As for the most famous one, *Titanic*... it had a budget of over 200 million! While a 200 million dollar investment in a film isn't much now, you have to understand that this was over a decade ago!! It was the most expensive film in film history at the time! And the investors were two of Hollywood's biggest studio giants, Fox and Paramount! The result was a lot of delays and complaints; the film, originally planned to be made for over 100 million, kept getting additional funding!
Therefore, when it came to choosing a director, both Yang Wei and I had some concerns...
It's all about money!!
According to the company's experts, if they wanted to produce a well-made commercial action blockbuster based on the current script, the approximate budget would be around 140 million.
But if it were handed over to this Hollywood director who spends a fortune... I'm afraid this number would be far from enough!
When Titanic was being filmed, even two of Hollywood's biggest studios were struggling with the delays. How much more so for this small company I own now?
We're not a giant! Besides, I don't have that much money to burn for him!
My total assets have long exceeded 100 million. But the problem is, I don't have that much cash on hand! Making movies requires cash! Based on my current assets, I can only come up with a maximum of around 80 million.
Yang Wei stated that she could borrow approximately 40 million from the bank. As for the remaining amount, she said she could contribute 20 million…
That brings the total to exactly 140 million. If that's not enough, we can apply for an additional short-term loan from the bank, around 20 million.
“If this movie wasn’t almost guaranteed to make a profit, I wouldn’t have gone crazy and put all my assets into making it.” I sighed. “If it loses money, I’ll be bankrupt. But I still trust your judgment.”
Yang Wei was also rubbing her temples. Although this woman was extremely intelligent, filmmaking was an industry completely unfamiliar to her. Although she could plan the pre-production work, once filming began, it was entirely the director's job.
What's more, James Cameron is a well-known "overspending king"!
“If we were to get him to direct, we’d probably need to prepare 200 million yuan.” I smiled wryly. “If that doesn’t work, we’ll just have to find other investors. Anyway, everyone is optimistic about this movie, so there should be plenty of people willing to invest.”
“No.” Yang Wei shook her head: “Money-making opportunities are rare and hard to come by. We can’t let such opportunities slip away easily. As for the money, I can talk to the bank again. Also… we can try contacting insurance companies. Perhaps they can allow us some commercial loans.”
"Oh?" My eyes lit up.
“Yes, I think that’s possible,” Yang Wei said seriously. “First of all, insurance companies are willing to invest. We can borrow money from them and pay them interest anyway. Besides, our movie is guaranteed to make a profit, and they should understand that. They won’t worry about our ability to repay… The second point is even more important! That is, the insurance companies are also grateful to you! Think about it, if you hadn’t resolved this crisis… Hmph, so many celebrities died at once; the compensation alone would have been enough to bankrupt the insurance companies!”
I thought about it and agreed that Yang Wei's suggestion made sense, so I thought I might as well give it a try.
"Also, for the film shoot, we just need to prepare a budget. And the money doesn't need to be all in one go; we can take it out piecemeal as needed. The film shoot will take about six months. After six months, you'll have money again—whether it's from the company's business, the casino's profits, or your smuggling profits—you'll have a lot of money again in six months!" Yang Wei thought for a moment, then looked at me: "So, why don't we go for it!"
*********************
The meeting with James Cameron was very pleasant.
This universally acknowledged paranoid man, known as a "tyrant" among film industry professionals, is actually quite amiable outside of work. And, to be honest, he's currently in a rather awkward period.
Because of his notorious reputation for spending money recklessly, his films consistently far exceeded their budgets. Although almost every one of his later films was successful, investors simply couldn't tolerate the sheer volume of money he was burning through!
Besides, you've made back all the money you spent on movies in the past when they were box office hits. But can you guarantee that every time you burn through all that money, your movies will still be box office hits?
There are bound to be times when things go wrong, right? If a movie flops, then the investors might as well jump off a building!
Therefore, although he is a famous director, very few investors dare to hire him to make movies!
A great director can't always be without new work, and James Cameron is naturally eager to produce one or two more solid films soon. At that moment, our meeting felt like a perfect match!
“I’ve read the script.” James Cameron, holding his coffee, thought for a moment. “I’m generally satisfied, but there are some parts I need to change… and I need to change them according to my own ideas. I need to have autonomy over that.”
I glanced at Yang Wei and accepted it.
In fact, this guy is not only a great director, but also an excellent screenwriter. He wrote or co-wrote many of his screenplays.
"And then there's the casting," James Cameron thought for a moment, "I hope I also have the right to choose."
On this point, Yang Wei and I have no objection... Our problem now is not that we have no choices, but that we are overwhelmed by the choices!
“But Bruce and Jessica must stay.” I made my request: “Bruce has already signed with us. And Jessica, she’s currently the one with the highest number of votes from fans.”
“Sure.” James smiled, a sly smile on the bearded director’s face. “I admire Bruce. As for Jessica, she’s beautiful, and we don’t need to go against the fans.”
I breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, I immediately asked the question that was troubling me the most: "Regarding the male lead, I think you should have a feeling about it after reading the script. And we've already shown you the list of candidates. This issue is keeping me up at night. Those agents are like devils, constantly pressuring us for an answer."
I'm telling the truth! More and more actors are asking to star in this movie! Most are doing it to repay favors. But many others are smart enough to know this movie is bound to be a box office hit!
This morning, Nicolas Cage's agent also called... to say that the big star also wants to star in this film.
“Actually… I do have an idea in mind.” The bearded director looked up at me, and then he suddenly said, “Chen, why don’t you consider… starring in this movie yourself? I think it would definitely cause a sensation.”
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter 162: The New Kung Fu Superstar
That evening, after returning home...
I stood in front of the mirror, looking at myself from left to right for a full ten minutes. Then I smiled wryly: "The more I look at myself, the less I feel like I'm any kind of movie star material."
“Actually, under normal circumstances, I think you could accept the director’s invitation to star in this movie. With your current popularity, your future status in Hollywood would probably be unmatched… But unfortunately, we’re not here to build a career. We’re here to make money.” Yang Wei sighed.
"How so?"
“Your identity,” Yang Wei pointed out bluntly, “Darling, your identity is your Achilles’ heel! You are the protector of the largest smuggling operation on the west coast of Canada, the biggest gangster on the west coast, and the infamous number one figure in North America within the Big Circle. At the same time, you maintain a friendly cooperative relationship with the Hells Angels… You need to understand, the American media is no pushover! You haven’t truly witnessed their power! They can even dig up whether the president smoked marijuana in his youth, whether he used condoms during sex! Is there anything in this world that the media can’t uncover? Once the media reveals your identity—a gangster boss, a smuggling tycoon… do you think the public will still idolize you? Then, all the foundation you’ve built now will be wasted!”
I listened very carefully to what Yang Wei said, and then thought about it carefully.
Yang Wei continued, “Right now, the media is ignoring your identity… but don’t think they don’t know anything! I bet the media already has all your information! They’re not saying anything now, but instead, they’re all praising you highly because the entire American entertainment industry owes you a huge favor! If it weren’t for you, the American film industry would have collapsed, and the entertainment industry would have regressed by thirty years! And now, the media’s praise for you is entirely repaying that favor. Understand? It’s giving you preferential treatment. An unprecedented level of preferential treatment! Even the President of the United States doesn’t enjoy this kind of treatment!”
Indeed, from the beginning of this incident until now, not a single media outlet has said anything bad about me!
"On the other hand, you've saved too many people, including many prominent figures in the media industry. These people owe you a life, so naturally they'll instruct their newspapers and magazines not to speak ill of you, but to praise you instead. This is also a way of repaying a favor." Yang Wei revealed a hint of worry: "But you must understand, favors always come to an end! When those media outlets feel they've done enough and owe you nothing more, they'll report everything about you according to normal standards! And at that time, even if you're a superstar, or even if you're Hollywood's top mogul, they can still ruin your reputation! All your achievements will vanish."
I nodded, then said, "You mean, I don't need to act in this movie?"
Yang smiled helplessly: "Actually, I also think it's a pity. This opportunity is too good. If you were a pure businessman with no background and no gang connections, then making this movie could make you a Hollywood mogul! This movie would definitely be a success... But the problem is, you have too much gang connections! Even if you want to clear your name, it's impossible! Your past will definitely become your fatal flaw in the future... So, you can't become a great superstar. Moreover, being too flamboyant will cause resentment from others. From now on, you should be more low-key. So, I don't think you should act in this movie."
"Okay." I smiled cheerfully. "Then I'll refuse James. Anyway, I'm not cut out to be an actor."
“Even though you can’t do this, I have another idea.” Yang Wei suddenly smiled: “This movie is bound to be a success. Instead of choosing someone else to star in it and letting outsiders benefit, why don’t we create a superstar ourselves? That way, creating a superstar will be a huge asset for us!”
"..." I looked at Yang Wei and sighed, "You really don't want to give up any opportunity. Fine, tell me, who do you plan to let do it?"
Yang Wei didn't say anything, but pulled me out of the living room and we walked through a side corridor into the gym of this mansion.
In the gym, Lei Xiaohu was practicing a set of boxing moves. His lower back had basically recovered, thanks to some traditional Chinese medicine massage and acupressure, as well as his already exceptionally good physical condition! He had now recovered about 90% of his pre-existing health.
Lei Xiaohu's punches were powerful and energetic, his steps were agile, his punches were swift and powerful, and his body was flexible. After all, he had been practicing martial arts since he was a child!
"Look, this is our future kung fu superstar!"
Yang Wei stood beside me, arms crossed.
I was silent for a moment, then shouted, "Xiao Hu, come here for a second."
Lei Xiaohu had already seen us standing at the gym entrance. When he heard me call him, he immediately stopped his stance and walked over to us.
"How are you?" I asked him. "Does your back still hurt?"
Lei Xiaohu twisted his hips and shook his head: "It doesn't hurt anymore. It's just that I've been resting for too long, and my body feels stiff. I need to move around more in the next few days."
I squinted and looked the kid up and down for a while.
Lei Xiaohu is only nineteen years old this year. In China, this age would only be considered a young man. However, this guy has practiced martial arts since childhood and suffered a lot, so he looks a bit more mature than his actual age. His face is angular, and although it still occasionally carries a bit of childishness, it's enough if he just puts on a stern face to intimidate people. This kid was originally very handsome, inheriting many of his senior brother's advantages... As for his temperament, he's still a bit impetuous, but that's normal for a young man.
Fortunately, he is much better after this major ordeal.
By the way, I didn't tell my senior brother about his injury. What I told him was that Xiao Hu wasn't seriously injured, just a minor, slight wound. This was what the kid himself insisted on saying.
The reason is... this incident represents a huge turning point for him!
This kid killed someone for the first time in his life! Although it happened at a crucial moment, leaving him no choice, and the person he killed was a terrorist, for Lei Xiaohu, who had always been well-behaved and lived under the protection and control of his senior brother, this experience was still quite difficult for him to accept.
Although he seemed relaxed at the time, he couldn't sleep for nights on end in the hospital afterwards!
Later, he became even more afraid to see his father, so this time he asked me to hide his injuries, because he was still somewhat afraid to face his father.
Actually, even if his senior brother knew he had killed someone, he probably wouldn't blame him. It's just that this kid has always been terrified of his father.
Now Lei Xiaohu stands before me. Over the past few days, his emotions have largely stabilized. The impact of the murder on him has gradually subsided with my guidance and the passage of time.
After practicing martial arts, Lei Xiaohu was covered in sweat, his hair was wet, and he was wearing a tight vest and loose training pants.
After looking at him for a while, I suddenly said, "Take off your vest."
"Huh?" Lei Xiaohu was stunned for a moment, his mouth wide open, and he involuntarily glanced at Yang Wei standing next to me.
However, this kid was still very obedient to me. Although his face was a little red, he quickly took off his vest and threw it on the ground. He just looked a little awkward and didn't dare to look at Yang Wei.
Having trained in martial arts since childhood, this kid's muscles are like those of a young calf! Two pectoral muscles, plus eight abdominal muscles, arms, and back, the muscle lines are very obvious, but they look very soft, unlike the stiff muscles of those who train in bodybuilding.
Lei Xiaohu looks like a young tiger, his whole body brimming with youthful, explosive power!
"Hmm, it looks pretty good now." I smiled. "Such a great physique, a nice face, and kung fu skills—that's enough. Anyway, you don't need any acting skills to be a kung fu superstar."
"That's how it is." Yang Wei smiled.
*******************
"Director of 'The Big Heist' has been tentatively chosen, and 'tyrant' James Cameron is ready to burn money..." — The New York Times.
"The tyrant claims this will be a great experiment and will make a great film!" — The Los Angeles Times.
"Cameron reveals shocking news: Chen may personally play 'Chen'!!" — USA Today
In the following days, the media was almost entirely engrossed in heated discussions and even debates about whether I would star in the film, whether I was suitable for it, and whether I should even take the role. The opinions were basically split, with some praising me, believing that with my current popularity, a great film would undoubtedly create a new superstar. Those who were critical focused more on the film's professional aspects. While the newspapers remained polite and didn't ridicule me, they still kindly reminded me that "compared to being a film actor, Chen should continue working as a film company boss. Because being a film actor is too specialized for a boss."
Unlike the media's divided stance, the public opinion in the polls was almost entirely one-sided! Almost all the surveyed viewers were cheering, hoping to see "Chen's" heroic figure on the big screen.
Soon, people almost forgot that I was the owner of a film company and started to comment on me almost as a movie star.
Some people think I'm not sexy enough and should have a stylist make some adjustments. Some suggest I try shooting some commercials first. Others even think that although I'm already considered handsome, they still recommend I get plastic surgery to make my face even more perfect.
These discussions have been ongoing, and they've certainly heated up the topic. However, when faced with a constant stream of media interviews, I've consistently avoided discussing it.
I recited the diplomatic language I had prepared to the media over and over again: "Director Cameron did indeed offer me advice on this issue, but I am still considering it and have not made any decisions yet."
I waited a full four days, until the topic had been hyped up and attracted enough attention...
At this very moment, Yang Wei made a strategic adjustment to her publicity plan!
Lei Xiaohu was brought into the public eye by an initially unremarkable report in the Los Angeles Times!
"Our Robin!"
This is the title of this report!
Robin is Batman's sidekick in the comics. Later, the meaning of this term gradually came to refer to the close assistant and comrade-in-arms of all heroes.
The report then included several photos, some showing me and Lei Xiaohu embracing and hanging in mid-air, and others close-ups of Lei Xiaohu. Finally, it included descriptions of Lei Xiaohu from the accounts of some rescued hostages: