Chapter 34: The Film Circle (Part II)
Friends also knew each other almost, and Lucas, Zhang Lexing, and Spielberg found a few chairs and sat down, sipping the wine and snacks delivered by the waiter, while gossiping. After a conversation, Zhang Lexing noticed that Spielberg's expression was a little strange, as if he had something to say but was embarrassed to speak.
"Steve, if you have anything to say, it's okay."
Before Spielberg could speak, Lucas got up first: "I'm sorry, there's a guest coming, I'll go say hello, you talk first." β
As soon as Lucas left, Spielberg finally spoke: "Zhang, are you interested in investing in films?" β
"Yes, there is, but it also depends on what kind of film it is and who will shoot it. Steve, is it your film that needs investment? β
"Alas......" Spielberg sighed and said, "That's true, I have a good script, I've always wanted to make a film, but unfortunately I can't get support from Universal, and I've also looked for other film companies, but no one is not optimistic about the prospects of this film, so there has been no investment, and the filming plan of the film can only be postponed indefinitely." Some time ago, I happened to hear George talk about you, and he said that you are interested in investing in the Star Wars prequel that is being conceived, and I wanted to try it. β
Only then did Zhang Lexing understand why Spielberg had that kind of expression just now, it seemed that he had been rejected a lot, and he didn't know the bottom of his heart, "Steve, I don't know what story the script you said is about, can you tell me about it?" β
"Zhang, although I was born in the United States, I am Jewish. I'm sure you've heard about the suffering of the Jews during World War II. In '82, my producer sent me a copy of Thomas Konejarez's novel Schindler's List, which was based on the true historical event of the German entrepreneur Oskar Schindler who protected 1,200 Jews from fascist murder during World War II. β
"Steve, how much investment do you estimate this film will cost?"
"I recently calculated, about 2000~25 million dollars, don't you ......" Spielberg's face was full of disbelief.
"That's right, I voted for this film of yours, and I don't need any revenue from the film."
"Zhang, I heard you right, what you said is simply unbelievable."
"Steve, I'm Chinese. The Chinese suffered no less than the Jews in that era, and I believe that our two peoples were the most mutually understanding. I don't want to take the proceeds of this film because it was made to commemorate the great benefactor of the Jews and the suffering of those years, and if I accept it, it will be 'blood money'. β
Zhang Lexing's confession deeply touched Spielberg, and he said excitedly: "Zhang, I didn't expect me to be so lucky to meet someone like you, if you need my help in the future, just ask." β
"Steve, it's okay, I think it's normal for friends to help each other."
"Zhang, I can't let you suffer too much, I'm still preparing a sci-fi film, and the investment will be a lot bigger, but the box office should be very good, are you interested in participating?"
"Steve, what are you talking about in this film?"
"This year, I saw a novel called "Jurassic Park", which tells the story of scientists extracting dinosaur genes from dinosaur blood in prehistoric mosquitoes, repairing and cultivating them, and resurrecting the prehistoric behemoth that has been extinct for 65 million years, making the entire Isla Nublar a paradise for dinosaurs, that is, 'Jurassic Park'. But not all dinosaurs are honest, and when paleontologist GΓΌlen and his wife visit the park with a group of friends, an accident happens......" Spielberg began to introduce his script.
"Jurassic Park" Zhang Lexing knows that after the film was released, it achieved a box office of $357 million in North America and $915 million worldwide, relying on such a good performance to be in the top ten of the global box office list, and it is said that the shooting cost is only more than $60 million, which is obviously a cost-effective investment project.
"Steve, thank you so much. When the time comes, you can just let me know how much you need to invest. β
"It's okay, we're friends now."
"Steve, it's not often that you have a good script in hand, but you don't get the support of investors."
"yes, that's the reality of Hollywood." Spielberg shook his head, looking helpless.
"If others can't be trusted, why don't we come ourselves."
"What do you mean......"
"We can start our own film company, so we can make the movies we want to make, and we don't have to go around begging people."
"That's a good idea." Spielberg's eyes lit up all at once.
"And we can find more people to join, such as good directors, production staff, etc., and we can also find some potential rookies, such as Coppola's nephew. Of course, George didn't have to think about it, he already had it himself. β
"Yes, we can learn from George, not only in film and television, but also in animation, music, computer games, etc., to build our entertainment media empire......"
As the conversation was raging, Lucas returned, bringing with him an old gentleman who looked to be in his fifties, wearing a black suit and a black bow tie around his neck.
Zhang Lexing looked up and saw that the old gentleman in front of him was so familiar, and he couldn't help but shout: "Sean Connery!" James bond! β
Lucas smiled: "Zhang, it seems that I don't need to introduce you." β
"Young man, I didn't expect you to know me." Zhang Lexing's calling him by his name did not make Sean Connery show an unhappy expression, perhaps this situation has become accustomed to actors.
"Excuse me, Mr. Connelly, I was so excited."
"It doesn't matter, it's rare to remember the films from so long ago, and I'm actually very lucky."
It has been almost 19 years since Sean Connery last starred in the 007 series, and although he is no longer young, he still retains the heroic spirit of James Bond, no wonder he will play an old British agent in "Brave Island".
After saying hello, Sean Connery left, and Lucas wanted to sit down, but a guest arrived, so he had to go again to greet him. Zhang Lexing continued to discuss the establishment of a film company with Spielberg, but an unexpected person suddenly came over.
"Mr. Zhang, I'm sorry to take the liberty of interrupting ......"
Zhang Lexing looked up and saw that it was actually a guest introduced by Lucas before-James Cameron: "Mr. Cameron, what's the matter?" β
James Cameron said bluntly: "I'm here for the sequel to "The Terminator", and I heard Thomas of Hermdale say that the copyright is now with you. β
Zhang Lexing nodded: "That's right, it's me." I really like this film, I saw the Hermdale company in a big sale some time ago, and I didn't want this film to fall into the hands of some people who didn't know how to appreciate it, so I bought it from Thomas. β
"Mr. Zhang, which production company do you plan to hand over this film to?"
"Why should I find a production company?"
"Mr. Zhang, as far as I know, you don't have a film production company of your own, and if you don't find a professional company, you can't shoot with your own home camera."
"Mr. Cameron, are you planning to make a sequel to this film?"
"Yes, the script is pretty much good, but now I don't know who to turn to."
"Mr. Cameron, don't worry, although I didn't have a film production company before, I was still discussing with Steve about setting up a film company."
"That's right, we had a good conversation." Spielberg said from the side.
"Mr. Cameron, are you interested in joining in, I heard that you have been harassed by the film company on "The Terminator", if we have our own film company that integrates production and distribution, we don't have to worry about this aspect anymore."
Zhang Lexing's words seemed to arouse James Cameron's heart, and he muttered to himself: "That's right, those people don't have any vision at all, and they treat me like a pile of shit." β
"Mr. Cameron......"
Zhang Lexing was about to continue, but was interrupted by James Cameron: "Call me Jim, your proposal does make me a little tempted." β
"Jim, your first Terminator looks pretty good, and I'm sure the sequel will do even better if it's given to you. Rest assured, whether you join us or not, you're the director of the Terminator sequel. β
James Cameron showed a surprised expression and said, "Thank you, I have decided, and I will follow you in the future." β
"Steve, you don't mind if I invite Jim in."
"It doesn't matter, a film company needs more directors, and Jim is very committed to his work, and last year's "The Abyss" was very well made."
"I don't know much about the film industry and I don't know how to set up a film production company, so I need two more people to take care of this aspect of things."
Steve Spielberg and James Cameron both nodded and readily agreed......
Soon after, DreamWorks, a film production company with the expectations of the three people, was established, but the name was slightly different, the original historical DreamWorksSKG became the current DreamWorksSCZ, and the business scope was also limited to film and television production and distribution, which is also Zhang Lexing learned from the reasons for the failure of the original DreamWorks and made some changes.
With a capital contribution of $800 million, Zhang Lexing acquired a 62% stake in DreamWorks, and the rest was divided between Steve Spielberg, James Cameron and some key members who joined the company. After the establishment of DreamWorks, the first to be included in the filming schedule included Spielberg's "Jurassic Park" and Cameron's "Terminator 2", and as for "Schindler's List", Spielberg planned to finish "Jurassic Park" before starting because he needed to be well prepared.
With a film and television production company, Zhang Lexing does not plan to be idle, according to him: "Although we are not screenwriters, we will definitely not be able to make a good script, but we have at least watched a lot of movies and television, at least we can tell the story, as for writing the script, it will be enough to find a few professional screenwriters when the time comes." β
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