuss it when you come. Now I will tell you about this treatment.

The alliance covers round-trip airfare and provides accommodation and meals, and also gives me one million US dollars. I plan to invite five people, each of whom will receive two hundred thousand. What do you think?"

"Why do I need money? I am an actor after all. This is an opportunity for exposure. I can't have both, right?" Wu Jing declined.

"This money must be given to you. You are not even paid $200,000 for filming The Thirty-Six Chambers of Southern Shaolin."

"Okay, okay, you have the final say."

"Also, please find me someone suitable in the country who can really fight and is good at weapons. Please introduce him to me." He Zhongqiu said.

At this point, he added: "It's best to look for one in the mainland. If there's really none, then look for one in Hong Kong."

"to make."

Wu Jing understood why He Zhongqiu made such a request. In the mainland's film and television circles, people from Hong Kong are arrogant and look down on people from the mainland. He Zhongqiu must be very unhappy with people from there.

"There is one more thing. I have set up a production and distribution company in Hollywood. I have a script and a production cost of 50 million US dollars. We will start shooting during the off-season and we will start preparations right now."

"What? A fifty million dollar blockbuster? The movie you made yourself?"

Wu Jing was stunned. This news was too sudden and shocking for him. He had never expected it.

"There are several Chinese characters in the film, so you should free up your schedule first. But the roles require auditions, this is the rule in Hollywood," said He Zhongqiu.

"I understand, I understand. Of course I need to audition." Wu Jing said hurriedly after realizing what was happening.

"Okay, that's it. Brother Jing, you can continue filming. I'm hanging up now."

He Zhongqiu had finalized the matter, and when he hung up the phone, Wu Jing hadn't reacted yet.

He was sitting behind director Yuan Xiangren, with the female lead Yuan Yongyi next to him. Yuan Yongyi had been eavesdropping on his phone call. At first she heard the words "Mid-Autumn Festival", then the words "NBA", and then the words "50 million dollar blockbuster", and then she knew who Wu Jing was talking to on the phone.

As soon as Wu Jingyi hung up the phone, she quickly asked in broken Mandarin: "Old Wu, did Wolverine ask you to act in a movie? Is it a $50 million blockbuster? Wow, you're going to be rich!"

"Well, you know him too?" Wu Jing asked.

Yuan Yongyi said: "Who in the Hong Kong entertainment industry doesn't know him? ATV also broadcasts NBA games earlier than the mainland. He has many fans in Hong Kong. And his..."

When she said this, she made a gesture of tearing something, and then continued: "Tearing the wardrobe, and the clip of Blade 3, the hit rate on the Internet is so high, many people in Hong Kong know him.

And now everyone in the industry knows that he got $3 million for Blade , which is higher than Chow Yun Fat, and he is very famous.”

At this time, Yuan Xiangren turned around and asked, "Wu Jing, did Wolverine ask you to film? It won't affect our filming, right?"

"No, no, his project won't be until February, so he won't interfere with other projects." Wu Jing said hurriedly.

Yuan Xiangren nodded and said, "February is no problem. Your scenes can definitely be finished before mid-January. If you need, we can even do it earlier."

At this time, Yuan Yongyi shouted curiously: "Old Wu, is he looking for you to make a big movie?"

Wu Jing shook his head and said, "He asked me to find five people who can fight and put on a martial arts sparring show at the NBA All-Stars. He wants one against five."

"One against five, so fierce!"

Yuan Yongyi pretended to be a fangirl, and then immediately asked gossipingly, "Later you said a blockbuster worth 50 million US dollars. I understand. Come on, Lao Wu, does he have a new movie? How much is his salary? Tell me!"

"hey-hey……"

Hearing this, Wu Jing grinned foolishly.

"Hurry up and tell me!" Yuan Yongyi urged.

"His own film company is going to make a movie with a production cost of 50 million US dollars, and asked me to audition," Wu Jing said.

"what?"

Yuan Yongyi and Yuan Xiangren were both stunned.

Yuan Xiangren was surprised and said, "Fifty million dollars is definitely a big production in Hollywood. How dare he invest so much money?"

"Yeah?" Yuan Yongyi also said.

Wu Jing thought for a moment and said, "I don't think he would vote on his own. I didn't have time to ask just now."

Yuan Xiangren is also a worldly-wise man. He said, "You are right. We must attract investment. No one will invest in their own movie."

At this point, he remembered the sparring performance Wu Jing had just mentioned, and asked, "Wu Jing, who are you going to invite for the sparring performance?"

"I was thinking about that too." Wu Jing said.

Yuan Xiangren said: "Zhou Bili is good. Although he is 45 years old, he just made a comeback this year and defeated the Thai boxing champion. His strength is OK."

"Zhou Bili?"

Wu Jing and Zhou Bili knew each other because they had worked together in the TV series Tai Chi Master. Wu Jing is a pretty nice guy and was a professional boxer.

But He Zhongqiu had just told him that it would be best to find someone from the mainland, so he didn't agree right away. Instead, he said, "Zhongqiu just said that we need someone who is good at weapons, and it's weapons sparring. I'm afraid Zhou Bili is not suitable."

(End of this chapter)