"I'm sorry, Mr. Meyer, but I can't agree to your request to direct Fast & Thrill 4."

"Oh, Lin, why is that? Do you think that our Universal Pictures sincerity is not enough, if it is because the pay is too low, we can talk about it again. In the spacious and bright office, I received a call from Lin Yuquan. Meyer only felt a tightness in his heart, got up, and said busily through the microphone, the anxiety in his tone that could not be concealed.

Can you not be anxious? Universal Pictures' current situation is too dangerous, this year fortunately, there are "Spy 3" and "One Night Big Belly", "My Grand Gay Wedding" two box office dark horses, otherwise Universal Pictures will definitely be dragged down by the huge losses of large-scale movies such as "Fake Gods 2" and "Fatal Visit" this year, and there will be a financial deficit, "Fake Gods 2" invested 175 million US dollars, the North American box office has just exceeded 100 million, and the global box office is less than 200 million, and "Fatal Visit" starring Nicole Kidman With an investment of $80 million, the North American box office is only a pitiful $11.46 million, and the overseas box office is almost negligible.

And without the money-absorbing weapon of "Spy Shadow", and low-cost high-box office movies such as "One Night Big Belly" and "My Grand Gay Wedding" are hard to find, for Universal Pictures, the shape of the next few years can be described as particularly grim.

With the rapid rise in the cost of investment in Hollywood films, the uncertain risk of investing in films is like a sword hanging over the heads of Hollywood studios. Caught in a situation from which there is no return. It's like MGM. At a cost of $130 million, "The Wind Whisperer" only recovered more than $70 million at the global box office, which became the last straw that crushed the dying old giant.

For Hollywood studios, a profitable series of movies is the most powerful guarantee for the studio's profitability, just like "Spider-Man" is to Sony, "Harry Potter" is to Warner Bros., "Pirates of the Caribbean" is to Disney, and Universal Pictures is now desperate for a new "Spy" continuation and the rebirth of "Fast and Furious".

Although there are many directors in Hollywood who can direct "Fast and Exciting * Love 4", there are very few directors who can shoot "Fast and Exciting * Love 4" like Lin Yuquan. Everyone will pin their hopes on the choice with the highest probability of success, and there is no doubt that Lin Yuquan is their greatest hope for Universal Pictures, and now this greatest hope is about to slip out of his hands. Can Meyer not be in a hurry?

"Oh, no, it's not because of the pay, I'm grateful for the sincerity that Universal Pictures has given me, but I can't accept it, I don't just make movies to make money. Rather than shoot a box office bomb, I want to make a movie that I love. And after filming "Hurricane Rescue", in the short term, I wanted to shoot something that felt different. Lin Yuquan said with a smile.

"Oh, really." Bright. Meyer couldn't hide his disappointment, and there was a deep sense of powerlessness, just like Lin Yuquan said, he didn't make movies just to make money, there are many directors who have said similar things in Hollywood, but in the face of at least tens of millions of earnings, there are very few people who can say this lightly. Spielberg Neng, George. Lucas can, of course, Lin Yuquan can, these three are the three richest directors in the world today, and naturally no longer use money as the motivation for making their own films.

"However, I'm interested in participating in the investment of Fast & Thrill, I wonder if Universal Pictures welcomes it?"

Just Lang. Meyer calmed down his lost love and was about to say something, but Lin Yuquan's words immediately made his heart beat violently, and his face was full of disbelief, what, Kung Fu Lin didn't direct, but he wanted to participate in film investment? Why? Is it because even he is optimistic about the potential of "Fast and Thrill"?

Bright. Meyer looked up at his subordinate, motioned for him to leave, and then asked with a little inquiry: "Lin, since you don't direct, why do you want to participate in the investment in "Fast and Exciting 4"?" ”

"Oh, of course, because racing movies like "Fast and Thrilling" are popular, and I believe that this movie will definitely make money if it is made, but this is not the main reason, Universal Pictures needs the reborn "Fast and Thrill" series to attack the box office list, and I need the friendship of Universal Pictures with Summit Entertainment, in my opinion, the friendship of Universal Pictures is more than the value of Franklin." Lin Yuquan's gentle and calm voice came from the phone.

"Whew." I have to say that Lin Yuquan's words are very comfortable to listen to, but as the chairman of Universal Pictures and the head of leading Universal Pictures forward, Lang. Meyer was more concerned about Lin Yuquan's participation in the investment in "Fast and Thrilling" and the help played by Universal Pictures, he quickly calmed down and asked: "Lin, we all know the box office potential contained in "Fast and Thrilling", but as you said, the movie can only make money if it is filmed well, if you direct and star, we will be very relieved, but it will be handed over to other directors to shoot, which is bound to be extremely risky." Lin, it's not impossible for you to join the film investment, but please give Universal Pictures a reason to agree, how will you help "Fast and Thrill" get out of the bottom? ”

"Although I won't direct a movie, I can be the producer of the film, in fact, I already have a full plan for the filming of "Fast and Exciting * Emotional 4", not to mention how many global box office it will definitely reach, but I can promise you that Universal Pictures will see a wonderful racing movie." Lin Yuquan said with a smile.

"Oh." Bright. Meyer tried his best to suppress the excitement in his heart, Lin Yuquan was willing to be a producer, and he had a comprehensive plan, he had only one thought in his heart: promise him, promise him, Lin Yuquan has not failed a movie so far, and he is a well-deserved super director in the field of action movies.

"What if it doesn't work out? In addition, what is the percentage of Lin's investment? "Although he was completely moved, Lang. Meyer didn't immediately agree to come down, it was a negotiation. He is sure to fight for the best interests of Universal Pictures.

"Invest in words. I hope it's our pinnacle entertainment and Universal Pictures split half. As for the failure to succeed, I will have no problem taking over "Fast and Exciting 5" by then. ”

Bright. Meyer was shocked in his heart, Lin Yuquan's guarantee was too lethal, and with this guarantee, it didn't seem to matter if "Fast and Thrill 4" failed.

"Oh, Lin, it's a big deal, even though I'm the chairman and chief operator of Universal Pictures. But I can't make a decision alone, please give us time to meet and discuss, and I will do my best to reply to you. "Lang. Meyer said.

"Of course, that's as it should be." Lin Yuquan's voice came from the phone with a smile: "But in addition, I have a small request, I hope Universal Pictures can help with the release of Summit Entertainment's films." ”

"Boss, do you think Universal Pictures will agree to help with the release of our film?" Inside the office of the president of Summit Entertainment, Chris . Anderson asked Lin Yuquan.

"Why not? It's a take-or-take deal. Lin Yuquan smiled, and after finishing the meeting of Summit Entertainment, he immediately dialed Lang. Meyer's phone. And at the end threw out his ultimate purpose.

Yes, Lin Yuquan's purpose was not Franklin. It's not just friendship, what he wants is the distribution channel of Universal Pictures, although today's Summit Entertainment has opened up all aspects of film development, production, distribution, acquisition, overseas sales, and company mergers after being acquired by him, but after all, it is not as good as the old Hollywood six major film companies in overseas distribution, perhaps it is easier for high-profile films like "Hurricane Rescue" and "Twilight" to be distributed overseas, but it is quite difficult to promote and distribute small and medium-cost films in overseas markets.

Although the profitability of small and medium-cost films is generally not as good as that of blockbusters, the number of blockbusters is limited after all, even if the six major Hollywood film companies release about 20 films every year, of which there are only four or five A-grade large-scale films of more than 80 million US dollars, and the rest are small-budget films.

Therefore, Lin Yuquan aimed to get the help of Universal Pictures' distribution channels from the beginning, perhaps Universal's overseas distribution channels are slightly weaker than Warner Bros. and Fox, Disney, but at least it will be a big help for peak entertainment at this stage.

"Kung Fu Lin said he was going to be involved in the investment and be a producer?"

After receiving Lin Yuquan's sudden reply in the morning, Lang was excited. Meyer immediately notified Universal Pictures' management of an emergency meeting, and all the top executives in California were present in the meeting room.

"Everyone, tell us what you think!" Bright. Meyer said, looking around at the crowd.

"I don't think there's any reason for us to disagree." Jeff of Universal's top leaders. Hill said with a smile on his face: "With Kung Fu Lin as the producer, this has actually achieved our purpose of inviting Lin to direct and star in a certain way, no one will deliberately mess up a film, since Kung Fu Lin is willing to produce, then he will definitely go all out." As for Kung Fu Lin's participation in film investment, it is not a problem, after all, our original bottom line is to give Michael a copy of "Transformers" shot by Paramount and DreamWorks. Bei's 50% of the box office and DVD profits, although it is the same effect now, there is no doubt that we have taken advantage, not only reducing the input cost, but also having Kung Fu Lin to share the risk. ”

"Yes, it's a good situation."

"I'm in favor of it, it's a great condition."

Other high-level speakers in the room spoke in agreement.

"And what about Kung Fu Linti's Universal Pictures that helped Summit Entertainment release the film?" Bright. Meyer then asked.

"It's actually nothing, the related expenses must be from Summit Entertainment, we are just raising our hands." Horry. Wade Road.

"Having said that, but we can't help in vain, of course, I don't mean to charge a distribution fee, but why don't we sign a trilogy cooperation plan with Kung Fu Lin, a "Fast and Exciting * Romance 4" is not enough, what we need is an inexhaustible gold mine." Jeff. Hill said.

"Oh, yes, that's a great idea." Bright. Meyer laughed with a gapped ovation.

From beginning to end, no one considered what Lin Yuquan would do if the production failed, as long as people who had watched "Hurricane Rescue". I must have been very impressed by the drag racing scene shown by Lin Yuquan in it. If even he can't. Then who else can shoot "Fast and Passion" well.

While the senior management of Universal Pictures was discussing the specific details of the cooperation, Lin Yuquan returned home, and the matter had already entered December 28 in the far eastern hemisphere.

On December 28, another Friday of the week, there are two new films released on a large scale in North America this week, one is produced by 20th Century Fox with an investment of $60 million. "Alien vs. Predator 2", which will land in 2458 theaters, was released in 2004 and finally won $80.28 million at the North American box office and $90.96 million at the overseas box office with an investment of $60 million. The other is the Scottish all-age comedy "Loch Ness Monster: Legend of Deep Water" produced by Sony Revolution, which will be released in 2,777 theaters, and its dinosaur gimmick, family-friendly genre, and CG images from Weta Studios have made the film highly anticipated.

However, the two films were not released on Friday, the former chose Tuesday for the first day of release, and has accumulated $12.46 million in two days, and the latter was released on Thursday in North America today.

In addition, there are several films released in small theaters this week. Including "Bloodless", which may be the biggest surprise at next year's Oscars, Jack. Nicholson and Morgan. Freeman's "Bucket List," the Spanish film "The Orphanage," which was billed as "Pan's Labyrinth" in 2007, and the French cartoon "I Grew Up in Iran," which won the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, are not expected to have an impact on the box office.

For "Hurricane Rescue", which was released in the fourth week. In addition to the new releases of "Alien vs. Predator 2" and "Loch Ness Monster: Tales of the Deepwater", this week's competitors are also several previous opponents, including "National Treasure 2: Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Charlie's War", "P.S. I Love You", "Sweeney Todd" in the second week, and "I Am Legend", "Alvin and the Chipmunk" in the third week, and Oh, by the way, "Juno", which squeezed into the top 10 of the box office charts with its expanded theaters last week, This week's pregnant girl movie has increased to 998 theaters on the basis of 304 theaters last week, and the box office from Monday to Wednesday has surpassed "P.S. I Love You" and "Sweeney Todd", which has another "Little Sunshine Beauty" posture, with a production cost of $7.5 million! I don't know how many film companies are full of resentment, but there is no doubt that Fox Searchlight has made another good deal.

Lin Yuquan's attention was not too focused on the box office of "Hurricane Rescue", although the opponent was strong, but the quality of "Hurricane Rescue" and the good reputation of the audience made it continue to remain strong, and with the arrival of December 28, his attention immediately fell on the country.

"Hey, Xiao Yang, what are you doing?" Lin Yuquan called Xiao Yang at 8 p.m. Los Angeles time.

"Hey, I'm having lunch with Yawen, Jin Shao, and Gao Yuanyuan." Xiao Yang smiled.

"Oh, I thought you would be nervous, it looks like I'm worried in vain." Lin Yuquan, who was sitting on the sofa, shook his feet and smiled.

"Of course I'm nervous, but no matter how nervous I am, I have to fill my stomach, and besides, it's not the red carpet and theater premiere yet, even if I'm nervous, it's not time." Xiao Yang said with a grin.

"Ha, yes, but even if it's the red carpet and the premiere, don't be nervous, isn't it your first movie released? To have confidence in yourself, and more importantly, in your own movie, in fact, after the premiere, I found out that it was the same thing. Lin Yuquan said with a smile.

Yes, today is the day of the release of "Love Call Transfer 2", although there are three heavyweight movies in the same schedule, "Hurricane Rescue", "Cast Name", and "Assembly Number", but "Love Call Transfer 2" has no reason to retreat, the Chinese New Year file is the hottest schedule of the year, and a romantic comedy movie like "Love Call Transfer 2" itself is suitable for release at this time, although on a certain stage, due to the relationship between the film schedule, the box office of the film in the first two weeks will be affected, but as the only romantic comedy in this year's New Year file, With the popularity gathered by the previous work "Love Call Transfer", the film is bound to become a must-see choice for audiences who love this genre.

And for recovering the cost, there is no pressure on Shuguang Films, a total of 25 million production costs plus 5 million publicity costs, with the appeal of the previous work, "Love Call Transfer 2" has easily obtained 15 million commercial sponsorship, and the remaining 15 million costs only need to get 32.7 million box office to return to the cost. Of course, counting Hong Kong, Taiwan and other revenues, only 20 million box office is enough. In this regard, Shuguang Films is full of confidence, and it is impossible not to be full of confidence, last year's "Love Call Transfer" finally won a box office of 76.4 million with an investment of 15 million, although the director was changed, but in the case of investment upgrades, the box office of the blockbuster sequel could not even reach 20 million, and everyone involved in the project could hit their heads with tofu.

"Is it that easy? I remember someone and someone being nervous and excited when the first movie came out, you two monsters were like that, let alone me. Xiao Yang muttered.

cough, Lin Yuquan suddenly touched his nose in embarrassment, it seems that he and Ning Hao were really like this when "Huo Yuanjia" and "Crazy Stone" were released.

"Let's not talk about that, how are the preparations for the premiere going?"

"Of course, the preparations are good, but you and Brother Hao are not there, it is estimated that there are not many guests who come to help, I think when your movie was released before, the three of us were there, and it was really treated differently! Also, who made my directing level poor! Xiao Yang said sadly.

Lin Yuquan was originally a little guilty, but when he heard Xiao Yang's last so-called emotion, he suddenly scolded with an angry smile: "Okay, pretending in front of me, are there still fewer stars in "Love Call Transfer 2"?" Gao Yuanyuan, Brother Ye, Yawen, Jin Shao, Huang Lei, Huang Bo, Deng Chao, Su Youpeng, Fan Wei, Tong Dawei, Huang Xiaoming, Lu Yi, with them, the red carpet is enough to shine. ”

"Hey, it's not as good as you!"

"Can I come or not?"

After chatting for a while, the two ended the call, Lin Yuquan got up and came to the balcony with a happy smile on his face, looking at the bright Los Angeles night under the mountain, and the scenes that he had once been at the Kyoto Film Academy came to his mind.

"Come on, Xiao Yang, it's time for you, the director of the Kyoto Film Academy, the Three Musketeers, to shine." (To be continued......)

ps: I've been thinking about new movies all morning, so I'm only going to have a big chapter today, do you have any suggestions for the protagonist's next movie, it's best to be a comedy and romance movie, and in addition to a hangover, five hundred days in the desert, and a heartbeat, it's suitable for the protagonist to star. R1292